Introduction to Woodworking Class

Learn how to shape a spatula or paddle at this hands-on woodworking class in Marrickville!



3 hours Class size 1 to 20

label $150 (or 4 payments of $37.50 Afterpay)

Looking for unique things to do in Sydney? This short workshop is perfect for anyone who would like to dip their toes into the world of working with reclaimed wood.

Over the course of three hours, you'll learn how to shape your very own spatula or paddle using some simple, traditional hand tools.

Please note: you are able to book in for either a spatula or paddle making course, as these are run at different times. Bookings for the paddle making course are 18+ only.

What we'll cover:

  • Knowledge of general safety in the workshop
  • Timber selection and an understanding of second-hand timber
  • Grain direction; its strengths and weaknesses and how to work with it
  • How to use a variety of shaping and finishing hand tools
  • Finishing woodworking projects

By the end of the class, you'll have a basic understanding of some of the principles of woodwork and will discover the nourishment that comes from creating something tangible with your hands and working with ethically sourced materials!

This workshop runs for three hours and is perfect for small groups, parties, and corporate bookings.

Note: This course is open to students 13 and older. Among The Trees accepts students under 18 in two groups:
  • Students 13-15 years of age must attend all courses with a parent or guardian. This parent or guardian must also purchase a place in the course and take part. One parent/guardian is able to attend with multiple students.
  • Students 16-17 years of age may attend a course without a parent or guardian present.
You can read our full Child Safe Policy on the booking page.

Please note: Public dates for this class require at least 5 guests to run. In the unlikely event that we don't reach this number, we'll cancel the class; in this case we'll inform you and allow you to get a refund or reschedule, so please watch your email/SMS one day prior to the class.

Add-on available for this class
  • Purchase a take-home finishing kit ($10)
You can add these when you book (optional).
 
Knowledge required
This workshop is aimed at people with no experience with woodwork and who is looking for an introduction to the craft. The spatula making course is open to participants 18 years and older, and to participants 12-17 years old when enrolled with a parent or guardian.

The course is run using entirely hand tools so you need to be aware that there is an element of physicality involved and most of the work is carried out standing up.
What you'll get
By the end of this woodwork for beginners class you will have:
  • An appreciation of the value of second-hand timber.
  • The knowledge to safely and effectively use a variety of traditional hand tools such as
spokeshaves, rasps and files.
  • Been introduced to woodworking terminology.
  • Your own reclaimed timber spatula or paddle, suitable for cooking, serving, or any other consensual activities.
What to bring
  • You are encouraged to bring your own facemask, protective eyewear and ear protection however sanitised Personal Protective Equipment will be available to use. Any borrowed PPE needs to be sanitised after use.
  • You are required to wear closed-toe shoes.
  • Please wear clothing that can get dirty (e.g. sawdust will be present).
  • Long hair needs to be tied back and no loose hanging jewellery should be worn.
Suitable for

This class is great for individuals and couples as well as for a team building activity, Christmas party, birthday or hens party.

Suitable for adults, and kids (minimum 13 years old).

An adult must accompany any attending kids, and must pay for a separate ticket.

This would also be a nice gift for her, gift for mum, anniversary gift or birthday gift.

Location

Among The Trees - 27 Sydney Street, Marrickville NSW

This venue is within walking distance from Sydenham station (800m).

Introduction to Woodworking Class location
Your teacher
Among the Trees
Among the Trees

5.0 (64)
Instagram followers1k

Among the Trees is an ethical and sustainability based start-up for reclaimed timber located in Marrickville. 
Saving timber from demolitions or other discarded uses and making it available to the public through a retail timber shop and woodworking classes. Accessibility to wood doesn't just mean being wheelchair friendly (which we are), it also means helping customers understand how to use and source reclaimed timber. To make it as easy as possible to work with, we offer custom machining and glueing, so the timber in our store can be squared, resurfaced and cut to specific dimensions. We also help empower individuals to have the confidence to undertake woodworking projects by offering woodworking beginners classes that are taught with simple hand tools. 
 
Lumberyards and wood workshops can be intimidating sometimes, ATT is one of the few places that caters not only to architects, planners, homeowners as well as carpenters and tradespeople but also to customers that have little to no woodworking experience and are embarking on DIY and student projects or trying their hand at repair, renovating or building. 

Our workshop at Among The Trees is set up to be the perfect space to learn about hand tools, reclaimed timber, and woodworking. We’ve been hard at work collecting, restoring and tuning all the tools required to learn woodworking, and a few extra ones as well.
 
All-in-all, everyone that is interested in wood is welcome!

Verified reviews

We only show reviews from customers who have paid for and attended this class


Marcella Robertson • Oct 2023


What a fabulous and fun class! Luke was both relaxed and friendly but also careful that we get the instructions right. The best thing was taking home a bangle that I love and can’t wait to wear. I chose the design shown in the picture and that’s exactly how my bangle looks! I’ll be doing a repeat class so I can make a matching bangle because two together will look fabulous! Thanks Luke

Rauraidh Purnell • Oct 2023


After a year or so removed from doing some woodwork, the spatula making course was a great way to get back into it. The teacher was friendly, knowledgable, and gave lots of great advice. Class size was great and the set up allowed you to have a go, but ask questions if you needed some help. Would highly recommend.

Minnie Fabiansson • Oct 2023


It was an amazingly fun workshop. Luke was very super friendly and knowledgeable… I still try to figure out the ‘grain’ stuffs but walked home with a beautiful bangle. Thanks guys. Will be back.

Woodworking class review by Minnie Fabiansson - Sydney

Nicole Lister • Aug 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews


Another great experience at Among the Trees, this time making a paddle. Hands on with spoke shaves, rasps and hand drills, with excellent tuition from Liz.
I walked away with a beautiful reclaimed timber paddle - sanded and oiled and ready for use. A nice way to spend a Friday night.

Introduction to Woodworking Class review by Nicole Lister - Sydney

Paige Gleeson • Aug 2023


I did the paddle making class and it was so great, I would recommend to anymore. I wasn’t even that interested in wood work but booked to go with my sister because she’s really into it… but I ended up loving it and want to go back to do another course. Great instructor and came away with a really nice hand made object.

Introduction to Woodworking Class review by Paige Gleeson - Sydney

Clio Dessay • Aug 2023


Great course! Super informative, lots of fun and great for beginners! Luke was a really good teacher

Rodney Carra • Jul 2023


Teacher had simple instructions and was very positive. Venue was greatplenty of parking and equipment to use. Great fun and got to take home a handmade spoon.

Woodworking class review by Rodney Carra - Sydney

Pippa Simmons • Apr 2023


Liz was friendly and approachable and gave clear instructions and guidance throughout the class. I was very pleased with my end product and would definitely recommend this class to beginner woodworkers.

Ryan Gao • Apr 2023


Host is welcoming and helpful, content is interesting and engaging. Highly recommended for anyone interested to get hands dirty in woodworking

Vivian Li • Apr 2023


Did a big private workshop for 20 people - it went spankingly well. Among the Trees was really accommodating for the big group size and for our preferred time & date. Liz, Luke and Noel did an awesome job as facilitators, everyone walked away with a beautiful finished spatula within the 3 hours or paddle and a huge smile. Someone in the group said "Wow I've never done a work event where I actually wanted to keep the thing that we made."

Introduction to Woodworking Class review by Vivian Li - Sydney

Lyndall Katte • Mar 2023


Great class! The class was so much fun and it was great to learn how to use some of the woodworking tools and to come away with a spatula that I can use for my cooking The teacher was very encouraging and helpful and knowledgeable. I would recommend this class

Hanna Phang • Mar 2023


Learned a lot about woodworking in a short time! Liz was amazing and gave us lots of tips.

Jo Li • Feb 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews


Really enjoyed this class, Liz was a great teacher, there was ample time to play around and try all the tools, and went home with a lovely spatula! Will have to come back and do the spoon carving course.

Kaye Lockhart • Feb 2023


Liz set us up for a lovely morning whittling away to shape and smooth out a spoon. Then watching magic happen when oiling to reveal the timbre.

Brianna Ritota • Feb 2023


Absolutely so much fun and very knowledgeable instructor! Only wish we could've done more!

Therese Toohey • Feb 2023


Liz is great
Very patient
It is really stupid that i need to submit to a minimum word limit

Rent-A-Bench Woodworking Projects Workshop

5.0 (6)

Instagram followers1k

date_range Runs regularly

location_on Marrickville

label $40 - $70

Picture Framing Class for Beginners

5.0 (5)

date_range Runs regularly

location_on Marrickville

label $320

Introduction to Woodwork: Build a Step Stool Course

5.0 (7)

date_range Sun 28 Jan, 9am

location_on Marrickville

label $269

Wooden Mallet Making Class

5.0 (3)

Instagram followers1k

date_range Sun 10 Mar, 9am

location_on Marrickville

label $220

Furniture Cord Weaving Class

4.9 (9)

Instagram followers1k

date_range Sat 10 Feb, 9am

location_on Marrickville

label $349

Introduction to Hand Tool Sharpening Class

5.0 (5)

date_range Sat 2 Mar, 9am

location_on Marrickville

label $337

Wooden Rolling Pin Making Workshop

5.0 (3)

Instagram followers1k

date_range Your choice of time

location_on Marrickville

label $180

Introduction to Woodwork Class: Hand Plane Chopping Board

5.0 (1)

date_range Sun 4 Feb, 9am

location_on Marrickville

label $269

Furniture Finishing Course

5.0 (3)

date_range Sat 9 Mar, 10am

location_on Marrickville

label $299

Introduction to Upholstery Workshop

5.0 (1)

date_range 21 Jan, 7 Apr

location_on Marrickville

label $299

Green Wood Spoon Carving Workshop

5.0 (1)

date_range Sun 3 Mar, 9am

location_on Marrickville

label $299

Spoon Carving Class with Woody Weeds

date_range Your choice of time

location_on Marrickville

label $165

Furniture Restoration Woodwork Course

date_range Sat 24 Feb, 9am

location_on Marrickville

label $299

Woodworking Course: Introduction to Furniture Building

date_range Sat 30 Mar, 9am

location_on Marrickville

label $499

Introduction to Printmaking

Instagram followers1k

date_range Thu 7 Mar, 6pm

location_on Marrickville

label $350

Recycled Timber Ramen Dinner Set Course

Instagram followers1k

date_range Tue 5 Mar, 6pm

location_on Marrickville

label $357

Hand Tool Woodwork Fundamentals Course

5.0 (1)

date_range Wed 6 Mar, 6pm

location_on Marrickville

label $499

Hand Tool Woodwork Fundamentals: 1 Week Intensive Course

date_range 15 Jan, 22 Apr

location_on Marrickville

label $499

Kids Woodworking Workshop

6 to 15 years

date_range 23 Jan, 25 Jan

location_on Marrickville

label $269

Woodworking Course: Make a Three-Legged Stool

5.0 (1)

date_range Contact for details

location_on Marrickville

label $499

V48I01Z33L 34c052b7f77f35dccea660a6ce51910d production Sydney NSW AU sydney