Dee Synnott Woodcraft
Handmade in Tipperary.
Turned bowls and cups made on a foot-powered Viking style lathe.
Hand carved spoons. Items to buy, workshops and demonstrations.
ABOUT
I make handmade wooden items turned on a foot-powered lathe, and hand carved items made with axe, knife and spoon knife. I turn and carve locally sourced wood using age-old woodworking processes.
I am Passionate about Traditional Crafts and the Natural world and am excited to share that love by teaching traditional woodcraft skills such as foot powered bowl lathe turning, hand carving vessels and spoon carving.
I am also deeply interested in opening the pathways to personal capability and adaptability through making. I love to help others explore their own creativity and their relationship with nature through craft.
My inspiration and motivation is threefold: Working on a foot-powered lathe keeps me active and deeply involves my body in the creation of these objects; wood is such a beautiful, natural material and I feel a strong connection with nature and the outdoors through working with it; sourcing freshly cut greenwood from my locality helps to build community and connection with my neighbours and the landscape.
I started this journey with the Pole-lathe that I built when I moved to the beautiful North Tipperary countryside at the end of 2017.
My background includes a fine art degree in sculpture and many years as a craftsperson working for small craft companies and a family heritage of cabinet-making. In a stressful and weird world I find that sustainable green woodwork grounds and roots me with great benefits for my mental health and wellbeing. I want to share that connection with others.
SHOP
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New Workshops added!
Spring and Summer Workshops 2025
Bowl Turning Workshop
with Dee Synnott
One-day workshops 10am-4.30pm
The Barn on Bollingbrook Hill
North TipperaryPrice: €100
Number of places: 6
One day workshops:
12 April: Book
13 April: Book
12 July: Book
Course Details
Learn how to turn wooden Bowls on a Footpowered Lathe. An ancient craft using one of the most ancient technologies and simple self made machines and tools.
We'll be aiming to make a general use bowl from locally sourced wood. Working together to spark the deep craft and love of learning that is in us all.
All tools and equipment provided as well as a tasty lunch.
Catering:
For all courses, a hearty, healthy lunch is provided (please let us know of any dietary requirements when booking), along with tea, coffee and water.
Guests should bring; a towel for mopping your brow, this can get physical!
Facilities:
Facilities include a covered workshop space in the barn, communal dining area, comfortable compost toilet, plenty of loo roll, and handwashing.
Plenty of parking.Bowl turning and carving workshop
With Dee Synnott
Two-day course 10 am Sat - 4.30pm Sun
The Barn on Bollingbrook Hill North Tipp
Price: €250
Number of places: 6
Two day workshops:
17 & 18 May: Book
14 & 15 June: Book
Course Details
Learn how to make two different types of wooden bowls. One will be turned on a foot powered lathe, the other will be hand carved using axes and adzes.
All tools and materials provided as well as a tasty lunch.
Catering:
Lunch: hearty, healthy lunch is provided (please let us know of any dietary requirements when booking), along with tea, coffee and water.
Dinner: A protein rich meal will be supplied on the Saturday evening to help repair tired muscles, please let us know if you have any dietary requirements such as allergies, veggie/vegan, coeliacs etc.
There are cooking facilities available on site for breakfast, please bring your own breakfast. Tea and coffee will be available here
Facilities:
We are hoping to have a camp fire on the Saturday night, this can be covered over should there be rain
There is plenty of camping space available, just bring a tent and bedding
If you are not up for camping, get in touch and we will see what we can do about supplying a bed
Facilities include a covered workshop space in the barn, communal dining area, comfortable compost toilets and handwashing.
Plenty of parking.
UPCOMING EVENTS
SOME OF THE EVENTS PLANNED FOR 2025
THE WEEKEND IN THE HILLS
The Weekend is one of Ireland's most wonderful Craft festivals. If you have an interest or are curious about creativity and heritage skills then you should check it out.
Dee tutors in bowl turning on footpowered lathes at the weekend.
there are so many amazing crafters and inspirational crafts to partake in, so it is well worth coming along!
The Weekend in The Hills happens three times a year at the Sliabh Aughty Centre near Loughrea Co. Galway and more information can be found about it by following this link:
May 10 + 11th
CONTACT
Get in touch to arrange private workshops, demonstrations or order bespoke pieces.
CARING FOR YOUR WOODEN ITEMS
Wood is a very different material to ceramics or plastic, and such, it has very different qualities and needs. If soaked in water, it may absorb too much and be difficult to dry it properly, if stored too close to a heat source like a radiator, it may crack. Wooden ware should not be washed in the dishwasher, the detergents and environment in the dishwashe are too harsh for wooden items.
Taking care of your woodenware
- Wash gently with warm, soapy water. (not boiling)
- Make sure it is properly dry before stacking it. (Drip and towel dry)
- Occasionally, oil the woodenware with raw food grade linseed or walnut oil, this will help the wood stay lovely for years to come.
- With use, the colour of the wood will change, and this change should be enjoyed. Woodware's ability to absorb colour creates a personal archaeology
Dee Synnott Woodcraft © 2024