Woodworking Classes in Chicago, IL

Wooden bowls are very unique, practical, and fun to make. Come out and work on our lathes using carving tools to finish a bowl in one day.  Instruction and first attempts are in the morning, and then in the afternoon there will be time for guided practice and finishing. A 30-minute break for lunch.

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.

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 during the term. Please Note: Students are responsible for purchasing their own materials for projects.

Students will continue to work on current projects, and start new ones approved by the instructor. 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 throughout the term. Required 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...

Do you have a vintage chair in need of new caning? Learn the basic, seven-step method of hand caning in this relaxed, hands-on class. Discussion focuses on weaving chair backs and seats with sustainable materials such as cane. Other weave designs, styles, and materials will be demonstrated. Fee includes all materials.

Develop skill in the use of traditional turning tools and complete a variety of projects that utilize specific skills. Instructor’s demonstrations alternate with guided practice at the lathe with you learning at your own pace. Essentials of safety will be emphasized. Returning students are welcome. Skill Level: Intermediate/Advanced Tools and materials...

Turn two pens – one for you, and one to give away! We'll cover everything from choosing the materials and kit, preparing the wood, turning, finishes and assembly. The design is limited only by your imagination. Bring to class any turning tools you currently own. All other tools and materials will be provided for the class.

Participants will learn the basics of Japanese woodblock printmaking (mokuhanga) in this 2-day workshop. At the onset we will make a two-color print from prepared blocks using; water-based pigments, kento registration, and pressing with a baren – all hallmarks of this Japanese woodblock printmaking process dating back to the 17th century....

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...

Van Gogh Paintologist will teach a hands-on class that will introduce you to the unique qualities of Van Gogh Fossil Paint and Beeswax Finishes.  This is for the DIY-er out there who wants to take a tired piece of furniture and turn it into the star of the show. There is no sanding or prep work involved in Van Gogh, just wipe down your piece...

Discover the basics of spindle turning. End the day with a selection of finished bottle-stoppers, small kitchen tools or other spindle projects. Learn woodturning safety, safety equipment, turning tools and lathes, work holding, design, basic spindle turning, shaping on the lathe, and finishing. Spindle projects can include pizza cutters, screwdrivers,...

Create your own hand-turned ornament as a holiday gift or for your own tree! Using various woodturning tools including lathes, you will learn how to safely turn your own ornament to take home at the end of the day!  No experience necessary.  All materials are included.