Woodworking Classes in Chicago, IL

Wooden bowls are unique, practical and fun to make. Work on lathes using woodworking tools to finish a bowl in a day. Instruction and first attempts are in the the morning; in the afternoon there will be time for guided practice and finishing.

A comprehensive review of tools and techniques for beginning woodworkers. Hand and power tools, joinery and finishes will be explored. You are encouraged to purchase and fabricate two woodworking projects. You are responsible for purchasing your own materials.

Learn how to make a set of coasters with our Boss Laser Cutting & Engraving machine. Engrave your custom design or pattern, a photo from your phone, or text into wood to create unique functional piece of art you can use daily or gift to a friend or loved one. Each student will leave with a set of four custom coasters.

Continue to work on current projects and develop new ideas. Understanding wood and wood movement, purchasing raw lumber, furniture joinery, and finishing techniques, and a thorough understanding of hand and power tools in today’s woodworking shops will be discussed. Required Materials: Students are responsible for purchasing safety items, and materials...

Discover the joy of creating useful and artful objects of wood on the lathe. Learn and perfect the basics of woodturning while creating several small projects. Instructor-led demonstrations alternate with guided practice at the lathe, safety procedures, and time for creating at your own pace.  Tools and materials provided. Returning students are...

Explore basic techniques in Adobe Illustrator to create templates and jigs and it’s benefits for woodworking and furniture making. Learning how to engrave patterns, logos, or names directly onto the material will also be discussed. A terrific addition for any woodworking student! Required Material: Bring along an external hard driver or zip disk....

Develop skill in the use of traditional turning tools and complete a variety of projects that utilize specific skills, including small spindle projects (like bottle stoppers, pens and other decorative work), cross grain projects (platters and bowls) and end grain work (boxes and small vessels). Instructor’s demonstrations alternate with guided practice...

Use the magic of multi-axis turning to create seemingly impossible to turn shapes. This is lathe work on a whole new level. We’ll make boxes and goblets, napkin rings, tea-light and more! All materials and supplies are included.

Join Duffy O'Connor for a six-week course in the seductive intaglio technique of mezzotint. Learn to use the rocking tool, scraper and burnisher to produce beautiful, atmospheric prints! Commitment is required; all students must purchase their own mezzotint rocker. Students are encouraged to purchase one through Takach Press. Teens ages 15-17 may...

Learn how to create custom wood inlay with a laser cutter. Each week we will develop a new project in Adobe Illustrator, and then cut it out using hardwood. Create a custom drink coaster, cutting board, and your own wall art! Please bring the following to the first class: Two pieces of wood, eac of different species, each at least 5 inches wide...

Natural willow furniture is the ideal rustic accent when you need a seat for that perfect spot in your garden or porch. Learn the basic techniques of making bent willow furniture and make a chair or a bench. Projects are large, so bring a vehicle that can accommodate them. Bring a hammer, hand pruners, and work gloves. No experience is necessary. Register...

Create either a charming rustic reindeer or a holiday tree of willow. The reindeer is 4 to 5 feet from hooves to the tips of antlers. The holiday tree is 5 to 6 feet tall, and can be decorated with twinkly lights and more for the holidays, and then used as a vine support for the summer. Please bring a hammer, hand pruners, and work gloves. No experience...

Make an attractive, one-of-a-kind bird house using mid-century lumber reclaimed from Chicago buildings. In this hands-on workshop, you will: Learn how materials are reclaimed from demolition sites and the positive impact that sustainable demolition has on our resources and environment. Understand which species of woods are best for woodworking,...

One of America’s favorite historical weaving techniques is the splint reed or flat reed, weave often found in Shaker-style furniture. This beautiful traditional weave and material works for almost any chair or footstool. See a demonstration of the splint weave process and then create a footstool with a woven top to take home.

Inviting birds into your garden is a great way to observe and learn about bird behavior, courtship, and nesting. Using a prepared kit, have fun building a birdhouse to take home and hang. Learn which birds in our area use birdhouses, different box shapes, sizes, placement, cleaning, and also habitat tips. All materials included.