Easter ?

 Well the year is certainly flying by,  but at least I have been a bit more active the last couple of weeks.

I was invited to a talk recently organised by the local Archaeology group...South Pennine Archaeology Group to be precise,  also known as SPAG.  A very interesting slide show and talk about a section of the Leeds - Liverpool canal.

There I was introduced to a gentleman who runs a Ukulele 'club' in Helmshore (close to where I live)  I haven't been there yet but hopefully this coming Wednesday morning I will find out if I am good enough to keep up with other strummers.

Last Wednesday I went with a couple of friends to see a woodturning demonstration at one of our neighbouring clubs. I am Secretary of Pendle Woodturners and Carvers in Burnley,  We went to Blackburn club to see a Mr Chris Parker aka The Bald Woodturner.  Interesting, as he specialises in Texturing and colouring.  I do try colouring occasionally but haven't had any serious attempts at texturing.

Had some time in the shed as well.

 Bud vase made from a branch of Copper Beech from my Garden (Fagus Sylvatica purpurea) 6.5"tall

Yew (Taxus Baccata)  about 5 " tall - This has been reshaped from a previous attempt that wasn't right.

Earring stand / Trinket tray.  Made in English Oak  (Quercus Robur)

All the above will probably go onto my Folksy site  this evening.

www.folksy.com/shops/howardjoneswoodbits.

Menagerie

 Well, two weeks have flown by since my last posting!  Where does the time go?

I have been busy in my little shed,  mainly making more wooden animals...not REAL animal you understand, but cute little ornaments that people seem to fall in love with.  I haven't yet tried to sell any on my 'Folksy' page but maybe I should.  

I made some paler coloured mice today, not quite finished yet so hopefully will put a pic on soon.  I didn't finish them because my butterfly brain went on to finishing a Yew bowl I have been pondering about for ages.  

It is a real "Warts and All" type of turning.  Yew (Taxus Baccata) especially old Yew is well known for having faults, cracks and inclusions and I am starting to embrace these faults.  The colours of this 8.5 inch diameter bowl are just amazing.  I am pondering whether or not to keep this one...I may put it for sale at around 35 squid and if I get no takers in a couple of weeks then I will keep it.

Anybody new to this mighty organ can have a look at my selling page 

https://folksy.com/shops/HowardJonesWoodBits

Back soon.  TTFN