Creative Seating: Discover the Art of Green Wood Furniture Making
For more than a decade, my Creative Seating Furniture Making Course has been at the heart of my practice here on the South Devon coast. It remains one of my proudest achievements, not only because of the skills it passes on to my participants but also because of the extraordinary pieces my students take home.
Over the years, people of all levels, from complete beginners to seasoned makers, have consistently surprised themselves by creating heirloom-quality chairs and seats that embody their craftsmanship and individuality.
At its core, the course celebrates the unique and versatile world of green wood furniture with each project beginning with exploring the possibilities of the freshly cut, locally sourced timber we have available to work with.
Working with living, unseasoned wood offers my course participants freedom, creativity and a tactile connection to the materials at every stage; producing results that are stunning, sculptural and not only functional but deeply personal.
From Fine Furniture to Green Woodworking
My own journey into this world began with formal training as a fine furniture maker. While I appreciated the craft, something was missing. The pieces I was producing did not fully express my values, my aesthetics or my desire for sustainability. The turning point came during a chair-making course with the renowned green woodworker Mike Abbott.
That experience was a revelation. I returned brimming with ideas and began weaving together the precision of fine furniture making with the organic, flowing methods of green woodworking. This fusion became the foundation of the business I run today.
My creative seating course reflects that same philosophy; combining traditional Windsor chair-making techniques with freer, sculptural methods to give each participant the chance to create something entirely unique.
A Unique Furniture Making Course
What sets my course apart from other green woodworking courses is the combination of traditional craft and contemporary technique. Some may think of green woodworking as old-fashioned but my approach is different. I embrace modern methods where they enhance the process, using power tools and a well-equipped workshop alongside hand tools to help bring your designs to life. Jig-making and careful precision are balanced with free-flowing experimentation to create an environment where accuracy and creativity work hand in hand.
This dual approach means my participants gain the best of both worlds: the beauty and sustainability of working with green wood and the ability to refine and finish their designs to a professional standard. It’s a philosophy that has made my course popular with those who want to challenge themselves, as well as with beginners eager to explore a new craft.
Designing and Making with Green Wood
Every creative seating project begins with locally felled timber which is predominantly ash or chestnut although some other native species such as oak, cherry and sycamore are also available.
Over six days, you’ll participate in a journey that blends design and making. Whether you’re aiming to construct a bold, sculptural chair or a simple, elegant stool, my students are encouraged to think creatively about form, function and expression. The irregular shapes of the raw wood often inspire designs that are playful, surprising and deeply personal.
The title ‘Creative Seating’ is deliberately open-ended. While many choose to make chairs or benches, the course welcomes any feasible project that can be achieved within the time frame. The emphasis is on creativity, exploration and the satisfaction of bringing an idea into reality.
A Workshop in the Heart of Devon
Our workshop is located in the South Hams Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just a short distance from the Devon coast. It’s a truly inspiring place to work: green, peaceful and surrounded by the sea and luscious woodland. Many participants say that the environment is as much a part of the experience as the course itself as it inspires creativity in a truly immersive way.
Additionally, for those travelling to attend, the area is rich in natural beauty and cultural interest, making it an ideal place to spend a week. Between making sessions, there is time to explore the coast, take in the scenery and connect with others on the same creative journey.
Why Choose My Green Woodworking Courses?
I believe my green woodworking courses are more than just an opportunity to learn a skill: They are a chance to reconnect with natural materials, your creativity and the traditions of British craftsmanship.
The full price of the course is £575, with a deposit option starting at £375. For this price, every participant leaves not only with a finished piece but also with new skills, renewed confidence in their creative abilities and a deeper appreciation for sustainable furniture making.
Looking Ahead
Our most recent creative seating course ran earlier in September but we are already planning the next session. Each year brings new faces, fresh ideas and an ever-growing collection of stunning hand-crafted pieces you can enjoy for years to come.
If you’d like to discuss a project idea or simply want to know if the course is right for you, please get in touch with us today. We’d be delighted to help you take the first step into the rewarding world of green woodworking.
