Cabin: How to Build a Retreat in the Wilderness and Learn to Live With Nature

 

A new book for the discerning shedworker's bookshelf, Cabin: How to Build a Retreat in the Wilderness and Learn to Live With Nature by Will Jones, illustrated by Sarah Obtinalla, and published by Thames & Hudson. Here's what they say about it:

In 2010, journalist and author Will Jones gave up London life to move to rural Canada with his young family. His dream was to build a remote cabin in the woods that would be a silent retreat from the world. This is the story of how he created the ultimate hideaway, inspired by cabin-building practices around the world.

Throughout history, people around the world have built cabins as homes, nature-watching huts and even follies. In recent times, many have been drawn to cabin-building by a yearning to connect with nature and spend time in the wilderness. From the homes of indigenous peoples and the settlers of the New World to contemporary Nordic summer homes and artists’ retreats, the emotive lure of cabin-building shows no sign of abating. In this book, Will Jones explores the history and romance of cabin-building and delves into the architectural styles, vernacular idiosyncrasies and tools and techniques of historical and modern builders.

Weaving the personal story of his cabin build with illustrated practical know-how on everything from deciding on site and orientation, to foundations and interior design, Jones’s essential book is full of inspirational ideas. The urge to escape the city and live in nature has never been stronger. Part story, part history and part practical guide, this is the ultimate read for anyone dreaming of building a cabin of their own.

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Thursday posts are sponsored by Cabin Master: garden offices and studios to fit any size garden. Top quality contemporary or traditional buildings.

How not to buy a garden office

It's very important to buy your garden office from a reputable supplier - you are shelling out a large chunk of money so it's vital that you make sure everything is financially in order. The media has been reporting over the last few days on the case of beauty theapist Lucy Fletcher who bought a shipping container garden studio as a workplace for £3,600 from a listing on Facebook Marketplace. Not only did the lister turn out to be a conman who made off with the lot, she got rid of her previous studio to make room for the new one and so consequently has missed out on a lot of work. So if you're planning to invest in a new garden office, please do check all the bona fides and talk things through with your bank if you're not absolutely certain before transferring any money at all (in this case her bank did offer to refund half the money involved).

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SMART designs and manufactures industry leading garden rooms from our very own Suffolk factory and installed all over mainland UK

 

George Bernard Shaw's writing hut 2023 visit

The Shedworking staff made its annual pilgrimage to Shaw's Corner on the Bank Holiday to revel in the great man's writing hut. Here's a selection of images from our fun day out including of course the main attraction:

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Malvern Garden Buildings offer a premium collection of garden buildings, displayed at 11 UK showsites.

The Frankenshed wins Shed of the Year 2023

London-based artist and sign painter Archie Proudfoot has won the Cuprinol Shed of the Year 2023, the 17th iteration of the event. He was voted top of the new ‘Colourful’ category in the public vote and was then chosen by judges as this year’s overall winner.

The new categories ‘Colourful’ and ‘Simply but Effective’ were added this year to show that even in the middel of a cost-of-living crisis, small garden improvements can make a big difference to our lives.

The Frankenshed is so named as Archie “brought it back from the dead” - formerly a rotting standard shed, he rebuilt it with recycled timber, old fence posts, and a colourful pop of colour to becoming the now award-winning creative haven.

“What started as a bored attempt to save a rotten shed turned into the most elaborate and enjoyable piece of artwork I’ve ever created,” said Archie. “The Frankenshed is now a beautiful place to escape and enjoy an afternoon sketching, writing, tinkering or potting plants for the garden."

Archie takes home Cuprinol Shed of the Year’s biggest prize yet, including £1,000 in cash and £250 worth of Cuprinol products.

Founder and Head Judge of the competition, Andrew Wilcox, said: “The quality of entries in this year’s competition was incredible and the final results were tight. I’m so pleased Archie has been crowned 2023’s winner. The Frankenshed is unlike anything I have seen before in the nearly 20-years of running this competition. His artistic flair takes centre stage, but the way he transformed his sorry shed into something so elegant has to be seen to be believed.”

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Monday posts are sponsored by Garden Spaces, contemporary living spaces offering premium quality, bespoke buildings without the hefty price tag.

 

Ruth Singer: shedworker

Leicester-based shedworking artist and maker Ruth Singer has a new exhibition currently on show called Material Evidence, a display of her recent work in her garden studio (pictured above) in Loughborough in conjunciton with invited artist Kathryn Parsons. Here's what she says about it:

Both artists have a research-led practice and often explore related topics including history and landscape. Ruth will be showing recent work including Blossom & Thorn, a hedgerow homage, fresh from it’s hedge-display at Timber Festival. She will also share other work made since 2020 which has research at its core around themes of care and discovery.

Kathryn uses a diverse range of materials to share true stories of place, people, history and nature. Many relate to her current residency with Langdyke Countryside Trust and an ancient, long-forgotten meadow now home to rare moths and wildflowers.

It runs until August 20 - check details for opening hours and address via the top link above, plus there is an artist walk with Ruth on August 17 and a workshop with her on August 12. 

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Monday posts are sponsored by Garden Spaces, contemporary living spaces offering premium quality, bespoke buildings without the hefty price tag.