The Chair Seating Club is an informal group meeting monthly. We meet at the Wooburn Craft School on the first Friday of every month. Hours are flexible. Start when you want any time from 2.00 and finish when it suits.

We cover
• Chair caning in the well-known six-way standard pattern. Furniture suitable for this should have one or more panels with regularly spaced holes going all the way through the polished frame. A trapezium shaped bedroom chair is suitable for a beginner.
• More advanced chair caning. Recent projects have used patterns such as double Victoria, snowflake, or more unusual designs as well as more complex exercises such as different shaped panels, sunrise or medallion patterns, curved edges or curved surfaces.
• Blind caning where the holes are not drilled all the way through the frame.
• Double caning. This is usually worked on the arms or back of a chair or sofa. Both front and back of the panel are woven at the same time.
• Close caning. Usually done on the seat of a chair with unpolished rails drilled with widely spaced holes, and with raised corners.
• Rush seating using English rush in the ‘envelope’ pattern or a continental design. A small bedroom chair or stool is suitable for a beginner although a drop in seat is not recommended as a starter piece. For rushing, the piece should have solid unpolished rails around the seat with raised corners.
• Other materials. Projects using e.g. Danish cord or paper rush are also possible

In all cases students will need to bring their own furniture to work on, although it may be possible to purchase a suitable piece from the Wooburn Craft School. Any repairs should be complete before caning or rushing, as well as cleaning, painting or French polishing.

If you would like to join the group, please contact the Wooburn Craft School in advance to discuss your requirements and the suitability of your furniture.

Tutor: Christine Brewster

Class Dates (every Tuesday):
April: 14, 21, 28
May: 5, 12, 19
June: 2, 9, 16, 23
July: 7

Class Times: All classes start at 13:30 and ends at 17:30

Price:  £10 per hour

This club is for advanced carvers who shares experience and work on their own piece.

Class Dates (every Tuesday):
April: 14, 21, 28
May: 5, 12, 19, 26
June: 2, 9, 16, 23
July: 7

Class Times: All classes start at 9:30 and end at 14:30

Price: £10 per hour

In this course, Ernest will help students of all levels from complete novices to experienced restorers. All types of projects are possible (We do suggest you send a picture of the object if this is your first class with the school). All materials can be provided by the school (although a charge may apply). Ernest will carefully walk the student through every step of  the entire process of restoring their selected project.  Imagine the great feeling one gets from developing the hand skills needed to turn a warn piece of furniture into a thing of beauty.

With over 15 years experience running a very successful restoration business, Ernest is active with ICON (International Conservation) and he has a PhD centered around 18th Century  English and French Furniture.  This means that Ernest has proven himself to meet their very high standards in the restoration of antiques.

Price: £295 (Deposit: £100)

Class Dates (every other Saturday except during school holidays):
June: 27
July: 18
August: 1, 15, 29

Class Times: All classes start at 9:30 and end at 16:30

In this course, Ernest will help students of all levels from complete novices to experienced restorers. All types of projects are possible (We do suggest you send a picture of the object if this is your first class with the school). All materials can be provided by the school (although a charge may apply). Ernest will carefully walk the student through every step of  the entire process of restoring their selected project.  Imagine the great feeling one gets from developing the hand skills needed to turn a warn piece of furniture into a thing of beauty.

With over 15 years experience running a very successful restoration business, Ernest is active with ICON (International Conservation) and he has a PhD centered around 18th Century  English and French Furniture.  This means that Ernest has proven himself to meet their very high standards in the restoration of antiques.

Price: £295 (Deposit: £100)

Class Dates (every other Friday except during school holidays):
April: 17
May: 1, 22
June: 5, 19

Class Times: All classes start at 9:30 and end at 16:30

Beginner students will learn the craft of Wood Carving using traditional tools through a couple of challenging exercises, talks and demonstrations. Those new to Wood Carving will learn all the basics and will develop the basic skills to successfully carve objects in wood. They will develop an understanding of wood, how to use the basic tools, then how to conceptualise a final Wood Carving goal and how to reach that goal. More advanced students will continue to improve their skills by carving more advanced pieces.

Please note:  no refunds will be given if cancelled 2 weeks or less before the class are scheduled to start.

Class Dates (every Tuesday):
April:  21, 28
May: 5, 12, 19
June: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Class Times: All classes start at 18:300 and end at 21:00

Price: £295 (Deposit: £100)

Join Our Woodwork Session

• Craft Your Own Leopold Chair from Pine
• Unleash Your Creativity and Build a Timeless Piece

Discover the Art of simple Woodworking: Make a Leopold Chair from Pine

Are you seeking a hands-on experience that combines creativity, skill, and craftsmanship? Do you want to add a unique, elegant piece of furniture to your home that reflects both tradition and your personal touch? Step into the world of woodworking with our exclusive session dedicated to building the iconic Leopold chair, using beautiful, sustainable pine wood.

Why Choose the Leopold Chair?

The Leopold chair stands as a testament to classic design: its graceful lines, practical form, and sturdy construction have made it a favourite among furniture enthusiasts for generations. Whether you are looking for a comfortable reading chair, an accent piece for your living space, or a thoughtful gift for a loved one, the Leopold chair is versatile and timeless.

But what truly sets this session apart is the opportunity to build your very own Leopold chair from scratch, guided by an experienced woodworker and using carefully selected pine—one of nature’s finest materials. Pine wood boasts a warm, inviting colour, is easy to work with for all skill levels, and is sourced with sustainability in mind.

Session Highlights

• Expert Instruction: Our master craftsman bring years of experience and passion for woodworking. You’ll be guided through every step—from measuring and cutting to assembly and finishing. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced woodworker, our instructor ensure that you feel confident and supported throughout the process.
• Quality Materials: We provide premium pine wood, selected for its durability and attractive grain. All woodworking tools and safety equipment are supplied, so you only need to bring your enthusiasm.
• Hands-On Experience: This session is all about active participation. You will use saws, planes, and joinery techniques to transform raw pine into a stunning chair. Learn essential woodworking skills that you can carry forward to future projects.
• Customization: Personalize your Leopold chair with your choice of finishes, stains, or paint. Experiment with cushions and make the chair truly yours if you choose.
• Community: Meet fellow craft enthusiasts, share ideas, and enjoy a friendly, collaborative atmosphere. Our woodwork sessions foster creativity, learning, and lasting connections.

What You’ll Learn

• Understanding wood types, characteristics of pine, and why it’s perfect for the Leopold chair.
• Basic and advanced cutting techniques: handsaw and power saw usage, ensuring precision and safety.
• Shaping and smoothing: the art of planeing and sanding pine.
• Joinery methods: traditional techniques to ensure your chair is both beautiful and structurally sound.
• Assembly: step-by-step, from legs to seat to backrest, guided by detailed plans and professional tips.
• Finishing touches: staining, painting, and sealing your chair for longevity and style.

The Benefits of Working with Pine

Pine wood is celebrated for its versatility and charm. Its light colour and distinctive grain patterns lend warmth to any room, while its relative softness makes it easy to shape and join. Pine is also an environmentally friendly choice, as it’s renewable and widely available. Working with pine allows both novice and seasoned woodworkers to achieve excellent results without the frustration that harder woods sometimes bring.

Session Details

• Location: Our traditional workshop is equipped with modern tools in a safe, welcoming environment.
• Date & Time: Multiple sessions are available to suit your schedule—contact us for upcoming dates!
• Duration: Each session lasts approximately four hours, with breaks and refreshments provided.
• Materials Provided: All pine wood, hardware, and tools are included in the session fee.
• Skill Level: Suitable for all levels—no prior woodworking experience required.

Why Attend?

• Create Something Lasting: Leave the session with a finished Leopold chair—made by your own hands. Experience the pride and satisfaction that comes from crafting a beautiful, functional object from raw materials.
• Learn New Skills: Whether you’re new to woodworking or looking to refine your technique, you’ll gain valuable knowledge and confidence.
• Connect with Others: Enjoy the camaraderie of creating together with like-minded individuals.
• Enjoy a Relaxing, Rewarding Day: Step away from the everyday and immerse yourself in a creative pursuit.

Meet Your Instructor

Our woodworking instructor is a passionate artisan with decades of experience. He delight in sharing his knowledge and fostering a welcoming atmosphere. From teaching wood safety and tool handling to helping you with tricky joins and final finishes, he will be there every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need to bring anything? Just yourself! All tools and materials are provided.
• Is this session suitable for beginners? Absolutely—no prior experience is required, and our instructors will guide you at every stage.
• Can I take my chair home? Yes! Your handcrafted Leopold chair is yours to enjoy and cherish.
• What if I make a mistake? Mistakes are a natural part of learning. The instructor will help you fix any issues and ensure you leave with a beautiful chair.

Reserve Your Spot Today!

To sign up or request more information, contact us by phone or email.

The cost of an individual lesson will be £500 with a good discount if there are more students.

Let your creativity flourish, learn new skills, and take home a piece of furniture that tells a story—yours.

Testimonials

• “I never thought I could make a chair myself. The instructor was patient, and the pine was easy to work with. My chair now has pride of place in my living room and if I need to pack it away, it is easy to fold up to take up less space!”
• “A fantastic way to spend a Saturday. I learned so much and met great people. Highly recommended!”
• “The Leopold chair session was the perfect introduction to woodworking, and now I feel inspired to try more projects.”

What Are You Waiting For?

A rewarding woodworking experience, a beautiful pine Leopold chair, and new friends all await you. Join us and make memories—one cut, one join, one chair at a time.

Aim

The aim of the session is to complete the chair. If you completed the project you are done. You take it home when you are finished.  If you finish it with time to spare, the instructor will have an additional project that you can work on. You are welcome to make a second one but you have to source your own timber.

Please note:  no refunds will be given if cancelled 2 weeks or less before the class are scheduled to start.

Class Dates (every Wednesday):
April:  29
May: 6, 13, 20
June: 3, 10, 17, 24

July 1, 8

Class Times: All classes start at 15:30 and end at 19:30

Price: £500 (Deposit: £100)

The idea of making pictures with coloured glass, balanced with shapes and rhythm has fascinated generations. This course will introduce students to this amazing craft. Students learn the handling of tools and materials. Developing confidence from straight lines to curves on coloured glass. Projects will introduce the students to the basic techniques such as to score (cut) glass safely, copperfoil and traditional leadwork. This is a hands on practical course, with aspects of design and soldering. As with the Applique technique the students will be able to develop their own design once they have mastered the basics. No previous experience in either art or stained glass is needed for this introduction – just a sense of play and adventure!

Advanced students are also welcome. Lilly will guide and facilitate the creative direction that they want to pursue.

Class dates (Sundays):
April: 26
May: 10, 31
June: 14, 28

Class Times: All classes start at 9:30 and end at 16:30

Price: £295 (Deposit: £100)
Students are also expected to pay a material cost of  approximately £25

Class Dates
May: 16, 17
June: 6, 7

Class Times: All classes start at 9:30 and end at 17:00

See Missenden School of Creative Arts’ Website for prices and to register:

https://www.missendenschoolofcreativearts.co.uk/summerschool_2025.php

Beginner students will learn the craft of Wood Carving using traditional tools through a couple of challenging exercises, talks and demonstrations. Those new to Wood Carving will learn all the basics and will develop the basic skills to successfully carve objects in wood. They will develop an understanding of wood, how to use the basic tools, then how to conceptualise a final Wood Carving goal and how to reach that goal. More advanced students will continue to improve their skills by carving more advanced pieces with careful guidance from the tutor.

Class Dates (every OTHER Saturday except during school holidays):

June: 20
July: 11, 25
August: 8, 22

Class Times: All classes start at 9:30 and end at 16:30

Price: £295 (Deposit: £100)

Please note:  no refunds will be given if cancelled 2 weeks or less before the class are scheduled to start.

While building on the basic skills learned at the start of this class (measuring, marking, using basic tools such as planes, chisels, saws, different types of wood, sharpening tools), it is also suitable for students with some basic woodworking experience as we will be working toward improving prior learning. After completing several practice projects, Students will be guided through a technically challenging but enjoyable project while making a novelty box using pine and plywood. It will include an introduction to some woodwork joints not previously made, using more specialist tools and techniques. You will learn about how to mark and cut different kinds of joints, how to use tools that go beyond the basic wood working tools. Finally students will try out different finishing techniques before choosing one to apply to their box. If time permits a student may decorate their box using a number of different techniques such as turning, pyography, marquetry, etc.
Please note: no refunds will be given if cancelled 2 weeks or less before the class are scheduled to start, unless we are able to fill the slot with another student.

Class Dates (every Thursday):
April:  30
May: 7, 14, 21
June: 4, 11, 18, 25

July 2, 9

Class Times: All classes start at 18:00 and end at 21:00

Price: £320 (Deposit: £100)