Author Archives: Ed Pretty

About Ed Pretty

I am a professional woodturner, specializing in gallery work, commercial work, teaching and demonstrating. I have been turning since 1958, so... a long time. I use this site to present my work to the public at large and to let people know that I am available for teaching private lessons in woodturning. Wood turning is one of my passions (the other is motorcycle touring). It is my desire to pass on everything that I have learned over the years to others so that the craft of woodturning will grow.

I think I’m a Wabi Sabi Kinda Guy

Posted on August 24, 2025 by Ed Pretty

I’m a little laid up right now, so have some time to contemplate the things around me that I find “artistic”, really attractive or just plain cool. Most of it is what I consider “wabi sabi”. I’ve been tossing the … Continue reading →

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USA Shipping Temporarily Suspended

Posted on August 23, 2025 by Ed Pretty

Hi folks. I’m sorry to say that as of August 29, 2025 we will not be able to ship to the USA from our store. There will be a 35% tariff on all items we ship and we just can’t … Continue reading →

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Niddy Noddy Instructions

Posted on May 26, 2025 by Ed Pretty

Thank you for purchasing your Niddy Noddy from Ed Pretty-Wood Artist! Your Niddy Noddy is made from Eastern maple for durability. The assembly hardware allows you to switch between sizes and also easily remove your skein. The design allows for … Continue reading →

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Yarn Bowls

Posted on June 11, 2024 by Ed Pretty

Last but not least today is our Yarn Bowls. They come in three different sizes, small, medium and large. Yarn bowls are made from a variety of woods including, but not limited to, Big Leaf Maple, Cherry, Oak or Black … Continue reading →

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Ring Distaves and Nostepinnes

Posted on June 11, 2024 by Ed Pretty

Tools no spinner should be without. Ring Distaves and Nostepinnes. There is a great post by Kim McKenna about Nostepinnes on her site. Check it out here! While you’re there, have a look around. There is a ton of stuff … Continue reading →

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Drop Spindles and Cups

Posted on June 11, 2024 by Ed Pretty

Now, moving on to the Supported Spindles. Like the drop spindles, the whorls are all balanced prior to assembly and the finish is a friction polish. The “nub” or point that supports the spindle is typically the end grain of … Continue reading →

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Drop Spindles

Posted on June 11, 2024 by Ed Pretty

As promised the new spinning tools! Lets start with the Drop Spindles. Wood is not a homogenous material, so by nature it has varying densities throughout. The handmade hooks are fashioned from stainless steel with the ends deburred after cutting … Continue reading →

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Tools for Fiber Artists

Posted on June 4, 2024 by Ed Pretty

Recently I was asked by a fiber artist to make drop spindles. I had never heard of them before, so a little research was in order. My first impression – from photos – was that it was no more than … Continue reading →

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A Journey Through Time

Posted on January 15, 2021 by Ed Pretty

When teaching new turners I always try to instill in them the need to honour the wood, to always give it their best effort. In the past, wood was so prevalent that it was considered – and still is by … Continue reading →

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New IRD dates for 2021

Posted on January 2, 2021 by Ed Pretty

We have posted the new dates for 2021 IRD (Interactive Remote Demonstrations). Don’t miss out! Book early. Here they are: Beyond ABC – 26 January 2021 – 3:00 – 5:00 pm PST Butterfly Crack Repair – 10 Feb 2021 – … Continue reading →

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