This strong handcrafted hair pin is made from Beech, Purpleheart, Oak and European Walnut wood. The main length of the pin is made of pale flecked beech that meets the deep purple brown hue of Purpleheart wood. A small band of English Oak then meets the final Walnut wood top with dark flecked patterns on a lighter background .  This is a really unusual design and one I hope to continue to explore. The thickness of the pin and the use of Beech make for a very strong pin that can handle the toughest of hair styles.

European Beech is commonly found across Europe and western Asia. It has been used for centuries in furniture making and for building musical instruments. This piece was left over from reclaimed planks that I used to build my workshop bench. Research has revealed that Beech trees prefer the company of other beech trees and often fuse their root systems together to equalise their photosynthesis. In this way the trees can share immunity and strength.

Purpleheart is a very strong wood from south America. This piece was left over from a local carpentry workshop. It is one of my favourite woods to work with.

The mighty Oak is widespread throughout the British Isles and part of the ‘Sacred Triad’ of Oak, Ash and Thorn, and the Irish ‘Seven Noble Trees’.  It has long been thought of as the King of the Woods. The tree of endurance, strength and triumph. The adjective 'durable' comes from the ancient celtic name for the oak - Duir. As the month of Duir has the summer solstice in it, the Oak is a powerful symbol and deeply connected to the summer solstice.  The word "Duir" comes from the Sanskrit "Dwr" which means "Door". It is the door to the three worlds of the Shaman.

European Walnut grows in south west Asia, Turkey and Europe. It has been used for many years in cabinet work and marquetry and provides some pretty tasty nuts.  The wood to make this hair fork came from a very old tree in Bath that was cut down due to disease and rot.  Many were sad to see it go. A tree surgeon friend kindly gave me some pieces that were destined to be burnt or thrown away in an effort to honour the life of such a Great tree.

Measurements:

15.5 cm Long

1.8 cm Wide

This pin is finished with Nutshell wax.  The product is eco friendly and non toxic, blending selected beeswax, Larch oil and essential oils to give your hair pin years of protection.  It also uses no VOC's, formaldehyde or petrochemicals.

We are always striving to improve our processes environmentally.  Hand tools are used over power tools where possible and sanding etc. is kept to a minimum.