Community Craft Workshop in Burgess Hill and Mid Sussex
This month scrap metal from the workshop plus scrap electric cable donated by the electricians, made over £135. The electricians have now completed their work. A special thanks to the electricians for their cable donations and for their work to make our workshop an even brighter and safer place for us.
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Willow weaving sessions have been running for over 7 months and during that time the group has grown and skills have improved. There is a lot to learn. For example getting the willow in the best condition has been a challenge. It takes time, nonetheless weavers have created some lovely, unique pieces, sold some and repaired a log basket for one customer. Weaving in the quiet environment on a Friday morning is a great experience and quite a contrast to the bustling, woodworking days. If you would like to see what goes, please come along, or perhaps you would like to bring along another craft that you can do in the same calm atmosphere.
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Frank has completed a tricky repair to the Kity saw. This was needed to replace parts that had been lost. The repair allows the extension table to be used. We intend selling this since it does not have a brake and cannot be used by us. Another shed has already expressed interest in buying the saw and they have some experts that can incorporate a brake. Thanks Frank for the repairs and John for the pics.
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The mechanics also needed some work to ensure free movement. Karen and her mother who commissioned the work were very pleased with the result and have asked us to repair another wheel – an Ashford Elizabeth 30″. This will need the involvement of more members to make some missing parts.
We were asked to repair some spinning wheels recently. The first was an Ashford Traveller. Eric did most of the work at home because the surface had been affected by water stains and needed refinishing in a dust free place. The finish is ‘Tru’ oil which was recommended by Frank – he uses it for his instruments and it really looks great doesn’t it.
Both wheels are highly regarded and have a high value in good working order and it is particularly pleasing when we can bring them back to life again.
We get some amazing requests like this one. Of course it’s a bird table! Somehow Eric and David found new skills – perseverence being the main one. Our thanks to Thatcher Nick from Crawley Down for his donation of materials. Sue who commissioned the repair was very pleased with the result and said it felt a bit like a Repair Shop experience. Well it certainly was an emotional experience for David and Eric at times.
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Congratulations to Pip on winning our competition for the Taylor Wimpey, Ockley Park Sign in Hassocks. I am sure you agree: a fine, welcoming and fun piece of art for the new estate. Thanks to all the members and their relations that submitted entries – all were excellent.
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Our stall at Burgess Hill Community Crafters Market in the Kiln on 7th September, was a great success. Barry, Richard and Kevin set up a fine display including new watering can flower pots, coasters, turned products, willow work and many other products. This was our first session at the market since October last year and it was a great effort by the team and our makers to get the products made in time and set up the stall. Takings were up in spite of the poor weather. A big thanks to the sales team and all the makers for their product contributions.
Read moreOur stall was a great success this year with takings the best for years. Thanks to all the members that helped with preparations and running the stall on the day, and to our customers for their purchases and interest.
Willow weaving group makes steady progress.
The biggest challenge was learning how to condition the willow. Once ready, members were able to make good bases (lathes) before making sides and borders using different weaving methods (Waling and Randing).
