Each week we bring you a round-up of interesting and entertaining woodworking content from the Woodworkers Institute and the web, including handy tips to help you get stuck into your next woodworking project.
The Resurgence of Green Woodworking
Green woodworking – the practice of crafting objects from freshly cut, unseasoned wood, is experiencing a resurgence. This revival can be attributed to a growing cultural shift toward sustainability, craftsmanship, and mindfulness. Unlike mass-produced goods, green woodworking uses local, renewable materials and traditional hand tools, reducing the environmental footprint while using traditional skills and tools.
The rise of eco-consciousness has spurred interest in skills that align with sustainable living. Green woodworking, with its reliance on natural resources and minimal energy consumption, appeals to individuals seeking a greater connection with the outdoors – likely in reaction to the domesticity of modern living. The practice also fosters an appreciation for craftsmanship, offering an antidote to the fast-paced, technology-driven modern world.
Perhaps ironically, therefore, green woodworking has gained popularity through social media, workshops, and books that highlight its therapeutic and creative benefits. Many find the tactile, meditative process of carving and shaping wood a welcome respite from the stresses of daily life.
Finally, the movement taps into a desire to preserve and revive traditional skills, reconnecting with centuries-old methods of working with wood. As interest in handmade, authentic goods grows, green woodworking stands as a symbol of the enduring value of simplicity, sustainability, and skill.
Videos of the Week
Spoon Carving. By far the most popular undertaking of those looking to get into green woodworking, this brilliant video shows you how to carve a spoon from start to finish
Woodworkers Institute Articles of the Week
Mark Baker Woodturner of the Year Competition – Reveal Date Reveal!
We will be revealing the winners of the Mark Baker Woodturner of the Year Competition in Woodturning magazine, edition 406, on sale 20th February. Be sure to get your copy to see who the winners are, alongside more wonderful and imaginative entries that celebrate the joy of woodturning!