Jimmy Clewes Woodturning

08/20/2026

This textured Walnut Burl bowl (15 x 4 inches) with the voids and cracks, lent itself perfectly to some copper work embellishment.
Ivy leaves, barbed wire and a butterfly.
The copper is flame and heat coloured.

07/23/2026

Whilst thumbing through my old sketch books recently, I came across a very simple sketch of a fence post that must have attracted my attention on a field trip.
This is how I have translated the sketch into 3 dimensions, wood and metal.
A simple fence post inspired lidded box, scorched and wire brushed for texture and age, with copper accents.
I have so many other ideas!

07/21/2026

Maybe 15 years ago after visiting my Mam and Dad in the UK I brought back my portfolio from university which had to be included in our final year BA (Hons) 3 D design degree show presentation which was open to the public.
It included designs with metal, woodturning and furniture that I had totally forgotten about!
I picked out a few drawings and paintings that were in the portfolio, as a few people have asked about my degree and foundation course which was 1 year and had to be completed before you could apply for the degree course.
In one of the drawings is a date and month and how long the sitting was.
Happy memories and a very creative period in my life which I am enjoying rejuvenating.
I am nearly finished a piece from a design in the portfolio which I will share soon.

The framed piece is 3 ft x 2 ft. Chalk and charcoal
The water colour painting is a scene in the Lake District. 3 ft x 2 ft
A pen and ink drawing. 2 ft x 1 ft
A life drawing class 3 ft x 2 ft
A study of birds.

07/12/2026

07/12/2026

More R&D work, exploring the properties and workability of copper. Two lidded boxes.
The leaves are hand cut, formed and then soldered in place. After cleaning they are flame coloured.
The thorns are rose thorns.
The colours change depending on the amount of heat. The variations are amazing.
The last two pics are 3 inch copper discs that have been etched and patinated in the same process using different metal salts and chemicals. I used the sawdust technique for these.
I am really enjoying combining metal and Woodturning.
I am working on some silver leaves which can be flame coloured also.

06/25/2026

Mary and I have had a great few days with Helen.
Before she flies out tonight back to the UK which is nearly as hot as Las Vegas!, we made this beautiful little lidded box this morning.
She may be going down a new “rabbit hole” as she enjoyed the process so much.

06/23/2026

Helen Bailey and I had a great day playing in the workshop working with copper.
We have several collaboration ideas in mind to be worked out and executed in the near future.
She did so well, the end results are in the last pic!

06/23/2026

I am thoroughly enjoying working with copper and silver.
My latest R and D work.
The ogee curve is one of my favorite curves and a totally different look in copper.
The lid is a peened finish and then polished.

05/25/2026

My latest class pics. One of the students was 89 a week after the class!
I am so fortunate to meet people from all walks of life and occupations and the stories they have to tell at lunch are amazing.
Lunches vary but this class had home made Chili , Cracked Chicken and home made Ribs!
Apparently lunches are the highlight of the class😜

Autumn/ Winter class dates 2026 for more information go to WWW.jimmyclewes.com

September 18th to 20th 2026
25th to 27th
October 23rd to 25th
November 13th to 15th
December 11th to 13th

04/28/2026

I had a great class last week teaching at Marc Adams school of woodworking and time honored crafts.
There were four octogenarians in the class, with some really interesting life stories.
I had an excellent assistant for the week called Jennifer Shirley and she shared some of her work with our students. In the pics below.
She works with metal clays and teaches a class at the school. Her work is beautiful and well worth taking a class with her.
The potential for this medium is endless and you will have a great class.
Marc’s school has the ability to print class T-Shirts to any design thanks to Markee Murrin. The students and Jennifer came up with different designs. The class voted and Jennifer’s design won.
I do live in Las Vegas, I do tend to turn faster than the average turner and my wife had a vintage Dodge Charger!
I also have two very special little friends at the school.