I mentioned, some time back, that I was on the cusp of teaching / holding / tutoring (I'm not sure what's the right description) a course of evening classes loosely titled 'An Introduction to Furniture Makeing'

Well, we are now half-way, or thereabouts, through the course.

I don't know who has learned more, my students / participants, or me!

For my part, I know that I have learned a lot and that I still have more to learn - but I'm really enjoying the process. - I hope this is the case for them too.

We are now at the stage that each person has their selected material to hand (Irish Ash, Irish Sycamore, North American Ash, North American White Oak and North American Cherry) to make the items each of them decided upon and designed.

Ideally, we should have reached this stage earlier but it took me a while to recognise that I needed to act more as a 'teacher' than as a 'facilitator': out of respect for my class, I had assumed a degree knowledge and understanding of the processes and materials that was not actually there.

In future I will set tighter parameters and direct proceedings on a more structured basis. I believe this will lighten my load and improve the experience for the participants.

I am very grateful to my current class for being my 'guinea pigs' and, in particular to Barry (who regular readers may remember, told me that he was a cabinet maker and was attending the classes to find out about me!).
He is manning the wood-working machines and instructing in the use of power and hand tools. This releases me to work with people on the design and construction of their projects.
His abilities and generosity are making a huge contribution to the sucess of the classes. Thank you, Barry.

I have nothing to show you yet but now under construction are: Tables - hall, dining and coffee; a Windsor chair; a Blanket Chest and a Bench or Form.

So in the coming weeks I will show you progress and, I hope, the finished products when the classes end.