It's been our great pleasure to have helped people from across North America and around the world create something extraordinary - here are some of the kind words they've had to say…
12 weeks at Rosewood shaped my life immeasurably. The skills I learned over that short period formed the foundation of a 10 year (and counting) furniture career that I am extremely proud of. I've created pieces for exceptional clients, shipped work around the world, exhibited and spoke at design conferences, and taught and written about woodworking. These were all doors that Rosewood opened for me. I could have read every Fine Woodworking article ever written and gotten lost in the deepest wooden recesses of Youtube, but it would never have compared to the immersive education experience I received at Rosewood. There was and is no substitute. Among the dovetail, veneer, and machining demos (which are second to none), I also learned the less tangible, less explicit, lessons of creativity and patience. I consider all of it to be critical to what I do every day. For any person with an interest in furniture making, I cannot recommend this program enough. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Peter Coolican
Coolican & Company
Toronto, Ontario
Peter Coolican
Coolican & Company
Toronto, Ontario
I completed the five day ‘Excellence with Hand Tools’ course so that I could gain the foundational knowledge and skills that I need to succeed in my furniture making projects. This course exceeded my expectations, due in large part to Ron Barter’s exceptional teaching skills, the topics covered and the learning environment that Ron has created. I have read articles and watched many online videos covering topics such as preparing and using hand planes, how to sharpen and tune them, how to effectively use chisels, etc. However, it does not match the immersive learning experience that one gets at Rosewood, with the hands on instruction under the mentorship of an experienced craftsman, on the various hand tools, the practice and instant feedback.
For me, it was also a great opportunity to learn about and try out the various tools before making additional investments for my small workshop. This course was definitely worth my time and investment and I am much more confident now to take on more challenging projects.
A sincere thank you to Ron, Mary Anne and my fellow students for such an enjoyable experience at Rosewood Studio. I look forward to taking other courses in the future to add to my knowledge and skills.
Robert Walker
Ottawa, Ontario
For me, it was also a great opportunity to learn about and try out the various tools before making additional investments for my small workshop. This course was definitely worth my time and investment and I am much more confident now to take on more challenging projects.
A sincere thank you to Ron, Mary Anne and my fellow students for such an enjoyable experience at Rosewood Studio. I look forward to taking other courses in the future to add to my knowledge and skills.
Robert Walker
Ottawa, Ontario
I enjoyed the Excellence with Hand Tools course so much that it's hard to pick out just a few of the highlights. I was a bit nervous to start because I had no experience working with wood. I wondered if the course might be too advanced for a beginner. But it was so well organized and the teacher so experienced that I very soon forgot about this.
Ron is an exceptional teacher and so knowledgeable about the craft of fine woodworking. He didn't just give us a process to apply but explained the rationale for everything and shared many stories about the history of this craft and how the tools we used have developed over the years.
The mix of hands on, teaching, demonstration and discussion are perfect. Ron or Jim are always ready to answer questions and offer encouragement and, together with Mary Anne, they create an atmosphere that fosters collaborative learning. They are always on hand to answer questions and there is lots of hands-on time to practice the woodworking and tool skills. Jim has a real knack for giving a word of encouragement or advice at just the right moment. I really appreciated that we not only learned how to use the tools but also how they work, their history and how to maintain them and keep them sharp.
I started the course with little experience working with wood and finished it having hand-cut a set of dovetails in just one week. Ron also gave us many resources to continue exploring and learning and went out of his way to learn each of our interests so that he could give us additional suggestions and resources specific to them.
Susan Aitken
Perth, Ontario
Ron is an exceptional teacher and so knowledgeable about the craft of fine woodworking. He didn't just give us a process to apply but explained the rationale for everything and shared many stories about the history of this craft and how the tools we used have developed over the years.
The mix of hands on, teaching, demonstration and discussion are perfect. Ron or Jim are always ready to answer questions and offer encouragement and, together with Mary Anne, they create an atmosphere that fosters collaborative learning. They are always on hand to answer questions and there is lots of hands-on time to practice the woodworking and tool skills. Jim has a real knack for giving a word of encouragement or advice at just the right moment. I really appreciated that we not only learned how to use the tools but also how they work, their history and how to maintain them and keep them sharp.
I started the course with little experience working with wood and finished it having hand-cut a set of dovetails in just one week. Ron also gave us many resources to continue exploring and learning and went out of his way to learn each of our interests so that he could give us additional suggestions and resources specific to them.
Susan Aitken
Perth, Ontario
The 12 week craftsmanship course with Ron was like a master class in fine woodworking. The course is well structured and caters to students at different levels of woodworking. Ron was very patient with his students, teaching the proper methodology and technique for every tool. He was very supportive and turned any mistake into a learning opportunity. This course definitely brought me to the next level in fine woodworking.
Denilson Defaria
Hamilton, Ontario
Denilson Defaria
Hamilton, Ontario
Rosewood Studio offers a unique understanding in the art of woodworking. I completed the 12 week course in April 2019 and I am amazed at how much knowledge I came away with. The student to instructor ratio was excellent and every question, which I had a lot of, was answered fully and with timeless patience. There is no substitute for an excellent teacher and Ron demonstrated that he is one of the best. From beginner to experienced, I absolutely recommend this school of fine woodworking to anyone interested.
Stuart Clow
Kingston, Ontario
Stuart Clow
Kingston, Ontario
I'm retired aeronautical engineer and have been working with wood for many years. Until taking the Basics of Fine Woodworking course I was totally self-taught. As an experienced woodworker I was concerned that this course would be too basic for my needs. I had an opportunity to talk to Ron about the course and he convinced me to give it a try. I am glad that I did.
My first goal was to learn the proper way to use my hand tools. I found that the techniques that I was using were not bad, but Ron showed me some things that will definitely improve my techniques. One important improvement was how to set and use a smoothing plane to get a finish ready surface. Up to now I have not used smoothing planes much and have relied on sand paper. I'm not sure that I am ready to give up sandpaper entirely, but I can see the value of both.
My second goal was to learn how to cut decent dovetails. I have tried several different methods, but seldom achieved a joint that I was happy with. Ron demonstrated a technique that which was not all that different from what feels most natural to me. There were just a couple little things that he showed me that really made a difference. I cut a couple sets of dovetails in class that were big improvements and since returning home have cut several more, each better than the last. I am starting to believe that I can cut dovetails that I will be satisfied with.
My wish list item was to get information about making and using shooting boards. It is hard to believe that I have been working with wood for so long without using one, but it is true. I was delighted to learn that a project in the machinery component of the course was a shooting board! What a stroke of luck!
Overall I would say that much of what Ron taught us in the course I had already learned by experience. However, Ron provided a lot of information that filled in gaps in my knowledge. My advice to anyone who is wondering whether or not to take this course is that, no matter what you know, there is always something more to learn. I am very glad that I took the course.
Finally, there was an unexpected benefit of taking this course: I met and got to know 9 great people (7 classmates plus Ron and Mary Anne). I don't think this phenomenon is unique. This alone was worth the time and treasure necessary to take this course. If you have any doubts about taking a course at Rosewood Studio, cast them aside and go for it.
Brian Chapman
Inverness, Illinois
My first goal was to learn the proper way to use my hand tools. I found that the techniques that I was using were not bad, but Ron showed me some things that will definitely improve my techniques. One important improvement was how to set and use a smoothing plane to get a finish ready surface. Up to now I have not used smoothing planes much and have relied on sand paper. I'm not sure that I am ready to give up sandpaper entirely, but I can see the value of both.
My second goal was to learn how to cut decent dovetails. I have tried several different methods, but seldom achieved a joint that I was happy with. Ron demonstrated a technique that which was not all that different from what feels most natural to me. There were just a couple little things that he showed me that really made a difference. I cut a couple sets of dovetails in class that were big improvements and since returning home have cut several more, each better than the last. I am starting to believe that I can cut dovetails that I will be satisfied with.
My wish list item was to get information about making and using shooting boards. It is hard to believe that I have been working with wood for so long without using one, but it is true. I was delighted to learn that a project in the machinery component of the course was a shooting board! What a stroke of luck!
Overall I would say that much of what Ron taught us in the course I had already learned by experience. However, Ron provided a lot of information that filled in gaps in my knowledge. My advice to anyone who is wondering whether or not to take this course is that, no matter what you know, there is always something more to learn. I am very glad that I took the course.
Finally, there was an unexpected benefit of taking this course: I met and got to know 9 great people (7 classmates plus Ron and Mary Anne). I don't think this phenomenon is unique. This alone was worth the time and treasure necessary to take this course. If you have any doubts about taking a course at Rosewood Studio, cast them aside and go for it.
Brian Chapman
Inverness, Illinois
My experience at Rosewood was unbelievable; you don't realize how little you know about something until your in the presence of a group of people who know more than you could imagine. I took the 6 week Craftsman course and was skeptical that there would be enough material to fill the time but couldn't have been more wrong. Our instructor Ron kept us moving nonstop, continuously presenting new material and explaining everything from the differences in wood species to hand tools, machinery and shop safety. He even walked us through the ins and outs of starting our own shop or business. The ability to problem solve and help us correct our mistakes on the spot no matter how drastic they seemed gives you hope that any obstacle in your own shop can be overcome.
The knowledge possessed by the faculty was truly astonishing and the atmosphere was fun and welcoming. You couldn't ask for nicer people. I emphatically give Rosewood a 5 star rating and believe anyone serious about expanding their knowledge in furniture making should take a class.
I look forward to rejoining you again in the future.
Matt Pisciotta
Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
The knowledge possessed by the faculty was truly astonishing and the atmosphere was fun and welcoming. You couldn't ask for nicer people. I emphatically give Rosewood a 5 star rating and believe anyone serious about expanding their knowledge in furniture making should take a class.
I look forward to rejoining you again in the future.
Matt Pisciotta
Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
If you've ever wanted to try your hand at woodworking and didn't know where to begin, then you really must consider Rosewood Studio's 'Excellence With Hand Tools'. This course is all about the hands-on experience and is designed to have you wielding a mallet and chisel from the get go.
I had the very good fortune to have former Rosewood graduate, Vic Tesolin, as my instructor and his blend of skill, humour and encouragement made this course a great foundation as I move forward in woodworking. Also, Rosewood uses first rate tools and this course is also meant to give you a feel for quality hand tools and what can be accomplished when you put them to good use. Do yourself a favour and make the trip to Rosewood.
Dan Herman
Halifax, Nova Scotia
I had the very good fortune to have former Rosewood graduate, Vic Tesolin, as my instructor and his blend of skill, humour and encouragement made this course a great foundation as I move forward in woodworking. Also, Rosewood uses first rate tools and this course is also meant to give you a feel for quality hand tools and what can be accomplished when you put them to good use. Do yourself a favour and make the trip to Rosewood.
Dan Herman
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Rosewood Studio is the most worthwhile investment into education that I have made. Ron is an experienced woodworker that is able to teach to a variety of backgrounds and skill levels. The bench, machinery and included hand tool kits are top notch, and Ron is always willing to provide guidance on additional projects or ideas. Jim and Mary Anne are helpful and welcoming, and often took the time to show an interest in our progress on projects. My time there was the most consistently challenging, interesting, and enjoyable three months in recent memory.
Jaime Thomas
Kitchener, Ontario
Jaime Thomas
Kitchener, Ontario
Attending Rosewood Studio was a life altering experience. After 10 years of amateur woodworking I decided to expand my education. The 12-week craftsman program provided me with a range of understanding in the field of furniture making, from understanding grain direction to padding shellac. Ron willingly shared his extensive knowledge in an engaging and challenging way.
I was fortunate to share the classroom and shop with a great group of students. My expectations were exceeded and I would strongly recommend any course that Rosewood has to offer to anyone with the slightest interest in woodworking.
Brennan Shim
Markham, Ontario
I was fortunate to share the classroom and shop with a great group of students. My expectations were exceeded and I would strongly recommend any course that Rosewood has to offer to anyone with the slightest interest in woodworking.
Brennan Shim
Markham, Ontario
When first arriving at Rosewood I was nervous due to the fact that I didn't have much experience in fine woodworking. Within the first few weeks of my 12 week program I was amazed how much I was learning and what I was capable of with the proper instruction. Ron is a great teacher and was able to cater to the different skill levels of everyone in the class.
I would highly recommend Rosewood to anyone looking at getting into fine woodworking as a career or as a hobby. I'm looking forward to taking more courses in the future.
Thanks for the great experience Ron and Mary Anne
Alex Duszczyszyn
Guelph, Ontario
I would highly recommend Rosewood to anyone looking at getting into fine woodworking as a career or as a hobby. I'm looking forward to taking more courses in the future.
Thanks for the great experience Ron and Mary Anne
Alex Duszczyszyn
Guelph, Ontario
The Rosewood experience is fantastic. I think the best way I can tell you how valuable this training was for me is to say this: I initially signed up for the 6 week craftsman course. I was so impressed with Ron and the school that before the end of the first week of classes I knew I had to find the resources to stay for the full 12 week program.
The skills I learned over those three months were invaluable and have really improved the quality of my work as a custom furniture maker. I would recommend this school to anyone.
Derek Roach
Ottawa, Ontario
The skills I learned over those three months were invaluable and have really improved the quality of my work as a custom furniture maker. I would recommend this school to anyone.
Derek Roach
Ottawa, Ontario
I had my first experience at Rosewood in May taking the one-week hand tools course. I learned so much and loved it so much that I enrolled in the 3 month course in the Fall. I was not disappointed. The curriculum was varied, immediately applicable, fascinating, and extremely well delivered. My expectations were easily surpassed.
Ron is not only broadly experienced and educated, he is a craftsman with the highest of personal and professional standards. Add to these attributes a sense for aesthetic beauty, for harmony and balance, a respect for tradition and a mind open to exploration beyond the traditional in art and design and you get a teacher/artist capable of delivering an educational experience of the highest order.
Thanks Ron and Mary Anne
Paul Cartwright
Aurora, Ontario
Ron is not only broadly experienced and educated, he is a craftsman with the highest of personal and professional standards. Add to these attributes a sense for aesthetic beauty, for harmony and balance, a respect for tradition and a mind open to exploration beyond the traditional in art and design and you get a teacher/artist capable of delivering an educational experience of the highest order.
Thanks Ron and Mary Anne
Paul Cartwright
Aurora, Ontario
I attended the 12 week Craftsman program after considering many other offerings in North America, and whether the money involved may be better spent on tools and machinery. After 12 weeks at Rosewood, I can say unequivocally that this program was the right choice.
The projects in the course incorporated so many different elements of design, use of tools and materials, and techniques that have left me confident in having a good foundational practical knowledge and skill in working with wood. Ron was extremely generous with sharing his knowledge and the use of the equipment at Rosewood, and we were all comfortable proceeding at a pace that worked for us. The end result of the projects we completed far exceeded my expectations.
And the facilities and equipment were great. The shop and classroom provide good separation of sound and dust. We were instructed in all machine use and maintenance, and everything was kept in tune for our use.
I’m looking forward to furthering my woodworking experience based on my time at Rosewood, and look forward to additional workshops and sessions that are offered in the future.
Thanks Ron and Mary Anne for an exceptional experience.
Rob Shier
Toronto, Ontario
The projects in the course incorporated so many different elements of design, use of tools and materials, and techniques that have left me confident in having a good foundational practical knowledge and skill in working with wood. Ron was extremely generous with sharing his knowledge and the use of the equipment at Rosewood, and we were all comfortable proceeding at a pace that worked for us. The end result of the projects we completed far exceeded my expectations.
And the facilities and equipment were great. The shop and classroom provide good separation of sound and dust. We were instructed in all machine use and maintenance, and everything was kept in tune for our use.
I’m looking forward to furthering my woodworking experience based on my time at Rosewood, and look forward to additional workshops and sessions that are offered in the future.
Thanks Ron and Mary Anne for an exceptional experience.
Rob Shier
Toronto, Ontario
My time spent at Rosewood Studio was a fantastic experience. I learned more there in one week than I did trying to teach myself from books the entire year before. Being in Perth offered the perfect atmosphere and the small class size and individual focus meant that all our needs, questions or issues were met quickly and in a personal nature. Ron's explanations and personal analogies were both helpful as well as entertaining and helped to maintain the collegial atmosphere. As a novice I felt that the classes ran at good pace for me to absorb the information as well as have enough hands on practice time to truly understand each technique.
It was a truly valuable experience and I look forward to my next course.
Thanks,
Emmanuel Adams
Toronto, Ontario
It was a truly valuable experience and I look forward to my next course.
Thanks,
Emmanuel Adams
Toronto, Ontario
My time at Rosewood was most rewarding. Coming in with only very basic wood working experience, Ron guided me through the entire process of using hand tools and machinery to build furniture. Over the course of the 12 week program, I gained the understanding and confidence to continue that work at home. Ron's knowledge of woodworking is exhaustive and he freely shares that with his students, attending to their questions and problems. This is a wonderful school.
Thanks so much. I will keep in touch!
Sebastian Hutchings
Banff, Alberta
Thanks so much. I will keep in touch!
Sebastian Hutchings
Banff, Alberta
I really felt that the course helped me fill in the important gaps in my knowledge that I couldn’t get from reading articles or watching videos on my own. Ron is a very knowledgeable and experienced instructor and gave me a lot of insight into how to do a lot of “basic" things that I could not have learned on my own. My time at Rosewood will save me a great deal of time and frustration down the road. I anticipate less hair pulling and fewer mistakes in my future woodworking projects. I’m more comfortable and adept at using my tools now and I’ll feel far more confident about my ability to buy, maintain and use hand tools in the future.
I had a great time at Rosewood and feel that I learned a lot. I also enjoyed the camaraderie with my fellow students. I look forward to staying in touch with them via email and going on joint lumber runs with the ones who live in Toronto.
Colin Geddes
Toronto, Ontario
I had a great time at Rosewood and feel that I learned a lot. I also enjoyed the camaraderie with my fellow students. I look forward to staying in touch with them via email and going on joint lumber runs with the ones who live in Toronto.
Colin Geddes
Toronto, Ontario
My 12 weeks in Rosewood was a great experience. I was able to go from knowing pretty much nothing to feeling fairly confident in tackling a wide range of the most important and basic woodworking problems.
We were always encouraged to aim for the highest degree of perfection and as a result I now have a few pieces of furniture that I feel very satisfied with and will hold on to and cherish for many years. It was somewhat surprising to see oneself achieve such results in such a short amount of time.
Ron was extremely knowledgeable in the subject and always willing to answer questions. Guest instructor, Adrian Ferrazzutti, joined us for a week of veneering; a fun week and an interesting change of pace. Mary Anne was always there to say hello and willing to help in any way she could.
Thanks a lot,
Daniel Crouch
Cumberland, Maine
We were always encouraged to aim for the highest degree of perfection and as a result I now have a few pieces of furniture that I feel very satisfied with and will hold on to and cherish for many years. It was somewhat surprising to see oneself achieve such results in such a short amount of time.
Ron was extremely knowledgeable in the subject and always willing to answer questions. Guest instructor, Adrian Ferrazzutti, joined us for a week of veneering; a fun week and an interesting change of pace. Mary Anne was always there to say hello and willing to help in any way she could.
Thanks a lot,
Daniel Crouch
Cumberland, Maine
My first exposure to Rosewood Studios was the Excellence with Hand Tools course in September 2013. I had an interest in cedar strip kayak and canoe building and I wanted to learn to safely and effectively use woodworking tools and machinery. Interests, not unlike most experiences, take unexpected and circuitous paths which, if followed, lead to great rewards. For me, the Excellence with Hand Tools course was one such experience that exceeded my expectations and greatly altered my understanding of working with wood. It's difficult to explain with precision but I can say learning to maintain, preserve and use hand tools has fueled a desire to continue the journey and branch into other areas of woodworking as well as boat building.
Self deprecating, intelligent and more importantly, humourous Ron Barter is an outstanding craftsman and gifted teacher. He uses his coaching skills to adjust to the student's learning style and comfort level. I was struck by his ability to detect, through seemingly imperceptible sounds, that tools were being used incorrectly.
The Mastering Machinery course was equally enjoyable for pretty much the same reasons I mentioned above. I learned more in one week than I would have with years of exposure to on-line tutorials, manuals, books and hard knocks. Moreover, Ron's instruction dispelled many myths and concepts propagated overtime by well intentioned and ill informed sources.
Ron and Mary Anne, thank you so much for the great experience.
Charles Robineau
Ottawa, Ontario
Self deprecating, intelligent and more importantly, humourous Ron Barter is an outstanding craftsman and gifted teacher. He uses his coaching skills to adjust to the student's learning style and comfort level. I was struck by his ability to detect, through seemingly imperceptible sounds, that tools were being used incorrectly.
The Mastering Machinery course was equally enjoyable for pretty much the same reasons I mentioned above. I learned more in one week than I would have with years of exposure to on-line tutorials, manuals, books and hard knocks. Moreover, Ron's instruction dispelled many myths and concepts propagated overtime by well intentioned and ill informed sources.
Ron and Mary Anne, thank you so much for the great experience.
Charles Robineau
Ottawa, Ontario
Just completed the course Excellence With Hand Tools and it was awesome! The course met the objectives I had set for myself prior to taking the course. I would highly recommend the school to anyone wanting to learn how to work with wood. Ron is a master craftsman and a master instructor. His presentations are logical, easy to comprehend and each session builds the foundation for the next session. He is very patient and most adept at taking a complicated subject and making it understandable. And Mary Anne is so efficient at running the business part of the school; she is also a delight to work with. Ron and Mary Anne, great job!!!!!
Patrick Driscoll
Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Patrick Driscoll
Rio Rancho, New Mexico
I arrived at Rosewood with a college education in carpentry and millwork. My goal was to improve my handtool skills, focusing particularly on tuning, setting up and using bench planes. I did not leave disappointed.
Ron’s approach to teaching – lecture - demonstration – practice made it easy to put theory into practice, and ample time was built into the schedule to allow a high degree of success. I will not hesitate to take other courses with Rosewood Studio.
Stephen Belliveau
Almonte, Ontario
Ron’s approach to teaching – lecture - demonstration – practice made it easy to put theory into practice, and ample time was built into the schedule to allow a high degree of success. I will not hesitate to take other courses with Rosewood Studio.
Stephen Belliveau
Almonte, Ontario
Prior to taking Excellence With Hand Tools I had no experience with woodworking hand tools, but it’s something I've wanted to pursue. Ron is an excellent teacher and I feel like I have come away with the solid foundation of knowledge I need to pursue my goals in woodworking. The people taking the workshop were at various levels of woodworking skills, but Ron was able to keep all of us challenged throughout the week, learning and working at our own pace. I never felt too intimidated to ask questions, regardless of my level of experience, and was able to make the most of my time as a result. Moving forward, I feel like I have gained the knowledge, techniques and understanding to pursue my woodworking goals. I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in working with handtools.
Neale Borutskie
Toronto, Ontario
Neale Borutskie
Toronto, Ontario
Recently I had the opportunity to participate in Rosewood Studio’s course “Excellence with Hand Tools”. I had some initial reservations about the course since I had many years’ experience in woodworking and was concerned that it might be a repetition of my previous experience. A phone conversation with Ron Barter, the owner and principal instructor, convinced me that I would encounter sufficient challenges to make the course worth my while.
The course was exactly as Ron had described – challenging and enlightening. He led us through exercises in tuning our hand tools, precision planing and the challenge of cutting presentable dovetail joints. Ron’s expertise, enthusiasm and teaching skills made it a memorable week and left us with new skills and improved techniques. The calories that we burned during each day were more than replenished in the various excellent restaurants in the delightful town of Perth.
Douglas McWhirter
Toronto, Ontario
The course was exactly as Ron had described – challenging and enlightening. He led us through exercises in tuning our hand tools, precision planing and the challenge of cutting presentable dovetail joints. Ron’s expertise, enthusiasm and teaching skills made it a memorable week and left us with new skills and improved techniques. The calories that we burned during each day were more than replenished in the various excellent restaurants in the delightful town of Perth.
Douglas McWhirter
Toronto, Ontario
I'm a novice woodworker, and I've taken 3 1-week courses so far at Rosewood Studio focusing on hand tools (my preference). It's given me a lot of confidence to just get out there and make stuff; I'm now armed with a hand built shop stool, a dovetailed tool tote, and many tips and techniques (ask Ron about his hand saw parlour trick) about woodworking in general. I highly recommend it. The instructors are world class, very approachable, and can answer any question you have. You can bring your own tools or use the complete set of high quality tools included. The shop is extremely well equipped and orderly, and a delight to work in. Thank you Ron and Mary Anne for all of this.
Glenn MacCrimmon
Ottawa, Ontario
Glenn MacCrimmon
Ottawa, Ontario
Amazing experience far exceeded my expectations. How little did I know I could learn so much in a caring, professional and kind environment. Ron is a master of his craft and is eager to share his fine skills and knowledge with everyone. I simply had no idea how little I knew lol!
Ken Childs
Burlington, Ontario
Ken Childs
Burlington, Ontario
Just completed the chair making and design class with Garrett Hack. It was such an enjoyable and enlightening experience. I got so much one-on-one time with Garrett it almost felt like I was his apprentice for six days. In fact that's a feeling I've always had after completing a class at Rosewood, whether it be with a guest instructor or with Ron. Very knowledgeable instructors who encourage you to take the the time to do things right; That 's the Rosewood culture and for me it translates into a boost in confidence to try new projects/techniques with a feeling that my woodworking moved to the next level. I highly recommend Rosewood to anyone who wishes to further develop his/her woodworking abilities.
Christian Jacques
Gatineau, Québec
Christian Jacques
Gatineau, Québec
I have been a hobby woodworker since my teens, but I didn't have the skills to accomplish in reality what I could imagine on paper or in my mind. I had tools, but they were frustrating because I didn't really use them properly. I was busy with my career, and had little time to improve my woodworking skills. Finally, in 2011, I had the time to really concentrate on woodworking. As a matter of fact, I had decided to make it my second career.
Over the past three years, I have had the pleasure of attending a total of 12 weeks of classes at Rosewood Studio. I have learned an enormous amount. I can now use my tools properly and achieve what I imagine. My planes and chisels are razor sharp, and that makes such a huge difference! I have learned many techniques, and how and when to implement them. Things like hand-cut dovetails, mortise and tenon joints, decorative inlays, tapered and curved legs, fine veneer work, bent laminates, and fine finishes are all a part of my everyday work, because I have learned them properly at Rosewood.
I have worked there with fine teachers: Ron Barter, Garrett Hack, and Adrian Ferrazzutti are all highly regarded woodworkers as well as excellent, patient, and thorough instructors. Safety is paramount at Rosewood, and all of the instructors emphasize the safe and proper way to do any job. They are also very willing to deal with the individual issues of each student. This is important, since we don't all have the same background.
The Studio itself is very thoughtfully laid out, and also well-equipped. It is an environment where fine woodworking can really be done!
I thank everyone at Rosewood for all that I have learned, and I look forward to returning in the future.
Brian McIntosh
London, Ontario
Over the past three years, I have had the pleasure of attending a total of 12 weeks of classes at Rosewood Studio. I have learned an enormous amount. I can now use my tools properly and achieve what I imagine. My planes and chisels are razor sharp, and that makes such a huge difference! I have learned many techniques, and how and when to implement them. Things like hand-cut dovetails, mortise and tenon joints, decorative inlays, tapered and curved legs, fine veneer work, bent laminates, and fine finishes are all a part of my everyday work, because I have learned them properly at Rosewood.
I have worked there with fine teachers: Ron Barter, Garrett Hack, and Adrian Ferrazzutti are all highly regarded woodworkers as well as excellent, patient, and thorough instructors. Safety is paramount at Rosewood, and all of the instructors emphasize the safe and proper way to do any job. They are also very willing to deal with the individual issues of each student. This is important, since we don't all have the same background.
The Studio itself is very thoughtfully laid out, and also well-equipped. It is an environment where fine woodworking can really be done!
I thank everyone at Rosewood for all that I have learned, and I look forward to returning in the future.
Brian McIntosh
London, Ontario
A big Thank You to everyone at Rosewood Studio; I enjoyed every minute of my time there. I was looking for an introduction to woodworking so I enrolled in the The Basics of Fine Woodworking two week course. As a fellow student mentioned; Ron brings to life the story of wood and woodworking with all its quirky characters, making it’s complex plots easy to follow. For a beginner like me, it certainly did the trick and I am looking forward to the sequel. The wealth of knowledge and expertise, the space and tools available, as well as the atmosphere and small class size made my experience well worthwhile.
Danielle Laplante
Ottawa, Ontario
Danielle Laplante
Ottawa, Ontario
Even had I not come home with much improved woodworking skills - and a bag full of clever tricks for getting the best out of my woodworking machines - I would still be very happy with the six weeks I spent at Rosewood Studio. It was pure bliss working in this well equipped, well kept, and well tuned workshop.
It turns out I did come home a better woodworker. I now feel confident that when I put chalk to a rough plank to mark out sides and aprons and legs and what have you, a piece of furniture will result of which I can be satisfied, even proud. Of course, for some years to come these will be simple pieces, but that’s part and parcel of the natural progression of craftsmanship. The subtle though constant focus on accuracy in the course, and on how to achieve accuracy with hand and machine tools using simple methods, promises that my furniture will come together nicely and square and with happy memories of Rosewood. Thank you Ron, and Nick, for so generously sharing your experience and knowledge.
Knud Lunde
Hundvaag, Norway
It turns out I did come home a better woodworker. I now feel confident that when I put chalk to a rough plank to mark out sides and aprons and legs and what have you, a piece of furniture will result of which I can be satisfied, even proud. Of course, for some years to come these will be simple pieces, but that’s part and parcel of the natural progression of craftsmanship. The subtle though constant focus on accuracy in the course, and on how to achieve accuracy with hand and machine tools using simple methods, promises that my furniture will come together nicely and square and with happy memories of Rosewood. Thank you Ron, and Nick, for so generously sharing your experience and knowledge.
Knud Lunde
Hundvaag, Norway
I think it was pretty clear while I was there that I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Rosewood. I had spent some time beforehand researching different options for the vacation time I was organizing to give myself a treat. Included in the options I considered were a week in Tuscany and a cruise up the west coast to Alaska. I opted for the two week "Design and Build with Garrett Hack" course at Rosewood Studios, and I didn't regret the decision for a minute. I learned an incredible amount, all the while having a grand time. What is more, I gained a new appreciation for the possibilities of working with wood using hand tools. I always knew a master craftsman like Garrett Hack could achieve results like that, with tight tolerances and amazing finishes. What I hadn't even conceived was that a hobbyist like me could do that - not to say I'm there yet, but I'm on my way!
Garrett was only too happy to share both his love of woodworking and his skills with us all, regardless of our skill levels. I am the first to admit that mine was low - lower than any of us might have liked, at least where it came to experience with hand tools. However, at no point did he (or anyone else there) make me feel like I was a bother or nuisance or that I shouldn't be there. Everyone was willing to share and advise, so that everyone learned from each other.
I was also pleased that I was never made to feel like an outsider because I was a woman. I was accepted and encouraged along with everyone else. Having experienced sexism in many guises in many settings, that in itself was refreshing and reassuring.
I want to reiterate that I had a wonderful time. I have not stopped talking about it since being back, and I am already plotting when I can next afford the time and money to do another course.
Dianne Looker
Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Garrett was only too happy to share both his love of woodworking and his skills with us all, regardless of our skill levels. I am the first to admit that mine was low - lower than any of us might have liked, at least where it came to experience with hand tools. However, at no point did he (or anyone else there) make me feel like I was a bother or nuisance or that I shouldn't be there. Everyone was willing to share and advise, so that everyone learned from each other.
I was also pleased that I was never made to feel like an outsider because I was a woman. I was accepted and encouraged along with everyone else. Having experienced sexism in many guises in many settings, that in itself was refreshing and reassuring.
I want to reiterate that I had a wonderful time. I have not stopped talking about it since being back, and I am already plotting when I can next afford the time and money to do another course.
Dianne Looker
Wolfville, Nova Scotia
As a career criminal prosecutor, I’ve faced a bit of stress on occasion. I bought a piece of land on a beautiful lake and put up a great wooden tent. On weekends, holidays, etc., my family and I would try our hand at carpentry and it eventually became a cottage. I came across a woodworking magazine that said I could build a dining room table and I needed one, so I ordered every back issue, read them all and built the table. I was hooked.
I continued building little projects and was quite content - for a while. The more I learned, the more I wanted to know. I’d heard nothing but good things about Rosewood Studio, so with some trepidation, I took the plunge and signed up for classes. It was one of the best decisions I've made. I thought I knew how to sharpen and use a plane, and that my joinery, like my furniture, was good enough. I didn’t know what I thought I did. My joinery, like my furniture, was good enough, but Rosewood taught me that “good enough”, wasn't. I learned to take my time and make things as well as possible.
I thoroughly enjoyed everything about attending the school, from the town, the workshop, the instructors, the techniques - in short, all of it. I initially took two weeks, then two more, and I am coming back for more this fall. I would recommend Rosewood Studio to anyone interested in seriously improving their skills and enjoying their passion for furniture making.
Peter Murdock
Winnipeg, Manitoba
I continued building little projects and was quite content - for a while. The more I learned, the more I wanted to know. I’d heard nothing but good things about Rosewood Studio, so with some trepidation, I took the plunge and signed up for classes. It was one of the best decisions I've made. I thought I knew how to sharpen and use a plane, and that my joinery, like my furniture, was good enough. I didn’t know what I thought I did. My joinery, like my furniture, was good enough, but Rosewood taught me that “good enough”, wasn't. I learned to take my time and make things as well as possible.
I thoroughly enjoyed everything about attending the school, from the town, the workshop, the instructors, the techniques - in short, all of it. I initially took two weeks, then two more, and I am coming back for more this fall. I would recommend Rosewood Studio to anyone interested in seriously improving their skills and enjoying their passion for furniture making.
Peter Murdock
Winnipeg, Manitoba
I just wanted to drop you a note to express my appreciation for the two weeks I just spent at Rosewood and the opportunity to learn under Garrett and Ron. It was a very supportive environment that was a pleasure to work in. I especially appreciate the manner in which I was encouraged to challenge myself and take my skills to a higher level. I now have the confidence and the skills to finish the project I started and will send you a picture when I am done.
I look forward to returning to Rosewood for another course.
Stan Le Ber
London, Ontario
I look forward to returning to Rosewood for another course.
Stan Le Ber
London, Ontario
I have enjoyed woodworking as a hobby for many years, but I was never satisfied that my self- taught skills were allowing me to do the best I could. Then a friend told me about Rosewood Studio.
Over the last few years I have completed all but one of the craftsman series of courses, plus several courses with guest instructors. Time at Rosewood is always enjoyable. Every instructor I have had has been knowledgeable and friendly. My time at Rosewood has given me confidence, taught me skills with both hand tools and power tools, taught me what procedures are safe, what are not, and why.
All the pieces I do now are my own design. I find that the joy comes not only from the time at Rosewood, but afterward at home in my own shop when I am working away and I notice simple things like the fact that I know I can get a beautiful smooth surface ready for finishing with a hand plane, or that I now instinctively reach for the correct hand tool for the job at hand.
I keep returning to Rosewood. With every new class there is an opportunity to share the experience with other woodworkers and the chance to make new friends. The Rosewood staff care about my progress as a woodworker and continue to challenge and encourage me to grow and improve my woodworking skills with each visit.
I thoroughly enjoy my time at Rosewood, and recommend it to anyone who is serious about improving their woodworking skills.
Jim Sinclair
Ottawa, Ontario
Over the last few years I have completed all but one of the craftsman series of courses, plus several courses with guest instructors. Time at Rosewood is always enjoyable. Every instructor I have had has been knowledgeable and friendly. My time at Rosewood has given me confidence, taught me skills with both hand tools and power tools, taught me what procedures are safe, what are not, and why.
All the pieces I do now are my own design. I find that the joy comes not only from the time at Rosewood, but afterward at home in my own shop when I am working away and I notice simple things like the fact that I know I can get a beautiful smooth surface ready for finishing with a hand plane, or that I now instinctively reach for the correct hand tool for the job at hand.
I keep returning to Rosewood. With every new class there is an opportunity to share the experience with other woodworkers and the chance to make new friends. The Rosewood staff care about my progress as a woodworker and continue to challenge and encourage me to grow and improve my woodworking skills with each visit.
I thoroughly enjoy my time at Rosewood, and recommend it to anyone who is serious about improving their woodworking skills.
Jim Sinclair
Ottawa, Ontario
Rosewood has opened up for me a new path of discovery and self confidence. I now know that with the training I’ve received to date and the future courses I will be attending, I can create furniture that will stand the test of time for generations to come. Ron, you have been able to create an environment of creativity supported with superb craftsmanship training. The school is gorgeous and a pleasure to be at, the instructors you bring in are at the top of the industry and a real joy to be with.
Thank you very much and looking forward to seeing you this fall.
Réal Fortin
Sudbury, Ontario
Thank you very much and looking forward to seeing you this fall.
Réal Fortin
Sudbury, Ontario
I'm proud to be alumni of Rosewood Studio. In my many weeks at the school I have not only gained skills but also been given the confidence to try things I have not yet learned. As variety is the spice of life, the input of different instructors has added a new dimension to my style of woodworking. It has been a great place to forge new friendships and to push my passion for woodworking to new levels. I always look forward to my next visit, as each time I go has been better than the time before. Thank you.
Steve Der-Garabedian
Mississauga, Ontario
Steve Der-Garabedian
Mississauga, Ontario
