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14 Cottage St
Blackburn, VIC, 3130
Australia

0413 537 490

The Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking was founded by Alastair Boell in 2007. After graduating from the world renowned North Bennet Street School, Boston (USA) Alastair felt that there was a great need in Australia for an educational facility that focuses on traditional skills. 

The Guild is committed to preserving and advancing craft traditions in furniture making. We are also committed to promoting a greater awareness and appreciation of
craftsmanship. In our classes we emphasize the skillful use of hand tools and power equipment and an informed use of appropriate materials. We are passionate about what we do and want to share information, ideas and skills with all our students young and old, from beginner to advanced.

Open Workshop - Monday

Classes

Open Workshop - Monday

Josh Cohen

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$855.00

Open Courses

Due to the high demand of these classes and priority enrolment given to existing students, ongoing class availability is limited. If you are interested in participating in an Open Workshop class please fill out the enquiry form below. We will get back to you with current availability options.

Presented by Mike Blood, Alastair Boell, Darren Naftal & Lionel Seibert


This is a great opportunity for students of all levels to undertake their own projects under the expert tuition of our qualified instructors. There are a number of classes to choose from. Classes are limited to 8 students and there are 9 - 11 classes per term, 4 terms per year. 

If you are unsure of an appropriate project, our instructors can advise you on suitable projects and skills. These classes are ongoing and offer a great opportunity to join a group of like minded enthusiasts.

Please enquire for future class availability

Instructors
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Alastair Boell

Alastair Boell was awarded a Bachelor of Education (Arts and Crafts) at Melbourne University, majoring in ‘Furniture Making’ in 1990. A month after graduating, he moved to Japan, where he taught English and made furniture for his own pleasure for eight years. While living there, he became heavily influenced by the Japanese design aesthetic.

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Lionel Seibert

Mainly passionate by transferring his knowledge of traditional French woodworking and marquetry techniques, Lionel also believes that in this fast world of production it is sometimes important to stop and take the time to use, share and enjoy these old-style techniques when working with such a pure and fine material such as timber.

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Darren Naftal

Darren began learning his craft at The Guild with Alistair in 2014. Five years later, his desire to make could no longer be contained. He closed the doors of his architecture practice and moved to Mittagong in NSW, to undertake the year long course at The Sturt School for Wood. 

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Michael Blood
Michael Blood

Michael has had a lifelong passion for woodworking. He has taught “Design and Technology” for over 45 years with a special interest in woodcraft and furniture making. His extensive portfolio of work ranges from modern furniture and cabinetry through to classic works of reproduction, especially those from Japan.

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2026 Dates

TERM 1 2026 - Monday – 19th Jan to 30th March (9 lesson course) * 26th Jan and 9th March - cancelled.
TERM 2 2026 - Monday – 20th April to 29th June (10 lesson course) * 8th June - cancelled.
TERM 3 2026 - Monday – 13th July to 14th September (10 lesson course)
TERM 4 2026 - Monday – 12th Oct to 14th December (10 lesson course)

Morning with Mike Blood - 9am to 12pm
Afternoon with Alastair Boell - 1:00pm to 4:00pm 
Evening with Darren Naftal - 7:00pm to 10:00pm
Evening with Lionel Seibert - 7:00pm to 10:00pm

Location
Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking.
14 Cottage St, Blackburn

 
 
categories Open Courses
tags Monday