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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):
January: 15, 22, 29
February: 5, 12, 26
March: 5, 12, 19, 26

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

Price: £320 (Deposit: £100)

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):

January: 24
February: 7
March: 14
April: —
May: 2, 16

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.

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):
January: 13, 20, 27
February: 3, 10, 17,  24
March: 3, 10, 17

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

Price: £295 (Deposit: £100)

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):
January: 31
February: 28
March: 28
April: 25
May: 9

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):
January: 16, 30
February: 13, 27
March: 13

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

Join to a three-days course and learn how to saddle stitch (hand stitch) a small leather bag and meet fellow enthusiasts.
Saddle stitch is a traditional way of hand-sewing leather. Executed properly it is beautiful to see. During this course, you will saddle stitch and make a simple small, and unlined cross-body bag, similar to the one in the photo. The bag will be small to enable us to complete most of it within two days. The course is aimed at beginners and those with more experience are also welcome.
During the course, you will learn some simple leatherwork techniques that can easily be applied to other projects. Don’t panic if saddle stitch does not agree with you – other stitches are available.
We introduce you to leather and to the saddle stitch technique. You will have the opportunity to practice saddle stitch before starting your project.

• The types of leather available and the tanning process
• What to look for when purchasing leather
• The anatomy of a bag and basic design principles.
• Handmade versus the high street.
• How to create simple patterns for bags, considering the thickness of the leather.
• How to prepare your leather for hand sewing
• How to transfer your design.
• How to cut your leather and check your pattern.
• How to insert your hardware (poppers, eyelets, and buckles)
• How to finish your design after your stitching is completed.
• You will receive a set of course notes to accompany the course.

There will be a choice of designs available. We will have time to make some small adjustments to the pattern, mostly in terms of the hardware choices, as the focus of the two days is stitching and making the bag. There won’t be time to design and make your own bag on this course.
The materials are included in the course fee. By the end of the weekend, you will leave with your finished bag, knowing how you can apply your new knowledge to your designs in the future.

Do you need to bring anything?

• Just bring yourself.
• Wear old clothes and proper shoes that cover your toes as we will be working with tools.
• If you feel the cold it may be worth bringing an extra layer or two.

Price: £360 (Materials included) – Deposit: £100

Class Dates (Saturday, Sunday):
February: 14, 15

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

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 – Dyeing – 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):
April: 18, 19

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

Price: £165 + £35 Material cost

Do you need to bring anything?

• Just bring yourself.
• Wear old clothes and proper shoes that cover your toes as we will be working with tools.
• If you feel the cold it may be worth bringing an extra layer or two.

Price: Glove Making £360 (Materials included)

Class Dates (Friday to Sunday):
May: 15,  16, 17

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

Decorate and stamp yourself into Christmas by spoiling your family and friends with some handmade gifts.

During this one-day course we will create several small gifts from coasters and keyrings to bookmarks and decorations.

• We will cover
• how to stamp leather with lettering and decorative stamps,
• different ways to dye and paint leather,
• how to cut and prepare leather,
• how to manipulate leather to create simple decorations,
• how to make a tassel,
• how to finish the leather ready for use after decorating it.

There will be a choice of projects to make and personalise.

Do you need to bring anything?

• Just bring yourself.
• Wear old clothes and proper shoes that cover your toes as we will be working with tools.
• If you feel the cold it may be worth bringing an extra layer or two.

Price: £100 (All materials and tools are included)

Class Dates (Saturday, Sunday):
December: 14

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

This series of classes is specifically timed and designed for home schooled students.  It will be headed up by Ivan Van Rooyen who brings with him over 40 years experience teaching young students.  During this course, students will learn a number of wood working skills through a series of carefully designed projects including puzzles, small boxes, and games. During this process, students will learn how to safely handle tools, how to measure accurately and how to create fun objects out of wood.

We have a set series of wood crafting classes such as wood working (making things), pyrography (burning pictures in wood) and wood carving.   Most importantly, we try to work with each individual student to allow each of them to express themselves while learning a new skill.

Each child is allowed to work at their own pace to maximize their learning and creativity.  This means that each student gets very individual guidance.  As everyone knows creativity and the process of making things is very important to a child’s development.  That is why we think our classes are so important. In the past the wood working class has made boxes, decorated with pyrography, a chess set and board.

Class Dates (every Thursday):
September: 11, 18, 25
October: 2, 9, 16, 23
November: 6, 13, 20

Class Times: All classes start at 12:00 and end at 14:00

Price: £220 (Deposit: £100)