• home
  • directory
  • wooden tom
  • Wooden Tom

    Wooden Tom logo

    B970
    Inshriach Farm Rothiemurcus Aviemore Highlands PH22 1QP
    PH22 1QS

    Profile:

    Who is Wooden Tom?As a way of avoiding the streets of Northern England growing up I found myself at every opportunity escaping the urban jungle and heading for the woods. I would make camps and whittle sticks with borrowed tools from my carpenter grandfather. This all undoubtedly was the start of my addiction! Ever since, I sought to expand my knowledge by learning from experts in the field but mainly from lots and lots of mistakes! In 2010 a job brought me to the Scottish Highlands working with the forestry commission where i fell in love with the Cairngorms. One of the defining features in this area are the clean white stems of the Birch trees, and it is with these trees i have my closest connection with carving. I use the wood for making various kitchen utensils although my main passion is making drinking vessels.

    Green woodworking courses

    A great wet-weather alternative in the Cairngorms which is physical, creative, and relaxing. No prior experience is needed and all tools and material will be provided. Courses are outdoors in the woods, with shelter if wet; just bring your lunch, outdoor clothing and you will go home with a hand-carved creation of your very own. Places on wood carving courses are limited so book in advance to avoid disappointment. Numbers are generally kept to a maximum of seven with the exception of group bookings so that I can dedicate more time on a one-to-one basis. 

    I work with wood, both as a craftsman and as a teacher. I have a passion for wood, for its texture and also because it makes me feel close to nature. For my own part I am happiest when using Scottish wood to carve in a way which exhibits the natural curves and flaws of the wood as in nature. It’s important to me that the materials I choose are all every one of them sustainable, and thus my work plays its part in keeping our outdoors healthy.

    When I hold classes I have the chance to share my passion and traditional skills of wood carving with my students. My teaching sessions are held entirely in the outdoors in oak woodlands near Aviemore, and in them I use only handtools, thus imparting knowhow that can be used wherever my students may go.

    I have carved wood for many years and for me it is a welcome escape from the stresses that we all know in modern life. Perhaps especially I love watching the process from start to finish of a piece of wood becoming … whatever I wish it to be! It keeps me happy and it is this I enjoy sharing.

    My work is very varied, from small to large – have a look on the bespoke page.

    Listed under:

    Green woodworking - products & services , Blacksmithing & farriery - products & services , Green woodworking - courses

    There’s a crash coming – a slap from Mother Nature. This isn’t pessimistic; it’s realistic.

    The human impact on nature and on each other is accelerating and needs systemic change to reverse.

    We’re not advocating poverty, or a hair-shirt existence. We advocate changes that will mean better lives for almost everyone.

    Sign up to our newsletter

    Facebook icon Twitter icon Youtube icon

    All rights reserved © lowimpact 2023