Upcoming Class
JCC 2027 Jun
Previous Woodturning Classes
Foundations in Woodturning
June 21–27, 2026 • John C. Campbell Folk School
Assistant:
David Hoenig
We wrapped up another fantastic week of woodturning at John C. Campbell Folk School! Ten students, most with little or no prior experience, spent the week learning essential safety practices, tool techniques, wood selection, and design fundamentals while building confidence at the lathe.
By the end of the class, everyone had completed a variety of impressive projects and developed the skills needed to continue their woodturning journey at home. It was a great week filled with learning, creativity, and plenty of smiles around the lathes.
Demonstration Projects
Beads & Coves – Spindle turning fundamentals
Small Vases – Gouge control and shaping
Fire & Color – Gouge control and Coloring
Rolling Pin – Advanced spindle project
Wood Bowls – Bowl turning basics
Christmas Trees – Decorative project
Small Vases – Gouge control and shaping
Fire & Color – Gouge control and Coloring
Rolling Pin – Advanced spindle project
Wood Bowls – Bowl turning basics
Christmas Trees – Decorative project
2026 Woodturning Class Photos
The Story Behind the Wood
Every piece of wood has a story, and the wood used in this class is no exception.
Many of the projects were created from trees salvaged in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina. Rather than allowing these beautiful hardwoods to go to waste, I recovered and milled the logs, giving them a second life in the woodturning studio.
Students worked with Ambrosia maple, walnut, and poplar harvested from Helene-damaged trees. Many of the beautiful colored vases created during the week were turned from ash that had been removed after being killed by the invasive Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). Although the tree could no longer be saved, its striking grain and character made it ideal for woodturning, allowing students to transform it into one-of-a-kind pieces.
