The Workshop is up and running!

I have been dithering about for the last six weeks trying to decide in which direction I should go. For a while I considered doing some 2-D stuff but it was after I took the bold step of tidying up The Workshop, organising tools and materials, sweeping it out and making space around the machine tools, that I realised this is where I want to be. I just love working in there. So wood it will be.

Yesterday I went over to W. L West & Sons http://www.wlwest.co.uk/home/index.asp as I wanted to make some big wooden serving boards. I haven't been able to source one so I will design some.

When friends and family come for a meal, I like to be able to just put out some great cheese, good bread, olives, perhaps Parma ham and a few figs and everyone can help themselves. I hate labouring in the kitchen while the conversation is ranging about in another room.

I couldn't see what I wanted at Wests. I bought a small round of beech to have a trial run and I was pleased with the finish but not the shape.

Jenny (friend and mentor) wrote me a strongly worded email telling me to 'be wild and free' so back I went today and there, hiding in a corner, was a very dusty, neglected but beautiful plank off a Wild Service Tree. I hesitated for a few minutes but this wood is very rare and has fantastic grain. I borrowed a marker and decisively drew up where it needed to be band sawed. Within minutes it was back in 8 pieces and now I can set to work.