Oxford Art Safari – Exploring Creativity in Summer, Woodwork: MAKE A MILKING STOOL IN A DAY
Course overview
This day-long workshop is part of our OXFORD ART SAFARI, Exploring Creativity in Summer. It is an opportunity for anyone who has been looking for woodwork classes to learn valuable new skills.
Whether you’re a beginner eager to learn the basics or a seasoned enthusiast looking to refine your skills, this workshop promises an unforgettable experience filled with creativity and craftsmanship.
Under the expert guidance of tutor Ellis James Stacey, a renowned sculptor and furniture maker, you’ll embark on a journey of discovery as you learn to use traditional hand tools to shape and assemble your own three-legged ‘milking’ stool. With Ellis’s wealth of experience and expertise, you’ll explore the art of mortise and tenon joinery, discovering how to transform raw materials into functional and aesthetically pleasing pieces of furniture for your home or garden.
At the end of the day, you’ll take home a beautiful stool in a traditional style or an original design of your own!
You will start by using traditional hand tools – such as saws, bench planes, draw knives and spokeshaves – to shape the stool’s seat according to a traditional design or one of your own.
The leg components will then be shaped by hand, and the mortise holes will be drilled into the seat before final sanding, finishing, and assembly.
The workshop will take place in the renowned Rycotewood Furniture Centre’s fully equipped workshops, which provide the perfect environment for creativity to flourish. With Ellis’s guidance, you’ll have the opportunity to unleash your creativity and design a stool that reflects your unique style and vision.
From shaping the stool’s seat to crafting the leg components by hand, you’ll be guided through each process step with group demonstrations and personalised one-to-one instruction. Plus, with all the necessary tools and materials provided, you can dive straight into the woodworking experience without any hassle.
Don’t forget to bring along a packed lunch, a water bottle, and other refreshments to keep you energised throughout the day. And be sure to wear sturdy closed-toe footwear for added safety and comfort.
All necessary tools and materials are provided.
Explore the broad range of woodworking courses available at City of Oxford College and unlock your full creative potential today!
Tutor: Ellis James Stacey
Ellis James Stacey is a sculptor and furniture maker who is currently artist in residence at the Rycotewood Furniture Centre. He is a member of the Oxfordshire Craft Guild (OCG), West Oxford Arts (WOA) and South Oxford Arts (SOA).
Examples of his work can be found on his Instagram page using the handle @ellisofoxford or through this link:
Alternatively enrol by phone quoting OXAEL10DY or ask a question
Meet the tutors
We want our learners to feel welcome, safe and at ease when attending our classes, especially if this is your first time attending an adult education class or if you're coming back to education after a break.
If you're interested in one of courses, meet our tutors first! You'll see they have similar passions and interests and, most importantly, the right qualifications to help you make the most of your time and money.
