The Heartful Bodger
Hello, I'm Tom.
My love of wood started at a young age. Long before The Heartful Bodger, I set up my first woodworking “business” at the age of 9 —called Wood Worms (!) — making wooden toilet-roll holders, mainly for my very kind and supportive family!
That early fascination with making things from wood has stayed with me. Today, I teach green woodworking and work with traditional tools and techniques, always looking for ways to reveal and celebrate what is already there.
For me, working with wood is about much more than making an object. Green woodworking is slow, meditative and deeply embodied. The rhythm of the tools, the movement of the body and the feel of the wood in your hands create a state of natural mindfulness. There is no need to rush. You slow down, pay attention and allow the wood to guide you.
One of my favourite things about working with wood is discovering what is hidden inside it. When you split open a log, you never quite know what you're going to find. The grain, colour, markings and patterns can reveal something completely unexpected — little secrets that have been hidden away for years.
And there's something special about opening a piece of wood that no one has ever seen inside before. In that moment, you're the first person to discover it. You're uncovering a tiny piece of history that has been waiting inside the tree.
I make jewellery because I love celebrating wood. A beautiful piece of wood shouldn't necessarily end its life tucked away in a workshop, or quietly doing its job as a stool or shelf. I love the idea of bringing those beautiful discoveries out into the world and letting them decorate us.
The Heartful Bodger grew from this love of trees, making, discovery and connection. I sensitively select sustainably sourced wood and transform it into handcrafted wearable pieces that honour the tree's essence and celebrate its natural beauty.
Trees have always been woven into our traditions, folklore and relationship with the natural world. Across generations, different trees have become associated with particular qualities, symbolism and meaning. This is the inspiration behind my Tree Wisdom collections.
Included with every piece is a Tree Wisdom Card, inviting you to discover the qualities associated with the tree your jewellery came from, reflect on what they might mean to you, and carry a little of its wisdom with you.
For me, the jewellery is more than something to wear. It's a way of celebrating the beauty of wood, honouring the tree it came from, and keeping a connection with the natural world close to you.