Little Acorn Furniture offers courses in Green Woodworking and rustic furniture making ranging from one to five days in duration. No experience is needed and families are welcome so come along and learn some new skills whilst having a great time.
Try something new suitable for all the family. You can experience traditional woodworking using methods and tools unchanged since the medieval period. Make your own furniture from local wood and experience life as a woodland craftsman with little acorn furniture near Clifford Bridge on the edge of fingle wood.
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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 more complex 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. -
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. -
Chair making
Over this full five 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 -
Creative kids “coat rack course”
Especially for families with young children these courses will allow you and your children to work together to make something that you can keep forever. -
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. -
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.
Course dates
Courses are organised throughout the year.
Below is a list of confirmed courses coming up in the next few months.
2018
Introduction to pole lathing
December 8th
Family “Greenwood” day
Please contact us to arrange your course date!
Simply Stools
December 8th-9th
Tree to table
December 8th – 11th
Make your own shaving horse
December 8th-9th
2019
Introduction to pole lathing
March 15th
April 8th
Family “Greenwood” day
These days are arranged exclusively to suit you and your family. Please contact us to arrange your course date!
Simply Stools
March 15th-16th
April 8th-9th
Tree to table
March 15th-17th
April 8th-10th
Make your own shaving horse
March 15th-16th
April 8th-9th
Creative Kids (half day)
February 17th, (am or pm available)
April 12th, (am or pm available)
Other dates available to suit you, please get in touch.
Chair Making
We currently have no dates allocated to this course, please get in touch to check availability and book your course.
About the workshop
Little Acorn Furnitures Green Wood work shop has been developed in the Old Sheep Barn at Clifford Barton, which is located on the edge of the Dartmoor National Park. The Farm now hosts family holiday cottages and courses, as well as providing a home for rescued dwarf ponies.
Surrounded by beautiful Devon coutryside and the breathtaking Fingle Wood, the workshop provides a covered area where the courses can take place. However, there is also a large outside area overlooking the Valley where we hope to enjoy the fantastic Devon sunshine!