Spring 2025
May 26-30

In this technique-based five-day class, artist and furniture maker Sarah Watlington will teach the art of shop-sawn veneering, parquetry, unconventional inlay, and how to utilize precious small pieces of wood– from exotic offcuts to tree branches– for maximum effect. Practicing these techniques, each student will create custom-designed panels that may become art pieces, boxes, bespoke audio equipment, furniture, game boards, and more.

Veneering opens up a world of construction and creative design possibilities. Shop-sawn veneers are superior to commercial veneers in numerous ways, from quality to cost, and having the skills to cut your means any scrap of wood can be turned into veneers. In this fun, tip and technique-packed five-day class, students will learn why that is and how to execute their own veneering and inlay projects. Sarah will share multiple techniques to empower students with varying degrees of shop access. 

Instruction will focus on the importance of both machines and hand tools and the harmony that is created when used together. Students will also learn about design, working from drawings, lumber selection, working with small stock, parquetry, inlay, edgebanding, cutting veneers, panel glue-ups, sharpening, and shellac finishing techniques. Students will have creative freedom under Sarah’s guidance and within set parameters to design and execute a veneered panel or panels of their choosing. Class material will be provided, but students are also encouraged to bring their own precious wood scraps to turn into veneers.

Tools 

Required: None. PTSW will provide a bench kit with hand planes, layout and marking tools, and chisels

Recommended:

• Hand planes

• Layout tools

Prerequisites

Open to all.

Class Information and Registration

Classes run 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday in Building 315 at Fort Worden. Map
Please read our What to Expect page for general information about the School.
Please also read our Registration Policy.
Please sign up for the waitlist if the course is full.

Class size: 10
Cost: $1000
Materials Charge: $75