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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 Phil has proven himself to meet their very high standards in the restoration of antiques.

Price: £275 (Deposit: £100)

Class Dates (every Friday except during school holidays):
September: 10, 17, 24
October: 1, 8, 15, 22
November: 5, 12, 26

Class Times: All classes start at 9:30 and end at 12:30

In addition to working as a successful cabinet maker, Will Streule has run the Missenden School of Creative Arts and prior to that he taught at Reading College has designed this course to teach the major aspects of Wood Working. This course starts with an overview of common furniture woods and their qualities as well as the basic hand tools and how to sharpen them. Students will then be introduced to basic Wood Working techniques while each making a beautiful wooden box with a few options to suite all skill levels. Some of the skills students will be introduced to include: using a plane, using chisels to produce dovetail joints, turning, using a cabinet scraper among others. Finally students will try out different finishing techniques before choosing one to apply to their box.

Note the price does not include a £25 materials cost which is payable to the instructor on the first day of classes.

Please note that we will not provide refunds if you withdraw less than two weeks before the start dated, unless we are able to fill the slot with another student.

Price: £275 (Deposit: £100)

Class Dates (every Wednesday):
September: 8, 15, 22, 29
October: 6, 13, 20
November: 3, 10, 24

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

Students learn traditional upholstery (not modern – foam) by working on their own prized objects.

In this exciting course, Kat will help students of all levels from complete novices to experienced upholsterers. All types of projects are possible everything from simple drop in seats to complex buttoning using only tradition techniques hair and stitched seats with webbing and springs.

We urge all students  to send a picture of the object if this is your first class with the school at least 2 weeks before the start of the term for cost evaluation. As in all craft he skill and experience level of the student will guide what is an acceptable project.

All base materials can be supplied by the school (although a charge may apply at the end of the course at a discounted price – an estimate of the material costs can be provided once a photo of the piece is received). The top cover can also be ordered through the tutor (students will receive a 10% discount on fabric orders.)

Tools will be provided by the tutor for the duration of the class however if students do want to purchase tools, they, can order them through the tutor at a discount.

Please note that as precautionary measure we ask everyone to wear mask in the school!

Class Dates (every Monday):
September: 6, 13, 20, 27
October: 4, 11, 18
November: 1,8,15

Class Times: All classes start at 18:30 and end at 21:30

Price: £275 (Deposit: £100)

Beginning 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):
September: 11, 25
October: 23
November: 13, 27

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

Price: £275 (Deposit: £100)

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

Please check details on Backimghamshire Adult Learning

or call 01296 382403

Our Three-day intermediate workshop is geared towards those who have attended the beginners class or have some experience with fundamental understanding of basic techniques and looking to take their skills up a level. 

The class will begin by jumping straight in to create a selection of items with various different technical skill requirements such as watch straps, a small handbag or classic bifold wallet. Fundamentals will be expanded on, and more advanced techniques will be taught such as skiving leather, installing gussets and making raised leather elements for these items.

 You will be shown traditional methods and techniques which you will then use to make your own items and take them home.

 All tools and materials to use during the workshop will be supplied. 

You will have an option to purchase a full beginners kit to take home with you, along with some good quality leather and other supplies to get you started on your own (cost of £100).

Class Dates (Saturday, Sunday, Monday):
August: 21, 22, 23

Class Times: All classes start at 9:30 a.m. and end at 4:30 p.m.

Price: £240 + £40 (materials)

Leather is one of the most amazing materials to work with.

Our Two-day introduction workshop is aimed at beginners interested in gaining a good basic understanding of the leather working skills & techniques used in making a variety of small leather goods.

Over the two days, you’ll be making 2 or 3 items, such a card holder, key-rings and a belt or a coin purse, (specific items can be chosen on the day.) These will show you the different skills and techniques required for leather working.

During the course,  you will cover the following:

Different types of leathers and its uses
Tanneries and suppliers
Understanding the process of making leather goods
Intro to pattern making.
Cutting – Dying – Stitching and finishing the leather.
Beveling – Creasing – Burnishing and other skills
Leather after care
General Q/A

You will be shown traditional methods and techniques which you will then use to make your own items and take them home. The skills and techniques learnt will help jump start your leather working journey, in addition to all tools and materials to use during the workshop along with course notes and information including recommended reading and a list of suppliers, with an opportunity to purchase a full beginners kit to take home with you (contain everything what need to get started, fixed cost of £100).

Class Dates (Saturday, Sunday):
July: 31st – August 1st

Class Times: All classes start at 9:30 a.m. and end at 4:30 p.m.

Price: £165 + £35 Material cost

Leather is one of the most amazing materials to work with.

Our Two-day introduction workshop is aimed at beginners interested in gaining a good basic understanding of the leather working skills & techniques used in making a variety of small leather goods.

Over the two days, you’ll be making 2 or 3 items, such a card holder, key-rings and a belt or a coin purse, (specific items can be chosen on the day.) These will show you the different skills and techniques required for leather working.

During the course,  you will cover the following:

• Different types of leathers and its uses
• Tanneries and suppliers
• Understanding the process of making leather goods
• Intro to pattern making.
• Cutting – Dying – Stitching and finishing the leather.
• Beveling – Creasing – Burnishing and other skills
• Leather after care
• General Q/A

You will be shown traditional methods and techniques which you will then use to make your own items and take them home. The skills and techniques learnt will help jump start your leather working journey, in addition to all tools and materials to use during the workshop along with course notes and information including recommended reading and a list of suppliers, with an opportunity to purchase a full beginners kit to take home with you (contain everything what need to get started, fixed cost of £100).

Class Dates (Saturday, Sunday):
July: 10, 11

Class Times: All classes start at 9:30 a.m. and end at 4:30 p.m.

Price: £165 + £35 Material cost

In this exciting course, Kat will help students of all levels from complete novices to experienced upholsterers. All types of projects are possible everything from simple drop in seats to complex buttoning using only tradition techniques hair and stitched seats with webbing and springs (We urge all students  to send a picture of the object if this is your first class with the school at least 2 weeks before the start of the term). Obviously, the skill and experience level of the student will guide what is an acceptable project.

All base materials can be provided by the school (although a charge may apply at the end of the course – the students will be provided materials at a discounted price – an estimate of the material costs can be provided once a photo of the piece is provided). The top cover can also be ordered through the tutor (students will receive a 10% discount on fabric orders.)  Tools will be provided by the tutor for the duration of the class.  If students do want to purchase tools, they, again, can order them through the tutor at a discount.  Students learn how to upholster traditional and modern furniture by working on their own prized objects.

Price: £275 (Deposit: £100)

Class Dates (every Monday):
April: 26

May: 10, 17, 24

June: 7, 14, 21, 28

July 5, 12

Beginning 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 canceled 2 weeks or less before the class are scheduled to start.

Class Dates (every Thursday):
April: 22, 29
May: 6, 13, 20, 27
June: 10, 17, 24
July: 1

Class Times: All classes start at 6 p.m. and end at 9 p.m.

Price: £275 (Deposit: £100)