Before eventially moving to Ireland, we spent 3 years in Finistere France Renovating a rural farmhouse, running a gite an d starting a gardening business. Before that we had made the long move to The Highlands of Scotland from the south coast of England. Our journey started in the South Western counties of England, gaining valuable experience from our work on mixed organic farms with the ethos of
following the highest standards of organic practice, protecting and conserving the environment and wildlife. Lea was a maintenance/handy person with responsibilities varying from the building of the livestock housing and buildings to tending the calves, pigs, goats, horses and chickens to the daily upkeep of the farms. Steve took charge of the organic soap and natural beauty business at Trill farm, a 300 acre organic farm with a wealth of traditional and diverse farming and education practices. We carried the conservational ethos onto our own farm in Devon, enhancing and expanding the natural wildlife habitats, growing beautiful organic meadow hay and creating a small native woodland, an hugely rewarding and satisfying lifestyle, which gave us many incredible experiences. We then lived on the Northern most coast of sunny Scotland, we had a small croft and tried our best to live naturally and sustainably. We very much enjoy creating useful and beautiful items from the natural materials around us. Our favourite material to work with is wood - from seed and throughout its life to ash and decay. We try to keep the original beauty of the natural material, which shows its unique history. We are currently working on our Natural handmade wooden buttons, key rings' and coasters. We choose, cut, shape, sand, wax and drill each item by hand. Being natural no two items although similar, will be identical - they are unique. We then present our buttons on a handmade backing with a whittled stick and string to hang. As well as looking very decorative, we find that it is very useful to be able to hang the buttons in your craft space where you will be able to find them when needed. They could be presented as a gift to anyone who enjoys crafting. The backing can also be re-used, maybe to hang earrings or even more buttons? And then it’s down to you to finish the story, whether they become a fastening on a handmade cardigan, a new embellishment for a favourite cushion, bag, quilt or curtain. They will serve as a reminder that the tree and nature is incredible. Each Tree species according to Folklore, Celtic and Pagan beliefs has its own essence and identity. See our Folklore page for further details of this. Whatever their destiny we always love to see pictures of where they end up…….. Along with getting The Woodlife Way up and running we spent a year renovating a, long-term empty crofters cottage into a comfortable welcoming home. Where we were lucky enough to have views of the (often snow capped) mountains, the sea, often seals and occasionally dolphins and eagles from most windows. We started our holiday accommodation, bed and breakfast adventure. Please also check out our website http://www.thewoodlifeway.com
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