Make a Welsh Stick Chair in Wales

Description

Welcome to learn-make-restore. In addition to our workshops in Cambridgeshire, we are opening a woodcraft school in North Wales. A stunning location and within easy access from many locations. The craft school is appropriately set in a former primary school, built in 1908. The beautiful main school hall with high vaulted roof, parquet flooring and huge arched windows, being the main inspiring workspace. The site overlooks the beautiful Welsh countryside and is close to Corwen, it is surrounded by many tourist attractions and accommodation options. There is a relaxation area for breaks and a kitchen for attendees to use. There is also a summerhouse with views across the fields should you wish to take a break there and relax. More dates and courses will be added as the opening time gets closer. These will include furniture making, traditional tool chest, joint skills and a 2-week summer school. I will also be inviting in guest tutors throughout the year to teach a variety of skills and crafts. Please get in touch via the 'message the tutor' button to ask any questions. This 5-day course sees attendees make a traditional Welsh Stick Chair from quality hardwoods. This is done using a combination of hand tools and machines, however the emphasis is on hand tools and traditional methods. This is a variation on a traditional Welsh stick chair design but with a contemporary twist. This chair really shows off wood and its natural beauty combined with your individual handmade influence. The course is for a maximum of 6 people to ensure we can focus on delivering quality tuition and support you to the full. The course is run over 5 days and there are milestones to hit each day to ensure the chair is completed. This will all be covered when we have the briefing/introduction over a cup of tea on the first morning. On arrival you will have your own bench to work at and your timber pack on top ready get started. The workshop is well equipped and with a small group everyone soon gets to know each other quickly and we all help each other at various times. This course is suitable for beginner/intermediate level but some basic woodworking or practical skills are useful. Bill has taken many total beginners through the chair making process and all have been able to sit in their own chair on Friday morning. We do run a 1-day ‘introduction to woodwork’ course and if anyone books an introductory course and chair-making course we can arrange a discount. If you want to discuss the skill/experience level required, please contact us as we will always try and be flexible where possible. You will use the following timbers to make you chair: Legs, seat, spindles in Ash. Armbow and crest rail (head rest) in oak. The legs and spindles are secured with oak wedges, the contrast between the oak and ash is lovely, particularly when polished. (Other timber options can be discussed in advance of the course if required). During the course you will use templates, jigs, and your measuring & marking skills to the full. You will use traditional chair making tools like travishers, reamers, spoke shaves and rasps but you will also use the router, band-saw and lathe. As we approach the various processes of the build we will point out options and you can try different tools/methods, if you wish to. The schedule is full but by the final day you will have a beautiful assembled chair that is fully functional, you can then work on the finer detail and the surface preparation. If you have time you can also start the surface finishing to bring out the lovely grain of the timber. You will have a creative fun week in a relaxed professional workshop and meet new like minded people in the process. The courses run 9.30am until 4.30pm Monday to Friday. However anyone wishing to make special arrangements for a course on a different date or involving a weekend should please contact us directly. Please contact us if you have any questions.

What's included in the price?

All materials are included in the course price and all tools provided to complete the project. Tea, coffee provided and there is a kitchen for course attendees to use. Please bring food/packed lunch, there is a fridge and microwave available to use. Please wear clothes suitable for workshop including sturdy footwear.

Cancellation policy

Easy - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd

with Craft Courses since 2018

Message the tutor

Welcome to 'Learn-Make-Restore'. I am an experienced cabinet maker, furniture maker and furniture restorer. I am qualified from various City & Guilds through to a Masters Degree in the Conservation of Historic Objects . I have a passion for traditional crafts and teach various aspects of making & restoring. I have also written for a number of woodwork magazines, for example, 'Quercus', 'Woodland Heritage Journal' and 'Furniture & Cabinetmaking'. You will also find my regular workshop posts on Instagram. I am a Brand Ambassador for a few woodwork related companies and this provides great opportunities for course attendees to try new tools and materials. I teach from my workshops near Ely, Cambridgeshire and will also be opening a new site in North Wales in late 2025. I believe strongly that our health & quality of life is enhanced by working practically, being creative, making and learning new skills. We can all be highly creative and practical when we get the opportunity. At a time in society, when consumerism has taken hold, we throw too many things away and do not always appreciate materials or nature. Both my workshops are chosen for their location, surrounded by nature and inspiration. We must make better and restore more. We need more relaxing workbench time and less screen time.