MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Portrait of Matt Holden, woodworking instructor at Wisdom Through Wood.

MATT HOLDEN

Wisdom Through Wood is led by Matt Holden, a green woodworker inspired by the traditions of rural and rustic crafts. He is a passionate educator and advocate for sustainability. With years of experience Matt creates a supportive and engaging learning environment where students of all ages and backgrounds can thrive. When possible we invite guest tutors who are skilled professional artisans to share their knowledge and passion as well. Our teaching philosophy is grounded in patience, curiosity, and a belief in the transformative power of working with your hands. Whether you're shaping your first spoon or crafting a chair, you will be guided with care and insight, helping you connect more deeply to your own creativity through woodworking.

Our approach to learning

  • We believe every human has vast potential to learn, is deeply clever, holds boundless creativity and can do wonders with their mind, heart and hands.

  • We also know many learners have not had teachers who listen to them and act respectfully towards them. Thus, many people do not know what great things they are capable of. Like creating a beautiful three legged stool from a log of wood in two days with no prior woodworking experience. 

  • We'd welcome the opportunity to help you uncover and embrace your learning potential.

The love of wood, respect for the natural world and A desire for an ethical life led me on a rich woodworking path to Wisdom Through Wood. In this space my learning continues as I share with students their desire to create.

MATT HOLDEN

FAQs

What to Expect from a Woodworking Course at Wisdom Through Wood

From beginners exploring their first woodworking project, families wanting to bond in a creative digital-free space to seasoned artisans seeking sustainable woodworking practices, you’ll find community, inspiration, and joy here. Our goal is to empower creativity, foster mindfulness, and build a lasting relationship between maker, material, and nature.

You won’t just leave with skills—you’ll leave with something useful, tangible, and entirely yours. Join us at Wisdom Through Wood, where we are crafting connection through wood—one beautiful, hand-made piece at a time.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE IN EACH CLASS?

Class sizes are deliberately small, between 4–6 participants, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared exploration.

ARE THERE ANY AGE RESTRICTIONS?

All ages and backgrounds are welcome.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

An open-air forest workshop with individual pole lathes, draw horses, and hand tools.

WHAT should i bring?

All tools, materials, light lunch, and refreshments provided.

MORE QUESTIONS?

If you have any other questions, or would like further clarification, please get in touch!