Lucky wooden fish keychain keyring hand made in Cornwall

This lovely wooden lucky fish keychain and/or bag charm is a keyring of distinction having been hand carved by me, here in my workshop in Penryn in deepest Cornwall.

Fishing for pilchards – or 'silver darlin's' as they're also known, was a mainstay of Cornish life for generations. Sadly, the coming of the steam-powered mackerel drivers drove the biggest shoals far off shore, but the spirit of the days of sail lives on in the old sail lofts and pilchard cellars that feature in many a Cornish coastal village.

The fish is also, of course, a strong Christian symbol and it can be no surprise that high risk enterprises like farming, fishing, and mining gave rise to a level of religiosity in Cornwall. Back in the days of the Methodist 'revivals' of the 19th century, whole villagers would come to a standstill as the locals took to the churches to sing and pray. As they say – there are no atheists at sea.

As a woodworker, artist, and writer, I cling barnacle-like to the old ways, making my furniture and little knick-knacks mainly by hand using traditional methods and old fashioned hand tools. This, I think gives my work a special quality that you can't get from machine-made things.

These delightful hardwood fish are lovingly carved from offcuts and bits of recycled timber – usually old furniture components which would otherwise go to waste. They're finished with a wipe of Danish oil, a traditional furniture treatment which seals the grain and, with use and handling, will polish to an antique patina. Ideal for fishermen and women, anglers, churchgoers, and anyone who likes to keep a memento of dear old Cornwall close to hand.

With my wooden fish keyring, you'll have a set of keys or a beautiful adornment for your bag that's unique and authentically Cornish. Choose from dark red mahogany or smooth, golden maple.