S'Oak Design

18/08/2026

13/08/2026

Getting ready for next week’s photo shoot! We’re finalising the rock pool half barrel planter, and an elegant blue and rose gold planter. Today glazed the inside turquoise with a dab of pearl blue mica to she sparkles in water! Let’s see!

02/08/2026

Still in my maritime mode with this John Haig Single Malt from 1980 - which they matured in a Sherry Barrel dating from 1960’s. So this coffee table is as old as her maker 😮 🕺🏻

23/07/2026

A love the rustic simplicity of this giant planter from a huge (500lite) Sherry Barrel, which I made for my sister Catherine. One of the common complaints with half barrels is hoops falling off - but I secure them into the staves with 10 screws in each band (which I hope you can't see!) so they won't be going anywhere. They're coated in Metalier copper, which left unprotected will patina, but if thats not your thing they can be polished to a high shine and then lacquered. looking forward to seeing her planted!

23/07/2026

My latest creation goes coast to coast! Inspired by our coast and visits to the Russel Cotes Museum. The biggest battle was rebuilding her - she dropped her hoops half way through, which was very off-putting, for both of us. I 'painted' with amazing Chestnut Products - first for finishes spirit-based woodstain, so I hope the grain shows through and she keeps her character. I've kept her bu****le and a portion of her red rusty band, just as she arrived. What is she? I'm not sure yet! I hope she looks like she was dredged out of a shipwreck!

19/07/2026

Coast to coast! Has been great fun to do. I’ve used wood dye (no oil or acrylic) so the grain still shows through. I’ve tried to keep the energy of the wave going around the barrel - a bit of touching up still to do and then 7-10 coats of varnish to finish! Hoping this will be an Infinity Barrel if I can figure the lighting 😬.

07/07/2026

Really delighted with the new bio-fire barrel! I’ve created a custom heat shield in copper and brass, so it reflects beautifully and works with the glass wind break. With the blue/green verdigris and the flame it’s mesmerising! Dead easy to fill with liquid fuel in the top of the burner. Each is built to order - please call if you’d like one!