Driftwood, Creativity, and the Magic of Making
Posted March 6, 2025Driftwood, Creativity, and the Magic of Making – A Workshop with Dan Wakeman of ‘I Made This 76’ Driftwood collector, artist and all round lovely chap and Hidden Gem of South Somerset.
Tucked away in an old Twine Factory and in the heart of West Coker, South Somerset, you will find a very hidden Gem.
With the warm glow of a roaring wood burner and the scent of hot chocolate, I spent a few hours lost in creativity. Guided by Dan Wakeman, the talent behind I Made This 76, I found myself surrounded by beautifully weathered driftwood, each piece with its own story, waiting to be transformed. This wasn’t just a workshop, it was an escape into the art of making, where imagination took the lead and time slowed down.
Meet Dan Wakeman – The Driftwood Artist
<pDan is the kind of person who makes you feel at ease the moment you step into his workspace. His passion for craftsmanship, sustainability, and storytelling through wood is infectious. Every driftwood piece he collects from local beaches carries the whispers of the sea, and in his hands, these forgotten fragments become beautiful sculptures, homeware, and art.His company, I Made This 76, is an extension of his philosophy, giving discarded wood a new life while encouraging others to embrace their creativity. Whether it’s crafting a tiny highland cow from a weathered branch or shaping a rustic fish from a splintered plank, Dan’s workshops celebrate the beauty of imperfection.
The Workshop Experience
Stepping into the workshop space, I was met with an Aladdin’s cave of driftwood treasures. No two pieces were alike, and Dan encouraged us to let the wood “speak” to us, to find its natural shape and create something unique.
With a selection of tools, a bit of guidance, and plenty of laughter, I set to work. Some attendees crafted wooden stars, others fashioned quirky robot sculptures. The beauty of the workshop was the freedom to create without pressure, just pure joy in making. Dan moved between us, offering advice, sharing stories, and helping bring ideas to life.
The atmosphere was as warm as the wood burner, with the group bonding over shared creativity, mugs of hot chocolate in hand. By the end of the session, I had not only created something I was genuinely proud of but had also reconnected with the simple pleasure of working with my hands.
Why You Should Try a Driftwood Workshop
If you’re looking for something a little different—a relaxing, hands-on experience that blends creativity, sustainability, and fun, Dan’s driftwood workshops are a must. Whether you go alone or with friends, it’s a chance to disconnect from screens and reconnect with nature in the most rewarding way.
Workshops run throughout the year, and spaces fill up fast!
Final Thoughts
I left Dan’s workshop not just with a handmade piece of driftwood art but with a sense of fulfilment. It was a reminder that creativity isn’t about perfection, it’s about expression, play, and finding beauty in the unexpected. If you’re looking for a unique short course in Somerset, this is one experience you won’t want to miss. And if you do book in with Dan, tell him Hidden Somerset sent you!
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Banner I Made This Driftwood Hidden Somerset Group Highland cow
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Banner I Made This Driftwood Hidden Somerset Group Class
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I Made This Driftwood Hidden Somerset
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I Made This Driftwood Hidden Somerset artist
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I Made This Driftwood Hidden Somerset sculpture
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I Made This Driftwood Hidden Somerset christmas
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I Made This Driftwood Hidden Somerset workshop
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I Made This Driftwood Hidden Somerset Robot
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I Made This Driftwood Hidden Somerset Group Class
