R Swan . Stoneworks

17/04/2026

Hello m'dears!

For anyone who's emailed with an order or commission request I highly recommend reading the latest newsletter I've put up on the website. You don't have to sign up to read it (because it's just below the sign up box), I just think it'll explain my situation with more clarity.

A massive thank you to everyone who's sent kind words, every one has been read and it's so lovely to have the grace of strangers extended to me.

Have a lovely eve, ruffle your pet for me and have a little sweet something with your evening cupper.

Luv yah, Richard

13/04/2026

Hello and thank you!

I've received quite a few messages (thankfully not as many as last time!) and just wanted to let you know I will be getting to them over the next couple of days.

I love the enthusiasm and it's still very overwhelming. I haven't had a chance to recover from the original 'Make it..' episode, so I'm still trying my best with this whole balance thing.

You are seen, you are loved, I am tired 😂

Catch you all soon, luv yah, Richard!

02/04/2026

I was going to make a video framed as an apology with me being back on your screens as the twist but life has been crazy.
Alas, plain old post it is. I'm looking forward to seeing updates from makers across all 3 seasons.

01/02/2026

So what does a packing day look like?

Well this is 80% of what needs to go out this month. 22 of 27 pieces.

Been running like this for the past 10 months with 6 more to go. (All from the orders 24 hours after the episode first aired)

Safe to say, when I reopen my shop, it'll be with a slower pace in mind. (more than an average of 3 days off a month would be great! 😂)

The phenomenal support my work has received brings both bliss and burden; I'm so grateful for the enthusiasm of my patrons and proud to have been tempered by the challenge of physically delivering on this experience.

05/01/2026

Well, I guess now's the perfect time to get polar bear pics 🤣 I hope everyone had a lovely Crimbo week!

This was one of my earliest carves and it followed my like a curse! HOWEVER! I'd never painted it!

Now it has a lick of paint, I've really grown to love it.

I'm sure it will carry on being an anchor round my storage neck, but hey, at least he's a lot more handsome now!

12/12/2025

11/12/2025

I had a follower say they'd love to try it but didn't know where to start. Well, here's a quick and dirty, condensed starter kit/tutorial.

If you've got 12 minutes; you're wanting (non sponsored) links to most of the hand tools I use and want the basics on how to use them; then this is for you.

So check the link to my YouTube in the bio and..

Go out there and hit some rocks!

(ps. I was filming on the fly, unscripted, so I repeat words but it covers basically everything to get you started)

10/12/2025

Day 10

I got nominated into a "10 day, 10 Nature Art" challenge by as day number 10.

I ACCEPT... except... The only new piece I have is this prototype barn owl.

I've always wanted to add a barn owl to my designs and I made this for a lady who's friend was very ill.

I'll have to confess, it was the one and only commission I took on from my show airing. I had to put everyone else who commissioned on hold until I complete my shop orders but this one felt important.

I tried my best to get it to him on time, balancing both the shop orders and designing/making this, in the first month; but it didn't make it to him in time. I found out in the afternoon after I'd posted it in the morning.

However I've been told the family love it and how it sparkles in the sun and it's definitely a design I will revisit when I get the opportunity.

(Anyone who's signed up to my newsletter has already seen the Owl)

05/11/2025

A king among men.

I'd been saving this piece of stone for a special occasion because of its intense patterning.

Alas, the occasion came! A friend, who I play chess with online, helped me out massively this year.
He's the kind of guy who only wants to put good out into the world and he does; helping who ever and how ever he can. Even a relative stranger on the internet (like me).

As a thank you, I made him this King chess piece and carved his infamous opening move that (more often than not) ruins my tactical plans 🤣 [pawn to C4].

I only started playing a year ago and he has helped me both on and off the board massively.

I feel very lucky to be surrounded by such kind friends. The past few years have had a lot of great people enter my life and I don't see the majority of them as often as I'd like!