A Weekend Table Making Experience

Creating an heirloom from the wonders of Mother Nature is a truly unique and desired experience. You are invited you to spend a weekend in the studio of master furniture maker A.L. Swanson and learn to craft a shaker inspired side table. At the end of the workshop you will take home an elegant 16” x 17” x 25” table made from cherry, wenge and tiger maple that contains a secret compartment in which we placed a coin of the year of inception. This workshop focuses on design and layout, working with solid lumber, hand and power tool safety and use, traditional joinery techniques, sanding, proper assembly, finishing with non-toxic oil, and of course, plenty of “tricks of the trade.” You will be provided with all the materials for your table. All you need to bring is enthusiasm and willingness to explore the fine art of furniture making. This experience is limited to four tables being created as to maximize our hands-on exposure. However, couples are encouraged and more than welcome to create a table together. Many have done so with success – a beautiful piece and strengthened relationship.  

Course Content:

The class begins Saturday morning promptly at 9:00 am.  You will be welcomed with freshly brewed coffee, pastries, fresh fruit, and many friendly faces. We will tour the shop to antiquate ourselves with the machinery as well as each other. We will dive in around 9:30 and break for lunch at 12 noon. At our fabulous art gallery next to the shop, we will be treated to a gourmet lunch made by my wife Erica – menu choices are listed on our registration form.  We will return to the studio and complete our day at 4:00 pm. 

Sunday morning will resume at 9:00 am with more coffee and treats. We will break at 11:00 am for bagels and fruit before ending our day around 4:00 pm. We tradtionally conclude with a wine toast and hopefully lot’s of smiles…

Cost: $595 for single participant; $645 for a couple

Includes all materials (lumber, glue, sandpaper, finish, etc.). Dust and hearing protection will also be provided.

Instructor: Al Swanson

Al Swanson has been a professional furniture maker for 18 years. After apprenticing under several elite cabinetmakers in Maine, Al moved his business to Montana in 2000. In 2004, Al opened the A.L. Swanson Gallery in downtown Helena, which showcases his furniture and many of the region’s premier artists. Al now offers woodworking courses in his Helena studio, where people from around the region learn woodworking skills, and get the immense satisfaction of saying, “I made this myself.” See Al's work at www.alswanson.com.

Additional Details:

Sharing the nuances of woodworking is a layered experience of a craft that might otherwise be lost if not passed along.  A group of pre-school children recently visited my studio and we created wooden bookmarks. They were able to if only for a short time, experience the joy of what it is I do everyday. The wonder in their eyes, excitement in their voices, their innate curiosity and willingness to learn freshened the air further to what I have known for some time - “bring the people to the process rather than the product to the person.” 

I have built many pieces of furniture over the years. Knowing that something I created with my hands will touch the lives of those who own it is gratifying. Yet guiding someone through the process of how to make a piece of their own is truly special. Students attending the Table Making Class have commented prior to starting “there’s no way I can make that with these two hands, I’m an accident waiting to happen”. Two days later their outlook has changed “I can’t believe I did this – thank you” as they sign, date and oil their creation with a smile.

The following is a testimonial from a very satisfied client:

Hi Al and Erica,

We had a wonderful time in the class and in learning so much about Helena.  You provided so much more than we expected.  We felt that not only did we learn a lot about furniture making but we so enjoyed having a great time with you and the class.  If college had been this much fun we would still be there.       

Now that we have had a chance to meet so many wonderful residents we can't wait to return.  We loved the Windbag and On Broadway.  The food was as good as you told us it would be and the ambiance was terrific. We are looking forward to seeing you both again very soon. 

With love, Jim and Christie Nance, Denver