Ian Nicholson

My Story: Handcrafted From the Heart, Where the Sawdust and Leather Began My love affair with making things with my hands didn't start in a high-tech studio; it started when I was just a kid. I was surrounded by the irreplaceable smell of fresh timber, the steady rhythm of hand tools, and a deep curiosity for how things are built. Working with raw materials has always been more than a hobby for me—it is a way of life. There was a pivotal moment that cemented this passion forever. When my son was born, I knew I wanted to welcome him with something deeply personal. I spent weeks in the workshop crafting a cedar strip plank cradle. (courses for this will happen in 2027). Watching him sleep in something I had shaped with my own two hands changed everything. It taught me that crafting isn't just about assembling materials; it’s about pouring your heart into a piece that tells a story. The Art of the Perfect Board (and Pocket)While I have built many things over the years, my true passion lies in the everyday items we gather around. I dedicated myself to perfecting the art of the chopping board and charcuterie board. Through hours of experience, I have mastered the deep nuances of wood grain, food safety, and structural integrity. Whether it is selecting the perfect piece of figured camphor laurel, working with live-edge slabs, or calculating the precise angles for a complex geometric end-grain chopping board, I have turned board-making into a science and an art form. As my love for tactile crafts grew, I naturally gravitated toward leather working. Just like wood, leather is a natural, living material that tells a story as it ages. I fell in love with the quiet, meditative process of hand-stitching, bevelling edges, and creating sleek, simple leather wallets that are built to last a lifetime.Why I Love TeachingAfter a lifetime of creating, the most fulfilling thing I can do now is pass the torch. I love teaching because there is an unmatched magic in watching a student’s face light up when they apply the first coat of oil to their board and see the rich wood grain pop, or when they pull their very first tight, clean saddle stitch on a leather wallet.An insider secret that most people don't know about these crafts? They are incredibly therapeutic. In a world dominated by digital screens, working with timber and leather forces you to slow down, engage your senses, and connect with raw elements. It is the ultimate digital detox.Let’s Build Something TogetherWhether you want to craft a heavy-duty end-grain chopping board that will become the centrepiece of your kitchen, or hand-stitch a minimalist leather wallet you will proudly carry every day, I am here to guide you.You will get to learn in a fully equipped, modern workshop environment, using the exact tips, tricks, and safety habits I have developed over a lifetime of making. I’m not just teaching you how to use tools; I’m teaching you how to trust your hands and unleash your creativity. Space in my upcoming cutting board and leather wallet sessions is limited—choose your class below and let's start making something beautiful together!