Friends of STEC

As we move into week three of our successful pyrography course, we took a closer look at the differences between the Ball Tip, Looped Tip, Spear Tip, and Curved Shader nibs.

Working on card made the task more challenging, as the surface demands greater control and sensitivity, yet everyone rose to the task with real focus and creativity.

The results were impressive, and the reflections shared afterwards were thoughtful, positive, and showed genuine progress in technique and confidence.

Well done, everyone — excellent work all round.

A scorching start to Week 2 of our Pyrography course, but the heat didn’t slow us down. We opened the session by diving into colour theory, exploring the colour wheel in depth—primary, secondary and tertiary colours—before moving into hues, tints and shades. From there, we examined analogous pairs and split‑complementary schemes, building a solid foundation for understanding how colour can enhance pyrography work.

As we moved into the morning’s practical session, the focus shifted to Health & Safety and the correct assembly and disassembly of the pyrography combination pen sets. Everyone had the chance to handle the tools directly, experimenting with the loop‑tipped nib, the ballpoint nib and a variety of shader tips to get a feel for how each one behaves on the surface.

It turned into a fantastic hands‑on session—impressive progress for only Week 2, and the group is already showing great confidence and curiosity. The momentum is definitely building.

What an amazing day we all had during our first immersive visit to Speke Hall. We began the morning at STEC, planning out the day and getting hands-on experience with the walkie‑talkies, which added a fun and professional touch to the adventure.

A highlight of the day was the timed maze challenge—huge congratulations to Christine and Miriam, who completed it with an impressive time of 3 minutes and 22 seconds. A brilliant effort.
We enjoyed peaceful walks around the beautiful grounds, taking in the scenery and the atmosphere, followed by a fascinating and informative tour inside the house itself. The history, stories, and insights made the visit truly memorable.

A heartfelt thank you to all the wonderful staff and volunteers at Speke Hall for their warm welcome, knowledge, and enthusiasm. They helped make the day something special for everyone.

As our popular Build Your Confidence course—written and delivered by our very own talented Roz—comes to a close, we want to congratulate everyone on their fantastic achievements.

Week 10 — Pyrography

Week 10 isn’t just the end of the course — it’s the moment everything clicks into place. After weeks of building technique, refining control, and learning how to let the tool become an extension of your hand, this final stretch is where the craft truly becomes yours.

If Week 9 was the turning point, Week 10 is the confirmation. The Jewellery Box Challenge moves into its second and final phase, and suddenly the project stops feeling like an assignment and starts feeling like a signature piece. Every burn mark, every curve, every shaded detail carries the confidence you’ve earned through repetition and resilience.

This week is about more than finishing a box. It’s about stepping back and realising you can now create something polished, intentional, and unmistakably *yours*.

The work looks good — genuinely good — and not by accident. It’s the result of ten weeks of showing up, pushing through the tricky bits, and trusting the process. Now you get to enjoy the payoff.

Pyrography week 9 marks a real turning point — the moment when all the practice, patience, and steady hand‑work finally comes together. Part 1 of 2, the Jewellery Box Challenge isn’t just another project; it’s the first piece that feels like a true showcase of skill, style, and confidence. And honestly, things are looking great.

Our new Well‑Being Passport continues to be a treasured part of our learners’ journey. It’s been inspiring to see their confidence grow with each session, and the sense of pride they’re building along the way.

This morning’s learner‑choice session was a perfect reminder of what happens when creativity and calm come together. With Pyrography and Glass Engraving on offer, the atmosphere was peaceful, focused, and deeply relaxing.

Pyrography at STEC — week 8, and the momentum just keeps building.

The progress this week isn’t just noticeable — it’s undeniable. The group’s control, creativity, and confidence have all sharpened, and the results are getting better with every session. Lines are cleaner, shading is more intentional, and everyone’s personal style is becoming even more defined. There’s a real sense of mastery beginning to emerge, and the pieces coming out of the room would’ve felt ambitious only a few weeks ago. It’s inspiring to watch the craft deepen and the artwork level up so quickly.

The Carmichael family is deeply saddened to announce that John Carmichael sadly passed away on 20th March from a heart attack. As many of you will know John had a massive heart attack approximately 9 years ago but thanks to LHCH who worked through out the night to save him, we got to have him in our lives for another 9 years. John didn’t let this stop him and he made each and every one of those days count, spending time with his much loved family and friends and travelling the world.
His Funeral will take place on 15th April at 1.30pm at Springwood Crematorium Rosemary Chapel, and everyone is welcome to attend.
The family have asked that instead of flowers that a donation is made to Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital Charity in his memory. Donations can be made at the funeral or via a Just Giving page that has been set up in his memory.
https://www.justgiving.com/page/karen-carmichael-1...