COURSES

 

Courses in Green woodwork,

chair and stool making

Courses are offered on chair making, hand-carved spoon and bowl making and other green woodwork projects. There are shorter or longer week courses, as well as weekend courses.


During a course you will select a log, prepare the parts for your project from it, put them together, and, at the end, take home something useful and unique to you. The things you make are durable and will last a lifetime.


Courses are held in a purpose built open air workshop surrounded by trees, fresh air and nature.  For anyone wanting a completely different kind of break from it all, physically active, creative, sociable, and with something to show off and take home at the end, this could be the answer. These courses also make great presents for a loved one.  Course participants are often amazed at how hard they have worked at the end of a course, but how much they’ve enjoyed themselves.

 Information about Courses
Projects.  When considering what kind of course you might choose experience is relevant but not essential. Projects can be tailored to your ability and you will receive individual guidance at each step. Some experience of practical or woodwork might be useful especially for chair making courses but is not essential. You will need your energy and enthusiasm; we provide everything else!

Tools. Tools are provided, although participants are welcome to bring their own. Materials are included except seating for chairs and stools which are extra and can be chosen from a range I have available. Costs for different types of seating range from £20 - £50. Materials for making shaving horses and pole lathes are also extra.

 Course Venue and other Details
Courses for 2012 are near Forest Row at the Forest Garden Centre, www.forestgarden.info run by Charles Hooper and Lisa Aitken. See their website for other courses and brilliant yurt accommodation or camping. All the courses above include delicious wholesome lunches teas and coffees provided by Lisa. There are also B&Bs and other accommodation in the area which we can recommend.http://www.forestgarden.infoshapeimage_3_link_0
Some Green woodwork Course Projects

Chairs. Making a chair in some ways can be considered one of the most challenging furniture projects. Designed to fit the seated human body, a chair requires techniques such as angled joints, and steam bending which make it an exciting project. So you may be surprised to know that you could make one on a one week course; a little previous experience of woodwork is helpful, but not vital.

Stools.  A stool is a chair without a back and is the most basic form of seating after a log! However, its humble status doesn't mean it can't be beautiful, well made and useful. It’s a great project for a beginner and can have a woven or solid wood seat.

Spoons. If you enjoy using your hands, making a spoon can be a wonderful introduction to this kind of woodwork. There is no end of shapes, sizes and styles. It can be a great project for a weekend course or form part of a longer one.

Hand carved bowl.  Making a bowl from a log using hand axe, gouges and chisels is a very satisfying activity. Bowls made in this way are quite different from those produced on a power lathe. Their forms echo those found in many tribal cultures around the world and have a more "organic" sculptural feel to them. 

Polelathe or Shaving horse. With these two pieces of equipment you have the means to do your own green woodwork, making stools, chairs and a host of other things. All you will need in addition is a few hand tools and some wood to get started on your own. You can make the polelathe or shaving horse on a course then set them up at home in any bit of space in a back garden.
2012  Summer Course dates and prices:

Fri. 22nd Jun. to 24th Jun-          Stool making :         £265.

Mon. 2nd Jul.  to Sat. 7th Jul.    - Chair making:         £480.

Wed. 11th Jul.to Thur.12th Jul. -  Bowl carving:          £180.

Fri. 20th Jul.   to Sun 22nd Jul.   - Stool making:         £265.

Mon. 30th Jul to 4th Aug           -Chair making:           £480. 

Fri.10th Aug to Sun 12th Aug     -Stool making:          £265.

One to one tuition in my workshop for your own project. This can be anything you’d like to have a go at but would like some help and advice with. £16/hr or £120 for an 8 hour day.  To book a course go to www.forestgarden.info

NB!
Book before 31st May 20% discount on the above prices!http://www.forestgarden.infoshapeimage_5_link_0
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