David Connelly, Musician, Artist, designer from Edinburgh Scotland

Custom Made 17th Century, (appearance) box

This box was crafted from the timbers of an 1840s church organ from Central Scotland and is a piece that carries a rich history, both in terms of the materials it´s made from and the craftsmanship that went into its creation. The timbers themselves, once part of the great organ pipes and resonating chambers of a church, now serve a quieter, more intimate purpose, and the box bears the echoes of that former life in its form and character.

The timbers were carefully salvaged, their grains and textures still bearing the marks of the centuries they´ve endured. Though the wood is now repurposed, it tells the story of the organ´s once vibrant role in church ceremonies and the reverberations of the sacred spaces. The timbers The original, deep patina worn and weathered by time is retained as much as possible, even after they were planed and cut. The process of aging the wood once again, through subtle techniques including controlled exposure to heat and humidity, ensured that the box has the appearance of something far older than its years. The box measures a compact 12 inches by 12 inches by 5 inches, a neat, square form that feels both substantial and purposeful, yet small enough to hold in the hands.

The most distinct feature of the box is the engraving, a simple but elegant marking that denotes the owner´s initials and year of birth. The engraving is intentionally less than ornate suggesting a personal connection to the box rather than a grand statement of ownership. The style of the lettering is understated a slightly italicized serif font, that reflects the aesthetic of the mid-17th to 18th century. The engraving is weathered, to give the appearance of having aged naturally along with the wood. The surface of the box is textured and varied, with streaks of grain that run like ancient veins through the wood. A patina of age rests gently on its surfaces, a subtle warm amber glow deepens in certain areas where the wood has received more handling or exposure. The overall feel of the box is one of nostalgia, of quiet reverence for the passage of time. It looks like something that has lived through generations, carrying its own small history within it.

Custom Dungeons and Dragons Charcuterie Board

This Olivewood and resin custom made Dungeons and Dragons Charcuterie Board was a testement to patience. The wood held lots and lots of air. The process of bursting bubbles with a small flame is usually based on a check every 30 minutes basis, but this board appeared to have a life of its own. Checks had to be made every 5 minutes for about 3 hours or so then every 15 minutes over the next 4 hours with similar pace during the next three layers of resin. Got there though.

These custom crafted Charcuterie Boards are made from Olive wood and resin and where possible from recycled materials. The board is treated with food-safe oil to protect it. Wood is by nature porous and will however take on water if left wet or immersed in water for prolonged periods which may cause discolouration and swelling. To avoid this, when cleaning please clean with a damp cloth and then tamp dry with a towel or cloth.

Upcycled Custom Bathroom Vanity Unit

The upcycled antique dresser turned bathroom vanity unit blends the opulence and craftsmanship of a bygone era with the practical needs of a modern bathroom. The result is a unique, eye-catching piece that serves as a focal point, combining history and contemporary function seamlessly.

Custom Loom

This sturdy oak loom stands on four adjustable feet, allowing the weaver to set it at the perfect height. Its side frames were crafted from solid oak spars solidly joined together. It has solid smooth brass fittings to allow the material used to flow naturally. There is also a brass thread tie on the loom to allow ease of attachment when starting to thread. The brass fittings as well as practical give the piece a decorative and practical touch with their warm, glowing hue.

The wooden heddle bar spans the width of the loom, with a double row of string heddle grooves. The heddle bar is used to create the shed - the opening between upper and lower warp threads where the weft thread could be passed through. The angled sides of the heddle bar allow the weaver to lift and lower the threads by turning the bar. To keep the warp threads evenly spaced and free of tangles, the supplied hand-made wooden/recycled plastic weaving comb can be slid into place. A functional accessory with long tapered teeth to guide the threads and pack down the weft after each pass of the shuttle. A wooden shuttle is also supplied.

Once threaded, the loom is ready for the shuttle full of weft thread to pull the weft through the shed. This essential tool saves much time and frustration. With its solid construction and accents of warm brass, this oak loom was built to enable the weaver to produce hand-woven fabric. Its craftsmanship and functionality make it a treasure for any weaver.

The approximate size of the loom is,
Outside Length − 56cm. Outside Width − 46cm. Height − 19cm depending on the feet adjustment. Weaving area − 43cm x 25cm

Whisky Diffuser

This Whisky Diffuser is made from a beautiful hard wood called Lignum Vitae. Oak or other wood chips are placed within the mesh area and lit. The lid is put on and the diffuser sat on top of a glass of whisky. The smoke from the chips infuses into the whisky giving that wonderful smokey flavour.

Bespoke Tree Root Table

For me, fallen trees are a deight to find. I sourced this root around 2010 and dried it over several years to be able to work on it. Once dry it was thoroughly cleand, flattened, stableised then hand crafted and waxed. This magnificent tree root table lends a charming aspect to any room. It is trully unique. A beautiful clear waxed finish completes the look of this imposing piece of occasional furniture. Ethically sourced fair trade re-cycled tree root table. This is hand crafted so sizes are approximate.

Seascape Charcuterie Board

This Olivewood and resin Charcuterie board was made for a friend. It is slightly larger than my usual boards therefor had to be completed entirely by hand, which is actually a very nice way to work

Bespoke HiFi Unit

When you want to make sure that your HiFi Unit not only looks great but deliveres a solid performance. Based on an award winning design, this Oak, Birch Ply, Bamboo and Brass design was specifically made to the size and spec of the HiFi Owner. Its modular design made assembly and transport easy. It is fitted with mini isolation gel pads designed to decouple the framework from the supported panels.

Each module is isolated from the next via four adjustable 28mm Golden Plated Brass Copper Zinc Alloy HiFi Spikes. The deck is situated upon solid bamboo support panels with ball bearing tracks for ease of movement which helps to further dissipate sonic resonance.

Bespoke Laptop Board

A Special request for this computer components laptop board made from Olivewood, resin and of course computer components. Slightly larger make than the usual boards.

Bespoke Yew wood Clock

Some years ago I managed to obtain a fairly large pice of yew wood which dried and then milled. I had two pieces left. This silent clock was made for a friends Studio/meditation room. I liked the warmth of the wood and the grain.

Bespoke Laburnum Light Pull

Laburnum is a beautiful wood which can be highly polished. This lightpull was made as a present for a friend. It has been oiled but not polished but still looks beautiful.

Cigar/Wine Box Guitar

The cigar box guitar is a simple chordophone that uses an empty cigar box as a resonator. The earliest had one or two strings; modern models typically have three or more. Generally, the strings are connected to the end of a broomstick or a 1 x 2 inch wood slat and to the cigar box resonator. Trace evidence of cigar box instruments exists from 1840 to the 1860s. The earliest known illustration of a cigar box instrument is an etching copyrighted in 1876 of two American Civil War soldiers at a campsite, one of whom is playing a cigar box fiddle. The etching was created by illustrator and artist Edwin Forbes.

This Wine Box Guitar is fashioned using the same principal. The body made from a Mather Teresina wine box, the neck from a piece of lumber which was lying in the shed. It has metal covers over the sound holes, more for the asthetic value than sound quality, three old machine heads and three strings, tuned to D,A,D. It sounds beautiful when played with a slide.

Bespoke Whisky Chair

A bespoke Whisky chair and foot stool made from high grade barrels which have been sourced from Scottish Distilleries.
The barrels each have a unique character, which are different due to the individual distillery maturing processes.
Each effectively has its own aroma depending on which barrel/cask was used.
Some of the barrels/casks have a long history of maturing whisky which has defined their character. These barrels are beautifully aged by the end of their distilling life. Thereafter loving made into bespoke furniture.

Bespoke Whisky Stave Lamp

A bespoke Whisky stave Lamp. Made from high grade barrels which have been sourced from Scottish Distilleries.
The barrels each have a unique character, which are different due to the individual distillery maturing processes.
Each effectively has its own aroma depending on which barrel/cask was used.
Some of the barrels/casks have a long history of maturing whisky which has defined their character. These barrels are beautifully aged by the end of their distilling life. Thereafter loving made into bespoke furniture.
This lamp is of the Edison type giving a tadional look.

Bespoke Burl Edison Lamp

Burrs or Burls are a natural part of any old tree. A distorde growth which, when cut from a fallen tree, dried and properly crafted, shows the natural beauty of the wood. This ethically sourced, hand crafted burl Edison type lamp would be a beautiful addition to any room. Each lamp is trully unique. A beautiful clear waxed finish completes the look of this imposing piece of occasional furniture. This is hand crafted so sizes are approximate.

Olivewood Charcuterie Board − Green

Charcuterie is the culinary art of preparing meat products such as bacon, salami, ham, sausage, terrines, galantines, ballotines, pates, and confit. As well as the vegetarian/Vegan equivalents. The board is for displaying and serving the cold food and is not a chopping board.

Ukelele Stand

Made from Spalted Elm and steel with foam to protect the instruments. This stand seats 5 Ukeleles or other small instruments

Rough Edged T Light Holder

Made from live or rough edged spalted Elm, This was a special make for a client who needed a gift for a loved one

Bespoke Whisky Stave Lamp

Another bespoke Whisky stave Lamp. Made from high grade barrels which have been sourced from Scottish Distilleries.
The barrels each have a unique character, which are different due to the individual distillery maturing processes.
Each effectively has its own aroma depending on which barrel/cask was used.
Some of the barrels/casks have a long history of maturing whisky which has defined their character. These barrels are beautifully aged by the end of their distilling life. Thereafter loving made into bespoke furniture.
This lamp is of the Edison type giving a tadional look. The shade was later changed for one more fitting the period.

Bespoke Intergallactic Piece

Made for a film enthusiast from Olivewood, resin and plastic models.

Commemorative Baton Stand

Made to hold the baton as a gift for a very special ocassion

Elm and Mild Steel Projector Stand

When you just have to have your favourite movie projected onto the biggest wall in your home and have nowhere to place the projector. Made to exact specs for a film lover. Beautiful Elm Wood and Mild Steel construction.

Zero Waste Keyrings

I make these from any leftover cut-offs, whether it be whisky staves or exotic hard woods. I hate waste and these can be quite beautiful.

Olivewood Charcuterie Board − Blue 1

In The Making − Burr Elm Bowl

This is a piece from quite a few years ago. I thought that showing it prior to finish may give insight into the making of these pieces. This is Rough or live edged elm. cut to size, then turned on a lathe. Thereafter polished or oiled depending on the wood.

Whisky Glass Coaster

Made from 100 year old whisky staves from the central Scotland area. These make a fine place to rest your glass between drams

Live Edged Elm Bowl

Made from a large slab of live or rough edged elm which was dried for several years then cut into manageable sizes for these pieces, then turned on a lathe and oiled or polished

Live Edged Elm T Light Holder

Made from a large slab of live or rough edged elm which was dried for several years then cut into manageable sizes for these pieces, then turned on a lathe and oiled or polished

Space fighters − Olive wood and resin Carcuterie Board

When you just can enough of your favourite series and you have food to serve. Made for a film enthusiast from Olivewood, resin and plastic models.

Whisky Glass Coasters

Made from 100 year old whisky staves from the central Scotland area. Depending on the size and shape of the whisky staves available the amount of spaces for glasses varies. These make a fine place to rest your glass between drams

Olivewood Charcuterie Board − Blue

Burr Elm Bowl

This Burr Live Edge Bowl was one of six made from an ethically soursed 4m Elm slab. One of the edges was so beautifully gnarled that it had to be made into several items so that many people could enjoy the look and feel of it. The remainder of the slab was used in other projects.

Lignum Vitae Gavel Set

Every Chairperson should have one. This set is made from Lignum Vitae, a very solid and beautifully patterened wood.

Tigerwood Bowl

This tigerwood bowl was made as a collection pate for a church. The striations in the wood make beautiful patterns.

Olivewood Charcuterie Board − Green

Your custom Charcuterie Board is made from Olive wood and resin and where possible from recycled materials. The board is treated with food-safe oil to protect it. Wood is by nature porous and will however take on water if left wet or immersed in water for prolonged periods which may cause discolouration and swelling. To avoid this, when cleaning please clean with a damp cloth and then tamp dry with a towel or cloth.

Selection of bespoke Hand turned Safety Razors

Help to save the planet by switching to a classic shaving experience with the recycled wood, double edge safety razor. Hand crafting the handles of these beautiful pieces from mostly recycled hardwoods and some softer woods. Unlike disposable plastic razors this safety razor is made to last, you just change the blades and keep the razor. The safety razor provides a close shave for any gender. These are a reusable alternative to disposable razors and the blades are recyclable

Care of Shaving Kit.
Wood is by nature porous and will take on water.
The shaving kits have been sealed but prolonged immersion in water may discolour and swell the wood.
After shaving please;
Rinse with warm water then,
Shake out the brush and tamp dry with a cloth
Shake the razor and tamp dry with a cloth.
In the event that the stand gets wet, tamp dry with a cloth.
How to change the blade:
Click Here

Selection of bespoke, hand turned Shaving and Makeup brushes

Keep on saving the planet by switching to a classic shaving experience with the recycled wood, shaving or Makeup Brush. These hand crafted handles are beautiful pieces from mostly recycled hardwoods and some softer woods. Unlike plastic brushed these brushes are made to last.

Shaving Set 1

This classic shaving set comprises of the bespoke, double edged safety razor, stand and brush. The handles of these beautiful pieces from mostly recycled hardwoods and some softer woods are hand crafted to bring the best out in the wood. Unlike disposable plastic razors this set is made to last, you just change the razor blades and keep the razor. The safety razor provides a close shave for any gender. These are a reusable alternative to disposable razors and the blades are recyclable

Shaving Set 2

Shaving Stand 1

This classic shaving stand can house a double edged safety razor and brush. The handles of these beautiful pieces from mostly recycled hardwoods and some softer woods are hand crafted to bring the best out in the wood. Unlike disposable plastic or metal stands this stand is made to last.

Shaving Stand 2

Custom Laburnum Brush

A bespoke, hand turned Shaving brushe

Made for a descerning client. This classic style shaving brush made from ethically sourced Laburnum wood, dried and crafted to show the beauty of the wood. Unlike plastic brushed these brushes are made to last.

Care of Brushes.
Wood is by nature porous and will take on water.
The brush handles have been sealed but prolonged immersion in water may discolour and swell the wood.
After using the brush please;
Rinse with warm water then,
Shake out the brush and tamp dry with a cloth

Bespoke Laburnum Box

Laburnum is a particularly beautiful wood. This ethically sourced trinket box was made from a fallen Laburnum tree in my garden. I cut it and dried the wood over a couple of years before hand crafting the box as a demo piece for one of my wood turning copurses. The waxed polish shows the natural beauty of the wood.

Bespoke Live Edged Cue Holder

For a keen Snooker and Pool playing Client. This live edged Pool / Snooker Cue holder was made from ethically sourced wood from a local forest. The wood was dried over a few years then crafted to the requirements of the client. The two inserted photographs show the top and bottom sections.

Lignum Vitae Shaving Bowl

This shaving soap bowl is made from Lignum Vitae, a beautifully hard wood which has been in the past used for ships propellor shafts and laterrally bowling balls.

Craft Fair set up

This was one of our tables in a local craft fair in East Lothian. It shows a variety of our crafted work

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