DSC_0266 - Little Acorn Furniture

chair commission

Our Courses

Family “greenwood” experience
Alasdair will take you through the basic principles of Green Woodworking and provide the knowledge, tools and materials needed to get you using a pole lathe. Turn as many items as you like using a variety of local hard woods and unlock the full potential of this ancient craft.
Introduction to pole lathing
During this one or two day course, you will get to practice the principles of green woodworking: cleaving and shaping the wood using side axe and draw knife before turning on a pole lathe to produce a range of items - as long as it is round!
Simply stools
This two-day course offers you the chance to produce a simple three or four legged stool with hard wood top and turned or draw knifed legs.
From tree to table
This three day course gives you time to produce a table or bench with stretchered legs using more advanced techniques. The addition of stretchers between the legs allows you to make larger items with more refinement.
Table making course
This four-day course gives you time to explore the intricacies of green wood furniture design to produce a dramatic and unique piece of furniture of your own design.
Chair making course
Over this full four day course you will make and assemble a complete chair from local Ash and Beech. Choosing from one of two traditional designs you will be responsible for shaping all components and joining therm using traditional wedged mortice and tenon joints
Make your own shaving horse
In order to make a traditional shaving horse you will need a pole lathe, in order to use a pole lathe a shaving horse is essential. Get around this catch 22 situation by making your very own shaving horse over two days in Alasdair's fully equipped Greenwood workshop.
Handle making and tool restoration
This is a one day course aimed at giving you the basic knowledge and skills required to make a tool handle of any sore from green Ash. Be it an axe, hammer, chisel or spade you can restore personalise and bring back to life any old tool. We will go back to the days when things were done 'proper' and a tool handle could last a lifetime of use.
Cleft hurdle gate making
Discover the ancient art of gate making using authentic traditional tools and techniques. Using the true nature of the wood to ensure both beauty and strength, start with a freshly cut log and explore the entire process of cleaving , shaping and jointing.
One-to-one tuition
Work and learn at your own pace - receive uninterrupted expert tuition in the art of green wood furniture making and have exclusive access to the range of hardwoods available in the workshop.

What our customer’s say…

Had a great time. Alasdair and Simon have a great deal of knowledge and patience. Would highly recommend.

Garth Pearse

Had a Great day at Little Acorn Furniture...had a different requested for Alasdair. I wanted to do some wood carving.... and make a bowl. Alasdair found me some spalted beech. Ended with a lovely looking bowl, my wife loves it . Chuffed to bits with it. Really reccomend a course with him.

Jez Heath

Just completed the 2 day 'Simply Stools' course. Literally amazing!! The level of tuition was fantastic and delivered in a friendly, warm and relaxed environment. Alasdair's love for his craft and all things forestry is so apparent in the way he teaches it's infectious. Alasdair very reluctantly had to disappear for a couple hours on our first day due to a Woodland Trust event and left us whittling and side axing away under the close supervision of Sy, his quiet but incredibly talented 'assistant'. Absolute legend and a mean pole lather!! Definately got a repeat customer here! Left proper chuffed with a new stool and a new friend. Keep it up Little Acorn 👌🏻

Stuart Maher

Had a fantastic day pole lathing with Alasdair and Simon. The course was excellent value for the day and there was a great ratio with a small group. Would recommend to anyone, I had an absolutely brilliant day!

Will Silver

I can't recommend Alasdair's courses enough. His passion for natural woodwork and the forests in general is a joy. He makes the experience fun, accessible and very informative. To understand the whole process from starting with a 3 meter long log and ending up with a turned piece was the thing that sold this course to me above others I looked at. I will be back!

Lorna Kennard

I really enjoyed my recent course and made a great wee coffee table and shave horse. Alasdair is an amazing green woodworker and an even better teacher🤩😁. Definitely worth the trip from Glasgow to Devon.

graeme leitch

Introduction to Pole Lathing one-day course. Alasdair is a great instructor - knowledgeable, enthusiastic and welcoming. Very enjoyable day in the most stunning setting. Careful thought and preparation went into making the course COVID-19 secure. Highly recommended.

Francis Byng

Wonderful work on a commission for a special birthday. Documented and photographed from start with cutting the wood, making the top and legs to assembling and final polishing. If you want something special I can not recommend them highly enough. I will be going back for more individual pieces of furniture to be hand made.

Hazel Payne

We had 2 fantastic days with Alastair and Simon creating 3 shave horses. We had such fun and chat whilst learning green woodworking skills and appreciation for our environment. We certainly learnt great respect for the green wood furniture makers of the past. I would unreservedly recommend this course.

tony watson

Took 5 children along to learn carpentry. They all had an amazing time, each made a sword and a baseball bat (their choice). They did everyhthing from sawing the wood to shaping it. Alisdair was so good with them and made sure they each left with finished items. My son who has ADHD was engaged from the start and cannot wait to go again. The parents also had a go and really enjoyed the day too.

Elaine Russell

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