Fine Woodworker, Teacher and Mentor
John is a Fine Woodworker, Teacher and Mentor based in Nelson, New Zealand.
It is intensely satisfying making fine things for others and enjoying the well-being that crafting and teaching brings.
Get in touch to chat about your project.
Tools by
John Shaw
Hand crafted tools by John Shaw now available
Teaching
John's teaching career spans over thirty years, tutoring in craft, design and visual arts programmes from 1986 to 1999 and establishing New Zealand's only fine woodworking programme — The Center for Fine Woodworking — in Nelson in 2004, He directed and taught the programme for eleven years until 2016. Now, throughout the year John offers a wide range of short courses. These take place in various workshops throughout New Zealand and cover all aspects of fine woodworking .
Mentoring
John is sought out as a universally respected and thoughtful advisor, opening his workshop to woodworkers of all levels seeking advancement and mentoring. He offers specific design and technical guidance on your own project or can develop a project especially for you to meet your needs. Space is limited to a maximum of 3 participants and can be booked by the day or week.
The opportunity to work alongside practising craftspeople in a lively workshop is well recognised as an important part of developing as a designer/maker. The opportunity to extend one's ability and develop broad confidence by moving into new areas is facilitated by having access to good equipment, advice and experience as and when needed.
Furniture & tools
All work is made to order by John in his Nelson workshop. The time it takes to get to you can vary depending on the item, we’ll be in touch to kick things off.
What People Are Saying
“I was in Nelson for 3 months as part of my Danish furniture-maker apprenticeship, and had such a great time in John’s workshop. It was a back-to-basics reminder for me, I learnt great stuff about traditional woodworking, making my own hand tools especially had, and still has, made a great impact. The people I met in this small community, woodworkers and non-woodworkers were so incredibly nice and generous to me, It’s a time I will never forget.”
— Stine, Denmark
I had some basic woodworking skills but I wanted to understand the process and master the techniques of designing and making my own furniture. In other words, I was looking for a mentor. John turned out to be ideal in this role. Working in my own space or his well-equipped workshop, for whatever time suited us both, he expertly and patiently helped me develop design ideas into satisfyingly executed pieces of furniture I’m proud of. For me, it’s been the perfect solution.
— Jane, Nelson
“If you’re in New Zealand and have ever fancied having a go at woodworking, this is the man to learn with. I have never met such an inspirational teacher/talented maker.”
— Mia, UK
Student work
Mia Trew, Jewellery box, European Walnut
Lachlan Park, Chair, America Oak, Victoria Australia
Jane Connor, Easy chair, American Ash