Come make a little creepie! In this workshop, we will start with a few boards and wield a few tools to make your very own Irish low stool (also known as a creepie). This workshop is designed to introduce even the novice or never have touched tools beginner to hand-tooled woodworking. We will discuss wood as a medium, how to get started, the foundational tools to help you make, and some fundamentals of traditional woodworking. Come for wood puns, sawdust, and to make your own kind of creepie. All tools and materials will be provided, all you need is an open mind and good humor.
This course will be taught by Jean-Philipe Clark
Date: Sunday, October 18th
Time: 9:30am-1:30pm
Location: Design Build Bluff Classroom
Cost: $65
Number of participants: Up to 10 participants
Participants must be at least 16 years old
A note from Jean-Philipe:
My journey into furniture didn’t start with wood – it began with simply a desire to make. As a kid, figuring out how pieces went together kept me whole. From resurrecting a wooden go-kart to making replica Lord of the Rings attire (down to the ring which I forged on a camp stove in the back yard). I even managed to erect an (unsanctioned) multi-story treehouse in the forest behind my house. However, life took me in different directions along the way, and I lost touch with my creative voice.
That spark rekindled during my time working in conservation and outdoor education. High up on mountains and without power tools, I was tasked with building rock steps and wooden bridges using only the tools carried in backpacks and the materials found in the landscape. This hands-on approach to making things reignited my passion for craftsmanship. It led me to hand-tooled woodworking, exploring techniques that predate electricity, and discovering the incredible things we as humans can create.
Later, as fatherhood was imminent, I dove into making wooden items for my soon to be daughter, including her crib. This project—filled with love, dedication, and countless lessons learned—solidified my commitment to furniture making. I realized that the joy of creating for others was what made this craft so special to me. It also made me understand I have so much more yet to learn, so I closed out a career and enrolled back in school at the Chippendale International School of Furniture in Scotland.
In my work, I value the intimate relationship that develops between the maker and the piece. I embrace the mistakes, cherish the lessons, and find beauty in the process. You’ll still find me picking up a plane more than a router and reaching for a handsaw over a power driven one. I am dedicated to good, honest work, taking pride in what I create with my own two hands. This commitment extends beyond the workshop. It’s deeply rooted in my connection to the Flagstaff community, where I grew up, met my spouse, and welcomed my child into the world.
With that, I’m back in Northern Arizona after studying furniture design, cabinet making, and restoration in Scotland. I’m still working by hand where it counts and plugging in everything else. I’m excited to build my passion into something meaningful, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share it with you.
