I was 16 years old when I was first introduced to wood turning. My design and technology teacher brought his own lathe into the school workshop and showed me how to turn wood.
Being a girl’s school in 1996, we only had three girls in our A-level design and technology class.
We were lucky. We got the chance to learn hand woodworking skills and produce our own piece of furniture for our end of year project.
Health & safety has advanced since then!!
10 years ago, I started my own business as a professional furniture maker. Never really thinking that I would be using my wood turning skills as my job.
I was at Real wood studios workshop in the Scottish Borders and people kept enquiring about needing replacement items wood turned. As I was the only one that could turn, I started offering people wood turning as a service.
Wood turning is my favourite as a professional maker and I can’t quite believe that I make bespoke pieces for people. It’s amazing!!
Never thought that would happen when I was 16 years old.
Wood Turning two hour taster session with Anna.
I decided last year that I wanted to pass on my love of wood turning to others. I started my first wood turning 2-hour tasters in January this year and its lovely to see someone getting the bug for wood turning for the first time.
I am offering one to one wood turning, so the new turner gets maximum amount of time on the lathe.
Wood turning for me is three things, therapeutic, a way of being creative (artistic expression) and instant product satisfaction.
Testimonial
‘Delighted with these wood turning tasters – I’d always wanted to try this and you couldn’t find a more patient and thoughtful teacher e.g. all the prepping done in advance so you had time to turn something new each time. I’ll be back for more. Thanks Anna!!’ - by Sarah