Daniel Faia is committed to providing small group instruction for an optimal learning environment. With over 30 years of experience as a professional maker and educator, Dan develops and teaches each workshop.
The curriculum is designed to build and enhance skills for all aspects of traditional woodworking, furniture making, and woodcarving.
There is an emphasis on tools, techniques, procedures, and designs while honoring historic periods and the integrity of craftsmanship.
Registration is limited to no more than five students per workshop.
Students must be at least 18 years of age.
Workshop fees include tuition and materials, unless otherwise noted.
Finishing/upholstery/hardware supplies and/or instruction are not included.
A tool list will be provided upon workshop registration.
Students are encouraged to bring their own tools; however, most tools are available (unless otherwise noted) for students to use/share on-site, if needed.
Students must provide their own safety glasses and hearing protection.
For most workshops, some material preparation is done in advance to help facilitate the structure of the curriculum.
Workshop progress/project completion will vary by student, and take-home work following the workshop may be expected.
Wood selection for workshop exercises/projects may vary.
Students are solely responsible for transporting/shipping their projects upon workshop completion (please see FAQ's for additional information).
Please scroll through this entire page for a complete list of workshop offerings, registration information, and student testimonials.
Please check back periodically for workshop updates.
Mailing Address:
Daniel Faia
PO Box 65
Rollinsford, NH 03869
Workshop Location (this is not a mailing address):
1 Front Street (Salmon Falls Upper Mill)
Unit #365
Rollinsford, NH 03869
Small Group Workshop Hours:
8:00 am- 4:00 pm
(daily lunch break from 12:00 pm- 1:00 pm, on your own)
For maximum benefit, it is imperative that students are punctual.
Additional/ make-up time is not available.
How to Register for a Workshop:
Prospective students must first review all workshop policies, and then email Dan at dcfwoodcarver@gmail.com if they are interested in registering for a workshop. The email inquiry should include the title and scheduled date (s) of the requested workshop. If space is available, Dan will send a follow up email with a registration form, payment instructions, and workshop information.
If space is not available in the requested workshop, a waiting list is optional.
If prospective students don't receive a response from Dan within 72 hours, they should follow up to make sure that he received their email inquiry.
Registrations are not confirmed until the completed registration form and required payment have been received and processed.
Credit cards/Debit cards/Venmo are not accepted.
*Workshop policies have changed for 2025 - Please review in advance.*
Please email Dan to inquire about registration.
Thursday, April 24, 2025 - Sunday, April 27, 2025
Fee: $895.00
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Spaces are available - Email Dan to inquire about registration.
This 4-day workshop is designed to build a strong foundation of essential skills for furniture making. Hand tool woodworking is a satisfying craft that can easily be integrated into a machine efficient shop. Students will develop skills and knowledge as they chisel, plane, and shave through the projects and exercises. Topics and discussions will include: tuning and sharpening the basic tools of the cabinetmaker; wood technology; stock preparation and reference surfaces; layout and cutting of traditional joinery (lap joints, mortise and tenon joints, dovetails); and construction design for furniture.
Thursday, May 1, 2025 - Sunday, May 4, 2025
Fee: $895.00
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Spaces are available - Email Dan to inquire about registration.
This 4-day workshop is designed to build a strong foundation of essential skills for woodcarving. Students will take a deep dive into many of the techniques and processes of decorative woodcarving. Students will carve traditional designs and complete exercises such as incised carving, carved moldings, relief carving, and applique carvings. These projects were developed to build knowledge, confidence, and good work habits for successful woodcarving. Topics and discussions will include: properties of wood technology; tool selection; care and sharpening of carving tools; proper stance and technique; and design and layout of woodcarving styles.
Saturday, May 17, 2025 - Sunday, May 18, 2025
Fee: $425.00
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Spaces are available - Email Dan to inquire about registration.
This 2-day workshop is designed to develop and enhance the essential drafting skills for furniture makers. The exercises and discussions will focus on the technical aspects of furniture making, with an emphasis on joinery, construction details, material choices, and basic design. Topics will include: drafting tools and equipment; drafting processes; joinery options and details; creating patterns; project development and procedures; and scaling from a photograph.
Drafting boards will be available for each student to use on-site. However, students must provide their own drafting tools.
A required tool list will be provided upon registration, and students should plan accordingly in advance in order to be prepared.
Saturday, May 31, 2025 - Sunday, June 1, 2025
Fee: $425.00
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Spaces are available - Email Dan to inquire about registration.
This 2-day workshop is designed to cover the foundational skills for letter carving in wood. Students will develop knowledge through introductory exercises and practice. Using Roman style lettering as the guide, students will learn how to carve straight, curved, and combined letters and numbers with serifs. Topics and discussions will include: layout and design; tool selection; wood grain orientation; and the foundational techniques of letter carving. In addition to the practice exercises, students will create a “Welcome” sign.
Project completion will vary by student, and take-home work following the workshop may be expected. Wood selection may vary.
Finishing supplies/instruction are not included.
Approx. Dimensions: 18”L x 5 ½”W
Friday, June 6, 2025 - Sunday, June 8, 2025
Fee: $695.00
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Spaces are available - Email Dan to inquire about registration.
This 3-day workshop is designed to tackle the more complex joinery of traditional furniture making. Students will learn practical strategies for layout and execution of housed tapered dovetails, tenons with angled shoulders, simple angled tenons, compound angled tenons, simple angled dovetails, and compound angled dovetails. Some brief review of the foundational skills will be covered as students explore the new challenges. Sharp tools and basic joinery knowledge are a must.
Friday, June 20, 2025 - Sunday, June 22, 2025
Fee: $895.00
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Spaces are available - Email Dan to inquire about registration.
This workshop model was inspired by an original Charles Rohlfs table (circa 1888). His innovative designs are a fusion of the Arts & Crafts and Art Nouveau styles. In this 3-day workshop, students will create a trefoil table with shaped and profiled legs and stretchers, mortise and tenon joints, 3-way miters, and a shaped and carved top.
Project completion will vary by student, and take-home work following the workshop may be expected. Wood selection may vary.
Finishing supplies/instruction are not included.
Approx. Dimensions: 22”H x 19”W x 19”D
Thursday, July 10, 2025 - Sunday, July 13, 2025
Fee: $1195.00
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
This workshop is currently full - Email Dan to join the waiting list.
This workshop model was inspired by a rare Chippendale dressing box (circa 1760-1780). The overall design is an ideal project to learn the methods and processes for serpentine and blocked furniture. The rectangular case has ogee bracket feet and a serpentine molded front edge with a single serpentine/blocked drawer. Topics and discussions during this 4-day workshop will include: project layout and procedure; cutting joinery; layout of case and drawer blocking; cutting, shaping, and fairing drawer and case; building and fitting a drawer; small bracket feet; and construction/design variations.
Project completion will vary by student, and take-home work following the workshop should be expected. Wood selection may vary.
Hardware and finishing supplies/instruction are not included.
Approx. Dimensions: 4 ¾”H x 16 ½”W x 8 ¾”D
Thursday, July 24, 2025 - Sunday, July 27, 2025
Fee: $1195.00
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Spaces are available - Email Dan to inquire about registration.
The classic design of the demilune table is light, graceful, and elegant. The form lends itself to both contemporary and modern interpretations. In this 4-day workshop, students will create an elliptical demilune table with a bricked and veneered apron, graceful legs (students may opt for either curved saber legs or straight tapered legs), molded rim bead, and a molded beaded top.
Project completion will vary by student, and take-home work following the workshop should be expected. Wood/veneer selection may vary.
Finishing supplies/instruction are not included.
Approx. Dimensions: 29”H x 32”W x 14”D
Saturday, August 2, 2025 - Sunday, August 3, 2025
Fee: $450.00
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
This workshop is currently full - Email Dan to join the waiting list.
The codfish is a regional symbol that celebrates the history and prosperity of the early fishing industry in New England. In this 2-day workshop, students will create a carved codfish wall decoration. Topics and discussions will include: layout and design; methods to secure the work; shaping and modeling the profile; and fine detailing techniques.
Project completion will vary by student, and take-home work following the workshop may be expected. Wood selection may vary.
Finishing supplies/instruction are not included.
Workshop model is in progress.
Approx. Dimensions: 28”L x 9 ½”W
Monday, August 11, 2025 - Saturday, August 16, 2025
Fee: $1795.00
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Spaces are available - Email Dan to inquire about registration.
Chair making provides an opportunity for creativity through the blending of design and form. The workshop model is a fusion of modern and classic styling using traditional joinery. This contemporary side chair has an X-frame seat rail system, curved posts, a curved and shaped crest rail and splat, and a solid shaped seat. Topics and discussions during this 6-day workshop will include: design and patterns; construction details; cutting and fitting joinery; cutting, fairing, and shaping curved elements; and shaping and sculpting the seat.
Project completion will vary by student, and take-home work following the workshop should be expected. Wood selection may vary.
Finishing supplies/instruction are not included.
Saturday, August 23, 2025 - Sunday, August 24, 2025
Fee: $450.00
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Spaces are available - Email Dan to inquire about registration.
This 2-day workshop will provide a hands-on approach to learn a variety of ornamentation techniques for hand tool woodworking. Topics and discussions will include: making and using scratch stocks for moldings and inlay; inlay processes (straight and curved stringing, bellflowers, berries); and carving patterns (straight and curved borders and edges, rope molding, basket weave, making and using decorative punches). These decorative techniques may be incorporated into all forms of woodworking.
Thursday, September 4, 2025 - Sunday, September 7, 2025
Fee: $895.00
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Spaces are available - Email Dan to inquire about registration.
This 4-day workshop is designed to build a strong foundation of essential skills for furniture making. Hand tool woodworking is a satisfying craft that can easily be integrated into a machine efficient shop. Students will develop skills and knowledge as they chisel, plane, and shave through the projects and exercises. Topics and discussions will include: tuning and sharpening the basic tools of the cabinetmaker; wood technology; stock preparation and reference surfaces; layout and cutting of traditional joinery (lap joints, mortise and tenon joints, dovetails); and construction design for furniture.
Thursday, September 11, 2025 - Sunday, September 14, 2025
Fee: $895.00
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Spaces are available - Email Dan to inquire about registration.
This 4-day workshop is designed to build a strong foundation of essential skills for woodcarving. Students will take a deep dive into many of the techniques and processes of decorative woodcarving. Students will carve traditional designs and complete exercises such as incised carving, carved moldings, relief carving, and applique carvings. These projects were developed to build knowledge, confidence, and good work habits for successful woodcarving. Topics and discussions will include: properties of wood technology; tool selection; care and sharpening of carving tools; proper stance and technique; and design and layout of woodcarving styles.
Saturday, September 20, 2025 - Sunday, September 21, 2025
Fee: $425.00
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Spaces are available - Email Dan to inquire about registration.
This 2-day workshop is designed to develop and enhance the essential drafting skills for furniture makers. The exercises and discussions will focus on the technical aspects of furniture making, with an emphasis on joinery, construction details, material choices, and basic design. Topics will include: drafting tools and equipment; drafting processes; joinery options and details; creating patterns; project development and procedures; and scaling from a photograph.
Drafting boards will be available for each student to use on-site. However, students must provide their own drafting tools.
A required tool list will be provided upon registration, and students should plan accordingly in advance in order to be prepared.
Monday, September 29, 2025 - Saturday, October 4, 2025
Fee: $1995.00
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Spaces are available - Email Dan to inquire about registration.
This workshop model was inspired by an original Charles Rohlfs bench (circa 1898-1899). His innovative designs are a fusion of the Arts & Crafts and Art Nouveau styles. In this 6-day workshop, students will create a storage bench that features a tall curved back, scrolled and shaped profiles, a hinged lid (hinges will be provided for students), and stylized carvings. Construction details will include mortise and tenon joints, pegs, and pyramid head screws/rose head nails.
Project completion will vary by student, and take-home work following the workshop should be expected. Wood selection may vary.
Ring handles and finishing supplies/instruction are not included.
Workshop model is in progress.
Approx. Dimensions: 45 ½”H x 37 ¾”W x 24 ½”D
Thursday, October 16, 2025 - Sunday, October 19, 2025
Fee: $950.00
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Spaces are available - Email Dan to inquire about registration.
This carving workshop model was inspired by an original Samuel McIntire architectural finial (circa 1800). It is a classic turned ornament in the Federal style, with a draped urn form, flame finial, and decorative detailing. The focus of this 4-day workshop is to learn techniques and procedures for carving on a turned element.
The turning will be provided for students.
Project completion will vary by student, and take-home work following the workshop may be expected. Wood selection may vary.
Finishing supplies/instruction are not included.
Workshop model is in progress.
Approx. Dimensions: 24”T x 6 ¼” Diameter
Saturday, November 1, 2025 - Sunday, November 2, 2025
Fee: $450.00
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Spaces are available - Email Dan to inquire about registration.
The elegant carved rim of the well-known stately pie crust tables captures the eyes and hearts of collectors and furniture makers. In this 2-day workshop, students will learn the process to carve the pie crust edge as they create a small circular tray. Topics and discussions will include: layout and design; patterns; securing and holding the work while carving; and shaping/detailing techniques.
The turning will be provided for students.
Project completion will vary by student, and take-home work following the workshop may be expected. Wood selection may vary.
Finishing supplies/instruction are not included.
Approx. Size: 10” Diameter
Friday, November 7, 2025 - Sunday, November 9, 2025
Fee: $695.00
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Spaces are available - Email Dan to inquire about registration.
This 3-day workshop is designed to tackle the more complex joinery of traditional furniture making. Students will learn practical strategies for layout and execution of housed tapered dovetails, tenons with angled shoulders, simple angled tenons, compound angled tenons, simple angled dovetails, and compound angled dovetails. Some brief review of the foundational skills will be covered as students explore the new challenges. Sharp tools and basic joinery knowledge are a must.
Saturday, November 15, 2025 - Sunday, November 16, 2025
Fee: $450.00
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Spaces are available - Email Dan to inquire about registration.
The artful designs of inlay have decorated furniture for centuries.
In this 2-day workshop, students will gain the foundational skills and knowledge to produce a flat inlaid platter with a compass star focal point, banded perimeter detail, and accent handles. Topics and discussions will include: project layout; pattern designs;
installing/mitering banding; and compass star inlay.
The banding will be provided for students.
Project completion will vary by student, and take-home work following the workshop may be expected. Wood/banding selection may vary. Finishing supplies/instruction are not included.
Approx. Dimensions: 15 ¾”L x 10”W
Saturday, December 6, 2025 - Sunday, December 7, 2025
Fee: $425.00
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Spaces are available - Email Dan to inquire about registration.
This 2-day workshop is designed to cover the foundational skills for letter carving in wood. Students will develop knowledge through introductory exercises and practice. Using Roman style lettering as the guide, students will learn how to carve straight, curved, and combined letters and numbers with serifs. Topics and discussions will include: layout and design; tool selection; wood grain orientation; and the foundational techniques of letter carving. In addition to the practice exercises, students will create a “Welcome” sign.
Project completion will vary by student, and take-home work following the workshop may be expected. Wood selection may vary.
Finishing supplies/instruction are not included.
Approx. Dimensions: 18”L x 5 ½”W
Please email Dan to inquire about registration.
"As a serious non-professional woodworker interested in fine furniture, I find workshops invaluable. I took several in 2022 from Dan Faia in Rollinsford, NH. The shop itself is perfect for workshops, and the small class size ensured individual attention. Dan packed a lot into the allotted time, but the pace was reasonable, with time to complete the work. What makes Dan's workshops stand out is that he is a professional educator as well as a professional furniture maker, and his explanations and demonstrations of complex joinery and carving techniques were straightforward and clear. Most importantly, what I learned stayed with me after I returned to my own shop. I'll be back and developing more skills in 2023!"
“I took two private instruction days and a class with Dan in 2022 and they were really good and really enjoyable. I learned a lot and enjoy Dan’s style of teaching. I’ve already signed up for another class in 2023 and if I lived closer, I’d be there for every class."
"I am thrilled that Dan has set up shop in Rollinsford. I first met him when I took a class at North Bennet Street School and jumped at a chance to take his workshop on the Queen Anne Table. His technique for teaching and his demeanor in teaching style are perfect for an amateur woodworker like me that tries to soak up as much knowledge of history and technique from the instructor as I can. I love the way the table turned out and know that with Dan’s help, I created a piece that will last for generations. I look forward to taking many more workshops from him in the future."
"Dan's classes offer expertise in a wide range of classical woodworking techniques, approaches, and execution. Whether you are an experienced professional or a weekend hobbyist much can be learned from his workshops. Dan is a gifted teacher who takes each individual student's ability to the next level. His approach is even handed, caring and thoughtful- you would be hard-pressed to find a better instructor. Challenge yourself and take a class, you won't regret it."
"The shop is well equipped, organized, comfortable, and pleasing to the eye. I have attended two workshops and each felt bespoke and tailored, not labored or reproduced content. Thus, I have registered for two more in 2023."
"What I learned many years ago is the need for good mentorship. I participated in two workshops last year with specific personal and professional goals in mind. When you’re involved in a solitary vocation or hobby (like woodworking) it is helpful to get another perspective, it is an investment in yourself. Attending Dan’s workshops helped me to re-focus, learn some new skills, refine some existing ones and drop some bad habits. What I enjoyed most was the atmosphere and experience in the shop. The groups are kept small enough to allow Dan to support all skill levels of woodworkers (beginner, intermediate, and advanced) in achieving personal success, without sacrificing the ability or quality of the instruction.
The preparation and legwork done prior to the workshops I attended was perfect (the hallmark of a true educator). I did not want a workshop where the bulk of the project is prepared for you and it basically becomes an assembly session (what is the point of that). Dan ensured the preparation for a workshop set the student up for success, while allowing the student to push beyond their boundaries. For me, I gained knowledge that will be applied in my shop. Every woodworker (regardless of skill level) needs to sharpen their skills on a routine basis, and every woodworker should have a mentor that will push you and provide critical guidance. Dan is that kind of an educator. I’ll be attending more in the future."
"I am an amateur woodworker with a goal to improve my skills and learn from those who are Master’s in the profession. As a Professional Craftsman, Educator and SAPFM 2023 Cartouche Award recipient, Dan offers classes for skill building and project based content promoting education to novice through advanced woodworkers. His style is encouraging and calm in a small group or individual based instruction. The other students in the class were also encouraging to everyone. Any shop time is good fun, Dan makes it better."
"This course was a surprise anniversary gift from my spouse, because she knows how much I appreciate Dan’s level of skill and knowledge of fine craftsmanship. I have been studying fine furniture making for over a year and a half, and this course went above and beyond my expectations. Every day, I was met with a new challenge and I learned something new that I can now apply in my own shop. At the end of this 6-day course, I felt that my hand tool skills have gotten much stronger. Dan’s style of teaching was organized and well-structured, which allowed me to follow each step with confidence. I felt really supported in the shop atmosphere and I can’t wait to take another class with him."
"I am a recent retiree with a long time passion for woodworking and period pieces. I was excited to take these classes to advance my skills working with hand tools. Dan provides historical context, a clear demonstration for each technique, and where we can incorporate these skills into our future projects. Dan is approachable and students questions are welcomed in class. The small class size allows for individual help. The lessons I learned in this class will be applicable to future projects at home. I am looking forward to taking several more classes in 2024!"
“Dan helped me work at levels I never expected…”
"I highly recommend Dan Faia's woodworking workshops. Dan possesses an exceptional talent for teaching, paired with extensive knowledge and skill in woodworking. His ability to create a comfortable and inviting environment fosters an incredible learning atmosphere that keeps me returning time and again. Dan's workshops are a testament to his dedication to creating an enriching experience, making each visit a valuable and enjoyable learning opportunity. I wholeheartedly endorse Dan Faia's workshops for anyone seeking expert guidance and a welcoming space to hone their woodworking skills."
"Dan’s workshops have been perfect for digging into new skills and more advanced projects. The structure and pace of the classes prepared me to apply the skills and finish at home. Dan’s teaching and encouragement have inspired me to tackle more varied and ambitious projects. I’m looking forward to more in the coming year."
"I have taken several carving and woodworking classes with Dan over the past year or so. Each class raises my knowledge and carving abilities to a new level! Dan has a calm and relaxing demeanor that makes for a wonderful learning environment. He is an incredible woodworker who has that very special gift of being able to bring both the novice and the experienced carver to a new level of confidence in their skills."
Please note that the images shown with the workshop descriptions above are used for illustrative purposes only, and may not reflect actual workshop projects and exercises.
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