About Us
Who We Are
Leavesbud Woodcraftsman: Shaping the Soul of Wood with Your Hands.In the world of wood, there is a group of artists who work quietly, they are the wood craftsmen of leavesbud. Every leavesbud wood craftsman has a deep love and reverence for wood. They are not only craftsmen, but also wood friends, able to listen to the sound of wood and understand the story contained in the texture of wood. They are extremely strict in their selection of wood, choosing only the best quality logs with the highest potential. Whether it is fine-grained hardwood or soft cork, in their eyes are treasures waiting to be awakened. Virtuosity is their hallmark. From traditional woodworking tools to modern precision instruments, they can be skillfully used. Every time they cut, carve and polish, they poured all their attention and enthusiasm. Their hands seem to possess magic, able to gradually transform an ordinary piece of wood into a fine work of art. Innovation and inheritance are perfectly integrated in them. While respecting traditional woodworking techniques and culture, they are constantly exploring new design concepts and production methods. They dare to challenge themselves and think outside the box to create amazing wooden pieces.
In tandem with recently setting up a new workshop, and a desire to work on a smaller scale the focus of my practice has moved towards the design and making of functional woodenware. Simple and beautiful handcrafted wooden objects designed and made for use in the home.
I am usually involved in felling extracting and converting the timber myself; such a holistic approach gives a deeply meaningful connection to where I live and the material I work with.Inspired by craft traditions and wood cultures from around the world, my work champions the use of locally grown timber and seeks to give pleasure and meaning through a direct connection with the natural world and the hand of the maker.
Product Care
Woodenware is made to be used. Properly cared for it will develop a beautiful natural patina over time and should give many years of service. Items should be hand washed in warm soapy water and left to dry over draining board. Woodenware should not be left to soak and should not go in the dishwasher!
Many of the pieces I make are finished with food grade oils/waxes which harden and cure to seal and protect the wood. To revive and freshen up the wood an occasional wipe of any suitable food safe oil can be applied. Wood is fickle by nature, and is very susceptible to moisture changes within the environment. Ideally woodenware should be used regularly and extreme environmental moisture variations should be avoided.
Urushi Lacquer
The use of urushi lacquer has a history reaching back over eight thousand years in Asia. It is a remarkable natural finish that is extremely hard wearing and offers an almost infinitive variety of possibilities, in terms of the kinds of decorative finish that can be achieved. Cured urushi can withstand temperatures of over 300 degrees Celcius. It is resistant to alkali, acids, and alcohol. It is also resistant to mould and mildew growth. Long term exposure to strong UV light can cause a degradation of lacquered surfaces and the lustre of the finish. It is advisable to keep lacquerware away from strong sunlight for long periods.
Urushi comes from the sap of the lacquer tree (toxicodendron vernicifluum), which is in the same family as poison oak and Ivy. The sap contains a compound (urushiol) which polymerizes to form a hard surface when exposed to high humidity and warmth. The one caveat with this remarkable natural finish is that contact with the uncured urushi can cause urushiol induced contact dermatitis. Once cured in a carefully controlled environment, the lacquer becomes inert. In very rare cases with people who are particularly sensitive to urushiol, a mild rash can develop from this finish.
As with other woodenware, lacquerware can be washed in warm soapy water with a soft sponge or cloth and should not be left to soak for long periods. Boiling water should not be poured directly in to lacquerware. Strong direct sunlight should also be avoided. It should also be noted that metal utensils will scratch the lacquered surface.