Black and white illustration of stacked barrels with the text 'Stave Craft' above it.

COMMISSIONS ALWAYS WELCOME

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COMMISSIONS ALWAYS WELCOME 〰️

About Stave Craft:

Stave Craft was founded in December 2024 by Mark Dobson, a proud Army Veteran with 27 years of service, he has deep roots in craftsmanship that stretch back long before his military career. Growing up in Lincolnshire and now based in Newton Aycliffe, Mark first discovered his passion for woodworking in the early 1980s. By 1985 – just before honing the British Army – he was already creating beautiful wooden furniture, a skill he continued to nurture throughout his service.

From tables and chairs to bespoke cabinets, Mark honed his craft using traditional techniques, building pieces that carried both character and longevity. Woodworking became more that a hobby: it was a steady thread running through decades of service, discipline, and dedication.

Today, Mark specialises in using reclaimed oak whisky barrels, sourced locally but originally crafted in Scotland. Each barrel carries it’s own history, and Mark transforms the barrel’s staves into unique, hand-crafted home ware and furniture.

His creations are not only visually striking but also deeply sustainable – reusing high-quality materials, reducing waste, and limiting road miles to minimise environmental impact.

All my items are handmade using reclaimed Oak whisky barrels and have their own unique characteristics and patina. I use a variety of traditional woodworking / carpentry skills, and ensure all my items are made to the highest of standards.

My creations/furniture uses simplistic designs to draw attention to the materials.

By choosing one of my items you will elevate your living space with a unique style, showcasing the handmade / crafted characteristics of authentic sturdy aged Oak. They are unique and bespoke one-of-a-kind pieces, some featuring the original metal barrel banding, adding character and a touch of history to your home decor.

These items not only serves as a functional piece but also as a conversation starter, perfect for those who appreciate the charm of rustic and repurposed furniture. Add a touch of warmth and nostalgia to your home with these exquisite piece.

You can contact me via my Facebook page “Stave Craft”, via my Email mddobson05@aol.com or by contacting me on my mobile 07519658212.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • "A stave is the name given to the narrow lengths of wood making a barrel. These have a slightly bevelled edge and bend in the middle to form the sides of barrel"

  • "Burning/Charring the barrel is taken place during the whisky making process. It essentially is opening up the wood, making it easier for whisky to extract flavors from the oak. This charring colour is kept in some of my creations to give more character and a nod to the items former life"

  • This is called the 'craze groove'. At each end of the stave these are cut in to hold onto the barrel lid and butt.

  • All my creations are described as rustic style. This best described as rugged appeal, a nod to the materials former life with a countryside feel and evokes a connection to nature and past times life.

  • Yes. I do commission work. Please contact me to discuss.

  • You can contact me by email or phone.

    Email: mddobson05@aol.com

    Phone: 07519 658212

EVENTS I WILL BE AT

Colorful decorated Easter eggs with smiling faces among green grass suggesting an Easter night market event.
Flyer advertising the Spring Fayre event presented by OB Events at the Redworth Hall Hotel, featuring craft, artisan, psychic, and alternative fayre, scheduled for March 22 from 12 pm to 5 pm, located at Surtees Rd, Newton Aycliffe, ZIP DL5 6NL. The
Colorful Easter-themed flyer with decorated eggs, flowers, and white swirling designs. Text advertises an Easter Fayre featuring craft, artisan, psychic, and alternative fayre at Elton Moor Farm on March 29th from 12 pm to 4 pm, located in Whinney Hi
Poster for Newcastle Racecourse event featuring a black horse with a white mark on its face, presented by OB Events, scheduled for April 4-5, 2026, from 12 PM to 6 PM at High Gosforth Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 5HP, with details about artisan sta
Pink flyer advertising a Spring event at Wynyard Hall, featuring Easter crafts, artisan vendors, psychic fayre, and family fun, on April 12th and 13th from 11 am to 4 pm, located at Stockton-on-Tees, Billingham. Includes an image of Wynyard Hall and
Event poster for Spring Fayre, presented by OB Events. The event includes craft, artisan, psychic, and alternative stalls. It will be held at Haughton WMC on April 16, 2026, from 5 pm to 9 pm, at 25 Haughton Grn, Darlington, DL1 2DD. The background f
Poster for a spring night market event at Walworth Castle on April 24, 2026, from 4pm to 9pm, featuring craft stalls, psychic mediums, food, and drinks, with sunset over a river surrounded by tall grass and trees in autumn colors.
Event poster advertising the Blackwell Grange Early Summer Fayre, featuring craft, witchy, psychic, and alternative stalls. The event is scheduled for May 8th, 2026, from 4 PM to 9 PM at Grange Road, Darlington, DL3 8QH. The poster includes a photo o
Floral background with pink roses, purple lavender, and greenery overlaid with event details for Early Summer Night Market at Walworth Castle on May 22, 2026, from 4pm to 9pm.
Poster advertising Summer Fayre at Redworth Hall Hotel with craft, artisan, psychic, and alternative fayre, featuring an image of the historic hotel surrounded by outdoor seating and green lawns.
Poster promoting a summer night market at Wallworth Castle on June 19, 2026, from 4 pm to 9 pm, featuring craft stalls, psychic mediums, food, and drinks, with a background of an ancient castle and a stormy sky with lightning.
Poster advertising the Blackwell Grange Summer Fayre on July 17, 2026, from 4 pm to 9 pm, featuring craft, witchy, psychic, and alternative stalls, at Grange Rd, Darlington, DL3 8QH, with a background of a historic brick building and a colorful, abst
Poster advertising an event called Summer Fayre on the River Tyne, Hilton Gateshead. Located at Bottle Bank, Gateshead. Date and time: Sunday, August 16th, from 12 pm to 6 pm. Features craft, artisan, clairvoyant stalls, and small businesses.
Halloween-themed poster advertising a Halloween Night Market event with carved pumpkins, dark haunted house silhouette, and orange and black color scheme.
Christmas Fayre event poster featuring hanging gold ornaments and a city skyline at the bottom, details about the event including date, time, location, and activities in gold text on a blue background.
Christmas event poster featuring Santa Claus with a red background. Presents include craft, artisan, psychic, and alternative Fayre. Held at Redworth Hall Hotel on November 15th, from 12pm to 5pm. Location: Surtees Rd, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 6NL. Websi
Poster for a Christmas Night Market event with craft stalls, psychic mediums, food and drinks, featuring a decorated house with Christmas lights and a red bow in front of a Christmas tree.
A wooden bench with a dark upholstered cushion on top, situated on a carpeted floor with a plain wall in the background.

Commissions

Every piece is expertly crafted with intention and designed to be truly unique.

A decorative metal heart sculpture on a wooden base, with a small lit tealight candle beside it on a wooden surface.

Looking for something beautiful that’s truly one of a kind?

Contact me to talk through your ideas, needs, and style.

STAVE CRAFT IMAGES:

(Click on image to enlarge)

Stack of wooden barrels with the text 'Stave Craft' above them.
A wooden corner shelf with a black and gold decorative plate, three candles, and small stones. A Sonos speaker is on top of the shelf, and a chrome lamp is nearby.
A corner of a room with a wooden cabinet filled with decorative miniature houses and scenes, a gnome figurine with a sunflower on its head standing on the floor, a lamp with a large gray shade, and a bottle rack with bottles and a bottle of mineral w
A decorated Christmas tree with ornaments next to a plaid curtain, a wooden floor lamp with a grey shade, and a Santa Claus figurine in a grey hat sitting on the floor near a wooden cabinet.
A round wooden table with three framed abstract art prints leaning against a plant pot and a plant in a white pot, on a gray carpeted floor.
Round wooden table with a black metal rim, supported by four wooden legs and crossbars, situated on gray carpet in a room with wooden furniture and decorative items.
A modern clock with black rim, wooden center, and black hands, resting on a blue plaid fabric surface.
A wooden bench with a curved seat, a checkered pillow, and circular supports on carpeted floor against a plain white wall.
Side table decorated with pink tulips, candles, and holiday ornaments, with a basket underneath on carpeted floor.
A lit candle lantern on a wooden table, a glass of white wine, a paper towel, and a coaster with the text 'The Boss!' on it, with a piece of bread or pastry nearby. The background shows a patio and house exterior at dusk.
A wooden bench with a dark blue cushioned top placed on a beige carpet. There is a greenish-gray wall behind the bench, a radiator, and a pocket organizer with magazines on the right side.
A floor lamp with a black and gold patterned lampshade, wooden tripod base, and electrical cord with plug, positioned on carpeted floor near a wooden bench and wall.
A tripod-style lamp with a fabric shade, wood legs, and a decorative bowl containing green glass stones underneath.
A wooden table lamp with a fabric lampshade placed on a wooden table next to a sofa with a plaid pattern and pillows.
Wooden corner table with silver goblets, a lamp with pink shade, a cordless phone, a candle holder, and decorative items, against a green wall and gray carpet.
A wooden floor lamp with a large gray fabric lampshade on a wooden side table next to a bed with a floral pillow, against a brick wall. There is a glass dish with a photograph and a cordless phone on the table.
A floor lamp with a cylindrical black shade and wooden tripod stand, placed on a beige carpet in a living room.
A wooden bench with a dark fabric cushioned top positioned against a wall on a carpeted floor.
A wooden lamp with a metal light bulb inside, placed on a wooden surface near a window with a landscape view of trees, hills, and a lake.
Decorative display featuring a metal heart sign with the brand name 'Sonos', a white antler decoration, a glass container with copper coils on a wooden base, a glass with the words 'Dream' and 'Sky' on it, and a silver ornate miniature chair on a woo
Two metal keychains, one with a purple and black marbled handle and one with a blue and black marbled handle, resting on a soft, furry surface.
Six colorful glass and metal keychains arranged in a line on a textured surface.
Two keychains with small metal torpedoes, one with black and purple marble pattern and one with black and blue marble pattern, resting on a textured brown fabric surface.
Two colorful pens with transparent, swirl-patterned handles and golden and black tips lying on a textured fabric surface.
Wall-mounted candle holder with a lit candle casting a warm glow on the wall, adjacent to a window with closed blinds.
A decorative metal heart sculpture on a wooden base, placed on a round wooden table, with a small lit tea light candle in the background.
Decorative wooden shelf with holiday candles, glassware, a white diffuser labeled cedarwood and jasmine, and holiday-themed boxes with reindeer and snowflakes.
Decorative sculpture of a heart-shaped metal piece on a wood base, with a small lit tealight candle placed next to it on a round wooden table.
Set of ten bottle stoppers with wooden handles and metal tips, arranged in a semi-circle on a plaid fabric surface.
Decorative wooden tray holding a glass quill pen, a small glass container, and a modern stand with a bowl, set against a wooden-paneled wall.
A mantel decorated for Christmas with a black vintage fireplace, six white candles in glass holders, a silver candelabrum with three lit candles, a poinsettia plant, a small candle on wood, and a black heart-shaped ornament.
Six tobacco pipe miniature keychains with different colored bowls arranged in a row on a checkered cloth background.
Red candle in a glass holder on a wooden tray, wrapped in clear plastic, on a carpeted floor.
Set of four cheese knives with wooden handles on a checkered fabric surface.
Four woodworking chisels with wooden handles and metal rings on a green surface.
Two wooden-handled fire pit pokers with metal loops at the top, lying on a gray carpet. Each has a yellow price tag attached.
Five shotgun shells arranged on a green surface.
A wooden decorative piece with five candles, alternating red and white, placed on the floor against a wall with wallpaper.
A wooden desk accessory holding a pen, placed on a blue checkered fabric surface, with a striped woven blanket in the background.
Clock with a minimalist design mounted on a long, vertical wooden plank against a checkered fabric background.
A wooden handled traditional fireplace bellows with a black rubber nozzle and a black leather strap, placed on a gray carpeted surface.
Small wooden easel standing on a plaid fabric surface, with a black painted bar across the top.
A wooden slide with a metal scoop and a handle at the top, placed on a carpeted floor.
Three corkscrew bottle openers with wooden handles on a blue checkered fabric background.
Wooden keychain with two wooden blocks connected by a metal ring, placed on a blue and red plaid fabric background.
A coat rack with five brass hooks mounted on a wooden plank, attached to a metal frame with a metal bar at the top for hanging. The background shows a tiled wall and an electrical outlet.
A wooden board with five glass insulators containing insulators, placed on a dark green cushioned surface.
A wooden display board with four metal wheels attached, holding a kitchen knife with a black handle. There is a price tag marked $30 at the bottom of the board. The background is a green fabric surface.
A wooden and metal pen lying on a dark plaid fabric surface.
A set of seven wooden and metallic ballpoint pens in a case, arranged in two rows with a black elastic band holding them in place.
A wine bottle balanced on a wooden plank held between two upside-down wine glasses on a wooden surface.
Set of four decorative pens with swirled patterns in red, black, white, and orange, displayed on a transparent acrylic stand on a green surface.
A collection of shotgun shells arranged in a semi-circle on a green surface.
A wooden stand holding five candles, with three pink and two white, placed on a beige carpeted floor near a wall with wallpaper.
A collection of ten ballpoint pens with wooden barrels and gold, black, or silver accents, arranged in a row on a foam-lined case.
Wooden plank with five tealight candles placed on a carpeted floor, with a wall and baseboard in the background.
A decorative pen with a red and black swirling design in a silver tin case with a yellow warning label.
A butter knife with a gold-colored blade and a handle made of three rounded wooden beads, placed on a dark surface.
Two empty whisky glasses with JURA Single Malt Scotch Whisky logo on a wooden serving board, with a small bottle of Bladnoch Single Lowland Malt Whisky between them.
Wooden candle holder with two glass shelves, wrapped in clear plastic, containing a pink candle in a glass holder, placed on a carpeted floor.
Wooden rack with four black hooks attached, mounted on the side of a piece of furniture with green fabric covering.
Five colorful pens with metallic tips, arranged in a row on a soft, furry surface.
A wooden candle holder with five white tealight candles and one large white decorative candle on a windowsill, overlooking a garden with green plants and pink flowers outside.
A small wooden clock with a round white face, Roman numerals, and black hands, sitting on a wooden surface against a plain wall.
Vertical wine bottle holder attached to a wooden board, holding four bottles of wine with labels facing outward.
Decorative candle holder with four cylindrical green candles around a glass dish on a wooden base.