Woodturned Products and Hand-made Pens hand-made turned items by barry wright

Who we are

All our products are hand-turned by Barry using the finest materials available. We try to use locally sourced woods where appropriate, as well as small quantities of exotic hardwoods. We also use a range of synthetics, such as Acrylic, polyester, Corian and Perspex. These are mainly used in making many of our range of pens and are hand-turned in the same way as wood. Thus, each item that is made is truly unique.

Our range of products include our specialty pens, bowls, kitchen accessories, perfume dispensers, salt & pepper grinders, tea lights and will soon be expanded to include pendants made mainly from wood.

Of course, being a small business, we can undertake one-off commissions and will always be happy to advise customers on the endless possibilities that turning can offer. And, if any item is shown as out-of-stock, just drop us an email and we will be happy to advise.

We can also personalise the majority of our items to your requirements.

If you want to see a selection of our items before buying, we regularly attend craft shows in the Midlands, where we can talk to our customers face-to-face. Details of upcoming shows can be found on our Facebook page:Of course, being a small business, we can undertake one-off commissions and will always be happy to advise customers on the endless possibilities that turning can offer. And, if any item is shown as out-of-stock, just drop us an email and we will be happy to advise.

We can also personalise the majority of our items to your requirements.
If you want to see a selection of our items before buying, we regularly attend craft shows in the Midlands, where we can talk to our customers face-to-face. Details of upcoming shows can be found on our Facebook page: Lilac Tree Woodturning

New items are being made and added to the website all the time - so look in regularly to see if any of the exciting new developments are just what you need!

All about Wood

The majority of our products are made from wood - locally sourced if possible. We always try to source the more exotic woods from sustainable sources or from reclaimed items.

Wood is a natural product and as such will vary considerably, not only between different species, but also from tree to tree within the same species. That is why we can make close copies of our items, should you require more than one, but not identical copies. And, of course, as each item is made by hand, there will be small variations between items.

Because wood is a natural product, it is also vulnerable to changes in climate - even in the finished product (I'm sure everyone has had a wooden drawer stick at some time!). This is because wood, being fibrous, can absorb or lose moisture from the air. This can cause the wood to expand or contract across the grain, although along the grain it changes very little.

Thus, although we use mainly well seasoned wood, changes can occur in the shape of the item. As an example, a bowl nay become very slightly oval in shape when exposed to either high or low humidity - central heating being the main culprit!. We make every effort to ensure that our wooden items are fully seasoned and finished correctly, but some movement in the wood may occur. On the plus side, this further enhances the unique nature of the item.

One of our favourites is English Oak. English oak shows the beautiful markings known as medullary rays which are not seen in the more common American oak.

Some of our items show what is known as 'spalting'. Spalting is caused by the bacteria that would ultimately cause the wood to rot. The process of drying the wood kills off these bacteria often leaving tell-tale changes in colour and black lines.

Items intended for food use are always made with a food-safe wood (mainly Beech) and have a food-safe finish applied.

Many items show what some may call 'defects', but which we call 'character'. The include natural edges to bowls that may have the bark left on, branch inclusions (like knots), and discolourations caused by foreign bodies. Even woodworm holes (properly treated, of course) can add character.

Depending on its intended use, a selection of finishes is used. Finish: 'Melamine Lacquer' and 'Carnauba Wax' polished to a high gloss. 'Melamine Lacquer' is a hard wearing finish offering protection against occasional splashes. 'Carnauba Wax' is produced from natural sources and is frequently used as a coating on some sweets and on some medicines as well as many other uses. Its high melting point means that it is resistant to finger marks. It is sometimes knows as 'The Queen of Waxes'. Some woods are better finished with a rubbed in oil finish, including food items, where a food-safe oil is often used.

Most items should be cleaned with a soft cloth, or with a non-silicone furniture wax. However, be careful to follow any instructions with items intended for food use.

Stock

As the majority of our items are individually created, the stock level is generally just one. However, should your require more similar items, please contact us and we will be able to advise you on availability.

You should be aware that the materials that we use will vary in texture and colour, and, although a close match is often possible, it is rare that we can achieve an exact match. This is, of course, the beauty of individually hand-made articles!

Similarly, should an item be sold, and the stock level is showing as zero, further similar items may be created to order. Again, please contact us for information.

Woodturned Products and Hand-made Pens hand-made turned items by barry wright

Who we are

Commisions

All about Wood

Stock