Turning From A to Z
Spalted Maple Bowl by Beth Ireland, spalted maple and ebony (12" x 6"), 2000
Beth Ireland
August 11 – 22
The course introduces novice wood turners to professional techniques for spindle and faceplate turning. Starting with tool history and sharpening, Beth teaches participants how to work safely and effectively with standard turning tools such as gouges, skew chisels, scrapers, and parting tools. She also demonstrates methods for making custom tools in order to achieve professional-level results.
During the first week, participants begin with architectural turning, learning tricks of the trade for reproducing multiple spindles. They then learn hollow-turning and faceplate-turning techniques for making bowls, boxes, and hollow vessels. Instruction covers everything from wood selection to finishing, as each student completes a series of small projects.
In the second week, students use their newly acquired skills to design and develop more intricate pieces that reflect their tastes and interests. These could take the form of bowls, functional and sculptural objects, or furniture. Beth discusses creative problem solving as it relates to developing a personal turning style – where ideas come from and how to translate them into beautiful finished pieces.
Beth Ireland has been a professional turner and furniture maker in Roslindale, Massachusetts since 1980. From 1999-2001 she was Director of the Wood Program at the Worcester Center for Crafts. Beth’s work has been widely exhibited throughout the U.S. and her extensive teaching experience includes demonstrations for dozens of guilds and symposiums, including the American Association of Woodturners and the New England Woodturning Symposium.