Summer 2026
September 5-6

Design can be a huge barrier for woodworkers trying to develop their own artistic vision. We get so many requests for design classes, and we think this is a great place to get started. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a new hobbyist, design is like any other skill. It takes practice, guidance, inspiration, and iteration. Join us to take a deeper dive. 

This class will help students begin to develop confidence in their design skills.

Students will learn a multi-step design process that involves sketching, making models, creating construction drawings, and making full-sized mockups. After sketching initial ideas, students will learn how to make quarter-sized models using foam core, corrugate, rigid foam, MDF, or whatever material is appropriate for visualizing their idea in 3D. As time allows, we will build mockups, discuss construction techniques, and consider potential jigs that would help in the fabrication of some of the ideas that were created. We will explore ideas, push boundaries, and expand our design vocabulary.

In this course, we will explore:

• An introduction to design tools: hot glue gun, foam core, French curves, drawing bows, etc.

• Sources of inspiration

• Creativity exercises

• Form exploration

• Defining functional requirements (or lack thereof!)

• Going from sketch to model

• The power of photographing your models

• Using inexpensive materials to quickly develop and explore an idea

Tools

No tools required, but feel free to bring any of your favorite layout, drawing or design tools. 

Prerequisites

Open to All

Class Information and Registration

Class runs from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday and Sunday in Building 304 at Fort Worden. Map
Please read our What to Expect page for general information about the school.
Please also read our Registration Policy, and sign up for the waitlist if the course is full.

Class size: 10
Cost: $420
Materials Charge: $35