Craft, make and be inspired, whatever your age or ability. Slow down and step back into the rural life of the village carpenter.
You'll learn traditional green woodworking skills and how to use some beautiful woodland carpentry tools, to create your own piece of rustic furniture.
It's an enjoyable, inspiring and rewarding way to spend time in Ian's workshop, in a barn on a farm in North West Leicestershire.
A simple, joyful and relaxing introduction to green woodworking. Peel the bark, carve patterns into it, sand it and add a wrist cord.
A very hands-on day learning traditional carpentry skills with a selection of beautiful old hand tools. You'll make a mallet first, then your own three-legged stool.
A creative, shared day for two people. Together with Ian, you'll craft a bespoke rustic oak celebration or memorial bench that will last for many years.
Make your own green woodworking shave horse from oak and ash. It clamps the wood with your feet while you shape it with a draw knife, and it's essential for green wood furniture.
A 3-day course making a high quality ash round-pole ‘A’ frame, ideal as a covered area for nurseries, forest schools and outdoor settings. Sturdy and easy to put up.
Ian's own gift cards are available for any experience and can be posted out to you or straight to your loved one, ideal for birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas.
“Ian is a brilliant and supportive teacher. I’d very much recommend the day.”John HutchinsonStool-making day (a birthday present) · 25 September 2025
“I am a musician, not a carpenter… the whole day was very chilled and a lot of fun.”Gaz BirtlesStool-making day · 16 July 2025
“We came home with a lovely handmade stool which would cost a pretty penny at a craft fair.”Philip L BraundStool-making day · 9 February 2025
Tell Ian which experience you'd like and roughly when, and he'll find a day that works.
Rustic Carpentry