I started teaching myself to carve spoons in 2015 after finishing my photography degree. I had spent the last year down in the darkrooms printing my photographs and I loved how hands on it was. Hand printing is as much of an art as taking the photograph in the first place, each small change allowing for a slight nuance between images. 

After graduating and whilst working in jobs that were far from creative, I was craving a hands on creative outlet that I could focus on. I adored homewares, and when I came across some female woodworkers on Instagram I realised it was something I could try too.

My first spoon was more successful than I had anticipated it would be. Holding this piece that I had created from an off cut of wood, crafted into something useable. It was a good feeling, and after that I started making more, developing and researching the right tools to use and which woods work best. 

One of the aspects of woodworking that I find the most rewarding is that it’s a natural material. Each piece of wood is unique, the surprises that lie beneath each layer, the way the grain shifts and moves as you work lower and the way the colour becomes so rich and brings out tones you didn’t know were there once oiled. It’s beautiful. 

I set up Interlude Handmade to start selling my work. One of the reasons why I named it Interlude is because I want people to take a moments pause whilst using these items. To slow down, and appreciate things. Life has become so fast paced and with a huge throw away culture and I want to be part of the other side of this, to encourage slow living and sustainable practises. An appreciation of craft, of handmade and locally sourced items. To have things in your home which you truly love, items you buy to keep for a long time.