Another weekend goes by...

...but this time, I got in to the shed! In fact, I got into two sheds, as I visited a friend from one of my woodturning clubs on Saturday morning and spent a couple of hours going through some airbrushing techniques. It was a very well organised shed as well - having everything needed for turning and colouring. I don't know how many of us get to spend time to fellow turners, but it should definitely be encouraged.

My own shed time came today, when, inspired by my texturing techniques video, I finally got round to my first completely useless piece of textured and coloured work. There was definitely a plan in mind, and some of it was realised. Alas, some of it fell a bit short of my imaginings...need to get the skill set improved. And how do you that? In the  words of the huge multi-national corporation...you just do it. So I did. Well, nearly...or not so nearly, depending on how critical your critical eye is. Suffice it to say, I'm calling it naive art (some of you might go for primitive; some for childish!) Still, it was a very valuable learning experience. I'm not sure if it's true, and I can't actually be bothered to work out the maths, but I have heard you need 10,000 hours of practice to achieve mastery of a skill or craft, or mistressery or whatever the gender neutral term of choice might be. So I still have many thousands of hours to go.

I've called it Sand Sea Sun - not very original, and it's very far from an original idea, but it did allow me to do a number of different textures and use most of my spirit stain colours!

Sand...

...Sea...

...Sun...

Sand Sea Sun

And speaking of spirit stains, another reminder about Chestnut Products Woodturing Weekender that is in August 2019. I'll be demonstrating there - as a warm-up act to Emma Cook, the Tiny Turner, and Phil Irons, and Gary Lowe. I can't wait! Full details are here: chestnutproducts.co.uk/woodturning-weekender/ As well as spending two days watching demos, there will be other exciting things happening, and a barbecue on the Saturday night for some real-life socialising. It would be great to see you there!

There won't be a blog next weekend - I'm off to a workshop with Les Thorne and Nick Agar on creative box making. I should be able to pick up a lot of tips about carving and colouring. The course is one of the AWGB's offerings of workshops that happen throughout the year. If you are into woodturning, and if you aren't, 'Why are you here?' then check out joining. Many woodturning clubs are associate members, but you can also be an individual member too. As well as running workshops, they run training sessions and have a seminar every two years. This year I was able to go for one day only...I'm hoping to go for the whole thing next time. 

Happy turning - or colouring and carving ;)