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Steve Pritchard started woodturning in 2000 and was immediately addicted. He was a weekend and evening turner until his retirement in late 2007, at which time turning became part of his daily routine. He enjoys production turning of functional items and was a regular participant in several arts and crafts shows in Georgia and Alabama for over a decade. He also enjoys creating artistic pieces. Steve is a past president of the Georgia Association of Woodturners and has served in several other positions on their board of directors over the last fifteen years. He is also a member of the West Georgia Woodturners and the South Metro Woodturners and on the West Georgia Woodturners boar. He was the local liaison for the American Association of Woodturners (AAW) symposium in Atlanta in June 2016. Steve has demonstrated at clubs and regional symposiums throughout the eastern U.S. and taught at the John C. Campbell Folk School for over fifteen years. Most of his shop time is currently spent making cremation urns, for both humans and pets.

Cremation Urns A to Z

This demonstration will take you through everything I have learned in over two decades of making cremation urns. It is likely, at some point, as a woodturner, you will face the profoundly important request to craft an urn for a family member or friend. Or, maybe you are considering making urns for sale. For many, the first question is where do I even begin? This demonstration will answer those questions that begin to swirl through your mind at that point.

Many questions revolve around how to make a secure lid. We will discuss the options and in this demo I will create the male and female parts that I prefer to use for my urn lids.  

This isn’t just a demonstration; it’s a transfer of knowledge accumulated. Imagine having the confidence to create a truly meaningful tribute, a handcrafted urn that honors the life of someone you know.

Make a Pet Urn That Doesn’t Look Like an Urn

Imagine crafting a stunning, tall figured maple vessel – a piece that exudes beauty and style, appearing to be a simple vase. But within its graceful form lies a hidden purpose: a cherished pet urn. I will guide you through transforming that vessel through the application of layered dyes to create depth and vibrancy with a flawless glass-like finish.

Shore Bird

In this demonstration I will use multi-axis turning techniques to create a stylized shorebird.  Unlike the familiar techniques of traditional bevel rubbing cuts, multi-axis turning invites us to explore “turning air” or “interrupted cuts.”  Offsetting the axis allows me to craft the bird’s upper body to achieve a more natural and expressive form.

Barnyard Animals

Unleash your inner artist and transform humble scraps of wood into captivating creatures that spark joy!  Imagine the delight of crafting whimsical, stylized animals – each one a unique personality, a testament to your creativity. This isn’t just woodturning; it’s creating smiles and spreading happiness. Forget complex projects; these stylized animals are possible for every woodturner, regardless of experience.  With just a bit of wood, a splash of paint, and a touch of wire, you’ll be amazed at the enchanting beings you can bring to life with basic turning tools and skills.

We’ll begin with a charming mouse, complete with a swishing tail, beady eyes, and an attitude.  But that’s just the beginning!  As time permits, we will we craft whimsical sheep, pigs, roosters and perhaps a curious groundhog. Discover the  joy of transforming ordinary materials into extraordinary, smile-inducing animals.