July 2025 Newsletter
Helen Gerry
Welcome to our July Newsletter
We've had some wet weather here in the Nelson/Tasman region, but the school has fared well we are happy to report. In general, enrolments have been a bit lower than we'd hoped, perhaps it's the cold weather keeping people tucked up in their houses. We're happy to see the sun this week!
We've slipped in a fantastic new course "Tool Making" With John Shaw starting 4th August for 2 weeks.
If we get enough enrolments by Monday, we'll run the course.
We have Hape Kiddle in the workshop for the next few weeks teaching his beautiful carving courses. It's wonderful to have Hape back at the school.
There are a few more spots left on the Nestuke Fish Carving Course.
And we're wrapping up term 2 of the full-time Furniture Makers Programme. Lou and the students are flat out and the projects are looking AMAZING!
COMMUNITY NEWS AND EVENTS
Our Community News and Events can be found on our website. We're always happy to promote the news from our woodworking community. If you have news, or an exhibition or event coming up, please let us know!
Hape Kiddle gave an inspirational Community Talk at the school on a very stormy 11th July. The recording from the talk is on our website HERE
If you missed Stuart Faulkner's talk last month you can find the recording here.
Upcoming Talk
8th August 7pm - 8:30pm - "The Making of David Haig" (with David Haig) RSVP
Limited seating. Please RSVP to have your seat confirmed.
More info here.
2026 RESIDENCY WITH ALED LEWIS
“Fresh Thinking - New Ideas for Familiar Projects”
Course Dates: 12th January - 13th February 2026
(Note this is now a 5 week Residency instead of 6 weeks)
We are offering an exciting Residency with renowned furniture maker, business owner, and tutor, Aled Lewis. This residency offers five uninterrupted weeks to design and develop fresh and creative ideas for products and projects with an emphasis on skills, craftsmanship and a refined aesthetic. This is a rare opportunity to work alongside and learn from a highly respected expert with 40 years of furniture making experience and 20 years teaching.
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