Over the years I’ve saved odd pieces of timber that caught my eye. I always had the intention to someday make things from them, through Totally Steamed I hope to do this and more.
I particularly like the idea of using wood in conjunction with lighting and with that the interest in steam bending timber took hold. I think incorporating curves and twists with light adds interest to functional pieces.
Along with learning to steam bend timber the name Totally Steamed evolved, like many things this was over a few pints in the pub! I liked the name so decided to go with it, I hope steam bent wood will be incorporated in a lot of what we do but it will not be in everything. Part of the ethos of Totally Steamed will be to use timber sourced where possible from local sawmills and reclaimed wood from the locality.
Totally Steamed, functional items for the home, garden and life.
This table is made from a single cross sectional slice from a Cedar tree, sourced from a local sawmill, these slices are sometimes known as biscuits.
Timber cut in this manner is inherently weak so the underside has been routed out and a plywood base bonded into the recess. The table top is then turned over and the splits and fissures in the tabletop have then been filled with clear resin.
The table top has been sealed with resin and then sanded before being coated with a food safe and allergen free finish that is resistant to liquid spillages. This table is fitted with heavy duty black hairpin legs. Various leg types and heights are also available.
Collaborations
Since moving away from day to tree work and starting Totally Steamed it’s been an interesting transition and a very different way of life. Making and marketing your own products certainly isn’t without it’s challenges but is a lot of fun. One of the things I enjoy about this is meeting other talented people creating quality products sometimes out of different materials and processes than I use myself. Often other maker’s products or processes can compliment each other’s end-product and it’s really pleasing to form collaborations with this aim.
It was very pleasing to be asked by Amy Cooper Ceramics to supply one of my Ash steam bent table lamps for a commission Amy had for one of her impressive ceramic lampshades. I look forward to repeating similar collaborations in the future!