Learn from Dave
Our upcoming courses are listed below. All courses are two to seven day immersions, held in our Charlottesville studio for between 2 and 4 students. All courses include materials.
Individual or small group personalized instruction at any experience level can also be arranged - please contact us for additional details.
Upcoming Class Schedule 2023
May 13-14 Double Bevel Veneering - sold out
May 26-29 Veneering for Furniture Makers, 4 day intensive - sold out
July 8-9 Pictorial Marquetry using a Scroll Saw
July 15-16 Geometric Marquetry Box with Lid
August 5-6 Veneering for Furniture Makers, 2 day
August 19-20 Double Bevel Veneering
August 26-29 Veneering for Furniture Makers, 4 day intensive
October 1-7 Radial Veneering Demilune Table, advanced course
Pictorial Marquetry
Using a Scroll Saw
July 8-9, 2023
This course teaches packet-cut (Boulle) marquetry, using the European method, on a scroll saw. Students will make 2 different floral marquetry pictures.
This method is less complex than the double bevel class and yields multiple copies of the same picture. The results are more graphic arts than painterly. Most of my work is done using this method.
Cost: $325 including materials and basic tools
This course will be held in the studio in Charlottesville, 8:30am to 5pm on both days.
Veneering for Furniture Makers
august 5-6, 2023
This two day introductory class teaches the skills necessary to make decorative panels, and to make and install inlays, using commercial veneer.
- On the first day we make two panels: a simple bookmatched panel, then a four way matched panel with fillets and crossbanding.
- We make and install a round and an oval fan inlay on day two. This is a classic traditional ornament. The inlay process is standard for any pattern, including inlaying shell or other non-wood materials.
Cost: $325 including materials and basic tools
This course will be held in the studio in Charlottesville, 8:30am to 5pm on both days.
Geometric Marquetry Box with Lid
July 15-16, 2023
This course will have students construct a box from provided parts, and cutting and assembling a detailed Prairie-inspired marquetry pattern for the box lid.
Cost: $350 including materials and basic tools
This course will be held in the studio in Charlottesville, 8:30am to 5pm on both days.
Radial Veneering - Demilune Table Class
October 1-7, 2023
This is a combined veneering, marquetry and furniture making class for intermediate or advanced woodworkers. We will make the entire table in seven action-packed days. The major components of the class, in completion order:
Draw the demilune top to provide a template for construction
Make a solid edge mdf substrate for the top with the edge suitable for being visible
Make a radial sunburst and apply it to a substrate
Trim the sunburst then install a contrasting radial edge banding
Make a semicircular fan inlay and set it into the top
Make a bricklaid semicircular table skirt
Veneer the table skirt
Cut joinery to attach the legs to the skirt
Attach the top to the table base
Cockbead the completed table skirt
Please contact me before signing up for the class. This requires some experience and background to complete in seven days.
Cost: $1200 including materials and basic tools
This course will be held in the studio in Charlottesville, 8:30am to 5pm on all days.
Double Bevel Veneering
May 13-14, 2023- sold out
Aug 19-20, 2023
We will make a tray/rectangular table top with a flower and a hummingbird, cut using double bevel marquetry on a power scroll saw.
This technique is more complex than the other two, but allows much finer control and yields a more painterly picture.
Cost: $350 including materials and basic tools
This course will be held in the studio in Charlottesville, 8:30am to 5pm on both days.
Veneering for Furniture Makers
4-Day Intensive
august 26-29, 2023
Designed to serve the traditional furniture maker, this 4-day intensive is focused on the tools and techniques of used to make Federal style furniture.
- The class covers bookmatched panel creation in two and four way matched panels with fillets and crossbanding
- As in the two-day class, we will make and install a round and an oval fan inlay. This is a classic traditional ornament. The inlay process is standard for any pattern, including inlaying shell or other non-wood materials.
- After students have gained a comfort level with precision veneer packet cutting, we will proceed to developing radial veneering patterns for oval or round tabletops.
Cost: $675 including materials and basic tools
This course will be held in the studio in Charlottesville, 8:30am to 5pm on all days.