Learn About Craig Harris & The Tree Spirits

My Journey:

Growing up in Worcestershire, I was always outside playing sport or exploring the woods with my brother. When I left school and started my working life, I spent much of my time in urban centres and always longed to be back in the countryside. It wasn't until I met my now wife, that we decided to make the move back to the countryside. Cornwall was calling our names, less for the golden sandy beaches but more for the vast open countryside, clean air, quieter way of life but most importantly, the many gorgeous ancient woodlands sprawling across the county.   

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I discovered carving purely by accident. I was out wandering through a local woodland with my very young son, when I picked up a long piece of hazel. Instantly, I used it to move brambles out of the way so we could go off the beaten track. This bit of hazel came home with me, and at first, I was unsure what to do with it. But it made a great walking stick and was ideal for moving brambles out of the way for my son. So, using a 6mm flat chisel, I managed, somehow, to carve oak leaves up the shank. It looked amazing, and I still use it to this day, dubbing it the 'bramble rambler'.

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Over the next few years I attended craft shows trying to sell walking sticks. But to be honest, they are a personal item and it did not feel right. I decided to change my approach and sat in a wood for inspiration. This is where Cornish Tree Spirits was born. Over the years prior, I had bought some decent tools and refined my work from walking sticks to tree spirits. A year later I was selling tree spirits at Westonbirt Arboretum’s Festival of the Tree and selling out. Also, at Tehidy Woods Country Park, I was commissioned to do 12 large carvings that were placed around the main lake as a part of a children’s trail. This gave me my 15 minutes of fame, appearing on ITV Westcountry news and within Cornwall Life magazine with a centre page spread. At this point I was working non-stop and sadly I had to take a break due to two operations on both elbows. I am glad to say I am now able to do my hobby and first love. This is a new and old adventure, chapter two begins here.

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So have a look around and see what I do. If you have a question, are after a commission or are interested in purchasing an item, just contact me and I’ll be in touch.