Forged in the fires of 2020

It seems like a while ago, but 2020 was a year that changed a lot of things. Lockdowns, working from home, the uncertainty and the stress. I was a frontline or ‘key’ worker during that time, working in the food retail sector and I will admit that it was a crazy time. Dealing with the long hours, the stress, the daily procedure changes and some less-than-nice customers made me rethink my position. During 2020 I rekindled my love of wood working and spent the next 3 years working as both a retail worker and a ‘maker’, but in 2023 and after 5 years of hard work, I made the decision to go it alone and work for myself.

Wood Worker or Maker?

For the sake of ease I refer to myself as a wood worker, however I tend to think of myself as a ‘Maker’. The simple fact is, well, I love making things! The problem solving, the fresh materials, the new tools, the new processes, the chance to explore and make to my heart’s content. Before retail I worked on and off as a freelance graphic designer / illustrator and before that I was forever drawing and designing, you might say that making is a part of who I am!

Every new project is an excuse to explore the world of making in my own way, so if you have a project in mind, don’t hesitate to get in touch!

But I can’t be making all the time, right? In my spare time I like to explore nature and have a deep love of Dartmoor which I have literally been exploring since before I was born!! Nothing like a good hike on the moors with the dogs to freshen the sense and give me inspiration!

And of course I have a love for all things nerdy, from the latest Marvel flick to D&D and beyond!

The Workshop

What could you create in a 11.5 sq m (124 sq ft) workshop? Certainly not enough room to craft a river table, that’s for sure! While I don’t have a lot of room, I make do with what space I have and it does not stop me from making wonderful things…or buying new tools and desperately trying to find room for them all! But despite the lack of space, the tumble dryer rumbling in the background, the occasional head bump and the odd yoga poses needed to navigate it, this workshop is mine and I love it!!

Here at TJG Design I do everything in my power to use sustainable wood, from FSC sources and try to create products that truly last. I even reuse packaging material for shipping and encourage my customers to reuse and recycle where they can!