Design & Turn Your Own Wooden Table Lamp

Create a beautiful wooden table lamp that is uniquely yours. . .

Over two inspiring days you’ll design and make a contemporary table lamp from a single piece of locally sourced hardwood. Combining creativity with practical woodturning skills, this course takes you through every stage of the process, from your first design sketches to a professionally finished lamp that’s ready to use at home.

No two lamps are ever the same. Rather than following a template, you’ll create your own design before bringing it to life on the lathe. Whether you prefer clean, modern lines or elegant flowing curves, you’ll leave with a lamp that reflects your own style as well as the natural beauty of the wood.

Suitable for complete beginners and intermediate woodturners alike, this small-group course provides plenty of individual tuition in a relaxed and supportive workshop.

Why Make Your Own Lamp?

A handmade wooden table lamp is more than just a woodturning project—it’s something you’ll use and enjoy every day. Designing and making your own lamp allows you to create a functional piece for your home while learning techniques that can be applied to many future projects, including candlesticks, pepper mills and other spindle-turned work.

Working from a single piece of sustainably sourced hardwood means every lamp is completely unique. The grain, colour and natural character of the timber become part of the finished design, creating a piece that simply can’t be bought on the high street.

What You’ll Do

The course begins away from the lathe as we explore what makes a successful lamp design. We’ll discuss proportion, balance, flowing curves and practical considerations before developing your ideas using paper and pencil.

Once you’re happy with your design, you’ll transform it into reality using professional woodturning equipment. You’ll learn essential spindle turning skills to shape your lamp before experiencing one of the most satisfying techniques in woodturning: long-hole boring. This specialist technique allows you to drill accurately through the length of the timber to create a hidden passage for the electrical cable, giving your finished lamp a clean and elegant appearance.

After refining the shape, you’ll sand and finish your lamp before assembling it with quality electrical fittings. Every lamp is supplied with a bayonet bulb holder, cable, switch and plug, so it’s ready for you to simply add your bulb and favourite lampshade when you get home.

Every project on the lathe starts with sharp tools. If you’re new to sharpening, our Complete Guide to Woodturning Tool Sharpening explains everything from choosing a grinder to maintaining consistent bevel angles.

What You’ll Learn

The principles of good table lamp design
Planning and sketching your own design
Selecting suitable hardwood
Safe lathe operation
Essential spindle turning techniques
Tool control to create elegant curves and flowing shapes
Long-hole boring for concealed cable routing
Sanding and finishing for a professional-quality surface
Safe assembly of the electrical components

What You’ll Make

A contemporary wooden table lamp made from a single piece of locally sourced hardwood, complete with:

Bayonet bulb holder
Cable
Inline switch
Three-pin plug
All electrical fittings

Simply add your own lampshade and bulb at home to complete your unique piece.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is suitable for complete beginners as well as intermediate woodturners looking to build confidence and learn new techniques. No previous experience is required, and with a maximum of four students there’s plenty of opportunity for individual guidance throughout the two days.

What’s Included?

All locally sourced hardwood
All electrical fittings
Use of professional lathes and tools
Safety apparel and face shields
Lunch and refreshments

Just bring sturdy closed-toe shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting a little dusty.

Course Details

Duration: Two days
Skill level: Beginner to Intermediate
Maximum class size: 4 students
Price: £340 for one. Receive an automatic discount if booking for 2 or more people.
Location: Love Heartwood Turning School, Amners Farm Studios, Berkshire

You’ll leave with far more than a beautiful wooden lamp. You’ll gain the confidence to design your own projects, master essential spindle turning techniques and learn specialist skills that you can apply to many future woodturning projects.

Daily Schedule

9:15am – 9:30am Warm welcome
9:30am – 1pm Workshop time
1pm – 2pm Lunch
2pm – 4pm Workshop time
4pm – 4:30pm Debrief

How To Book

2026 Course Dates: 8-9th September, 8-9th October and 24-25th November

2027 Course Dates: 14-15th January, 18-19th February

Select your required number of attendees, level, the start date of the course and slot (all day) from the drop-down menus then complete the check-out procedure. If you have any questions or problems please email: admin@loveheartwood.co.uk

Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements, allergies or medical concerns prior to the start of the course.

Upon purchasing the course, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Also expect a comprehensive pre-course email to ensure you arrive in the right place, prepared and ready to turn.

woodturning workshop

Two Day Table Lamp Woodturning Course