Sunflower Trellis
Early blooms – lovely willow sunflowers made by Sally in the workshop bring Barry’s trellis to life whilst the climbers get going.
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BH-Shed
Community Craft Workshop in Burgess Hill and Mid Sussex
Member’s Blogs
Linocut Reduction Technique
This picture is called ‘Jacqueline with Glossy Hair’, by Pablo Picasso and master printer Hidalgo Arnéra (1992) using the reduction linocut technique. In a series of steps, print areas in the same colour are carved away before a print of the colour is taken. The process is repeated with another colour printed on top of the previous print, then repeated for every colour until the complete picture emerges.
I created a copy in order to learn the technique after watching a video by Christina Taylor, a Conservator at the Harvard Art Museum (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bg6FowI4h8o)
My copy is less clear and the print less even than Picasso’s. This is because I used a very small size (6 x4 inches) whereas the original is over 7 times this size. Larger sizes allow finer cuts and accuracy of registration which is important when using the reduction technique. I used acrylics for speed, … Read more..
Read moreFlickering Flames
Candles by Don S, Feb 2025
‘Want to make two candle holders with flickering flames? One hour at The Shed. Simples!’
‘So, one year into retirement. What can I do with my time? Do you like woodwork? asked someone. Actually, yes I do. Why not try The Shed, they said. OK, I’ll give it a go. Great tools, great skills, great blokes. I’m hooked.
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Tony’s 1930s Capri Speed Boat kit -12 March 2024
About me
After a severe illness I found myself at a loose end, I’m feeling well now and getting back into life and doing things. I was told about the BH-Shed as I don’t like to do things on my own in my den. I haven’t sailed but like to kits with my grandchildren.
The Capri is a semi-scale Model Boat with fittings, stickers and plastic windows. It is assembled from plywood inside and natural mahogany outside, the parts are laser cut with spruce strips.
How long: from 6-weeks to 3-months
Instructions
It isn’t as straight forward as it’s led to believe but I found my way through with some help from the Shedders.
Glue pieces together in a certain order with special wood glue, tapes and pins.
Two coats of glue and gloss acrylic.
I painted the other side with Halfords spray paint and gloss in acrylic.
Finish it … Read more..
Recycling Tea leaves March 24
There’s no denying our Shed wouldn’t run quite as efficiently without the humble cuppa! We recycle materials to give them a new purpose including tea bags. I tear the bags open to air dry, used tea leaves are eco-friendly and biodegradable. Leaves contain different elements that influence plants. Tea contains tannic acid to enrich the soil & deter pests, I’ve already noticed fewer slugs in 4 weeks, although slugs play their part in the eco system. Composting them if you don’t have soil, just plant your seeds in the tea leaves. Mulch the leaves to give a loose covering and spread across the soil. Other uses includes, crafting, dyeing materials: Simmer the used leaves in water to give a natural dye for wood stain, paper or fabrics. Simply boil used tea leaves and strain the liquid and use as dye.
Good luck
“Don’t use poisons that cause suffering and contaminate … Read more..
Brian Burford’s Furniture Raisers March 24
BUILDING MY OWN: Flat bottomed furniture risers (13 March 2024)
I come to the Shed twice a week and I had some guidance from the supervisor on wood turning. We serviced the wood turning lathe before starting.
What I made
Multi-purpose Chair risers raise furniture to a level that makes sitting and standing easier and are easily attached to your favourite piece of furniture. Can be used on a table, bed or sofa.
How long: 1st one took 2.5 hours, the other 4 took 45mins each.
Wood: soft wood (cheap as chips), could use heavyweight oak.
Equipment: Chop saw, wood turning lathe, Pillar drill.
What I did
I used lots of eye-muscle coordination. I drew a template of a prototype, found a piece of timber from the wood store. It started as a block.
Top Tip! – If moving furniture around regularly, it would need a deep recess so the … Read more..
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