As an extended service to my custom furniture business, we offer woodworking vacations where you can work in my shop under my guidance. The support offered is of a more advanced nature, as I expect participants to be well versed in using basic tools and machinery. Focus would be on joinery, curves and laminations, artistic interpretation and wood grain layout, the importance of jigs and manufacturing aids, removal of blemishes on wood surfaces, and finishing.
You would work on your own project and I would guide you through the various steps from conception through manufacturing to finishing.
Scraping and Laminating
Duration of these wood working vacations could be as short as a weekend, repeated weekends, or last a full week. Only one participant would be working with me at any given time.
If you and your spouse or friend wish to participate in a joint effort, you are welcome to do so. One of you may also choose to work and study with my wife Brigitta, creating unique pottery and enhancing your free-form, throwing or glazing skills.
Brigitta, One of her Raku Pots, The Pottery Studio
Participants would stay with us and lodge in our MapleArt furnished B&B room. We have an idyllic 2 acre property and log house in Maple Ridge, very private and landscaped like a park. Our friendly dog, cats, dove and Oscar fish will all welcome you, the rooster greet you in the morning, and the chickens supply you with fresh organic eggs for breakfast. And you can be assured that culinary delights are something you will greatly enjoy staying with us.
Veggie Garden, Chickens, Guest Room
If you want to take it easy for a day or explore the area, there is a lot you can do. There are beautiful trails starting by the house, you can take a cooling dip on hot summer days in nearby Kanaka creek, enjoy the Pitt Lake area or Golden Ears Park, or go for a stroll in Fort Langley just across the Fraser River. And if it rains - yes it does that, too - savour that moment and find the beauty of rain drops and what reflects in them inspiring you for your next great piece of art.
Nearby Widgeon Creek at Pitt Lake
“During the fall of 2007, I decided to take a break from my London office
and indulge in a life long passion for woodworking and design. I discovered
MapleArt online and after a few emails, I had arranged for a couple of weeks
in Maple Ridge, under the superb guidance of Andres. During my time in the
beautiful maple tree lined hills 45 minutes out of Vancouver, I discovered the
serenity of the Schneiter residence and the warmth of Andres’s hospitality.
Days in the workshop helped me understand more about wood, art, and both hand
and machine tools.
I whole-heartedly recommend spending time at MapleArt, as both a well-earned vacation and a voyage of discovery about yourself and the wonderful world of creation.”
James Anderson, UK
I whole-heartedly recommend spending time at MapleArt, as both a well-earned vacation and a voyage of discovery about yourself and the wonderful world of creation.”
James Anderson, UK
Please Note: Every participant has to sign a waiver absolving MapleArt and Andres Schneiter from any liability whatsoever. All risks to your health and your project will be carried solely by you. Neither Worksafe BC nor my insurance will cover participants for any accidents.
