Term Two, Week Six: Refinement, Finishing and Momentum

We’ve reached the end of week six, the final week before the school closes for half term, and the workshop has that familiar feeling of intensity and achievement. Several students are now in the final finishing stages of their first self-design projects, refining drawer and door fits, adjusting tolerances, and adding those all important final details.

Handle design, in particular, is something that can often be left as an afterthought. Here, students are encouraged to obsess about the details, and that absolutely includes the handles. Proportion, feel in the hand, shadow lines, timber choice — all of it matters. When carefully considered, handles don’t just function; they complete the piece.

Brian’s Maple Media Unit

Brian has been making excellent progress on his maple media unit. The timber has a wonderful natural shimmer that will truly come alive once oiled. His dished leg profiles and matching handle details look fantastic, and the large piston-fitted drawer is a joy to use — smooth, controlled, and immensely satisfying.

Max’s Japanese Influence

Max is nearing completion of his unit and is currently refining the door and drawer panels. The main carcase features beautifully curved legs and rails, complemented by subtle Japanese-inspired joinery details. It’s a piece full of character and quiet confidence.

Nick’s Credenza — Detail and Contrast

Nick has moved on to fitting his drawers and is showcasing some lovely walnut accent details within his maple credenza. Wedged through tenons in the subframe rails add strength and visual rhythm, while superb double dovetails in his half-blind drawers demonstrate real technical ambition. A brilliant opportunity to test skills and push boundaries.

Jon’s Desk — Now Oiled

We’ve already shared a preview of Jon’s desk, but now it has been oiled and it’s looking fabulous. The oak unit, accented with maple splines in the carcase, pairs beautifully with the medullary rays of the quarter-sawn oak, which now shimmer under oil. We’re looking forward to getting this one properly photographed in the studio, so just a teaser shot today!

Tom’s Overlocker Cabinet in Ash

Tom is making great progress on his overlocker cabinet. The double dovetail detail across the top rails (muntin-like divisions running across the carcase) introduces a striking visual element. The exposed ash end grain provides beautiful contrast and texture, blending structural integrity with aesthetic clarity – it’s going to be a stunning piece.

Clara Cabinet — Drawer Fitting and Flowing Fronts

Clara has fitted her drawers and is now refining her drawer fronts. She has combined contrasting cherry and maple in a flowing wave design, produced using a custom routing jig to ensure both sides are perfectly mated. It’s a bold and beautifully executed detail.

Looking Ahead To Second Self-Design Projects

Jon and Dalton have now finalised the designs for their next self-design projects, as have most of the group. Workshop drawings are underway, timber will soon be selected, and after the half-term break new projects will begin.

Designer Maker students will always have something to do — busy in the workshop by day and often developing designs in the evening. It’s not essential, but time moves quickly, and we encourage out-of-hours design development so that workshop time can remain focused on making and on maximising tutor support.

All students are ahead of schedule at this stage. Term two is typically dedicated to a first self-design project, so to see many already preparing to begin SDP2 reflects real momentum. When energy is high, the whole group settles into that productive zone where creativity and craftsmanship thrive.

After half term, we’ll see first projects completed and new ideas taking shape. It’s a wonderful time in the workshop, with so many different designs, creativity coming to life, and an exceptionally high standard of work throughout.

Well done to all the students, and to tutors Tim and Graham for guiding everyone so effectively through their first self-designed builds. 👏🏻

Upcoming Short Courses

We still have a small number of places available on several upcoming courses:

Introduction To Furniture Making | Tool Prep & Use 5-day course starting March 9th — Just two places left!
NEW 5-Day Mirror Making Course with Lamination and Hand Shaping — Starts May 11th
12-Week Long Course Starting April 20th — Now Fully Booked
Dovetailed Box Making 10-day course starting 16th March
4-Week Furniture Making Course Starting 29th June — spaces available, but very limited.
Designer Maker Course Our next 3-Term Designer Maker course starting in September is now fully booked. The 2-term course is nearly full, so do get in touch soon if you’re interested — It’s a particularly good fit for international students and may align with a 26-week study visa (subject to current visa requirements).

Short course bookings can be made online. For long course enquiries, please contact Oliver Waters at: school@watersandacland.co.uk

For full details on all courses, visit: