Tuesday 21 August 2012

FOLDABLE MEDITATION BENCH

The 'foldable' version of the Classic Meditation Bench was produced to meet the demands of practitioners who want to use a classic style meditation bench but with the convenience of being able to carry it in their kit bags or luggage. It's light, strong and like all our wood items is made of from wood only from renewable sources with a minimum of machining.



Where we have had to compromise is in our use of metal hinges. We like to avoid metal items but will be transparent about it when we have to. We are trying to source re-cycled metal hinges and will be pleased to use them when we find a suitable product and supplier. As always, the wood is hand finished with natural beeswax that we get from an apiary in our home village in the Severn Valley, Gloucestershire.

The bench provides a beautifully natural way to maintain a dignified and upright pose without strain on the spine, pelvis and knees.


The Foldable Meditation Bench for 'Japanese' kneeling or easy crossed legs
£29.75+delivery
d.21.5cm w.34cm h.18-16cm
Wood: Nordic Redwood - renewable source
Finish: Clear natural beeswax - hand applied
NB: wood dowling only - no screws or other metal fastening



Marcher Crafts
marchercrafts@aol.com
+44 (0) 7866 542772

Saturday 11 August 2012

WHY MEDITATION SUPPORTS?

Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom.
James Allen



It is difficult for people from a chair based culture, as we are in 'the west', to sit on the floor for prolonged periods without becoming uncomfortable. Of course this does not include experienced practitioners of meditation and yoga, but we were more concerned with people like ourselves: middle aged, new to the word of meditation and mindfulness & in need of something to help maintain a dignified and upright posture.
The classic meditation bench (£28.50 + p&p)
d.21.5cm w.34cm h.16-18cm
Coupled with this was our desire to begin making artefacts that we could be proud of, not least from the point of view of their sustainability. Therefore we decided to make a series of supports using:

  • Wood from renewable sources
  • The least amount of machining possible
  • Hand doweling the supports so avoiding, wherever possible, the use of  metal screws, etc
  • Treating the finished items with locally produced natural beeswax
  • Being rigorous in our on-going search for organic or ecologically responsible products and materials from suppliers with a similar outlook as ourselves


We are hoping to speak with private individuals, meditation and yoga teachers, meditation communities and specialist retailers in order not only to promote what we produce but also to simply connect with like minded people. We are hoping that people will not only appreciate what we make but also that we can grow ourselves as individuals at the same time. 

www.marchercrafts@aol.com


INTRODUCING MARCHER CRAFTS


We come from Herefordshire, one of the saxon marcher counties of western England - and we are delighted to introduce you to Marcher Crafts.

Having worked in both woodworking and retail for many years we decided that we wanted to design and make artefacts not only to make a living but also, and of equal importance, we wanted to feel pride in what we do and delight in coming to work. We also wanted to make connections with people in a sense that transcended just business. 

We decided to hand make items with a minimum of machining, with ecological and responsibly sourced materials wherever possible, and a personal investment of ourselves in all that we do.


We have begun by introducing a range of meditation stools and benches of various kinds to help enhance meditation, in particular, for those like us who are new to practicing. Following discussions with yoga teachers & mindfulness practitioners we have sought to offer options whereby people can maintain a comfortable, dignified and grounded posture.


We shall be posting details of each of the items but, in the meantime please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like more information.....we'll be pleased to hear from you.


Andrew & Alan

marchercrafts@aol.com
Unit 2 Bridge Business Centre, Burcott Road, Hereford HR4 9LW
+44 (0) 1432 355321