Hugh Leishman

Favourite Tools #1

2012-02-27T16:31:00.001Z

I've always been fascinated by hand tools. I'm not a tool collector, in my workshop I use tools everyday and I only buy tools that I need. Some tools are beautiful and expensive, while some are cheap and basic. But what links all the good ones that they work very well, they are a joy to use and they make working a much more pleasurable experience. For my first "favourite tool" I have chosen a set of 3 inexpensive plastic breadmaking scrapers.

Before I resumed breadmaking again (after a short break of 25 years) I decided I had to get hold of some scrapers to help me control the dough. I'd seen people using them on cookery programmes. My memory of the initial mixing of the flour and water together was that it could be a sticky and very messy business! These three tools have made bread making a much more controlled and enjoyable experience. They are very simple but each of them performs a specific task.

The kidney shaped scraper is the most pliable- the soft curved shape designed for cleaning the mixing bowl. It wouldn't be out of place in a pottery workshop.

The middle one is less flexible - used for scraping the work surface and cleaning up. This one would could be used for decorating.

The third one is a rigid dough knife (known by bakers as a" Scotsman") used for portioning out the dough prior to baking. It has a handle /grip made from a tube moulded on the top edge of the blade - it gives rigidity to the blade. A very simple and elegant design.

Brilliant tools and cheap!

They are available from Bakery Bits of Honiton.

Meanwhile the bread making continues apace.

Orkney

2012-02-11T14:46:00.000Z

These photographs were taken by our friend Ron Barret. Ron takes some great images of Orkney - here's a couple from his last visit in 2011.

This is the interior of Kirbuster Farm Museum .

An Orkney road.

Stage Fright

2012-02-05T15:57:00.000Z

I took these photos on a visit to London last Spring.
The Geffrey Museum is one of the best small museums in London.
The collection is housed in a 17th century almshouse and it has a modern gallery extension. The museum specialises in the history of domestic design and aspects of contemporary life and design - It is "The Museum of the Home".

The Auricula Theatre was in the museum gardens - I thought it was an intriguing object. I liked the idea so much that I decided to make a scaled down version to display my smaller, more delicate work.

100% Handmade - a designer/maker fair

2011-11-22T16:36:00.001Z

This weekend on Saturday, 26th November I will be at the
100% Handmade Fair at Riddings Hall, Christchurch in Ilkley. It runs from 10.30 am - 4.00 pm.

Christmas is coming - but not just yet!

Headingley Part 2

2011-11-16T12:58:00.001Z

The Headingley Arts Trail was a very well attended event. I only had time to visit one the other houses showing work. But the impression I got, from people passing through our house, was that the standard of work on show in the Trail was both high quality and interesting. It was evident how much people like to meet and talk to makers in a relaxed and informal setting.
A great weekend!

Headingley Arts Trail 2011

2011-11-11T09:05:00.001Z

This weekend the Headingley Arts Trail is taking place between 10 am-4.00 pm on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th November.
Lots of local artist and makers will be displaying their work and meeting the public. I'm delighted to be taking part in this event and I am to be found at -
5 Victoria Terrace,
Headingley.
(Number Four in the Trail)

Hope to see you there!

Gibson Mill Autumn Craft Fair

2011-10-27T09:44:00.000+01:00

This coming weekend I will be at Gibson Mill Autumn Craft Fair. The Fair takes place on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th October between 11:00 am-3:00 pm. I'm very much looking forward to the event - I will meet old friends and, hopefully, make some new ones!
Unfortunately, because of a prior engagement, I will only be present on the Saturday.

Gibson Mill is a National Trust property set in a wonderful location. It's a very friendly place and well worth a visit!

Autumn

2011-10-17T15:57:00.000+01:00

Breadmaking

2011-09-21T15:09:00.002+01:00

Over the last couple of years I've made (and sold) quite a few bread making bowls. It was Jon, my son-in-law, who gave me the idea of making the bowls and who inspired me, after a thirty year break, to start bread making again.

With the help of my trusty River Cottage Handbook No. 3, I've just made some wholegrain spelt loaves.

Phil Bradley

2011-09-12T09:11:00.001+01:00

Phil Bradley is a basket maker and willow grower who lives in Cumbria. I met him a few months ago at the RHS Harlow Carr Gardens.

He is very skilled and makes lovely baskets....and I bought one!

At the Makers Fair

2011-09-11T14:17:00.000+01:00

The set-up....

Saltaire Festival Arts Trail Special - Autumn 2011

2011-09-02T09:21:00.000+01:00

The Saltaire Arts Trail is holding a one day event - the Makers Fair Festival Special - as part of the Saltaire Festival.

The Makers Fair is always a great event - hope to see you there!