OPEN ACCESS DAYS
Sliding Scale Tickets
Want to learn the fundamentals of building and DIY in a creative, personalised environment where your creativity and personal pace can lead your day? Do you have something you'd like to build but you don't have the materials, tools, or building knowledge to make it happen?
Come along to our popular build-your-own woodworking sessions that run from 9.45am-4.30pm. A unique learning experience, you will get your own bench, be given a set of your own tools to use for the day, access to a store of up-cycled wood, and an experienced facilitator will then help guide you throughout the day to bring your project to life!
These workshops are for anyone who identifies as a woman & any other marginalised gender (trans and non-binary inclusive!)
What does the day entail?
Our open access days offer a unique experience lead by your learning pace and personal aspirations. Throughout the day your pace is entirely up to you - open to absolute beginners or those developing their skills, learn and explore at your own bench with supportive guidance throughout the day. You will either come with your own idea/project or get inspired at our workshop to develop your own idea into a finished piece.
You will learn:
- How to design and plan your idea, including where to start with dimensions and problem solving
- How to prepare your reclaimed timber
- How to accurately measure and confidently cut wood with a hand saw
- Depending on your project, learn how to use a variety of power tools such as the electric jigsaw, circular saw, orbital sander and more
- How to 'put together' your furniture with an electric drill, and learn about how to choose screw types, sizes and pilot drills.
- Finishing touches on your piece such as wood filler or high grit sanding if there's time
- Receive advice/instruction on oiling your piece at home
The aim of the day is not to leave with a perfect finished product, but to have built up your confidence, skill sets and knowledge at your own pace - our workshop is pressure free. That being said, if you're determined and passionate there's no limits to what you might achieve in a session!
A basic communal GF and vegan lunch of rice and lentils will be prepared, but please bring your own snacks for throughout the day! Additionally, we have an open request to bring a vegetable to add to the communal lunch if you would like to do so :) Please inform us of any allergies or dietary restrictions when you book.
Sliding Scale Tickets
We are running these workshops with sliding scale ticket prices to provide a more accessible option to those on lower incomes. We also offer 'pay it forward' options for those able to contribute to our work and help us provide these affordable tickets. We'll leave it in your hands as to how much you're able to contribute but we've come up with some guide prices based on the cost of materials, facilitator time, building costs and refreshments. Low-income £45 // Standard £65 // Pay it forward £85. We will give you details for online payment on the day.
We rely on a community centred and conscious mindset from those participating to contribute fairly.
We feel really strongly that our workshops are for everyone and your financial situation should not be a barrier to building skills and feeling empowered so please get in touch if you're unable to contribute at this time. Some bursary places are available.
Important information
- Please arrive at the workshop at 9.45am ready for your induction.
- Covid Precautions: Please do not attend if you have any symptoms or have been in close contact with anyone who has tested positive for Covid-19. We have shared ear defenders sand safety glasses but if you'd like to avoid sharing these items please bring your own.
- Currently, these sessions are for participants age 18 or over but we welcome minors 15 - 17 when accompanied by a parent/guardian.
- We can not teach any joinery or fine furniture skills such as dovetail joints. This is due to the time needed for explanation and upkeep of chisels. We may run these courses in the future however, with specific workshops for learning basic joints.
How to get here and travel considerations
Google Maps Location: In Her Hands Workshop, Manor Farm, Buncton, Washington Rd, Steyning BN44 3DD
You’ll come off the A283 and come down a thin gravel track. Our yard is the first right, and you will see our barn.
Unfortunately public transport access to the countryside is pretty abysmal, despite the workshop being very close to many towns and the city. At the moment we can't offer any guaranteed lifts or pick ups to the workshop - please email us well in advance if you need a nearby bus-stop pick up. Please see HERE for a few researched public transport options.
Next Dates: August 6th and September 10th
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TESTIMONIALS
"I loved the progression and process of taking apart a pallet and creating a different object. The emphasis was on using a free resource and regenerating it into something new. The pace was very relaxed allowing for discussion and questions. The teaching was respectful, detailed and totally practical which I really enjoyed. I use the word 'respectful' as the workshop was deliberately not oversubscribed because the facilitators were keen to foster a safe and intimate space in the workshop to enable the participants to get the focus and attention they needed. I felt totally catered for and would definitely recommend this experience to anyone."
"Every part of it was interesting, relevant, useful and excellently delivered!
I found Georjie's approach was fantastic for supporting me to feel welcome, comfortable, able to ask questions, try/explore tools and techniques that were new to me - and generally to learn. Her approach shows clearly her knowledge and skills she's learned, whilst also she seems to remember how it is to be brand new to something, and explains everything very well."
"The perfect balance of instruction, opportunity to try without being too closely watched, and an offer of support at just the right time (before I lost confidence). Very natural, intuitive and supportive teaching."