Hello
Welcome to Longwood Crafts! My name is Steve Harward, I'm a domestic appliance engineer based in the Black Country with my wife, our two grown-up daughters and our English Springer Spaniel, Harley.
Over the past two and a half years, I have immersed myself in the art of woodturning and fell in love with creating small pieces of art to gift to friends and family. Before woodturning, I constructed benches, chairs, and even show jumps for the dog. These were big projects that were gifted to friends and family as favours or requests. The delight and amazement on their faces as they received each handmade craft were immeasurable rewards. I could say that this is where my love for crafting really started.
And then I turned to woodturning.
Having spent my entire working life as a domestic appliance engineer, my introduction to the art of woodturning was a personal quest for something more, a creative outlet beyond the realm of my gruelling 9-5 job. I was gifted a lathe to mark my milestone 50th birthday and my passion really took off. My family will probably note that if they can't find me, I'm in the shed making bowls or another small project to clutter the house with. It all began modestly, as I taught myself the techniques of woodturning, patiently honing my skills and learning from every piece I crafted. I started with small mushrooms and bowls, my curiosity and ambition grew, leading me to tackle more substantial projects like decorative ornaments and even Christmas decorations! My house now overflows with a tapestry of wooden bowls, tealight holders, snowmen, and other intricate creations that reflect the depth of my ambition and skill.
Where I started
The first item I ever made was a small mushroom, it was a simple design that I thought would be an easy shape to do, which it was. The wood was a piece of scrap wood for a log burner so I wasn't investing in wood at this point, I wanted to just try out my lathe.
Since then I have made more mushrooms to hone my skills and improve my design. I enjoy the rustic and unique feel each one has, they are reflective of the natural mushroom shape I sometimes find in my garden. Mushrooms in nature aren't by any means perfect, they come in all shapes and sizes and for me, they are a sign of where I started and a good start it was.
After my small mushroom obsession, I delved into making other simple pieces like bowls and tea light holders and then gradually expanded to create an array of decorative items like statues, snowmen, and even small gardening tools.
The Business
Longwood Crafts is named as a geographical reference to my home; the place my passion grew. Launching my own small business is the culmination of countless hours of dedication to refining my craft and the unwavering support of loved ones. It's an endeavour driven not only by a desire to create beautiful and functional pieces but also by a genuine passion for seeing the joy that my creations bring to others. To start to share my crafts with a wider audience who will enjoy each unique handmade item as a welcome addition to your home.
Conclusion
In closing, my passion for woodworking has been an incredible journey so far and I can't wait to document the rest of it.
The shop is solely on Etsy but all the information on my brand is here so stay for a while, have a look around, and take a look at what I've made. Leave your comments, thoughts, and feedback on my blog posts and social media. I am excited to learn from other woodturners and share my experiences with fellow artists.
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