The shed has been busy lately.
Between sketchbooks, workshop projects, new tools and preparations for Christmas craft fairs, there’s been a lot happening over the last few weeks.
I thought I’d share a few of the things I’ve been making, testing and learning along the way.
Back to Sketching
My Drawing is Free group took a break over the summer, and I genuinely missed it.
I’ve been attending for a few years now, and it’s one of those rare things that quietly improves the way you see the world.
Sketching has definitely made me more observant — not just in drawing, but in making things too.
It’s a brilliant group full of encouraging people, and it always pushes me creatively.
A Day Sketching in Fortrose
I also headed up to Inverness recently to join the Blackisle Sketchers in Fortrose. We met among the red sandstone ruins of Fortrose Cathedral, each choosing our own viewpoint to sketch from.
Afterwards, we escaped the cold with hot chocolate in a local café, talking about sketchbooks, pens and creative projects.
It was one of those simple days that leaves you feeling inspired for weeks afterwards.
Back in the Shed
After the sketchbooks and sketching trips, it was back into the workshop.
Handmade Robin Redbreasts
Back in the shed, I’ve been building a new batch of my Robin Redbreasts mounted on reclaimed fork handles.
I originally spotted the idea on Etsy, but wanted to make something more rustic and workshop-made.
Each robin is hand cut, sanded and painted before being mounted onto a shaped wooden fork handle.
After varnishing them, the grain in the timber really came alive.
I’ve now made around 20 of them ready for the winter craft fairs.
To finish them off, I’m planning to add little wooden tags, engraved with the phrase “When robins appear, loved ones are near.” They’ll be tied on with garden twine.
Trying Out a New Laser Engraver
To help with the tags (and other ideas!), I treated myself to a cheap laser engraver from AliExpress — £81 for a small machine with a 13 x 13 cm cut area. It’s not very powerful, but it can engrave wood and cut thin card, which opens up lots of new creative possibilities. I can’t wait to experiment.
Christmas Craft Fair Preparations
Once the robins are finished, I’ll be moving on to making 20 of my big wooden reindeer — ready for the craft fair in December. They’re always a favourite, and I’m looking forward to getting stuck into the build.
That’s the latest from me! Between sketching, meeting fellow artists, and experimenting in the shed, it’s been a busy but really rewarding few weeks.
Interested in Building Your Own?
Many of the ideas in the Udny Designs workshop begin as simple experiments using reclaimed timber, offcuts and whatever materials happen to be lying around the shed.
I’m currently exploring creative build ideas, downloadable plans and practical workshop projects inspired by handmade builds like these.
If you’d like to know more about a project, future workshop ideas or upcoming builds, feel free to get in touch.
More from the Workshop
I’d love to hear your thoughts, ideas or workshop experiences — feel free to leave a comment below.
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Callum (Sunday, 17 May 2026)
Really enjoyed this update. The combination of sketching, workshop projects and reclaimed wood ideas gives the whole post a really creative and personal feel. The robin redbreasts on the fork handles are brilliant — rustic in a good way and full of character. Looking forward to seeing the reindeer builds for the Christmas fairs too.