WHATS HAPPENING LATELY
March 2023 Woodworking Legends
Last Saturday, our wonderful students completed their timber tables.
Final glue ups were done, sanding assembly and the all important polish was applied.
The end result was 4 beautifully crafted tables.
A credit to our students for being quick enthusiastic learners and producing beautiful timber work
Our Wonderful Woodworking Student Projects
Our Monday and Thursday evening woodwork classes have been going in earnest for well over 15 years and every week we are just blown away by the creativity , craftmanship and dedication that our students continually show.
Each project is unique and the planning, the care that goes into each one is so admirable
Chair excellence from Peter
Monday night Student , Peter has diligently designed and created his exquisite dining chairs and the reading chair above is the perfect spot for Peter to relax and while away the hours. Made from Qld Maple and Jarrah , this stunning chair is testament to Peter’s skill and patience.
Gerry has always wanted to create his own cellar and during his woodworking classes he is doing just that.
Made from Kwila, this custom made cellar is heading in the right direction of perfection
The beginning of something wonderful !
Dining distinction
An extensive journey to source premium camphor laurel Mike has worked with the natural grain to create this magnificent dining table.
Elegant yet sturdy this table works beautifully with the dining chairs and is just ready for a fabulous dining table.
A wonderful example of student skill and tenacity.
Delightful details
Sally designed and made this specia momento box using Lemon Myrtle, Jacaranda and Red Cedar.
A beautiful box for a friend and including beautiful splines on the corners, false bottom and floating top.
Gorgeous detail and craftmanship Sally
A project of skill and thought
Considered detail
For the romantic
Chris from our Thursday night class , has gone above and beyond for this most beautiful present for his sister’s wedding.
A board games console complete with handcrafted markers and including beautiful detailed images this was definitely a labor of love.
A one of a kind wedding present that is now a cherished family heirloom.
We never tire of the amazing work our students create.
Their enthusiasm for their craft never ceases to amaze and delight us.
#lovewhatwedo
In photos ... Our November 2019 Surfboard Making Workshop
There is nothing like ending the year on a high and that is exactly what we accomplished in our November Surfboard Making Workshop.
Its been a brilliant year for learning , we have so enjoyed sharing our knowledge of woodworking and combining it with our passion for surfing. To date we have helped over 160 students create wonderful hollow wooden surfboards. Many of these students have had no woodworking experience whatsoever and yet in 4 productive days they have come away with something wonderful , tangible evidence of their enthusiasm for learning.
Our November class was held just last week November 14 - 17 inclusive and included 2 return students who wanted to expand on their wooden surfboard quiver.
All smiles from Phil, back to make his second wooden surfboard with us
A more exciting use for pegs.
Team work and framwork
Discussion and productivity , getting on with things but still time to chat of course about surfing
Smiley Phil once again showing how happy he is to to be here ! We just love that !
That wonderful feeling of accomplishing a successful glue up
An Eye for detail
The peaceful act of Planeing, an integral part of the finished board
The class of November 19 2019 A beautiful array of boards
Our students showed wonderful team work and enthusiasm over the 4 days and laughs and friendships were made.
We often say it but for us its a privilage to be able teach so many students . The smiles , the look and feeling of accomplishment that each and every student has after their surfboard making workshop makes is so worthwhile for us.
We are already prepping these boards for glassing so our keen students can take their works of art in the water, because not only do our boards look the part , they ride like a dream.
We are keen to continue our learning calendar in 2020 with our New Stand Up Paddle Board classes and of course our ever popular Wooden Surfboard Classes as well .
Our mission to learn and inspire is a big part of what we do here at Bywater Design
2015 Wooden Surfboard Day -- Gold Coast Australia
The 2015 Wooden Surfboard Day at the Gold Coast was held on what was most likely the most perfect winters day.
The 2015 Wooden Surfboard Day at the Gold Coast was held on what was most likely the most perfect winters day .
IMG_0497
A clear blue sky and warm winter sun was the perfect backdrop to highlight the amazing and varied collection of Hollow Wooden Surfboards handcrafted in Australia.
We were extremely proud to be displaying our extensive range of boards... from the sleek pin to the traditional and ever popular ma using paulownia and western red cedar.
Our boards were met with delight and enthusiasm.
A very big thank you to everyone who came, enjoyed an early morning surf with us and for all the wonderful positive feedback :)
A panoramic view of Wooden Board Day Gold Coast 2015
Photoshoot worthy
Smiles all round at the Wooden Board Show
Hollow wooden surfboard day gold coast 2015
Bywater Design Hollow wooden Board day
The Global Surfer and Making a Hollow Wooden Surfboard
We were thrilled to be able to give a global traveller and avid Surfer 'E' the opportunity to make his own hollow wooden surfboard. During the week, E who in his words, has no woodworking experience apart from sharpening a pencil, learnt basic woodworking skills such as sharpening a hand plane, shaping, sanding of his board and fin placement. We then went on to fully glass the board.
But don't just take our word for it ... Have a look at our very first YouTube
Working with Wood Show - Brisbane 2015 -
It was all very hands on at the recent Working with Wood Show at the RNA last weekend...
We had an overwhelming response and interest in not only our Wooden Surfboard and traditional woodworking classes, but also our custom making and furniture restoration services. Thank you to Carbatec for making this possible. Much appreciation to Michael Hoffman and David Wardrop for their invaluable help and enthusiasm over the weekend.
Timber Working with Wood Show RNA Brisbane 2015
Come and see for yourself the ultimate in Wooden surfboards.
Bywater Design in Collaboration with CarbaTec will be demonstrating shaping techniques for hollow wooden surfboards all this weekend at the
Working With Wood Show RNA Brisbane. We will have the ultimate in wooden surfboard collections, with an extensive range of completed student work along with paulownia timber available for purchase on the day. We look forward to seeing you there !
Graduates of the Winter Wooden Surfboard Class 2014
A very excited Tuesday night wooden board class proudly displayed their completed boards. All ready to glass. We all had a great time. Lots of laughter and fun along the way.
Don't Forget our next Class begins on September 9 ...Limited positions available.
Pacific Longboarder Magazine...
Thank you to Pacific Longboarder Magazine for the wonderful article on our Wooden Surfboard Classes;
For more information please phone us on PH; 3259000
or email us; surf@bywaterdesign.com.au.
Surfs UP
Another wonderful example of Student Work !
The recently completed project by Chris, a wonderful long-term student; shows the amazing diversity of projects that our students complete... Incorporating the stunning native bird scene into this porthole like window, highlights both the rich colours of the stained glass as well as the natural hue of the recycled silky oak timber that was used.
Well done Chris, we look forward to seeing your next project.
::Apprenticeship Achievements !!
Shaun, who recently began his 3 yrd of his apprenticeship recently completed his theory module learning new leg and rail construction and timber selection processes.
During this time Shaun successfully made a coffee table and chair, using New Guinea Rosewood, Shaun has put his knowledge to wonderful practical use, constructing furniture of a high calibre
Well done Shaun on excellent craftmanship !!!
Student Restoration Project...
Few people have a vision of what an old worn out wardrobe can look like if converted into a bookcase We have completed several conversion projects like these for clients and they have always been amazed at the finished piece .
So we were delighted when one of our Woodworking Students, chose to take up the challenge himself and convert his old Silky Oak Cabinet into something new and wonderful.
David was not deterred at all by the processes and time involved to complete such a makeover.
With the expert guidance from teacher Dave, David then went about on his restoration journey of stripping the old finish, removing the old mirror ...
In addition new shelves were made and fitted
Then the cabinet was sanded and David polished the cabinet to match his existing decor.
The finished product looks absolutely amazing.
Well done David on a remarkable job and for persisting to achieve what you set out to do.
You should be proud of your accomplishments.
We cant wait to see you next project !!
::Bywater Design School of Fine Woodworking - A happy Graduate ::
With no previous woodworking experience, Chloe began the Introductory to Fine Woodworking Class with a lot of enthusiasm and energy. At the completion of this introductory course Chloe was able to take home her very own gorgeous chopping/serving board.
Congratulations Chloe on your great achievement !
We Have a Winner...World Skills Australia !
We are pleased and proud to announce that our hardworking 2nd year apprentice Shaun has won the World Skills Australia 2011 Competition Brisbane Region - Cabinet Making Section.
- Its Official - 1st Place
The competition involved competitors completing a spice rack ; - the finished piece was to include dovetailed drawers and a rebated back .
Shaun impressed the judges with his efficiency, professional use of machinery and safe work practices. The end result was a finished piece that is testament to Shaun's hard work and enthusiasm for learning that he has shown in the Bywater Design workshop over the last 2 years !!
- Spice Rack - hoop pine with plywood back .
- Well done Shaun - 1st place
Congratulations Shaun !!
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Designed and Made...By Students
The students of Bywater Design School of Fine Furniture continually make us proud with their ongoing achievements. We love sharing their journeys , their finished pieces as it is inspiring for both teacher and students... The recently completed Qld Maple Entertainment Unit by Bruce, highlights the construction techniques, dovetailing and finishing methods that Bruce has learnt in class...
Congratulations Bruce on Designing and Making your Entertainment Unit !
If you would like information on Creating your own beautiful furniture Have a look here .
The Art of Learning
Our very popular Woodworking Classes are now in their 7th year ! We enjoy seeing our students learn new skills and nurture their passion for woodwork . Over the course of this time we have been lucky enough to teach students from all demographics and from all over Brisbane including The Gold and Sunshine Coasts . The high standard to which our students produce work is testament to their willingness to learn and the dedication to our craft.
One such student, who displays these qualities is Daniel.
Daniel is a vibrant and energetic gentleman in his 90's ! ! Daniel has been a student under the expert guidance of David for well over a year.
During this time, Daniel has produced work of a very high standard.
Apart form his love of woodworking, Daniel is a fierce golfer and enjoys learning Latin Dancing !!!
We would like to congratulate Daniel on his enthusiasm, joy and happiness he contributes to the class. He is an inspiration .
>Sharing Our Craft.
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Flash forward to 2010 and we have had the pleasure of teaching men and women of all ages, occupations and areas of Brisbane, Sunshine and Gold Coast the fine art of Furniture Making. We are proud to say many of our original students are still with us, creating their own beautiful works of art.
Our workshop is a busy hub on weeknights, where our enthusiastic students are given guidance, enthusiasm and personalised tuition on their varied and original projects. Everyone works at their own pace, there is no deadlines, no stress, only a fun learning environmnent.
Our classes are held on weeknights from 6 - 9pm, if you are interested in learning a new craft, creating your own furniture and generally having a really fun time please Get in contact with us.
