Modern life can be a whirlwind. It often feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day to catch our breath. Finding time for hobbies and interests can be even harder. For aspiring woodworkers, it can seem impossible to find a woodworking course nearby that also fits around daily life. At the Chippendale School, we offer a wide range of short courses to suit every type of woodworker, just a short drive away from Edinburgh!
Our 30-week Professional Course remains the best place to fully immerse yourself in a woodworking career. However, we know not everyone can carve out nine months of their life to dedicate to woodworking (no matter how tempting that may be!). If you’re not quite able to undertake an intensive furniture making course, fear not. We have a host of shorter courses to whet your woodworking appetite!
At the Chippendale School, we’re committed to making your woodworking dreams a reality. Our short woodworking courses range from two days to ten weeks. This makes them easier to fit around even the busiest lifestyles.
So, whether you’re a complete newbie eager for a weekend adventure or a seasoned hobbyist craving a brief hiatus from the daily grind, we’ve got the woodworking course just for you.
Weekend Workshops
Whether you’re beginning your woodworking journey or are simply curious about the craft, our 2-day weekend woodworking courses just outside Edinburgh are the perfect option for those with busy weekdays.
Spending a weekend woodworking in the picturesque East Lothian countryside – what could be better?!
Woodturning Weekend
This course delves into the traditional skill of woodturning. You’ll explore the history of woodturning and learn how to shape wood on a lathe. You’ll be surprised at just how much you can fit into two days.
Led by the renowned Adam Stone, you will create stunning pieces such as stools, plant stands and bowls — all of which you’ll get to take home with you!
Upcoming dates:
- 22 & 23 August 2026
- 31 October & 01 November 2026
Spoon Carving
Returning to the roots of woodworking, our spoon carving course, led by the talented Louise Forbes, offers a fun introduction to wood carving.
Many participants in this course find it therapeutic, remarking that it’s akin to meditation – a great way to wind down after a stressful week. Guided by Louise’s expertise, you’ll explore hand carving and create a variety of wooden spoons, ranging from salt spoons to salad servers.
1–Week Courses
Looking to make the most of your annual leave? If so, our 1-week woodworking courses provide a deeper dive into furniture making and are great for beginners or those wanting to test the waters before committing to a longer course.
Introductory course
This 1-week introductory course provides students with a glimpse into the world of furniture making. You don’t need to know the difference between a bevel and a bole to join this course, as it is designed for newcomers. If you do happen to catch the woodworking bug (which is very common!), we’ll even deduct your 1-week woodworking course fees from the total cost of our Professional Course if you choose to enrol.
Upcoming dates:
- 7 – 11 September 2026
- 9 – 13 November 2026
Restoration course
Join restoration specialist Clare Charleston for an introduction to furniture restoration. Explore various methods of restoring antique furniture, from structural repairs to refinishing techniques. Students are encouraged to bring along a vintage piece of furniture to restore on the course, and if it needs a little more TLC, you’ll be given guidance on how to continue the restoration at home.
Upholstery course
Led by master upholsterer Victoria Meacham, this course covers both traditional and modern upholstery techniques. From working with horsehair to foam, you’ll leave with the skills and knowledge to continue your upholstery at home.
4–Week Course
Our month-long woodworking course is the perfect opportunity to take your woodworking skills to the next level. The course is designed with beginners and enthusiasts in mind. Small group sizes create a supportive and personalised learning environment – ensuring you get the most out of the 4 weeks.
From creating beautiful hardwood furniture pieces to mastering essential techniques like woodworking joints, you’ll gain valuable skills and confidence. In addition, you’ll have time to explore fun projects like crafting small boxes, helping you truly immerse yourself in the joy of woodworking.
Upcoming dates:
- 31 August – 25 September 2026
10–Week Course
Do all of the above courses sound interesting? Still unsure which one to choose? In that case, our 10-week course covers most of the skills taught on our shorter courses. It’s perfect for those with more time to dedicate to the craft. With just eight students taught by three tutors, you’ll receive plenty of individual guidance and develop a wide range of skills across the 10 weeks.
Upcoming dates:
- 12 October – 18 December 2026
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No matter where you are in your woodworking journey, there’s a course waiting for you at Chippendale School. We are still taking applications for several of our courses. Find out more here or get in touch with us today if you have any questions.