Love HeartWood

Love HeartWood Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Love HeartWood, Arts & Crafts Store, Unit 6A The Courtyard, Amners Farm, Reading.

Woodturning teacher & maker
Learn to create well-crafted things in wood
Hands-on courses & workshops
Berkshire, UK

🪵 specialism - sustainable wooden toys and homeware 🌳



29/07/2026

It’s been wonderful to look back on Skilled.Seen and see that the exhibition now has a permanent online catalogue.

Being part of a project that celebrated the creativity and craftsmanship of women, trans and non-binary people working with wood was a real privilege. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone at Sylva Foundation, Kat and all the organisers, makers and volunteers who made it happen.

If you didn’t get the chance to visit, or you’d like another look, you can now explore the exhibition online, discover the makers behind each piece and read the stories that brought the exhibition to life.

Thank you for creating something that will continue to inspire long after the exhibition has closed.

https://skilled-seen.sylva.org.uk/

20/07/2026

As I say to my students: Stepping outside your comfort zone is how you learn.

This was my first attempt at deep hollowing using the Woodcut Tools - Woodturning Tools and Accessories Pro-Forme system.
A huge thank you to Neil from Neil Woodcrafts for inviting me to his workshop in Kintbury to have a go on his Killinger lathe.

Using the Irons tool rest and two Pro-Forme Solid cutters—one with a straight shaft and one bent—I was surprised by how intuitive the system felt. We chose a piece of spalted birch because it’s relatively soft, making it an ideal timber to learn on.

Unfortunately, I got a little carried away, hollowing progressed faster than I thought and went straight through the side! But that’s all part of learning a new technique.

I’m hoping to repair it with resin and gold powder, so watch this space to see if I can rescue the piece.

18/07/2026

Yesterday I dropped off my vessel ‘Unfolding’ (in my trusty The Design Trust tote) ready for today’s Skilled. Seen. exhibition at Fusion Arts in Oxford.

This exhibition is about giving greater visibility to women, trans and non-binary makers working with wood, recognising the skill, creativity and contribution that have so often been overlooked throughout the history of woodworking.
I’m incredibly proud that ‘Unfolding’ will be part of this conversation.

If you’re in or around Oxford today, I’d love you to visit, discover the work of some incredibly talented makers, and support an exhibition that’s helping shape a more inclusive future for woodworking.

https://gender-project.sylva.org.uk/skilled-seen-programme-announced/

Public exhibition: Saturday, 10am–5pm
Fusion Arts, 15 Park End Street, Oxford. (3 mins walk from Oxford train station).

17/07/2026

Another wonderful evening spent with on Tuesday. It was a pleasure demonstrating my ebonised sweet chestnut bowl and meeting so many friendly turners.

I did have to miss my own club night to be there, but it was well worth it. Thank you to everyone for the warm welcome, thoughtful questions and great conversations throughout the evening.

I’m taking a short break from club demonstrations now, but I’m looking forward to being with Didcot & District Woodturning Club in Oxfordshire this October.

I’m taking bookings now for 2017. So please drop me a message if you’d like me to visit your club next year.

16/07/2026

A couple of weeks ago I posted about using the spindle roughing gouge in the 2 o’clock position and cutting the wood on a 45° angle to take a planing cut.

Well once you can do this, balancing the bevel and the cut going forward, take it a step further. Try pulling back keeping the cut going.

15/07/2026

Some gifts create memories that last far longer than anything you could unwrap.

Luke booked a private woodturning session as a Father’s Day gift for his dad, Derek, and together they each turned a beautiful bud vase from mountain cypress, complete with a glass insert.

There was plenty of learning, laughter and shavings along the way, and they both left with a handmade piece they’ll always be able to look at and remember the day they made it together.

If you’re looking for a gift that’s a little different, a private woodturning session is a wonderful way to spend quality time with someone special.

To book: https://www.loveheartwood.co.uk/product/private-woodturning-sessions/

14/07/2026

Held Forms is complete. One piece has already found its new home, and the remaining vessels will be available through my website over the coming weeks. If one has caught your eye, you’re welcome to get in touch before they’re listed online.

13/07/2026

Watching students grow in confidence is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching.

Marco, Penny and George have now completed all six units of the Certificate in Woodturning. Over the past few months they’ve developed their knowledge, improved their tool control, tackled new techniques and produced some fantastic work.

Now there’s just one final step to go — each of them will create their assessment piece before being awarded their Certificate in Woodturning.

I’m incredibly proud of how far they’ve all come. It’s going to feel rather quiet in the workshop without them, although they’re already talking about organising a reunion, so I don’t think this is really goodbye!

Good luck with your final assessments — I know you’re going to do brilliantly.

Address

Unit 6A The Courtyard, Amners Farm
Reading
RG303UE

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 3pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 3pm
Wednesday 9am - 3pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9:30am - 3pm

Telephone

+447897998586

Website

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