The Quiet Workshop

Contact name: StJohn Starkie

42
Total bookings

Rating

(15)

about 1 year
with CraftCourses

Maker's bio

I've been teaching for over 20 years and building things out of wood for a lot longer! I started running stool-making and woodworking classes about 5 years on a rather ad hoc basis. I was asked to run small ‘masterclasses’ in a local school and then ran classes in other people’s workshops. We moved to dedicated workshops of our own in 2023 to run courses full time. Lunch and snacks on the course are made by Bryony who trained at Le Cordon Bleu as a patisserie chef!

Courses, kits & gifts

gold award

CAMBRIDGE

Arm chair extension day

7½ hours

Next date: 22nd Mar 2025

5 places left

£110.00

gold award

CAMBRIDGE

Building and weaving a round stool at The Quiet Workshop

3 days

Next date: 28th Mar 2025

5 places left

(4)

£300.00

gold award

CAMBRIDGE

Building and weaving a side chair or arm chair at The Quiet Workshop

5 days

Next date: 17th Mar 2025

5 places left

(4)

£550.00

gold award

CAMBRIDGE

Building and weaving a simple stool at The Quiet Workshop

2 days

Next date: 8th Mar 2025

6 places left

(7)

£220.00

Recent reviews

All maker's reviews

5 Nov 24'

Matt Gould reviewed: Building and weaving a round stool at The Quiet Workshop

"Brilliant course run by brilliant people. The course (building and weaving a round stool) was incredibly interesting and StJohn's approach to teaching was exactly what I wanted - supportive and expert but also giving me the space to test/try (and mess up if needed but knowing there was always back-up or a way to fix a problem). The food was also DELICIOUS - Byrony's cooking and baking was a very welcome surprise during break and lunch times. Absolutely recommend this course (or any of the courses at The Quiet Workshop)."

The Quiet Workshop responded:

"Matt, Thanks for you review; it was really thoughtful. It was lovely to meet you. You did a great job on the stool and a produced a flawless seat weave. Best wishes, StJohn & Bryony"

26 Oct 24'

Helena reviewed: Building and weaving a simple stool at The Quiet Workshop

"My sister and I had a wonderful weekend on this course, it exceeded all our expectations! StJohn was very patient and encouraging and we both came away feeling so proud of our stools! Special thanks to Bryony for making the most delicious food and cakes (including factoring in dietary requirements)!! We wouldn’t hesitate about booking another course next year! Thanks so much!"

The Quiet Workshop responded:

"Helena, thank you so much for your comments; they’re really thoughtful. You were both great fun to have in the workshop and did an excellent job. And we’re not picking a winner! Best wishes, StJohn & Bryony"

2 Oct 24'

Nick Coles reviewed: Building and weaving a simple stool at The Quiet Workshop

"I really enjoyed the Simple Stool workshop and I’m delighted with the end product. I’ve tried in the past to make things out of wood and often struggled to finish with a piece that I’m proud of. The instruction throughout was clear and the atmosphere was relaxed and informative. StJohn was very attentive and ensure that we were doing things correctly all the way through. The food was exceptional and I felt well looked after and welcome by both Bryony and StJohn. I would highly recommend this course and others and have already being telling friends, family and colleagues about my experience. "

The Quiet Workshop responded:

"Thanks Nick! You did a great job on your stool so I’m sure you’ll have no trouble with future projects. Glad you enjoyed the food. Best wishes, StJohn & Bryony"

22 Sep 24'

Clodagh Barker & Carola Warren reviewed: Building and weaving a side chair or arm chair at The Quiet Workshop

"My sister and I had a wonderful learning experience constructing our chairs together step by step over 6 days under the careful instruction of StJohn. He was the soul of patience, encouragement and a generous sharer of his own experience & skills. Bryony at frequent intervals during each day prepared delicious home made cakes & biscuits and healthy, energy boosting lunches! We so enjoyed our wide ranging conversations over meal times. We highly recommend the course not only for the end product (praised by all who see the chairs) but also as a wonderful way of sharing quality time with friends, family or like minded people. We feel that we have acquired skills with which we can build (or repair) our own furniture pieces."

The Quiet Workshop responded:

"Clodagh, Thank you so much for your review. It was lovely to have you and Carola in the workshop. Your chairs looked fantastic! We both look forward to seeing you again soon. StJohn & Bryony"