California College of the Arts
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Extended Education - Wood/Furniture

Beginning Woodworking

SF 1046
Instructor: Rob Taboada
Mon., Wed. & Fri., 6:30–9:45 p.m., June 4–22
9 sessions. $300. $15 materials fee payable to instructor at first session. Noncredit. Prerequisites: none.

This course is an introduction to the basic tools and techniques of woodworking. Students learn to safely operate the workhorses of woodworking—the table saw, joiner, and planer—as well as the band saw and drill press, and an assortment of hand tools for shaping and carving wood. Each student should develop a competency and comfort level with woodworking through making manageable projects such as shaped boxes, trays, and mirrors.

Bring to first class: sketchbook/notebook, writing utensil. Materials are provided for technical exercises; students are responsible for purchasing wood for their own projects.

Hand Tool Workshop

SF 1048
Instructor: Rob Taboada
Mon. & Wed., 6:45–9:45 p.m., July 11–August 6
8 sessions. $250. $15 materials fee payable to instructor at first session. Noncredit. Prerequisites: none.

This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of hand tools and techniques. Students learn how to select, sharpen, and use an assortment of hand tools, including Japanese saws, rasps, chisels, planes, spokeshaves, and cabinet scrapers. With these tools, students shape wood and hand cut joints central to furniture making, including mortise and tenon and hand-cut dovetail. Demonstrations and studio practice familiarize students with wood as a medium for both artistic expression and furniture construction. This is an excellent course for those who would like to work in wood with just a few basic tools.

Bring to first class: sketchbook/notebook, writing utensil. Materials are provided for technical exercises; students are responsible for purchasing wood for their own projects.

Designing and Building Tables

SF 1050
Instructor: Rob Taboada
Tues. & Thur., 6:30–9:30 p.m., July 10–26; Sun., 10 a.m.–5 p.m., July 15, 22, & 29
9 sessions. $395. $15 materials fee payable to instructor at first session. Noncredit. Prerequisite: basic woodworking skills recommended but not required.

This is a course for students at all levels who want to explore the challenges of solid-wood furniture construction and design. Each student will construct a small table. Issues such as how to develop a design sequence, select materials, and choose construction techniques will be covered, with an emphasis on traditional joinery.

Bring to first class: sketchbook/notebook, writing utensil. Materials are provided for technical exercises; students are responsible for purchasing wood for their own projects.

Upholster This!

SF 1052
Instructor: Bruce Busby
Tues. & Thurs., 6:30–10 p.m., June 7–28
7 sessions. $280. $10 materials fee payable to instructor at first session. Noncredit. Prerequisites: none.

SF 1054
Instructor: Ashley Eriksmoen
Tues. & Thurs., 6:30–9:30 p.m., July 31–August 9; Sat. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m., August 4 & 11
6 sessions. $280. $10 materials fee payable to instructor at first session. Noncredit. Prerequisite: none.

Upholstery can enliven any form by adding shape, mass, color, and texture; reupholstering can resurrect all but the most damaged pieces. Students in this course explore the anatomy of an upholstered piece through dissection and learn the upholsterer's techniques of using springs, webbing, and foam, as well as pattern making and stitching. Students should bring a simple item that they would like to begin reupholstering (any object at all that would look good padded and swathed in fabric: a tea kettle? a chair?), and instruction will be given on how to complete each piece.

Bring to first class: sketchbook or notebook, pen or pencil. Materials are provided for technical exercises; students must purchase their own textiles and materials for the final project. The instructor may also have specific upholstery supplies available for students to purchase.

Wood/Furniture Techniques: Soft

SF 1056
Instructor: Mary Little, Peter Wheeler
Mon.–Fri., 9 a.m.–4 p.m., August 13–31
15 sessions. $1,600. Pass/Fail (3 credits).* $35 lab fee payable at registration. Prerequisites: none.

In this class, students learn contemporary techniques in upholstery. These techniques are applicable to creating one-of-a-kind, batch production, or prototype ideas for large-scale production. Students design and construct an upholstered ottoman for a specific, given interior and are encouraged to develop fresh and innovative design concepts appropriate to the context. Students bring their own diverse experiences and skills to class, working cooperatively with others to achieve their goals. When they complete the course, students will have a contemporary, well-made ottoman; a whole new set of skills for, and knowledge about, contemporary upholstery; and an exposure to a wealth of experience in European and North American furniture design. The fabrication process for each student's ottoman should be repeatable from the instructions created in class.

Note: A wood assistant will be available during studio access hours to assist enrolled students with their projects: 4–6 p.m., Mon.–Fri., August 13–30 (excluding the final Fri.) and Sat., 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m., August 18 & 25.

*This course may also be taken for a letter grade: $3,453. Call number 0035.