Woodwork courses

At Bristol Women’s Workshop, we offer flexible woodworking courses during the week and on weekends, with both daytime and evening sessions available. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refresh your skills, our Woodwork Foundation Course is designed to give you a solid grounding in traditional woodworking techniques through three engaging modules. Each module builds on the last, providing the skills you need to either start making more advanced projects at home or to join our Module 4 - Advanced Project Classes, where you can create a piece of furniture to your own design.

Gift a Woodworking Course!

Looking for a unique and meaningful gift? Purchase a voucher for one of our woodworking courses and give someone special the chance to learn hands-on skills, create something beautiful, and be part of a vibrant community. Our vouchers are perfect for beginners or seasoned woodworkers alike and can be redeemed for any course. Treat a friend or loved one to an unforgettable woodworking experience!

Please contact us for more information.

Module 1: The bookcase

Begin your woodworking journey by crafting a small bookcase using traditional hand tools and the housing joint. In this module, you’ll learn to:

  • Saw straight and use a tri-square with precision

  • Accurately mark out and cut a joint

  • Effectively handle a range of hand tools, including chisels and planes

  • Fit and finish your bookcase to a high standard

Skill level 1: This module is perfect for beginners with no prior woodworking experience, as well as for those looking to refine their skills and improve accuracy.

For times and availability, please fill in our contact form.

Module 2: The small box

Continue building your skills in Module 2, where you’ll create a beautifully crafted small box featuring the classic dovetail joint. This module focuses on accuracy and fine details. You’ll learn to:

  • Master the dovetail joint for strong, aesthetically pleasing connections

  • Measure and cut wood precisely

  • Practice detailed chiseling and planing techniques

  • Assemble, glue, and cramp your project with confidence

  • Apply finishing touches to achieve a professional look

Skill level 2: This module is suitable for improvers and those with some experience who want to perfect their joinery skills.

If you wish to jump straight into Module 2, please contact us here to assess suitability and availability.

Module 3: The mirror/art frame

Complete your foundation course with Module 3, where you’ll craft a custom mirror or art frame using the mortise and tenon joint, as well as a rebate. This module emphasizes precision and decorative techniques. You’ll learn to:

  • Cut and assemble mortise and tenon joints for durable, elegant frames

  • Incorporate a rebate into your design for added depth and detail

  • Assemble, glue, and cramp your project for a secure fit

  • Explore decorative techniques to personalize your frame

  • Finish your project with a polished, professional look

Skill level 2: This module is suitable for improvers and those with some experience who want to perfect their joinery skills.

If you wish to jump straight into Module 3, please contact us here to assess suitability and availability.

Module 4: Advanced Project Class

Plan and create your own woodwork project

In our Advanced Project Class, you'll have the chance to plan and make a piece of furniture or another woodworking project of your choice, all under the expert guidance of our instructors. This course is perfect for those who have completed our Foundation Course and are ready to take on more complex projects using hand tools and traditional joinery techniques.

What to expect:

Personalised guidance: Choose your project, and we’ll guide you through the entire process—from planning the joinery and making detailed drawings to sourcing timber and crafting your piece in the workshop.

Skill expansion: Learn how to plan your own project, select appropriate timber, and add new joints to your repertoire as you bring your design to life.

Course length:

Furniture projects can vary significantly in the time they take to complete. With your experience from the foundation course, you’ll understand that crafting furniture by hand requires time and patience. The number of classes you need will depend on your project’s complexity and your work speed.

Skill level 3: Suitable for those who have completed the Foundation Course.

Join us in the Advanced Project Class, and continue your woodworking journey by creating something truly unique and personal. Whether it's a custom piece of furniture or another intricate item, we’ll help you every step of the way.