This 2-day introductory course on seat caning is perfect for beginners looking to dive into the traditional craft of hand caning. Over two days, you'll explore:
By the end of the course, you’ll have crafted your own practice frame to take home, showcasing your new skills.
Hand caning is a time-honoured craft known for its intricate patterns and durability. You'll learn how to weave strands of cane through a wooden frame, creating the distinctive mesh that forms the seat. Once mastered, this skill produces beautiful, long-lasting furniture, steeped in tradition.
No prior experience is needed, making this an ideal opportunity to start your journey into traditional hand caning.
This course is run by Chrissy, a very talented restorer, specialising in the art if furniture caning. She has a passion for history and crafts and thoroughly enjoys sharing her skills and experience with students.
Fees: £325 (materials and tools are provided for the course)
Duration: 2 Days (9am to 4pm)
To ensure individual attention, there are never more than six students taught by one of our experienced tutors.
We provide tea and coffee throughout the course but you will need to arrange your own lunch. I recommend that you bring a packed lunch each day. However we are only a few minutes by car from Farnham town centre if you need anything.
Accommodation is not included, but there are many excellent hotels and B&BS in the area. Click this link to see a selection offering special rates.
Please note that we are unable to accept applications from anyone under the age of 18 at the start of their course.
If you would like to be notified when new course dates are available, you can do so via our Newsletter here.
To purchase one of our gift vouchers, just visit our Gift Vouchers page.
To book a course, choose a course from the above list and enter the start date into the calendar widget below. Then, click on the ‘Book Now’ button which will bring you to the online booking form. For debit and credit card payments, please follow the green ‘Pay’ button on the payment portal. Please note that you will not need a PayPal account to complete the booking.
Have a question you want to ask about this course? Maybe you have already been on this course and would like to comment on your experience? Use the Disqus comment system below to let us know!
Join our 1-day introductory course in contemporary lampshade making and discover the rewarding and creative process of crafting your own unique lampshades. By the end of the day, you will have completed a pair of custom lampshades and gained the skills to continue making them from home.
We provide a range of fabrics to choose from, or you can bring your own.
Recommended Fabrics: Light to medium-weight fabrics such as cotton, cotton-linen blends, or poly cotton are ideal. If you have any questions about fabric suitability, feel free to get in touch.
This course is suitable for complete beginners. No prior experience is needed, making it an excellent opportunity for those looking to start a creative new hobby or add a personal touch to their home decor.
Start your journey into the world of lampshade making and go home with your own beautifully crafted pieces, ready to brighten up any space!
Please note: We are unable to accept applications from anyone under the age of 18 at the start of their course.
If you would like to be notified when new course dates are available, you can do so via our Newsletter here.
To purchase one of our gift vouchers, just visit our Gift Vouchers page.
To book a course, choose a course from the above list and enter the start date into the calendar widget below. Then, click on the ‘Book Now’ button which will bring you to the online booking form. For debit and credit card payments, please follow the green ‘Pay’ button on the payment portal. Please note that you will not need a PayPal account to complete the booking.
Have a question you want to ask about this course? Maybe you have already been on this course and would like to comment on your experience? Use the Disqus comment system below to let us know!
In today’s furniture design industry, mastering CAD (Computer-Aided Design) is essential for both efficiency and precision. CAD tools like Fusion 360 enable furniture makers to create detailed 3D models, generate technical drawings, and visualise designs before committing to materials. This course will help you develop the skills necessary to bring your ideas to life digitally, ensuring that your designs are both functional and professional.
This course covers the fundamentals of Fusion 360, focusing on the tools and techniques that are most useful for furniture design and production. Whether you are new to CAD or looking to improve your skills, you will gain hands-on experience in creating 3D models, generating technical drawings, and learning how to efficiently work within Fusion 360.
This course is delivered by Charles Dedman, a furniture designer with over 10 years of experience, specialising in both interior and exterior solid wooden furniture – championing British timbers and ‘made to last build quality’. His expertise is backed by extensive education in design and hands-on practical making.
The school’s facilities provide a collaborative environment where you can learn alongside other aspiring designers and makers. The course is structured to provide both practical hands-on experience and the theoretical knowledge you need to integrate CAD into your workflow, ensuring that you can apply these skills directly to your furniture making process.
Take your furniture making to the next level with the skills to create professional, high-quality designs. Whether you are working on custom pieces or larger production projects, mastering CAD is a valuable investment for your craft. Sign up today to start your journey at the Farnham School of Furniture.
Autumn Course 2025: TBC
Please ensure your laptop meets the system requirements to run Fusion 360. For detailed information on compatibility, visit the Fusion 360 system requirements page.
To purchase one of our gift vouchers, just visit our Gift Vouchers page.
To book a course, choose a course from the above list and enter the start date into the calendar widget below. Then, click on the ‘Book Now’ button which will bring you to the online booking form. For debit and credit card payments, please follow the green ‘Pay’ button on the payment portal. Please note that you will not need a PayPal account to complete the booking.
If you would like to be notified when new course dates are available, you can do so via our Newsletter here.
Have a question you want to ask about this course? Maybe you have already been on this course and would like to comment on your experience? Use the Disqus comment system below to let us know!
Each bespoke project starts with a design brief to establish the client's personal objectives and requirements, as well as the intended location and environment for the furniture. This Elm dining table was designed to accommodate family get-togethers and to provide an informal alternative to the more formal furniture in the client's dining room.
Since Dutch Elm disease came to Britain 20 years ago, Elm has become an increasingly rare type of wood. Nevertheless, we were able to source an exceptionally good example of this beautiful light timber. The rich grain markings complement the simple yet elegant design of this table. The solid Elm top features tactile curve-chamfered edges and under-arching table rails, providing additional leg room. The sculptured legs and gentle scoops on the underside of the table top are a contemporary take on a typical Arts and Crafts embellishment.
The table is finished with several coats of oil, which protects the wood from spills, and will develop a warm patina over time. This particular table was designed to sit 8 people, but can be made to order in any size and timber to suit your individual requirements.
Materials: Elm
Dimensions: To Order
Finish: Oil
Guide Price: POA
This table was commissioned as part of the Summer House Restoration Project at Buckingham Palace and was presented to Queen Elizabeth II at her Coronation Festival in July 2013. See the video below for more information.
The Coronation table is part of Aidan’s Aestas body of design work. Inspired by the Crocus flower, the top resembles six inner petals made from carefully selected English Walnut, embedded in a Cherry surround. The stems of the six petals flow down and out through the open centre of the table to form the table legs.
The Coronation Table marries contemporary design with traditional craftsmanship to display the natural beauty of fine English hardwoods. A limited edition of five commissions based on this design will be made to order in a choice of timbers to be agreed with buyers.
Materials: English Walnut and Cherry (or as required)
Dimensions: D:1650mm H:720mm
Finish: 14 Layers of Oil
Guide Price: Please enquire
The Aestas jewellery box takes its form from a primrose flower. It features six petals that open individually, each with a carved handle resembling a flower’s stamen. Once opened, they reveal a suede lined interior with six removable trays.
They were first exhibited in the Summer House at Buckingham Palace for the Coronation Festival in July 2013. They are a limited edition collection.
The Aestas jewellery boxes are available in the following wood and interior combinations:
Materials: See above
Size: 29cm wide by 7cm tall
Weight: 1kg (approx)
Price: POA
