YOUNG MAKER
 
9.30am to 12.00noon
Mondays
April 20 to May 11, 2026
The Wood Play Studio
Level 2, 69 Charles Street Coburg 3058
 
 
The good old days are gone. Once upon a time young people learned how to hammer a nail and saw a piece of wood in two... these days it's follow this or log in to that. Yet don't stress, because Wood Play is here to help.
 
About YOUNG MAKER
 
Young Maker offer an engaging, hands-on experience where young woodworkers learn to use a broad range of hand tools to develop and broaden their knowledge off the craft. With an emphasis on creativity, skill-building and fun, these workshops provide an inspiring environment for young makers to design and complete their own projects.
 
Timetable
 
This YOUNG MAKER course runs over 4 consecutive weeks on the following days:
 
Monday April 20 - 9.30am to 12.00noon
Monday April 27 - 9.30am to 12.00noon
Monday May 4 - 9.30am to 12.00noon
Monday May 11 - 9.30am to 12.00noon
 
**​If you miss a workshop you are welcome to attend any other workshop during the 4 week block to make it up. Make up sessions may not be transferred to any other 4 week block. Please refer to our FAQ section for more information.
 
The Projects
 
Guided by the presenters, participants can design and make their own projects. We start by developing conceptual drawings and then create a technical working drawing, usually drawn full size. We then choose materials and execute the build in the following workshops.
 
Tools we will use
 
During the workshop the participants will be coached in the use of a range of fundamental tools including:
 
Pencils, ruler & set square
Japanese pull saw & coping saw
Bevel chisels & mallet
Carving gouges
Hand planes & spokeshaves
Rasp, files & sandpaper
Disc sander
Bandsaw
Belt sander
 
More experienced Young Makers can be trained on use of the table saw.
 
Materials we will use
 
Participants work with a range of non-toxic materials will be used in the workshop including:
 
Solid timber & plywood
Hardwoods 
Water based adhesive
Acrylic paints & paper
 
Participants will learn about and use a broad range of materials, their applications and limitations.
 
Please note. A ticket to attend a YOUNG MAKER 4 week course includes a $20 fee to cover material expenses per session. Some designs may require an additional fee to cover materials. This will be discussed before the workshop commences and may be paid for at the studio.
 
Key processes explored
 
DRAW & SAW workshops focus on several key making processes including:
 
• Design – drawing, marking out and understanding the concept of square
• Sawing – using a pull saw and a coping saw
• Shaping – using a rasp and file to shape
• Hand Planing – using a hand plane to flatten wood and shape wood
• Gluing – construction and assembly
• Finishing Prep – using sandpaper to prep a piece for finishing
• Oiling, Painting & Printmaking – using various mediums to finish their piece
 
As participants build skills, they can progress to using more complex tools, and learn to sharpen and maintain tools. They will also experience what it is like to be in a workshop, how to use the bench and vice, how to stay organised.
 
New Participants Advice
 
This program of DRAW & SAW workshops are suitable for young people 12 years and over. If you wish to discuss your young makers age and needs, please email John Madden at hello@woodplaystudio.com.au
 
Young Makers require time to understand the tools and processes and to develop their skills. Wood Play suggests that first time participants come along and allow the presenters to guide them through a series of set introductory exercises in their first session.
 
On returning to the studio for future workshops participants can design their own pieces or choose one from the design library. Feel free to discuss your young makers participation this with the presenters.
 
Join YOUNG MAKER
 
Provide your young maker with the opportunity to build skills in a safe and supportive environment. Book a workshop today!