In South West courses

One day woodturning course with Don White. There is 500sq.ft of fully equipped workshop space with full dust extraction to all machinery. The “Hands-On” course is structured to cover basic principles, but is also flexible enough to be tailored to individual requirements. Tool identification, bevel angles and sharpening will be discussed and demonstrated, enabling the student to apply proven cutting techniques which will result in minimizing sanding and less dust. Work Holding methods, such as face-plates/chucks/ drive & revolving centres, will be used as required. Health & Safety issues are...

A two day course learning the skills and techniques of green woodworking, with an emphasis on contemporary design and detailing. Maximum of 6 students. You will make either a low stool or a side table using a variety of edge tools. Starting with a fresh cut log you will learn how to cleave the wood with a froe and wedges, then shape it on the shaving horse with drawknife and spokeshave. Joints used will be through-wedged-tenons. Use of contrasting timbers, and sculpted free-form table tops or seats are all available...

I re-commenced my workshops in August following the relaxation in lockdown rules. However, due to social distancing rules and space restrictions I am only able to take students on a ‘one-to-one’ basis in my Studio. If you wish to book with a friend I can make arrangements with another local Artists to use his larger space, so please do enquire. Students will be required to wear a face mask and follow hand washing/sanitiser protocols. Regardless of these restrictions, we will still have fun and you will get the full encaustic...

Six day green wood creative seating course. A six day course run from the Devon Green Wood Centre on the beautiful South Devon Coast. Combining the skills of traditional Windsor chair making with techniques of free-form green wood furniture construction, this course will enable you to design and develop a chair or other seat with a strong sculptural presence. A chance to work with irregular shaped wood to create a visually stunning piece. This course is a creative exploration of the possibilities of green woodworking and is suitable for beginners,...

COVID-19 ~ Courses will start running again at Sallerton Wood from August onward. Full precautions will be taken in our spacious outdoor workshop area. These six-day green wood chair making courses cover all the green woodworking skills and processes needed in order to construct your own chair from a green ash log. The techniques include cleaving out and shaping the components, drying some of the components overnight in the wood-fired kiln, steam-bending some of the components to give them the correct form, cutting and drilling mortises and tenons, frame assembly,...

We run regular workshops in upholstery and restoration. They are run by Polly, who has been in the industry for over 10 years and teaching in London for over 7 years so you'll be in safe hands. We try to ensure that all your needs are taken care of so you are free to relax, unwind, get hands-on creative and to make new friends too. Our classes are kept to a max of 4 so you'll get plenty of tuition and guidance. You can bring your own project and all...

On this one-day course, the techniques of layering and stitching fabrics that I have developed will be used to build up a landscape. Learn how to use colour and texture to create depth, using a simple running stitch on either an electric or hand sewing machine. No specific sewing skills or sophisticated machines are needed for this technique but by incorporating drawing and painting, you will be sure of making original and unique work as well as learning a new approach. Please bring your own sewing machine if possible as...

During this longer course you will learn a variety of techniques and develop your own dining/ kitchen/ patio table design, or other table of your choice. It is spread over one 6-day week, then after a drying period, a three-day weekend. During week 1 you will use a froe, axe and drawknife to cleave and shape components. We will make a trip to a local saw mill where we will select seasoned timber for your table top. You will also learn how to flatten, joint and clean up boards After...

Learn the techniques that I have developed and use in making my still life textile work. Make your own patterns from favourite objects that you bring along (or from objects in my collection),working with painted and printed fabrics, layered and stitched in place to create vibrant and intricate arrangements. As in my landscape courses, no specific sewing skills or sophisticated machines are necessary but please bring a machine if possible, fabrics that particularly inspire you(I will also have a good supply of fabric available) and, of course, items that you...

Since the mechanisation of farming the traditional trade of rake making has almost vanished. There are only a handful of traditional Rake Makers left and people like our selves that are passionate about keeping these old crafts alive. During the day you will make your own swallowtail rake to take home with you. The rake is a beautiful tool, which will serve you well in the garden. Whilst making your rake you will learn about the traditional methods used to craft this simple but very effective tool. You will also...