Today we say hello to Kirk’s Carvings, another new seller we welcome to The Fairy Tale Fair. We look forward to welcoming them to our Open Market Brighton fair on November 23rd and our Brighton Racecourse fair on December 6th.
Please introduce yourself and your brand…..
Hi, my name is Simon and I am a wood turner. I make products that are attractive yet functional and includes, bowls to beakers, chopping boards to cheese knives, bottle stoppers to bird houses. I use mainly local woods, such as Beech, Sycamore and Oak but I do also turn a variety of exotic woods like Purple Heart, Olive wood and Zebrano.
Tell us a bit about your creations and how you make them….
I do most of my work on a lathe using a variety of chisels in all shapes and sizes. I finish all products by sanding and sealing the wood using finishes such as bees wax, shellac and polyurethane – most of which are food safe for the practical items like bowls and chopping boards.
How long have you been making your creations?
I bought my first lathe last year and have been turning and making items for 10 months – although I have been working with wood for over eight years.
Do you have a best seller or most popular item?
The chopping boards! I have made a variety over the past year with woods like Marbled Beech and Oak Burl. They have been used for chopping boards, cheese boards, centerpieces and display pieces. They have a variety of different functions and that’s appealing to the customers.
What do you enjoy most about your craft/ work?
The surprise. Whether I have cut a piece of wood myself or purchased it, as soon as the lathe starts spinning I’m always surprised with the wood pattern that appears. No two items I turn are the same, as each piece of wood holds it’s own design and dictates how it will look. Whether it’s with a hidden knot or an image which appears made by the spalting – there was the perfect outline of an elephant in a bowl once!
Will you be selling some festive themed creations at The Fairy Tale Fair?
Yes, absolutely! I have some stunning snowmen and Christmas tree ornaments, in a selection of sizes made out of Beech, Spalted Silver Birch and Ovangkol. I will also have some Christmas themed boards and gift baskets.
What are your plans or ambitions for the future, or have you already achieved them?
To continue what I am doing and grow my business. I’d like to work with some different woods and see what other surprises they hold.
Describe what Christmas means to you in 5 words or less!:
Family, festivities, food and fun!
How can we find out more about you?
Check out my website and facebook page at:
