MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS

MICHAEL FORTUNE

KELLY PARKER

Apprenticeship with Michael Fortune & Kelly Parker  

Taught by master furniture makers, Michael Fortune, and Kelly Parker, this two-week apprenticeship will profoundly impact your learning.

It is a comprehensive class where you will take a design idea from proof-of-concept into fabrication. We will focus on creating a table, but if you have something else in mind come on in!  You are going to want to be able to work through all aspects of the build, so if your project is overly large if it will hinder the process.

Although students will work independently, there are plenty of spontaneous learning opportunities as we highlight key learnings and unique approaches in each student’s project.

The class will feature numerous demos as well as plenty of time for project work. At the end of the apprenticeship, students will have full-sized drawings, the jigs needed to create their table, and fabrication should be well underway.

You should be to drill down and solve all of the design challenges associated with your project. Anticipate having the majority of parts and portions of assembly done.

Come with the goal in mind that this will be your most growth-related project to date. Pick the instructor’s brains clean and glean information from the other student projects, and build your project with confidence, a clear plan of approach, techniques, and jigs in place.

We would like you to have some basic knowledge in place – this should include power tool and handtool use, at least one or two projects built (even if they are small).  These requirement can be met by taking the following classes at the School – Beginning Woodwork, Handtool & Joinery, Box Making and/or a Project based class.  Give us a call at 813 223 3490 if you want to talk through the requirements.

During the class, plan on receiving constructive input and advice as well as collaboratively supporting your fellow students.  You will talk and work through your project with Michael and Kelly via email or phone before the class. During the class you should plan on:

• completing a basic full-sized drawing of your table
• learn how to make a quick full-sized mockup of your idea
• get one-on-one help problem-solving the technical problems your project
• get experience making and using jigs to fabricate parts
• learn about joinery appropriate for their specific project
• learn about adhesive selection
• learn about surface preparation and finishing options

Optional topics depending on student projects:

• Wood forming techniques to create curved elements
• Wood shaping tools and techniques
• Embellishment 
• Incorporating alternate materials into a project

Michael and Kelly will be scheduling a break day and possibly some half days to allow everyone to take a mental and physical break.