Short Courses in
Fine Furniture Making

Discover the joy of crafting handmade furniture, using traditional techniques in intimate classes of three, or through bespoke one-to-one tuition. Set in a tranquil rural workshop, you’ll learn from a master craftsman with 25 years of experience as a designer, maker and teacher.  

Fine furniture making courses in Cheshire

Overview

Whether you are looking to try a new activity or improve your existing woodwork skills, I offer short courses using traditional cabinet making techniques (fine woodworking) for absolute beginners upwards. 

My rural workshop in Ashley, Cheshire is the perfect place for you to get away from everyday life and absorb yourself in working with a most rewarding natural material. You will get plenty of one to one time as the spacious workshop is equipped to train up to a maximum of three students at a time. If you’d like to tailor a course to your needs, you can also arrange bespoke sessions.

Online training abounds, but nothing beats hands-on guidance to refine your precision and problem-solving skills.  Some of the courses are project based so you will come away with a beautiful finished piece at the end of our time together. 

Serene rural fine furniture making workshop

Key benefits

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”
Theodore Roosevelt

Negative beliefs often hold us back: ‘I’m not creative,’ I’m no good with my hands’, ‘I lack patience,’ or ‘It must be perfect.’

I witness these doubts transform as students immerse themselves in the rewarding journey of fine woodworking. Mistakes become stepping stones, fostering a shift in mindset and self-belief. Here, it’s not just about mastering skills—it’s about unlocking potential and embracing growth.

Client Testimonials

“The course exceeded my expectations in terms of the quality of the finished product.”
Paul
“It was great fun using all the equipment and David's teaching style is very supportive and patient. He is a true artist as well as craftsman, and will inspire you to be the same."
Helen
"At the end of 3 intense days I had completed a beautiful stool which has since been much admired. As a complete woodworking novice the course was a challenge - I am so glad to have met this challenge, whilst also enjoying the absorption that the process provided and to have learnt new skills. Thank you David for your thoughtful, patient and skilled tuition. "
Hazel
'A brilliant opportunity to have a break from ordinary life, taking time to become absorbed in learning new skills and coming away with a handmade stool to be proud of. David was so knowledgeable, a patient and encouraging teacher, committed to making sure I’d created the best stool possible. I felt like I'd worked hard but had a great holiday!'
Kirsten
"I found the course excellent. David is a very good and knowledgeable teacher. The one day course gave me more than just a floating shelf. It gave me an introduction to new woodworking skills and the confidence to develop them further."
Iain
"David was patient and attentive and gave me enough space for me to find my confidence and rhythm while also giving me that extra push for when I slacked off. I loved the rural setting of the workshop and found the whole day enjoyable ."
Shireen
"The best birthday ever’ - my mums comment at the end of our floating shelf workshop day. We had such a lovely time and learnt so much. David was so helpful and attentive, everything was explained and demo’d. We would totally recommend this course to anyone looking for expert guidance in a relaxed setting. Thanks again David!"
Allie and Mary
We thoroughly enjoyed this workshop! David is extremely knowledgable and patient making sure our techniques were right. We are now the proud owners of 2 beautiful Ash floating shelves!"
Kathy and Jay