Woodworking Residency

Want to get into woodworking, but not sure where to start?

This residency is designed for those that are completely new to woodworking and are interested in learning to use all of the tools that we have available in the WoodLab.

Residency Commitment

All classes will take place on Thursday evenings during the first month of residency, from 6pm to 9pm, and residents must be available during these times. All other hours throughout the week are flexible, but we ask that residents be at MakerLabs a minimum of 15 hours a week to be committed to the program. This includes class time, time spent meeting with mentors / mentees, and time spent working on homework / projects. We encourage working in groups and meeting up with your mentor / mentee on a weekly basis.

Residents must document their experiences and work completed during the residency. This includes posting on the Residency Instagram account at least once a week.  We also require three posts on our blog over the duration of the residency (one introductory post, one mid-way through post, and one post upon completion of the program).

Accommodation and travel
This must be arranged by the resident. 

Project legacy

  • All intellectual property will remain in possession of the residents

  • Anything built here is the property of the resident. If you want to leave the project at MakerLabs after the residency is over you will have to pay for storage.

  • Any documentation will be shared by MakerLabs through our website/social media etc

Residency Expectations

Month 1:

  • Create a side table with sliding drawer out of hardwood

  • Documentation: Introductory blog post, and weekly Instagram posts (at minimu

Month 2:

  • Become mentors for the next cohort and meet up on a weekly basis

  • Start work on personal projects while receiving support

  • Documentation: Mid-way though and end of residency blog posts, and weekly Instagram posts (at minimum)

  • Create a summary of your body of work produced and lessons learned to be shared at a meet-up at the end of the residency.

About the Instructor

Yue Yuan (she/her)
Meet Yue, the woodworking residency instructor at MakerLabs. After completing her woodworking residency earlier this year, she's genuinely excited to help others start their woodworking journey. Yue is passionate about learning with students as they explore their creativity and gain confidence through woodworking projects. Whether you're a beginner or have prior experience, Yue is here to provide support and encouragement every step of the way. She looks forward to learning and creating alongside her students, fostering a space where everyone can grow and thrive together.

Learn about woodworking while getting support

The first month residents will cover the curriculums in WoodLab 101, WoodLab 102, WoodLab 201, Table Saw 101, and Lathe 101, while building a side table with a sliding drawer out of hardwood, with the assistance of an instructor. Each week, students will learn new tools and skills and will be given homework to complete within the week following the class. Students will also be available to come in on their own time during the week or during supplemental support nights to receive additional help from an instructor.

During the second month, residents act as a mentor for the next cohort, and start to pursue their own independent woodworking projects while getting support from an instructor.

This residency is running on a first come, first served basis. The residency is on-going, with a new intake starting at the beginning of each month. For more details on specific class dates, please see the “Register Here” link below.

Details of the Residency

Length of residency
2 months

No. of residents per month
Max 4

Cost of residency 
$925 + tax + Any additional materials residents may use outside of building the side table . Please note, there is also a $50 deposit for a fob, which will be refunded once the fob is returned at the end of the residency.

Included in residency

  • MakerLabs Extended Hours Membership (2 months)

  • Dedicated studio space

  • All materials to build a side table with sliding drawer are included in the cost.

  • The residency will be run in a unique format, where students cover the following classes over the course of 4 weeks:

    • WoodLab 101

    • WoodLab 102

    • WoodLab 201

    • Table Saw 101

    • Lathe 101

  • Platform to share/exhibit work

  • Instructor and MakerLabs Guidance & Support to help execute your projects