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Most wooden wedding gifts look the same. An engraved chopping board. A personalised serving platter. Something with a date burned into it. These aren't bad gifts — but they're not especially interesting ones either. A hand-turned bowl or burr vessel is a different proposition: no names on it, but a grain, figure and weight that can't be replicated or reordered. That's its own form of uniqueness. Here's how to choose one.

A collection of thoughts, observations, and workshop reflections on woodturning, handmade objects, material behaviour, and the quiet details that shape how people connect with wooden bowls, vessels, and sculptural forms. Written from the workshop rather than the marketing department.

Something I’ve been thinking about recently is when is a piece finished? One of the hardest things to explain is how a bowl can be well made and still somehow not ‘work’.

The measurements might be right. The sanding done and the finish flawless. But visually, something just… jars.

Looking for a housewarming gift that'll actually last? Hand-turned wooden bowls, bud vases and bespoke pieces made from British hardwood in a small Scottish workshop.

Black Friday is on the horizon again - hitting us right in the kisser on the 28th of November this year.

I’m sure like most small business owners, I’ve been thinking about whether to take part. Last year I did a half-hearted offering. But it was because I felt like I had to, rather than because I wanted to.

This year though, after a lot of consideration, I’ve decided to not run a Black Friday offer.

My old Scheppach BASA 1 bandsaw – which I bought many years ago before I fully appreciated what a good piece of machinery was - finally gave up the ghost a few months ago. Which gave me the perfect opportunity to compare bandsaws as I went on the hunt for a new one.

There’s something intrinsically exciting about the grain patterns you find within the burr of a tree.

Like a Rorschach or ink blot test, what you see hidden within the swirls and lines is deeply personal.

Five years is a milestone worth marking.

The traditional gift for a 5th anniversary is wood. Which makes sense. It’s strong, natural, and lasting.

There’s a “modern” list that suggests silverware instead, but wood carries a warmer meaning - but I would say that, wouldn’t I? I’m sure a silversmith may disagree…

When I started woodturning, I wasn’t just drawn to the shapes, I was drawn to the source. Where the wood comes from matters.

Most of my wood comes from Scotland. Where possible I try to ensure I have picked the timber myself, from timber yards within an hour of my workshop.

No two pieces of wood are ever the same. That’s what draws me to it time and time again. The fact that I am working with years of growth, pressure, and weather.

Are you on the hunt for a different sort of gift? One that could be considered thoughtful, stylish, and unique? I may be biased given that I make them, but I believe that a handmade wooden bud vase ticks each of those boxes.

When buying a wooden bowl - for either serving or simply a nice piece of decor to display - the wood it is made from can make a lot of difference.

When buying yourself a new wooden bowl - be it for serving, a nice display, or everyday storage usage - oak and ash are two of the finest hardwoods Britain has to offer. 

But which one is right for your needs? 

Last year, I decided it was time to upgrade from my Axminster Hobby Lathe.

The Axminster Workshop AW305WL was my first lathe - bought back in 2020. It served me well, but as my woodturning projects got more ambitious, I found myself pushing its limits.

Running a creative business while also working a full-time job is a challenge.

When I started One Eyed Woodworker, I was excited to see my work sell. It is a thrill to see something I’ve spent time making be appreciated enough that someone would part with their hard earned money.

When I first started working on my Allermuir range of wooden bud vases, the process was guided entirely by instinct. 

I shaped the initial design by eye, relying on what felt right. 

While this approach served me well, I knew there was room for improvement. A chance to refine and make something even more balanced.

When it comes to crafting high-quality wooden products, the material plays an important role. Often this comes up during the conversations I have at craft fairs, where people are curious about what goes into my work.

Bud vases might be small, but they pack a surprising punch when it comes to home decor.

They’re those little vases you see holding just one or two flowers. Adding a quick pop of nature to a space without overwhelming it.

Creating peaceful spots in our homes is increasingly important in today's fast-paced world. Wood is an excellent choice for creating a calming and healthy living space that not only looks good but also makes us feel good.

Staked furniture has captured my fascination due to its remarkable durability and ancient heritage. This traditional method, used in tables, benches, stools, and chairs, stands out for its timeless appeal.

The art of selecting wood for bowls is both fascinating and complex. Different woods not only bring unique aesthetic qualities but also possess characteristics that can influence their use and longevity.

Whether you're a proud owner of a handcrafted wooden bowl, a charming oak vase, or a sleek beech cutting board, understanding how to clean and preserve your wooden items is crucial for ensuring their longevity.

Anniversaries are milestones that deserve to be marked with something as enduring and special as the relationship they celebrate. In a world increasingly drawn to sustainable and meaningful choices, wood gifts stand out as a symbol of timelessness and thoughtfulness.

Green wood (wood that is fresh and has yet to dry out) scared me for quite some time. I don’t think it was the wood per se. More the vision I had in my head. That was until a twist of fate left me with no choice but to give it a go…

From today - for every bud vase, wooden bowl, and other wood-turned homeware sold, a percentage of the money will go towards the planting of a tree through the Eden Reforestation Projects.