Portfolio
Please click on an image to view a piece in greater detail. For any commisions or queries please contact me using the details at the bottom of the page.
About
James’ love of wood began after receiving a small wood turning lathe for Christmas at the age of twelve. Since then his interest along with his tool collection has grown significantly. With the use of YouTube, books and online tutorials, the complexity of his projects has continued to grow, from small decorative gift items to beautiful handcrafted pieces of furniture and one off commissioned pieces.
Training
James is attending the renowned Rowden Atelier, School of Fine Woodworking in Devon, September 2023. He will be taking an intense 50 week full time Professional Designer/Maker Course, learning first hand from masters in the trade. James’ dream is to return to Northern Ireland armed with the skills to start his own business to help preserve and showcase this beautiful craft. James is a member of the National Trust, Ulster Architectual Hertiage and Hertiage Craft
Consideration for the Enviroment
Fallen Oak tree salvaged from neighbours farm
Living and working on the family farm in a beautiful area of Northern Ireland has instilled in James the importance of sustainable living and taking care of our environment. As a result much of the timber James uses is sourced from fallen trees from their own or neighbouring farms.
Beech slabs air drying for future projects
These are in the air drying process. First they are set in an open shed but then moved inside to reduce the moisture content.
A preview of a Beech slab
The trees are milled and then air dried for at least a year before being used in projects.
Sustainability
Every piece of timber is put to good use as off cuts are repurposed into small ornaments and sawdust is used to bed the animals on the farm and the manure is eventually spread back onto the ground as fertilizer.
Reviews
A selection of reviews from my facebook page from orders and commissions I have completed.
Irene Elliott
29/07/23
I was delighted with the items he made for me, the Craftsmanship! The items I recieved as gifts were much admired, especially by my little nephew who loved the animals. James even arranged for them to be delivered so I could have them in time for Christmas. Well done many thanks keep up the good work.
Duneane Primary School PTA
03/12/22
At our fundraising “Breakfast with Santa” event, we have been privileged to have had James along to sell his beautiful pieces over the last couple of years. His talent is undeniable,his eye to detail is second to none and the pieces he produces are outstanding. His stall is always one of the most popular and every house needs a piece of James’ work to proudly display or use. We are proud to call him one of our past pupils.
Lynne Rainey
14/07/23
I was looking for a chunky butcher's block for display purposes for my kitchen island, after seeing a picture posted online by an interior designer. I approached James to see if he'd be willing to make it for me as I'd seen his work previously, in particular a stunning rocking chair that he'd made. The butcher's block that he made for me is, quite simply, exquisite. He made it in a chequerboard style, so the attention to detail and craftmanship with the wood is far superior to anything I could have sourced online. It is a piece I will treasure, not least as it's a constant conversation point with visitors in my home - and I love telling them that James made it for me!
Trevor McNeill
22/12/22
Yet another example of excellent carpentry and imagination by a massively talented young man... We just love his work... Get your orders in friends...