Hi everyone, l saw a post on another thread from Elliekate that she is learning a new skill of calligraphy. That's prompted me to begin a new thread entitled New Skills, Elliekate is learning one every month. I'll be happy beginning and mastering the basics of one every year but maybe given my bone marrow cancer diagnosis, I'll try to learn the basics of one every 6 months. I've been diagnosed now almost 8 years so wish I'd started earlier!
I'm going to learn willow weaving, I planted 1500 willow trees for 5 or so years until my back gave up 7 years ago. I hope to harvest the trees from now for fuel for my wood burning boiler stove that will do my central heating once I dry the wood.
1500 trees gives me more branches that I'll need and I now have some willow whips that are different colours for making baskets etc. I'm not what you would call arty but I can follow instructions in 3 or 4 books I have on the subject.
Anyone else started a new skill lately or have I sparked any interest and inspired anyone?
I made a few of these 3 or 4 years ago. Never did woodworking in my life, put a few shelves up and put skirting up but never actually made anything. Proud of them I am, Mrs Tvman did the paintwork.
Take care everyone
Tvman xx
Hi
I started Pyrography a little while ago, It's more commonly done on wood but i do it on leather which is harder.
Looking forward to seeing your willow baskets.
Cat
Hi Shadders , what a great choice of new skill. My wife will be retiring this year and she's very interested in pottery. She's been to a couple of day courses and she's so proud of the things she has made. She never misses a programme of The big throw down on TV.
Hope you get great pleasure from learning your new skill 
Tvman xx
