Up to Two Participants per Class, bring a friend or a significant other.

Class Schedule (Two weeks)

Session 1: Feb 14 & 15 (Thursday, Friday): 2:30 pm -4:30 pm

Session 2: Feb 21 & 22 (Thursday, Friday): 2:30 pm -4:30 pm

Class Summary:

Some regard Japanese carpentry and hand tools as the epitome of woodworking craftsmanship. Made using ancient techniques, passed down countless generations, Japanese woodworking tools enable a level of precision unmatched by modern factory-made tools. Paired with compression fit techniques and hand plane finishes, the luster and value of Japanese carpentry stands the test of time and continues to inspire the craftsman spirit in all of us. However, with the rise of atomization and modern building methods, CNC routers and laser cutters can be used to achieve close to the same quality of master craftsmen.

This class is an introduction to traditional Japanese hand tools and modern laser cutters, as a way to hybridize the two. With guidance from an experienced woodworking instructor, the participants will make a shoji lamp project, using old technology of compression fit joinery with new technology by laser cutting panels to fit inside the stick frame. They will learn how to plane the wood to square dimensions, layout the designs on the wood, and carefully cut the joinery to tight tolerances. All the work will be done with very sharp Japanese hand tools including the crosscutting pull saw, chisel, and hand plane.

The price is $250 includes 8 hrs of personal instruction using the instructor’s tools and materials. This class can be taught for 1 to 2 people at a time. You can take the class alone for 1-on-1 instruction, or split the price with a friend or significant other, and bring home a beautiful lamp that warms up any space. It’s a great opportunity to build a cool project and learn great skills through Bellingham Makerspace.

Instructor Bio

Ivan Schierling has studied Japanese carpentry for more than 10 years. As a student of Jay Van Arsdale with the Daiku Dojo in Oakland, CA, Ivan became entranced with the beauty and craftsmanship of woodworking with well-made hand tools. In 2011, he studied Japanese timber framing from Dale Brotherton, another well-known and accomplished craftsman, at a workshop with EcoNest in Ashland, OR. After graduating from UC Santa Cruz with a B.A. in Mathematics, focused in teaching, Ivan apprenticed with Paul Discoe and the San Francisco Zen Center to assist with the construction of a large 12-pillar entry gate to the Tassajara Zen Center in Big Sur, CA. Recently, Ivan volunteered with Dale Brotherton and his company Takumi Design, participating in various projects in Washington. Traveling to Japan for the Kezuroukai, a famous traditional woodworking convention and competition, was the most memorable part of Ivan’s woodworking education. He had the privilege to learn from observing and interacting with practicing master Japanese carpenters and toolmakers. He was captivated by the culture and hospitality he encountered when touring the gardens, temples and houses across the main island of Japan.