Happy Monday everybody!

We've got some new subscribers to my newsletter this week, so I want to extend a warm welcome to you all and let you know that I'm very grateful that you're interested in hearing my updates and thoughts.

My current focus in on expanding the range of products that I make and sell, to ensure that I sell more accessibly priced items. As such I'm working on both product development, production, photography and listing creation at the moment. I feel a little over extended in truth, but I'm getting my head down and trying to work through things one at a time.

Photography is currently my biggest challenge, as it is not a skill I've ever properly explored, so I feel like I'm investing a lot of time and yielding results that don't meet my high standards. It's pretty frustrating to be honest, my lounge is filled with lighting, light boxes and camera gear, and yet I'm getting best results from my iPhone! I keep persisting with my DSLR in the hope that it yields more consistent results, but in all honesty I should probably give up and lean in to my fruit based phone camera.

I'm also mindful that "perfection is the enemy of done", and it's better to have my items listed on etsy with imperfect photos, than not listed at all. I can always update the photos later as I get better results.

Walking Stick Handle Bottle Openers

Last week I launched my new Walking Stick Handle Bottle Openers, a product that surely nobody needs but adds wonderful character to your kitchen, or if you're very fortunate, a home bar. If you, or somebody you know, struggle with bottle openers, they may also provide some help as the grip is orientated parallel to the bottle, rather than more traditionally at right angles.

You can find my Walking Stick Handle Bottle Openers on my Etsy store, and as a subscriber of my newsletters, get £5 off by using discount code CANE5 (active until December).

Plane Screwdrivers

I have also been working hard on some Plane Screwdrivers. These are a real treat for any hand tool wood worker, and I'm really proud of what I have made. These screwdrivers are used for loosening/tightening the screw that attaches the plane iron to the chip breaker. Due to the size of the slot in the screw, using a normal screwdriver has a sloppy feel and I always feel one slip away from gouging my hand.

My Plane Screwdrivers fit over the screw so they have a really secure feel. They also feature a hidden magnet beneath my makers mark, so you can attach the screwdriver to your plane, or any other metal object. I love this feature as my planes are mounted on my tool wall, and it means the screwdriver is exactly where I need it.

Made from Panga Panga, with it's incredible distinctive grain, these Plane Screwdrivers are truly stunning and are sure to be a much loved addition to your tool kit. Get one on my Etsy store, and be sure to use discount code CANE5 for £5 off.

Product Development

I find product development to be equal parts thrilling and frustrating. It's incredibly satisfying to finalise a design and most importantly the build process, but the journey is filled with set backs and confidence shattering obstacles. I share much of this on my Instagram stories, so if you're as intrigued by this process as I am, I'd be delighted to hear your feedback.

I have some shoe horn and back scratcher kits winging their way to my workshop. I'm really excited to play with these and see what designs I can conjure. I'll start with a small selection to test demand, and these will of course feature beautiful exotic and native woods. If you're interested, drop me an email or message on Instagram and we can work on a design together.

I spent much of the weekend working on a walking stick holder that attaches to a wall. The design aims to be very easy to use with no force necessary, something that is so important for less abled people, utilising a gravity driven cam, clasping the cane tightly against a fence. I thought I had nailed this on the first attempt, but as I experimented with multiple canes, I soon discovered that wood is not grippy, and that to clasp the cane securely required very specific sizing for a particularly sized cane. Apply a grippy material to the face of the cam should allow a much wider range of walking stick sizes and finishes, and I'll be experimenting with this in the coming weeks.

I'd love to hear any feedback you might have about my newsletters, or anything at all really, you can email me directly at simon@simonstevenscanes.com.

I hope you have a great week,

Simon