Rusty Ships, Garden Quirks & Creative Joy
Summer has arrived, and with it, a lovely warmth in the Cabin – finally! After a chilly start to the year, it’s a pleasure to work with the door open and the scent of wood and salt air drifting in. We’ve already attended two exhibitions – Art in the Garden 2025 at North Boarhunt and RECREATE 2025 at The Round Tower, Old Portsmouth – and I’m now deep in the fun chaos of creating for the next three events.
A View Like No Other
The view from my workbench is, as always, awesome. The skyline is ever-changing with the arrival (and departure) of rusty old naval ships, waiting to be scrapped. At the time of writing, there’s one quietly resting outside the Cabin – fingers crossed a second will join it soon to complete the pair. They may be old and worn, but I find them endlessly fascinating.
Garden Quirks & Character Pieces
One of my biggest joys recently has been creating quirky sculptures mounted on tall metal rods – designed to be pushed into garden borders or nestled in pots. These whimsical characters have been a real hit at our exhibitions so far, bringing smiles and sparking conversations.
So, more of those are definitely on the way! Alongside them, I’ll also be working on a few larger garden sculptures using beautiful, character-rich driftwood. These new pieces will be simpler, more elegant, and a little more introspective—no googly eyes or wacky hair this time. (Though I make no promises about the future.)
Hedgehogs, History & Honesty
Prickle My Timbers, one of my favourite recent creations, a hedgehog with bags of charm, found a happy new home not long ago. I’m hoping to find more pieces that can be “hedgehogged” soon….but as always, I wait for the materials to speak. I never cut or colour the wood; I let each piece tell its own story. I may adorn, but I do not change.
Well… with one exception.
I was recently gifted a stunning 18th-century floorboard. It was so long I simply couldn’t transport or use it in one piece. So I did cut it in half – with great reluctance and a whispered apology. It’s now resting and recovering from the trauma. I’ll only use it when it feels ready (yes, I really am that daft – and proud of it).
Making Room for the Right Pieces
My creative process is constantly evolving. Lately, I’ve been reviewing older works and making tough choices. If a piece no longer brings me joy or has lost its spark, I either revamp it – if there’s still a flicker of hope – or I take it apart. The Cabin is a small space, and every creation needs to earn its place.
Come Visit!
If you’d like to see the view for yourself and get up close with the pieces, come join us at Cabin Craft on Saturday, June 29th, from 1pm to 4pm right here at the Cabin. You’ll find details under Out and About (and where to find us).
Wishing you a fabulous, flower-filled June!