MAKE IT IN MARCH COMPETITION 2024
The Make It In March 2024 Competition is now closed!
Thank you to everyone who participated!
We have our Winners!
Another year, another incredible Make It In March voyage of creative discovery! Thank you to everyone who entered, we have loved seeing the huge amount of talent on display within our community.
But, our judges have decided, and the Winners are...
1st Prize - £500 Axminster Tools Gift Card
Octopus Sculpture by Jane
A tribute to the amazing octopus met during a scuba dive, this hand carved octopus has captured their beauty, shape and flow. The lovely grain of the Lime Wood complements the shape of the head beautifully.
2nd Prize - £250 Axminster Tools Gift Card
Happisburgh Lighthouse Lamp by Martyn
Inspired by coastal memories, this scaled masterpiece features segmented wood turning and three authentic Fresnel lenses. It emits a gentle beam, just like real lighthouses.
Special Recognition Award - £50
Coastal Cut Of The Dorset Coast by David
We hadn’t planned a third award, but we just couldn't let this wooden cut of the Cobb in Lyme Regis (just down the road from Axminster) go by without a mention. This piece shows the journey into woodwork by hydrographic surveyor, David, who will be using his win to purchase a much-needed bandsaw.
Thank you to everyone who entered
Remember, the competition isn’t just about winning - it’s about celebrating craftsmanship, creativity, and the joy of making.
Meet the judges
Will Reed
Will, Director and Co-Chair of Lyme Regis Boat Building and Furniture Making Academy, has extensive experience as both a furniture designer/maker and boat builder. Having started woodwork as a child, he continues to be an enthusiastic creator who brings his deep appreciation for artistry into his teaching. From an old RAF lookout post located along Lyme Regis beach, Will and a team of dedicated tutors pass on their knowledge through first-class training. Men and women of all ages and backgrounds come together in their courses. Some seek professional training, while others simply revel in the joy of working with their hands. Regardless of their motivations, they all come together to share a common passion for creating useful and beautiful things. Will’s unwavering commitment to craftsmanship enriches the learning experience and makes him a valuable asset at our Make It In March judging table.
Sarah Goss
Sarah specialises in providing bespoke hand-carved items ranging from lettering and relief decoration to architectural details and gilded frames. After completing her studies in Restoration and Decorative Studies, she started her own woodcarving business undertaking both traditional and modern designs. In 2013, Sarah became an INTBAU Young Practitioner. The following year, she participated in the Prince’s Foundation Building Craft Apprenticeship Programme, where she had the opportunity to study under the guidance of several master carvers. More recently, in 2022, Sarah took part in the Sky Arts program ‘The Prince’s Master Crafters’, a captivating series that celebrates Britain’s rich heritage of traditional crafts. As a mentor, she helped to guide aspiring woodcarvers on their journey to mastering the art of shaping wood into intricate and beautiful designs. Continuing her passion for sharing this time-honoured craft, Sarah provides tuition from her Somerset workshop. Sarah’s dual mastery of traditional and modern design equips our judging panel with a unique perspective.
Nathanael Griffiths
Nathanael, a talented woodturner from Chester discovered his passion for woodwork during his school days. Introduced to the lathe by his inspirational DT teacher, his passion blossomed into an art form. His impressive accolades include a string of prestigious awards including; The Guild of Master Craftsmen's, British Woodturner of the Year Competition (Young Category) in 2019; V&A Choice Award for an exhibition piece in the Master’s Exhibition category of ‘Woodturning Connect’ in October 2023. But it was his triumphant victory on Channel 4’s ‘Handmade: Britain’s Best Woodworker’ in November 2023 that truly catapulted him into the spotlight. Nathanael is a passionate woodturner whose specialty lies in creating intricate closed-segmented pieces and his keen eye and firsthand competition experience make him an insightful judge.
