Design is a balance between function and looks. It won't work if you focus too much on one and ignore the other.But if it involves both art and science, then surely design must be skill that only very few are capable of? The truth is, anyone can do design, and the secret is just having a bit of … [Read more...]
About Helen
Updates & What’s To Come
You may have noticed that the website's had a bit of a re-design.I set out to make a few tweaks to help me with some design decisions, but ended up continuing and doing the full job. I suppose it felt right to put things in to action whilst they were fresh in mind.The end goal with the … [Read more...]
What Makes Good Design?
When you set out to build a piece of furniture do you look to someone else's work for inspiration, or perhaps wait for a suitable plan to take your fancy?It can feel limiting when you have the motivation to crack on, but aren't sure what to build. Or you know what you want you're furniture to … [Read more...]
Getting Focused
We're getting a lot of questions about what's coming when, so here's how it's looking:- Next Premium Video - Pre-launching Next Week - The Hand Plane Build - Coming Next Month - Mystery Project - End Of The Year (hopefully) - Book(s) - Completed Next Year (possibly!) Building Your Own Hand … [Read more...]
Why Make Your Own Paint?
I enjoy making paint. It's messy and childlike, and can also seem like alchemy. I don't make it a strict or scientific affair, it's more a case of going by feel, the kind of approach I expect an experienced baker takes with a batch of cookies or wholesome loaf of bread.But why would you bother … [Read more...]
Photos and Feedback
Since our first fuzzy sounding project videos that we made for Youtube a few years ago, we've enjoyed receiving photos of clinched together chests and small cupboards with all manner of door styles. The best part of course is always the story that's written out … [Read more...]
Learning Through Limitation
I'm in a unusual position for a learner. I can observe Richard working, then pick up his tools and try for myself. I know the tools work well, and you could envy that. But the thing is, it takes away the one excuse that all novices need. I can't blame my tools.When things aren't working I get … [Read more...]
New Payment Methods Available
We've listened to many a sob story of how you despise PayPal, so I'm pleased to say there's finally an alternative for purchasing our Online Video Series. On site payments are now up and running and will allow you to complete a purchase with Visa, MasterCard or American Express.If instead you're … [Read more...]
It’s All Complete
The past six months or so have been hectic. We didn't intend to neglect our 'free' video duties but once we'd had great results with our first Premium Series we decided to continue with the next.These first two series were a test for us so there was no pre-planning or scheduling reams of time … [Read more...]
Making A Start
The start of this week saw the start of our English Workbench Series, and after the weekend we'll be moving on to getting the trestles joined.It's been a busy time for us here as Richard completes his final Maguire Workbench and I've been finishing the edits for our latest video series; deciding … [Read more...]