A slightly quiet time in the workshop over January has resulted in a new set of Plane Structure branded skates.

I’ve been producing a slightly out of the ordinary plinth. It’s a powder coated steel base with a rusted steel top. A bit of research followed by a visit to just 6 different pharmacies and you can produce near instant deep rust. The reaction needs a bit of heat which is in rather short supply in my workshop at the moment, hence the heaters in the spray room.

Some shelves for the office of Birmingham based designers Substrakt. They’re of steel construction with reclaimed timber shelves and a really nice ‘X’ of flat steel bar across the back. So far just the ends are made but they’re looking lovely.

We’ve been working on the fitting out of a dance school in Minerva Works, Digbeth. It’s very conveniently right next to my workshop so has been a pleasure to work on. I’ve been insulating party walls for sound, builing stud partitions and installing lots of plate glass panels. Just the entrance vestibule and services cupboards to go.

I visited rural Worcestershire today to collect some green ash. A first attempt at splitting logs, with some assistance from Matt Cox, was a very satisfying experience.