Are all of John’s pieces handmade?

Yes — absolutely. Every piece is individually made by John, from selecting and preparing the timber through to turning and finishing the final piece. No mass production here.

Is John a one-man band?

While John is the one at the lathe, it is very much a family affair.

John’s partner, Roz, takes care of the packing, posting, messages and much of the behind-the-scenes admin, largely so John can get on with the important business of making things and covering himself, and the entire workshop, in wood shavings.

If you meet John at a fair or event, you’ll almost certainly meet their two children too. Both are keen to get involved, help out and generally be part of whatever is going on.

So although every piece is made by John’s hands, there’s a small family team behind it: one making, one keeping everything running, and two enthusiastic apprentices in training.

Where does John’s wood come from?

As locally as possible. John only uses sustainably sourced timber, and the vast majority comes from Cornwall.

Occasionally, something a little more exotic finds its way onto the lathe, but only when it is being reused or repurposed. Old piano keys are a favourite example, beautiful timber with a previous life that would otherwise go to waste.

What is spalted wood, and are those markings natural?

Yes, completely natural.

Spalting creates the beautiful patterns and changes in colour that can develop as fungi begin the natural process of breaking down timber. This can produce extraordinary dark lines, streaks and patches that look almost as though somebody has drawn them on.

John particularly loves working with spalted timber because the design has already begun before the wood ever reaches his lathe. Two pieces from the same tree can reveal completely different patterns inside.

So no, John hasn’t painstakingly drawn all those little black lines himself. Nature got there first.

Will the piece I receive look exactly like the photographs?

If you’re buying through Etsy, yes. Every individual piece is photographed separately, so the piece you choose is the exact piece you’ll receive.

The photographs on this website show pieces John has created over the years, many of which have already found homes.

Every piece is completely unique. Grain, colour, knots, spalting and natural markings all influence the finished object. That’s rather the joy of buying something handmade, there isn’t another one quite like yours.

Are John’s bowls and vessels suitable for food, and how should I care for them?

John’s functional pieces are finished using beeswax or food-safe oils. Coloured pieces are best kept for decorative use, as pigments and finishes may react with food. Care should also be taken with waxed bowls, goblets and cups, particularly around hot food and drinks.

Wooden pieces should be gently hand washed rather than put in a dishwasher. Keep waxed pieces away from hot water, which can soften or melt the finish, and dry wooden pieces promptly if they become wet.

More generally, keep your piece away from direct sunlight and heat sources such as radiators, fires and stoves, and try to store it somewhere with a reasonably stable temperature.

Wood has spent its entire existence responding to the world around it. Turning it into a bowl doesn’t entirely persuade it to stop.

Are John’s rattles safe for babies and children?

Yes. John’s rattles are made using carefully selected, child-safe woods and finishes, with particular care taken over the wooden rings and surfaces to protect little fingers.

They’re designed to be held, explored, shaken and enjoyed by small hands. As with any baby or children’s product, young children should always be supervised while using them and the rattle should be checked regularly for signs of damage or wear.

Does John take commissions, including pieces made from special or meaningful timber?

Absolutely. John loves a project, particularly one that gives him something interesting to puzzle over.

Commissions might be a completely new idea, a personalised gift, a variation on one of John’s existing pieces, or something made from timber that already means something to you.

Perhaps you have wood from a much-loved tree, a family garden, somewhere important to you, or simply a piece of timber with a story you don’t want to lose. If it’s suitable for turning, John would love to explore how it could become something that can continue to be used, held and treasured for years to come.

What’s possible will depend on the species, size and condition of the timber and what you’d like John to create. Not every idea will be possible, timber has limits and occasionally even John does, but unusual requests are very welcome.

In fact, if your opening sentence is “This might sound a bit strange, but…”, you’ll probably have John’s attention.

The best thing to do is get in touch, tell us your idea and, if there’s a story behind the wood, tell us that too.

How long does a commission usually take?

As a general guide, allow around two to three months, although some commissions may take longer.

John has regular commitments alongside his making, and wood has its own timetable too. Fresh timber may need to be rough-turned and properly seasoned before a piece can be completed. Unfortunately, no amount of politely asking a piece of wood to hurry up has proved particularly effective.

You won’t be left wondering what’s happening in the meantime. Roz will keep in regular contact throughout the process, letting you know how your piece is progressing and keeping you involved as it begins to take shape.

If you need something for a particular date, get in touch as early as possible and John can let you know what’s realistic.

Where can I see John and his work in person?

You’ll find a large and ever-changing selection of John’s work at The Craft Kiln in Charlestown, Cornwall, and John also attends events throughout the year.

If you catch him there or at an event, do come and say hello. John is hoping to offer more live woodturning demonstrations, giving you the chance to watch an unassuming lump of timber become something rather more interesting and discover just how many tools are apparently necessary to make one bowl.

Upcoming events and demonstrations will be shared on Facebook and on the Events page coming soon!

Can I buy online, and do you deliver?

Yes. John’s current pieces can be bought through his Etsy shop, where every item is individually photographed — the piece you see is the exact one you’ll receive.

We post throughout the UK and internationally. Postage varies depending on the size, weight and destination of the piece, from impossibly tiny miniatures to rather substantial bowls.