Learn the detailed art of making shoji screens and traditional doors from Brian Holcombe. In this workshop students will use a combination of traditional Japanese tools and modern woodworking equipment to build themselves a sample shoji screen that they may keep. Starting with raw stock we will dimension our components, layout mortise and tenon joinery, craft and assemble the kumiko lattice grid, and hand plane the parts before assembly. Finally we’ll apply washi paper to complete the sample shoji screen.
Our demonstration piece will for part of the finishing work for the Spring Timber Framing Workshop.
Guest Instructor: Brian Holcombe
Brian Holcombe @bp.holcombe
Brian designs and builds original work, drawing influence from Japanese Sashimono and furniture of the Ming Dynasty. Focusing on cabinetry, casework, tables, boxes, art framing and shoji. Also a skilled machinist, Brian brings a refined precision to his work, often included his own designed and handmade hardware.
Topics Covered
Stock considerations and preparation using power jointer and planer
Use of layout tools
Making and assembling kumiko (gridwork)
Use of saw, chisel and handplane
Mortise and tenon and half lap joinery
Application of shoji paper
Included with Tuition
Meals Included - This workshop includes breakfast, lunch and dinner on each day with the exception of the last day, where only breakfast and lunch are served. Meals are typically brought in or cooked family style.
Project Materials - Each student will be provided with high quality lumber stock and washi paper to make their own shoji screen.
Prerequisites
To gain the maximum value from this workshop, it is recommend you have some woodworking experience. Please inquire if you are a beginner so we can plan accordingly. Consider taking our Spring Woodworking Bootcamp prior to this course.
See our Prerequisites information for qualifying prior training.
Required Tools
The following tools are required to get the most out of your experience. A loner may be available but not guaranteed. During checkout you’ll have the option to purchase tools for this workshop, additionally, your confirmation will have a link to purchase them before the workshop, subject to a cutoff date.
Rip and Cross cut Japanese hand saws, dozuki preferred
Japanese hand plane
6mm and 9mm Chisel
Pens, pencil, square
Optional Tools
Marking gauge (Kebiki)
Chamfer plane
18mm Chisel
Typical Schedule
Day 1 - Introduction, Tool preparation and practice.
Day 2- Stock preparation and layout.
Day 3 - Joinery cutting and finishing.
Day 4 - Finishing, assembly and shoji paper application.
Register Below
Begin your registration process below. You’ll have the option to purchase required and optional tools for pickup at the workshop. Your confirmation email will also provide a link to purchase these tools before the workshop.
If you do not see a registration box below, refresh the page.
Please kindly review our class and workshop policies at the link below:
For events lasting more than day we offer limited guest rooms and rustic camping:
For recommended tools for this class and your woodworking career: