Stories – Page 3 – Down To The Wood

Growing spoons

My spoon collection is growing.. Each spoon is pyrographed with it’s name after..being polished with wax after..being sanded with 5 grades of sandpaper after..being carved using a couple of whittling knives after..being shaped with a draw-knife on a shave horse after..the outline being formed using a saw and sawn-off bill-hook, after..a slice being split from a log using a froe, afterthe log being cut from our coppicing work over at http://www.pondheadconservation.org.uk/ The rules are that…

The Malevolent Elm

I likes to be left alone. The axe I hate and not easy split am I. If kings and realms need defense, a longbow I will spare you ; though more reluctantly than that old lapdog Yew. On the hearth, I burns like churchyard mould – even my very flames are cold. I doesn’t mind the wet so’s they use me for ships’ keels and the gates of locks. But most likely, you will know…

..so what wood is that chopping board?

Have you a beautiful wooden chopping board? Or would you like one? Not sure you’ll remember where it came from or what wood it’s made from? We think we have the answer:- As well as our range of beech boards, we are starting a new range of locally sourced hardwood chopping boards with the name of the wood and where it came from engraved into the edge of the board. We currently have some English…

The Treacherous Elder

I will grow anywhere, even on sea cliffs. You cannot hide from me. Of old I was found close by your door, though always slighted, never invited in; a shaving elder by the door will keep the devil away, but dare to burn me – just you dare, and I’ll invite him in. I am the scourge of flies, and will also keep these from your threshold. My hollow branches are a child’s delight – to…

Making time

Just finished making our first clock of the year, designed by us, and made in the shop. The multi-layered Forest Fox clock We’ve never found a clock that is suitable for a child that wasn’t, well, childish. A pirate ship might do them for a few years, but they will still outgrow it. What we wanted was a clock that would appeal to any age, but with enough fun for a child. We’ve be open…

The Pioneer Birch

I am always the first tree to colonise any open sward. If there is a way to live and grow, be sure that I will find it. Take my twigs for toothbrushes, or tie them to make besom brooms; I cannot say if they are ever used for transport!I drive out evil spirits. Perhaps that is why I am the cane of choice for headmasters, butgentler souls more prone to warm diplomacy will use my…

Renewed my gym membership today

My aim is to get a little fitter in 2019 So I use the ‘green gym’. Membership is free and you can go as little or as often as you like! I have the satisfaction of getting fitter in a healthy environment and at the same time achieve something useful. (just think how much we could achieve if everyone who lifts weights lifted timber instead!) The above is a panorama taken in Pondhead with info…

The Blushing Beech

I stand tall, with a stately crown, changing my cloak with the seasons; from spring’s first verdant blush to autumn’s russet fire.Seek me out in a storm – I am immune and shun the lightning. Seek me also in your kitchen – my heart is antiseptic, cleansing the steel of knives on chopping boards and butchers’ blocks.I am the tree of wishes. If I drop a branch to you, it is an invitation; write on…

Category: Stories (page 3)