WOODWORKER John Spittal is a modern day Santa Claus.
The retired Johnsonville resident spends his time making children’s toys and says he is “busier than ever”.
“I just finished an articulated truck that took 16 hours to make.”
Spittal, a government mapmaker for most of his life, first got involved with woodwork when he was looking for a productive way to relax after a stressful day at work.
He made bowls and figurines, but his children inspired him to try his hand at toys.
“Children get so excited when they see toys”.
Spittal has no formal woodwork training, and learnt his skills by reading books.
He prefers to use hand tools as they “allow for a better finished product”.
“If I was doing this as a profession, I wouldn’t be doing well as it takes me a long time to make toys. I do it for the enjoyment.”
Some of Spittal’s toys will feature at the Woodcraft Exhibition and Sale, which is an event that will feature wood turning, carving, toy making, rustic woodworking, and antique hand tools with some of Wellington’s finest woodcrafters in attendance.
Beginners and children will be able to take part in a crafting display.
There will be a medieval woodworking demonstration, and a pole lathe (which is an ancient woodworking tool that can first be traced back to 8th century).
Spittal says wood products are growing in popularity, especially with children.
“They are a novelty nowadays but wood toys have many benefits. Once they are sturdy there is no end to the possibilities. I don’t paint my toys, as some kids like to do it themselves, and some children like to make and attach other parts to the original toy. It’s all about letting them use their imagination”.
Spittal used to make toys for his children when they were younger.
“But these days they start to lose interest when they hit seven or eight, and discover electronic games.”
Spittal and the other 120 members of the Guild of Woodworkers Wellington group give toys to the Salvation Army every Christmas.
“Last year I made five big trucks and someone made a wonderful Thomas the Tank Engine”.
Woodcraft Exhibition and Sale, Hutt Horticultural Hall, Lower Hutt, September 18 and 19.