Course: Intro to Japanese Joinery – Kumiko Coasters
Duration: 1 day 10am – 5 pm Saturday or Sunday
Fee: £210 (includes VAT)
Next start date: See table below for next start dates.
Suitable for: Absolute beginners. No prior experience in woodworking is required for this course.
About: Kumiko Coaster – This one day course shows you the basics of setting out and cutting the traditional Kumiko woodwork designs to make tiles or coasters.
If you haven’t already discovered the Japanese wood working craft of Kumiko, you are in for a treat.
Kumiko is a technique that uses no nails or hardware, just precise joints to keep furniture and even houses together. It is intricate and functional and a lot of fun to make. Using a small tool set and simple techniques this quiet craft can yield some spectacular pieces.
This traditional handicraft has been handed down for centuries but now artisans are taking the age old concept and applying the designs to more modern-day household items.
The designs for Kumiko pieces aren’t chosen randomly. In fact, many of the nearly 200 patterns used today have been around since the Edo era (1603-1868). Each design has a meaning or is mimicking a pattern in nature that is thought to be a good omen. The designs are not just pretty, they also distribute light and wind in a calming and beautiful way.
Items made from Japanese wood joints look intricate but in reality, like all woodwork – it’s just a series of steps. Give it a try – under guidance of an experienced teacher, you will do better than you expect.
All necessary materials, including the use tools, will be provided.
Auram Desforges
Experienced woodworker Auram Desforges is a Japanese joinery enthusiast.
He is a patient and skilled teacher who enjoys teaching this beautiful and intricate craft. Auram grew up working on wood frame houses with his father in Canada and has since taken his skill of large wood joints, to making small ones.
Auram teaches other classes at the centre: Kumiko Coasters and Make a Chair.
General Information
You will receive a courtesy reminder by email 1-2 days before the workshop/course begins.
Refreshments
Coffee, tea and biscuits are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you or visit a nearby venue to purchase food.
Access
If you have any specific access or special needs, please contact us confidentially in advance by email info@thegoodlifecentre.co.uk. There is a small step to the entrance, and the toilet is on the ground floor.
All sewing workshops and occasionally lampshade making, tassel making and bookbinding workshops are located on the second floor. There is no lift access.
Refunds and cancellations
Please refer to our terms & conditions below.
Disclaimer
The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, The Goodlife Centre reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.
Terms & Conditions
| Start day | Date | Start time | End time | Course name | Course length | Price | Good to Know | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun | 18/10/2026 | 10:00 | 17:00 | KUMIKO COASTERS | 1 Day | £210.00 GBP | Brand new course! | Details |
| Sat | 28/11/2026 | 10:00 | 17:00 | KUMIKO COASTERS | 1 Day | £210.00 GBP | Brand new course! | Details |







