Handcrafted gifts
Capturing the Beauty of Natural Scotland
Based in heart of the Scottish Borders, DS Woodturning transform naturally fallen local timber into beautifully crafted wooden bowls and other custom-made pieces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
About us
David started his wood carving journey during the lockdown of 2020. Various chaotic home efforts led to him engaging in a learning workshop concentrated on turning wooden bowls. Inspired by this he purchased a lathe, the essential tools and converted half a garage into a turning room.
After more than 40 years working in the Borders textile industry and now not needing to spend so much time in the mill, he shoe-horns his logging and wood-turning time with hitting golf balls, casting flies for illusive local salmon and time with family.
Chopping Boards
by Euan Mclavy
Euan Mclavy is a time served Keeper who has come down from the hill and has worked recently in a couple of local Sawmills. Through that experience he has been inspired to delve into artistic use of the everyday raw materials. With a suite of outdoor furniture created he is now hard at work handcrafting chopping boards for all occasions. The wood locally sourced by the Findhorn is perfect for this purpose - for now we offer Beech and Elm. Other beauties to follow.
Spalted Beech Platters
by Laura Sanderson
Laura has been busy working away on a group of spalted beech which was close to going into the firewood pile - working to show the amazing patterns which are thrown up by the various fungus that fight their way through dying beechwood. She has here a collection of small platters ideal for charcuterie.
Naturally Sustainable
I predominantly use hand tools and an electric lathe to create my pieces. All the wood used is sourced locally from naturally fallen trees, often as a result of storm damage. This way I give it a new life and purpose by creating pieces with a unique character and beauty that will last for generations to come.
Burr Elm Project
David has been fortunate to have sourced a quantity of Burr Elm from which he has several characterful bowls in progress. Burr Elm is one of the rarest and most sought after woods - not only is it prized for its unique grain patterns and rich warm tones, the devastating effects of Dutch elm disease has largely wiped out Elm trees in the UK and Europe making it a finite resource. Please use our contact form if you would like to be the first to know when the finished Burr Elm bowls are available.
Commissions
Our handmade bowls are more than just functional pieces — they’re meaningful, one-of-a-kind pieces crafted with care and intention that can be used to commerorate any special event or occasion.
This specially made burr elm bowl was presented to the Captain of Old Elm Golf Club, Chicago on behalf of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers (HCEG) Muirfield when they toured to the Midwest in June this year.
Contact us
If you would like to get in touch or are interested in having a bowl made especially for you, please use our contact form and we'll get back to you as a soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you!