Demo at High Peak Woodturning Club

A Thoughtful Start to the Year at High Peak Woodturning Club

My first pyrography demonstration of the year followed straight on from the end of panto season — which, naturally, earned an immediate “Oh no it isn’t!” from someone in the club! It was lovely to turn from one love to another, and honestly, it couldn’t have been a nicer way to ease back into woodburning: relaxed, friendly, and full of genuine connection.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting High Peak Woodturning Club in Stockport, and from the moment I walked through the door, I was made to feel completely at ease. There’s something deeply comforting about being surrounded by people who share a respect for wood, craft, and the time it takes to do things properly. It immediately felt like a room full of kindred spirits.

The evening centred around a live pyrography demonstration, where I talked through my process, shared tips and techniques, and reflected on the slower, quieter nature of woodburning. At one point, someone joked that pyrography is “not a spectator sport” because it’s such a slow process — which made me laugh, because they weren’t wrong. It was said very much in jest, but there’s a truth in there too. Pyrography naturally encourages you to slow down, take your time, and enjoy the process as much as the finished piece — and that’s a big part of why I love it.

One of my favourite parts of the evening was inviting members to have a go themselves using the kits I’d brought along. Watching people tentatively pick up the pen, then relax into it, reminded me how powerful hands-on making can be. Sometimes all it takes is a little confidence to give it a go and try something new.

I was also honoured to draw the raffle (even though I very fairly didn’t pull my own number!), enjoyed a much-appreciated hot chocolate, and spent the rest of the evening chatting with so many thoughtful, creative people. Those conversations — about making, learning, and why we’re drawn to working with wood — are always what stay with me long after the tools are packed away.

Thank you to everyone at High Peak Woodturning Club for such a warm welcome, for your openness, and for making my first demo of the year such a meaningful one. The woodturning and pyrography community continues to remind me why I love sharing this craft.

If you’re part of a club, group, or creative community and would like to explore pyrography through a talk, demonstration, or hands-on workshop, I’d love to hear from you. Please feel free to get in touch via the contact page — I’m always happy to chat about bringing woodburning to new spaces.

Here’s to more quiet moments, more creativity, and many more shared sparks along the way!

With thanks to Heather Bagnall for some of these photos.