The Artful Bodger

04/07/2024

The biggest turning I've ever done! It's a leg for a pedestal table. I'll post more pics when it's done.

08/05/2024

From rustic seating to fine dining.

16/04/2024

A few of the workshop I've worked at over the years, I loved them all.

11/04/2024

Not sure I can call myself a bodger anymore? I've just started a new job as a custom cabinet maker for Rubert Bevan. The workshop is a dream, really interesting commissions, lots of space, great tools, and some real craftsman to guide me along. Think I'm going to like it here.

From the beginnings of his career as gilder and restorer, Rupert Bevan has transformed his skills and experience into the foundation of a bespoke interiors company with a rich understanding of countless different styles, materials and finishes. 

21/02/2024

Hi.

Looking for something to do this spring? I've still got 2 places left on my May Welsh stick chairmaking course.

For more details.

Visit https://www.chairmaking.co.uk/courses

Pictures below are some previous students work.

19/02/2024

I've really enjoyed making a version of this old stick chair, adding patina was particularly fun.

15/01/2024

Lovely steambend sculpture, and nice to see them use local trees.

11/12/2023

I've now added 2024 chairmaking course dates to my website. Excited to be running courses from my home workshop at Earthworm Housing Co-op. Check out https://www.theartfulbodger.co.uk/courses

11/12/2023

I really enjoyed making this Windsor bench. I ended up staining it a bit darker to match some existing chairs. The darker stained looked good, wish id took more photos.

04/10/2023

Pretty proud of these rocking chairs. Made to measure, hence different heights. It's my first time taking photos indoors, I've realised I can't alway wait for a sunny day.

11/08/2023

I've been enjoying getting out and about to some shows, next up I'll be at Kingsland church for H-Art. I'd been so busy with teaching I'd not done any shows for quite a few year. Now I'm trying to focus more on making at the moment, it's great to getting out there and chat to people and selling things.

03/08/2023

I've been enjoying making a few interesting mirrors recently. Some from branch unions, like pictured, and some from steam bent ash.

03/08/2023

I'm going to have a stall at scarecrow Sunday. This weekend. Do come over and say hello.

Find out about regular events in Brampton Bryan village: Scarecrow Sunday, A Walk in the Park, and the Civil War Re-Enactment.

26/07/2023

Hello. I'm exhibiting at a few events coming up soon. Would be great to see a few friendly faces. First up is Church Stretton arts Festival.

Church Stretton Arts Festival, Music and the Visual Arts in the Heart of the Shropshire Hills

25/11/2022

Here is a detail of the little shelf, with down lights i added to my workshop, doesn't give as much light as id hoped but, does make it all look more instagramable! 😂

21/11/2022

While tidying my workshop, I found all the turnings to make a Smokers Bowback Windsor, in Yew. I Think I probably make them 10 years ago, about time I made the chair. So I've brought a plank of yew for the seat, and made a start. Yew is such a lovely wood. I don't normally do copies or replica chairs, but the smokers bow design seems best not to mess around with to much. I'm making it based on jack hills design. ill post some pics when its finished.

09/11/2022

Since I'm back on social media, here is a few picture of a chair I made for my dad. It was a a few months ago now, put just got round to sharing. I think its the best I've made, yet! its all it oak, there was a little article in Quercus Magazine about it.

31/10/2022

Hi All! Its been a while. I'm excited to say I'm back in business! I stopped my self employed work for a few years while I was working with the Cart Shed charity and while getting used to becoming a dad. I have now got my workshop up and running again and am enjoying making and selling chair. more updates coming soon. hope you're all well. X

12/08/2021

Opportunity for someone younger to get some experience working in the woods. You know anyone?

The Cart Shed is looking for an enthusiastic individual who is happy to work outdoors all year, to join our woodland team of tutors and occupational therapists as a Woodland and Site Support Worker.

Working outdoors on one of our three sites, the role will involve working as part of the team and independently. You will be responsible for supporting tutors in all areas of work: assisting participants, repairing, maintaining or creating woodcraft structures, harvesting coppice material and keeping the sites safe for use by everyone.

We will support you with a range of employment skills from the basics around timeliness and being able to follow instructions to reporting concerns/challenges plus skills specific to working in the woodland.

This role is offered as part of of the new Kickstarter scheme for 16-24 year olds, who are claiming Universal Credit, and are at risk of long term unemployment. To find out if you are eligible to apply for this placement click here: https://jobhelp.campaign.gov.uk/kickstart

For full details of the role and an application form please contact your Job Coach and ask them to refer you. The closing date is Monday the 27th of September but please note the job could close earlier if a suitable applicant applies and is successful.

08/07/2021

Had a few nice courses teaching stool making at The Cart Shed charity, check out their page, they offer free craft courses, alongside wellbeing support, to those struggling. With so many people feeling isolated and struggling with anxiety through covid, the cart shed is a breath of fresh air.