Three Day Kumiko Workshop with Matthew Kenney in COBURG
 
WOOD DUST backstreets feature workshop
Monday to Wednesday, October 6 to 8, 2025
9.00am – 5.00pm daily
The Coburg Studios
69 Charles Street, Coburg 3058
 
 
During this Three-Day Kumiko Woodworking Workshop, you will practice and learn the art of Kumiko guided by craftsman Matthew Kenney. This workshop is suitable for both new and the more experienced Kumiko maker.
 
About Kumiko
 
Kumiko is a delicate and sophisticated technique of assembling wooden pieces without the use of fixings. Thinly slit wooden pieces are grooved, punched and mortised, and then fitted individually together using a saw, chisel and other tools to make fine adjustments. The technique was developed in Japan in the Asuka Era (600-700 AD) and has since been refined and passed down through generations of craftsmen who are passionate about the tradition of Kumiko.
 
What happens in this workshop
 
Participants learn the foundations of Kumiko including how to make a frame and two different patterns while making an attractive panel. Participants also learn how to make a decorative frame for the panel. On purchasing your ticket to attend this workshop you will be sent a Workshop Manual that will specify the details of your Kumiko workshop experience.
 
Tools & Equipment
 
You will need to bring a few tools to complete this workshop. A required tool list will be included in the Workshop Manual. When you arrive at the studios your tools should be sharp and ready to go. There won’t be time to restore vintage tools or set up new tools in this workshop. There will be a sharpening station onsite so you can maintain your equipment during the week. Participants must also bring their own personal protection equipment (PPE) including eye and hearing protection, and dust masks. Participant should wear sturdy clothes and covered shoes suitable for woodworking. 
 
Materials
 
All materials required to complete the workshop are supplied and will be machined ready to go on the commencement of the workshop. Also supplied are the Kumiko designs, guide blocks and saw hook required to complete your Kumiko pieces.
 
Meals 
 
All meals including lunch, morning and afternoon tea are provided each day of the workshop. Participants will gather in the Coburg Studios dining area for meals alongside the participants of Christopher Schwarz and Michael Fortune’s workshops that are running concurrently during WOOD DUST backstreets. The individual dietary needs of participants will be catered for.
 
The Yarn
 
Your ticket to this Kumiko course also grants you entry to the WOOD DUST Yarn. Details and guest speakers are still to be announced. This is an evening you don't want to miss so purchase your ticket today.
 
Terms & Conditions
 
Terms & Conditions apply when purchasing a ticket to attend this three-day woodworking workshop. Visit the WOOD DUST Terms & Conditions located in the website footer to learn more. If you have any questions regarding this workshop email hello@wooddustaustralia.com.au for more information.
 
About Coburg Studios
 
Coburg Studios is an arts and creative hub in the new Merri-bek Creative Precinct offering studios and creative spaces for designers & artists of all disciplines. ​Ground floor of the Coburg Studios is where all the action is with over 1000 square metres of woodworking Nirvana fully equipped to meet the needs of WOOD DUST backstreets.
 
Coburg Studios offers extensive street parking or is a 15-minute walk along Gaffney Street from Batman Station which is on the Upfield train line direct from the CBD via the northern inner suburbs of Melbourne. Gaffney Street is also serviced by bus. Pentridge Shopping Mall featuring accommodation, bars, restaurants, cinemas and all types of shopping is just down the road. Accommodation is not included in the ticket price though WOOD DUST organisers are available to advise participants on the nearby accommodation options available.
 
Who is Matthew Kenney
 
Matthew Kenney is a craftsman who has made things from wood his entire life. Matt is also a writer and educator who has a built an international following over the years. Matts work is modern but grounded in the best of classic design, able to sit harmoniously alongside a wide range of furniture styles and built to survive generations of daily use.
 
The Experience
 
This Three Day Kumiko Woodworking Workshop led by Matthew Kenney is a feature event during WOOD DUST backstreets October 6 to 10, 2025. This is a perfect opportunity to work alongside and learn from a leading craftsman making delicate and sophisticated pieces. There are only ten places available in this workshop to ensure you have all the support you need while participating. Plus you also get to come along to the Yarn and hear all our guests backstories. Join us for an extraordinary week of woodworking.
 
Tickets on Sale
 
If you want a comprehensive woodworking experience that results in a beautiful object supported by a leader of the craft, then this Three Day Kumiko workshop is for you. Tickets are on sale now, only ten places available so reserve your bench space today.