Walnut Box Making Workshop(Open Studios Special)

Join us at The Rivershop, Studio 05, Unit 8 for a beginner-friendly hardwood trinket box workshop. Running Sunday 11–2, you’ll craft your own beautifully finished box using quality materials and guided techniques. Perfect for those new to woodworking, this hands-on session offers a rewarding introduction to making with timber. Spaces are limited and offered on a first come, first served basis so pre-booking is highly recommended. Tickets (£30) can be purchased via The Rivershop website.

This beginner-friendly session is designed for adults and children alike, offering a creative and accessible way to explore working with timber. Whether you’re completely new or simply curious to try something different, this workshop provides a rewarding introduction to traditional making through one of our entry-level carpentry courses.

During the session, you’ll assemble your own hardwood trinket box using pre-cut components that have been carefully prepared in advance. This allows you to focus on the enjoyable, hands-on elements of the process learning how to glue up, construct, sand, and finish your piece to a beautiful standard. You’ll be guided step-by-step by experienced makers, ensuring you feel confident and supported throughout.

As part of this Open Studios experience, we’ve intentionally designed this workshop to be family-friendly. Children are very welcome to take part, making it a wonderful shared activity. Each child must be accompanied by a full-paying adult, allowing you to create together while learning practical skills in a calm and creative environment. It’s a fantastic introduction to our carpentry courses for younger makers, offering a safe and engaging way to explore tools, materials, and making by hand.

You’ll work with quality hardwood and be introduced to key finishing techniques, including sanding and oiling, which bring out the natural beauty of the grain. By the end of the session, you’ll leave with a completed trinket box – perfect for storing jewellery, keepsakes, or small treasures and a sense of pride in something you’ve made yourself.

This workshop is also a brilliant way to experience what we offer at The Rivershop. If you’ve been considering trying one of our full carpentry courses, this is the perfect starting point. It gives you a feel for the space, the teaching style, and the satisfaction of working with wood without committing to a longer session.

Open Studios is all about celebrating creativity, opening up our workspace, and inviting you behind the scenes. Alongside the workshop, you’ll have the chance to explore the studio, see what we do, and discover more about our wider range of carpentry courses and creative experiences.

Spaces are limited to keep the workshop intimate and enjoyable, and due to the special Open Studios pricing, demand is expected to be high. Pre-booking is strongly recommended to secure your place.

Whether you come alone, with a friend, or as a family, this is a chance to slow down, make something meaningful, and enjoy a creative experience together. We’d love to welcome you into the studio and share what we do.

Book now and take part in one of our most accessible and enjoyable carpentry courses created especially for Open Studios.

What You’ll Learn

• Assembling a trinket box using precision-cut English hardwood Proper clamping and gluing techniques for secure joints
• Using sanders to achieve a smooth, professional finish
• Inserting and trimming spines with a saw for added strength and detail
• Applying Odie’s Oil in a variety of colours to enhance the wood’s natural beauty

Workshop Tools & Materials

• Precut English Hardwood: Each participant will receive high-quality, precut timber to assemble their trinket box
• Clamps & Glue: Learn how to properly secure joints for a strong and lasting bond
• Sanding Tools: Smooth out edges and surfaces for a refined finish
• Saw for Spine Trimming: Learn to trim and refine spines for durability and aesthetics
• Laser Engraver: Personalise your project with a unique message or image
• Odie’s Oil: Choose from a range of colours to enhance and protect your finished piece

Workshop Schedule

Introduction & Assembly

• Welcome and overview of the carpentry course
• Introduction to English hardwood and its characteristics
• Step-by-step guided assembly of the trinket box using clamps and glue-up techniques

Spine Insertion & Refinement

• Explanation of spine reinforcement for durability and design
• Hands-on experience inserting spines and trimming them using a saw
• Ensuring precision and a clean finish

Sanding & Personalisation

• Using sanders to smooth surfaces and edges
• Introduction to the laser engraver for customisation
• Participants will engrave their trinket box with a personal message or design

Finishing & Preservation

• Choosing from a selection of Odie’s Oil colors to enhance the wood grain
• Proper application and buffing techniques for a professional finish
• Final quality check and group showcase

Who Should Attend?

• Beginners interested in fine woodworking and hands-on projects
• Suitable for children over 10 years old
• Intermediate woodworkers looking to refine their skills in assembly and finishing
• DIY enthusiasts wanting to create a functional, decorative trinket box
• Anyone looking for a creative, hands-on experience in a guided carpentry course

What You’ll Take Home

• A handcrafted trinket box made from high-quality English hardwood
• Experience in essential woodworking techniques
• Knowledge of finishing techniques using Odie’s Oil

Things to Remember

Workshop Fee & Registration

• Fee: £30 (includes all materials, use of tools, and expert guidance)
• Limited spots available for a personalised experience

Immerse yourself in this rewarding carpentry course, where you’ll craft, personalise, and finish a timeless trinket box to cherish or gift. Sign up today and experience the joy of woodworking!