My Craft

I’m a green wood carver based in West Yorkshire in the U.K. I carve spoons and bowls from green unseasoned wood using traditional methods using only hand tools mainly just axe and knife. I am at my most happy, calm and fulfilled when carving green wood. In the conversation between sharp blade and green wood there is no room for my anxiety. I am totally absorbed. This is where I find my flow and is my working meditation.

I work in partnership with The National Trust at their Nostell site in Wakefield.  Here in the idyllic setting of Engine Wood I teach courses in green woodwork and carving for the Trust and independently. I also teach courses at The Craft House in Saltaire. I sell my carved goods online and at The Craft House. 

I love teaching courses and passing on the skill that I have developed over my ten-year craft journey from hobby to profession. I spent 15 years as a college lecturer in Countryside Management so running courses helps me to keep the aspects of teaching that I always loved.

I have been self-employed for almost three years. Currently I would estimate that I make 50% of my low income from selling and teaching craft work. The rest of my income comes from work surveying trees and writing tree reports for a small arboricultural consultant firm. I live a simple life through choice which allows me to work this way.

If you’re interested in seeing more of my work, my Instagram account is mc_woodcrafts and I have a courses listing on www.craftcourses.com