Turning Timber Into Tableware: A Two‑Day Woodturning Intensive in Granby

GRANBY WORKSHOP FIELD GUIDE

Turning Timber Into Tableware: A Two‑Day Woodturning Intensive in Granby

A two‑day, hands‑on workshop at the Rocky Mountain Folk School led by master woodworker Dennis Fanning that teaches spindle and faceplate turning to produce functional and artistic pieces.

Turning Timber Into Tableware: A Two‑Day Woodturning Intensive in Granby.

Duration
8
Location
Granby
Operator
Rocky Mountain Folk School
Category
Workshop
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Step up to the lathe at the Rocky Mountain Folk School in Granby and learn the meditative craft of woodturning under the guidance of master woodworker Dennis Fanning. Over two days you move from spindle work to faceplate turning, gaining the fundamentals and finishing techniques needed to shape spoons, bowls and other functional objects with your own hands.

Highlights

Workshop Highlights

THE INSTRUCTOR

Decades of Craftsmanship at the Lathe

The course is led by Dennis Fanning, a master woodworker who brings more than 30 years of experience to hands‑on instruction and demonstration.

THE TECHNIQUE

Spindle Work, Faceplate Work — A Complete Arc

Across the two days you progress from spindle turning—rounding stock and carving beads and coves—to faceplate and hollow‑form turning, learning mounting methods and control of curves and symmetry.

THE OUTPUT

Functional and Artistic Objects to Take Home

Participants practice a range of projects—spatulas, spoons, juice meddlers, honey dippers, rolling pins, and hollow forms such as bowls and plates—producing both practical and decorative pieces.

What the day feels like

What the Two Days Feel Like at the Lathe

The workshop is an intensive, hands‑on progression: after orientation you begin with spindle turning—taking square stock to round, learning beads and coves and completing small utensils and tools—then move to faceplate work where you turn bowls and hollow forms, experiment with mounting methods like faceplates and chucks, and refine control over curves and symmetry.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this workshop suits — and what to consider before you sign up.

1
Beginners & First‑time TurnersA structured, guided two‑day format with a master instructor makes this accessible for newcomers who want hands‑on instruction; basic tools are available if you don’t bring your own.
2
Intermediate WoodworkersIdeal for makers looking to expand technique — spindle beads and coves on day one and faceplate hollow forms on day two provide a concentrated skills progression.
3
Designers & Craft ArtistsThose interested in turning functional pieces with an artistic bent will appreciate the practice in form, curve control and a range of small projects to refine aesthetic and technique.
4
Practical ConsiderationsParticipants should be prepared to stand at a lathe for instruction and practice, bring snacks or lunch for a short break, and wear closed‑toe shoes and clothes that can pick up sawdust.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

The workshop is scheduled over two days. (Duration value provided: 8.)

Meeting & Location

Meet at 300 County Road 4052, Granby, CO for orientation and setup.

What to Bring

Bring your own snacks, lunch and non‑alcoholic beverages for a short lunch break; closed‑toe shoes and comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting sawdust on. Personal woodturning tools are optional—necessary tools are provided if you don’t have your own.

Tools & Safety

All necessary tools will be available, though you may bring personal turning tools. Follow instructor safety guidance while working at the lathe.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the workshop?

The workshop is scheduled over two days; the provided duration value is 8.

Where do we meet?

Meet at 300 County Road 4052, Granby, CO for the workshop.

What will I make during the workshop?

Projects include spindle items such as spatulas, spoons, juice meddlers, honey dippers, mortar and pestle and rolling pins, and faceplate/hollow forms such as bowls and plates.

Do I need to bring my own tools?

You may bring any woodturning tools you’d like to use, but all necessary tools will be provided if you don’t have your own.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring your own snacks, lunch and non‑alcoholic beverages for the short lunch break, and wear closed‑toe shoes and comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting sawdust on.

Who teaches the course?

The workshop is taught by master woodworker Dennis Fanning, who brings over 30 years of experience to the instruction.