The following post was written by Woodlore Senior Assistant, Ross Burt:

It’s that time of year when work goes quiet. Does that mean that it’s time to rest? NO! It means that I can get out into the woods and practice my skills, as well as produce items to sell or, in this case, give as a Christmas present! So, not only am I out practising and gaining more knowledge, I am also saving money and giving someone a much-needed gift.

I have just finished two chopping boards and a hanger for them; there is one from beech (this will be used for vegetables) and one from oak (for meat). There’s a give-away on the boards that suggests what each one should be used for! The hanger is made of oak and I decided to make the pegs from the same materials as each board.

Ross’ Handmade Chopping Boards

If you have been on one of our Fundamental Bushcraft or Camp Craft courses, you will be getting used to working with cutting tools. With some practice, it’s surprising what you can produce in the woods, even with basic tools.

Whether you’re artistic or not, why not put a nail into a piece of wood, heat it in the embers of the fire (naturally light the fire by friction, of course) and try some pyrography for yourself. There is one problem with doing this though – you never really want to give the items away!

– Ross Burt, Senior Assistant