A tour of our new home online

Welcome. If you've landed here you've either already found us at a show, on a Monday evening at Fencehouses, or somebody pointed you this way. Either way — make yourself at home. This is where we keep the news, the sticks that are for sale, the workshops we've got planned, and the photographs of the work that passes across our benches.

A craft worth keeping

Durham Stick Makers is a small charity in County Durham, made up of heritage craftspeople who meet every Monday and Tuesday evening to make walking sticks by hand — shepherds crooks, thumbsticks, derby walkers, staffs — from hazel and holly shanks, ram and buffalo horn, antler, and carved wood.

“Stick making is on the Heritage Crafts Red List of Endangered Crafts. We're here to keep it off it.”

What you'll find on the site

The shop

Finished sticks live in the shop, each one made by a named member of the charity. Every finished stick is one of a kind — no two pieces of horn or hazel are quite the same. You'll also find stick-making supplies for fellow makers, gift vouchers, and a handful of workshop places when they're available.

Workshops

Beyond the regular Monday and Tuesday drop-in sessions, we schedule taster days and short courses through the year. The Workshops page shows what's coming up and lets you book a place in a minute. Drop-ins are always welcome and don't need booking — just bring yourself.

The Craft

If you've never thought about stick making before, The Craft page is the place to start. It's an illustrated guide to the different shapes of walking stick, the woods and horns we work with, and the slow process of turning a raw branch into a finished piece. Good reading if you're choosing your first stick — or thinking about making one.

Gallery & Journal

The Gallery holds photographs of finished pieces, member work, display cases, and the workshop itself — browse by category or click any image to view full-size. This journal, where you're reading now, is where we post: member spotlights, technique notes, workshop recaps, show reports, and the occasional reflection on heritage crafts.

Where we are

We meet at Fencehouses Community Centre in County Durham, every Monday and Tuesday evening from 6pm to 9pm. You don't need to book to visit a regular session — just turn up, say hello, and the kettle will be on.

• Email: info@durham-stickmakers.com
• Instagram: @durham_stickmakers
• Facebook: Durham Stickmakers
• Contact form: on our Contact page
• Or just come and find us in person

However you've come to the site — whether you're here to buy, to learn, to book a workshop, or just curious about a craft that's been around longer than any of us — thank you for stopping by. See you at the bench.