Rustic Stool Making
Rustic Stool Making
Course Overview
On this two-day introductory course you will make a rustic stool or side table using traditional tools and techniques. You will start the weekend by being given a simple ash log and end it with your own unique piece of hand made rustic furniture to take home.
You will be using traditional tools and techniques throughout the two days; including froes, shave horses and drawknives. Your tutor will introduce you to these traditional tools and instruct you how to use them safely and affectively.
At the end of the first day you will have produced all your stool legs and braces, these will be gently dried overnight. The following day you will carefully align your mortise and tenon joints and fit the various pieces together. Once fitted together you will have made your own piece of hand made furniture which you can take home.
Ash is a truly underrated wood and an excellent material for creating furniture, floors, cabinetry, and many other wooden items. Ash trees grow quickly and are found in abundance in many parts of the world, making ash wood a more sustainable choice compared to some other hardwoods. Ash is a traditional woodland crop in England and found in many coppices. The legs of your stool will be made from ash coppiced at Stanwick Lakes.
Green woodworking is an ancient craft long predating the coming of sawmills and kiln drying. This craft utilises the properties of unseasoned timber to create anything from a humble spoon to a grand timber framed house. A famous example of green woodworking is the traditional “Bodger” from Buckinghamshire making the parts for Windsor chairs.
The course takes place in and around the purpose built oak framed craft barn at Stanwick Lakes which is managed by Rockingham Forest Trust as an environmental charity.
Stanwick Lakes is a protected Nature Reserve and a Wetland of International Importance, covering 750 acres of open space with seven miles of paths, a perfect inspiration to crafters and makers.
During your lunchtime you can enjoy the onsite cafés and visit the heritage museum or sit by a lake and watch the wildlife.
Times or dates don’t suit? Let us know, and join a waiting list.
What You’ll Learn
- – Traditional tools: froes, shave horses and drawknives.
- – Materials: attributes of Ash wood.
- – Skills: mortise and tenon joints
- – Traditional craft & cultural heritage: green woodworking and bodging
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for anyone seeking to reconnect with nature and traditional craftsmanship. It’s perfect for beginners interested in learning hands-on woodworking skills using simple tools and unseasoned wood, as well as for seasoned woodworkers looking to explore eco-friendly, sustainable techniques.
Great course, John was an excellent teacher and the small group meant we all got all the help needed. There was good choice with design and we learnt some new and interesting skills. Good facilities on site as well, would really recommend this is if you’re looking to try woodwork and haven’t done any before.
Key Course Details
When: Weekends (Saturday & Sunday) – Various dates
Duration: 2 day workshop
Class Size: Maximum of 5 students per workshop
Cost: £195.00 per session
Materials: All materials are provided. Wearing old clothes is recommended.
Times or dates don’t suit? Let us know, and join a waiting list.
About the Tutor
Your tutor is Jon Groombridge a self-taught woodcarver of 30 years experience. He started making stools of various descriptions, a few chairs, tables, beds, mostly as commissions. Over the last 30 years, he has demonstrated his craft at museums, country fairs, shop windows and even a care home.
What’s included in the price?
Tools, materials and safety equipment are provided.
Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided free of charge during the course.
Your car parking is also free of charge on the day of your course.
Additional food and drinks can be purchased in the café in the visitor centre or bring your own packed lunch.
Please note if you are purchasing food from our café for your lunch break, a pre-order form will be available on the morning of the course (a selection of paninis, sandwiches, jacket potatoes etc, are available) so we can have your food freshly prepared and ready for you.
Additional Information
Hard soled boots, preferably safety boots, are recommended due to the possibility of hot coals falling out of the fire.
Cancellation policy
Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts.