The success of any programme of hands on courses and creative workshops is down to the people that attend them ! It's down to the inherent talent, the latent skills of the folks that have the enthusiasm and interest to attend. It's the maker inside them all !
I'm always in early on course days setting up all the tools, laying out the wood ready to work, wondering what the timber is going to turn out like and wondering what the course participants are going to be like. It's such a privilege for me to meet such nice, warm, friendly, bright, conversant people. It gives me faith in humanity and chuffs me to have brought them together. The craic soon starts .. you know before anyone picks up an axe that it's going to be good ! The trepidation in some of the faces will soon disappear as the hidden maker is revealed.
The old dairy buildings and yard at Harestanes, Lothian Estates makes for a calm and unique work space. The sense of tradition, working heritage, being on the land and using the local timber adds to it all. Immersed in the "old ways" only because we use old tools and methods, but absolutely "of the present", in that we make contemporary pieces of furniture. It's being part of a continuing tradition that most people haven't really thought of when they sign up on a course - however they totally get it by the time they leave.
There's a wonderment glowing out of their faces - they just can't quite believe that the beautiful piece they have completed - they have just made with their own hands. It's such a wonderful thing to watch as they discover found confidence. They have found the un-remembered maker inside them !
The courses attendees are our ambassadors, our outreach squad and many return to help develop courses, volunteer to make products, work in the tree nursery, or some like our Friday crew come and make beautiful products (set the world to rights !) My homies - love them all to bits !
So part 2 hopefully shares an atmosphere of the place, gives hope and optimism - and the reason - not just the need to be part of it all !
2025 courses are filling up fast again ... just saying ! Big Tree Hugs everybody, have a great festive ! Best wishes - Eoin
[email protected]
A big thanks to Innes Watson for allowing me to use his music in all these short videos. You will discover more here
I'm always in early on course days setting up all the tools, laying out the wood ready to work, wondering what the timber is going to turn out like and wondering what the course participants are going to be like. It's such a privilege for me to meet such nice, warm, friendly, bright, conversant people. It gives me faith in humanity and chuffs me to have brought them together. The craic soon starts .. you know before anyone picks up an axe that it's going to be good ! The trepidation in some of the faces will soon disappear as the hidden maker is revealed.
The old dairy buildings and yard at Harestanes, Lothian Estates makes for a calm and unique work space. The sense of tradition, working heritage, being on the land and using the local timber adds to it all. Immersed in the "old ways" only because we use old tools and methods, but absolutely "of the present", in that we make contemporary pieces of furniture. It's being part of a continuing tradition that most people haven't really thought of when they sign up on a course - however they totally get it by the time they leave.
There's a wonderment glowing out of their faces - they just can't quite believe that the beautiful piece they have completed - they have just made with their own hands. It's such a wonderful thing to watch as they discover found confidence. They have found the un-remembered maker inside them !
The courses attendees are our ambassadors, our outreach squad and many return to help develop courses, volunteer to make products, work in the tree nursery, or some like our Friday crew come and make beautiful products (set the world to rights !) My homies - love them all to bits !
So part 2 hopefully shares an atmosphere of the place, gives hope and optimism - and the reason - not just the need to be part of it all !
2025 courses are filling up fast again ... just saying ! Big Tree Hugs everybody, have a great festive ! Best wishes - Eoin
[email protected]
A big thanks to Innes Watson for allowing me to use his music in all these short videos. You will discover more here
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