Two Day Box Making Workshop with Matthew Kenney in COBURG
 
WOOD DUST backstreets feature workshop
Thursday & Friday, October 9 & 10, 2025
9.00am – 5.00pm daily
The Coburg Studios
69 Charles Street, Coburg 3058
 
 
During this Two-Day Box Making Woodworking Workshop, you will make and finish a delicate and detailed box guided by craftsman Matthew Kenney. This workshop is suitable for both new and the more experienced woodworker.
 
About Matt Kenney’s Box Making Workshop 
 
Having written more than one book on the topic, if anyone is going to know about boxes then it’s probably going to be Matt Kenney. During this Two-Day Box Making workshop you will make a contemporary hand mitered lidded box. You will line it with either veneer, paper or fabric. And you will finish it using milk paint and shellac. If you have ever wanted to get into box making, this is your chance.
 
What happens in this workshop
 
Participants learn the foundations of box making a mitred, lidded and lined box including:
 
How to cut and glue up an accurate mitre joint
Making and fitting a solid wood lid, including a pull
Making a “lid stand” into which the lid fits when open
Making a bottom from plywood, veneer, and fabric
Surface prep for finishing
Using milk paint
Creating a clean shellac finish
 
On purchasing your ticket to attend this workshop you will be sent a Workshop Manual that will outline the details of your box making 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 & Supplies
 
All materials and supplies required to complete the workshop are supplied and will be prepared ready to go on the commencement of the workshop. 
 
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 Box Making 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. Purchase your ticket today.
 
Terms & Conditions
 
Terms & Conditions apply when purchasing a ticket to attend this five-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 John Madden at 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. Batman Station 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 Two-Day Box Making 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 Two-Day Box Making workshop is for you. Tickets are on sale now, only ten places available so reserve your bench space today.