What a Surprise!
You never know what will turn up in the Shed – this week a lovely surprise from Heather who is a canal boat artist. What a beautiful sign, can’t wait to show it off at our next event. Many thanks Heather.
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Community Craft Workshop in Burgess Hill and Mid Sussex
News
Albourne Village Show
For the first time we were at Albourne Village Show to meet the public, promote and sell new products to raise funds. The main attraction was Dennis our oldest member who received much interest whilst demonstrating his wonderful skills by carving a Welsh wooden love spoon.
The Village Show was a great way to get to know Albourne and its lovely people. We all enjoyed the lively day and indeed the whole experience. Our thanks to Albourne for the warm welcome and to all the volunteers that made this special day happen.
Read moreTim’s Bench
Tim asked us to repair his old bench and move the arms a little higher. We really hate to scrap anything, but on close inspection it was clear the rot had set in. Alas, it was beyond repair. Instead we offered to make him a new one with arms tailored to his needs. He did a trial fitting – you can often do that with our products, and was very pleased. Now he has a sturdy bench that’s just the job and will last a good while.
The Burgess Hillbillies
Fun in the garden. This little feller Howard, his brother Henry and sisters Lilibet and Mabel were big sellers at the Fayre. They hold a 4 inch flower pot.
Read moreMick’s Patio Table
Mick made this table from scrap and recycled wood. The top was assembled with biscuit joints and the legs with mortice and tenons. The herringbone top effect was made using pocket screws. It took him 3 weeks to make and he finished it in a sage colour preserver.
Lovely job Mick.
Summer Fayre 25
Great day. Lots of people, lots of sales, lots of interest. Many thanks to everyone who helped with prep, products and day.
Read moreDennis and the Art of Carving
Dennis saw an African primitive style statuette in our St Peter & St James charity shop and thought: ‘Now there’s a carving challenge!’
From a suitably sized Ash log, Dennis turned, drilled and chiselled the wood to create this intertwined figurine. He then sanded and stained it to give a rustic effect to complete this intriguing three-month project.
What made it particularly challenging is that it is carved from a single piece of wood, the figures are completely separate and whilst totally interlocked can be opened to provide a handy stand. It’s simply amazing Dennis!
Flickering 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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New Home for STEM Bridges
Four different Bridge Building Kits were delivered to Burgess Hill Academy today. The academy wanted these kits to support their bridge Design and Technology sessions. They were originally made by BH-Shed for Sheddingdean Community School’s STEM Fayres prior to the Covid Pandemic. They were also used during our Shed Loads of Fun event last year. The four different kits show the evolution of bridge design and construction from Roman times to the present day, and are a practical way for students to learn about the principles of bridge engineering.
Willow is Truly Environmentally Friendly!
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.
Read moreBench Saw Repaired
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.
Read moreSpinning a Yarn
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.
Is this a new hat for Wurzel Gummidge, or perhaps a bird table?
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.
Read moreOckley Park Sign
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.
Read moreTakings Up
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 moreSt Peter & St James Open Garden Day
Our 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.
