Quality woodturned items designed and made in Cornwall
Steve James RPT
Woodturner - Demonstrator - Tutor
The Journey
The Journey
The Journey
It all started in June 2015, when my wife Sue gave me a Woodturning lesson with a professional woodturner (based in the New Forest) for my 50th Birthday.
I have always loved working with wood and had expressed an interest in taking up woodturning as a hobby, to de-stress from the busy day to day business life.
So off we went to the New Forest in September 2015, camping for the weekend amongst trees and ponies (with the occasional glass of ale and wine!).
After a lovely couple of days, the Sunday morning lesson arrived. So off I drove, leaving Sue to relax at the campsite and went (with a little apprehension) to the lesson. Now imagine my surprise when it turned out that I was the only one attending that day, so I received 1 to 1 tuition from a very experienced (and patient) turner.
After 3-4 hours (the time went so quickly) I drove back to the campsite thoroughly pleased and completely hooked!
Sue was surprised that I had managed to turn a lovely bowl out of Cherry and didn't quite believe I had done it at first!
I bored her over the next few days, recounting the Sunday morning and this was something I really wanted to pursue.
I have always loved working with wood and had expressed an interest in taking up woodturning as a hobby, to de-stress from the busy day to day business life.
So off we went to the New Forest in September 2015, camping for the weekend amongst trees and ponies (with the occasional glass of ale and wine!).
After a lovely couple of days, the Sunday morning lesson arrived. So off I drove, leaving Sue to relax at the campsite and went (with a little apprehension) to the lesson. Now imagine my surprise when it turned out that I was the only one attending that day, so I received 1 to 1 tuition from a very experienced (and patient) turner.
After 3-4 hours (the time went so quickly) I drove back to the campsite thoroughly pleased and completely hooked!
Sue was surprised that I had managed to turn a lovely bowl out of Cherry and didn't quite believe I had done it at first!
I bored her over the next few days, recounting the Sunday morning and this was something I really wanted to pursue.
In December 2015 I joined a local woodturning club - South Downs Woodturners and was overwhelmed by the genuine warm welcome I received on the day and at every subsequent meeting (monthly).
I watched demonstrations by very talented club members and professional guest turners.... with loads of help and advice from now good friends in the club, I finally got my own lathe in July 2016!
I moved to Cornwall (December 2017) and after unpacking the lathe (after 5 months in its box) - I am now continuing my wood turning journey of discovery in beautiful countryside surroundings.
I watched demonstrations by very talented club members and professional guest turners.... with loads of help and advice from now good friends in the club, I finally got my own lathe in July 2016!
Imagine my shock and surprise to not only get a first place in the clubs finial
box competition, but then to also be awarded the Turner of the Year - Beginner - at the clubs Annual 2017 Awards! - a real confidence boost and honour.
I moved to Cornwall (December 2017) and after unpacking the lathe (after 5 months in its box) - I am now continuing my wood turning journey of discovery in beautiful countryside surroundings.
After joining a local club based in Probus, I have continued to grow as a woodturner and have been experimenting with various colouring techniques, exhibiting my work, teaching and demonstrating.
In November 2019 I became an AWGB (Association of Woodturners of Great Britain) Approved Tutor.
I was pleased to be invited to demonstrate woodturning at the Royal Cornwall Show 2022.
In August 2022 I was thrilled to be invited to exhibit my work (for sale) on an ongoing basis at a 5 star hotel in Cornwall - The Nare.
I am proud to announce that in June 2023 I became a Professional Woodturner and was accepted onto the Register of Professional Turners.
