Make a Keepsake Box with Matt Estlea

This 5-day workshop will teach you the fundamentals of fine woodworking, focusing on creating a beautiful and functional keepsake box. You'll learn essential hand tool techniques from sharpening to joinery, guided by renowned woodworker Matt Estlea.

This workshop is designed for woodworkers of all skill levels, from complete beginners to those with some experience looking to refine their skills.

You'll learn a variety of valuable woodworking skills, including sharpening and setting up hand tools, precise cutting with a handsaw, mastering chisels, and the art of creating precise dovetail joints.

This workshop offers the unique opportunity to learn directly from Matt Estlea, an internationally recognized woodworker and content creator. You'll gain insights into his expert techniques and benefit from his personalized instruction.

All the necessary wood and materials for creating the keepsake box will be provided.

Having your tools is recommended as it will allow you to benefit from Matt's expertise in sharpening and setup. We will have spare tools in the workshop if there is any problem and you need an extra tool.

The workshop will run from March 11th to 15th, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM each day.

The workshop will be held at The Makers Society in Ras Al Khor 3, Dubai, UAE.

The workshop fee is AED 1,995, a special discounted price from the original AED 3,950 to support the learning community in the UAE.

You can register for the workshop by clicking the "Register" button on this page, which will take you to our registration form.

Cancellations made more than two weeks before the course start date will receive a 50% refund.

Cancellations made within two weeks of the course start date are non-refundable.

No, lunch is not provided. Participants are responsible for bringing their own lunch or exploring nearby dining options during the break. We recommend packing a lunch to maximize your time at the workshop. However, we will provide complimentary tea and coffee throughout the day to refresh you!

We recommend wearing comfortable clothing that you don't mind getting dusty or having wood shavings on. Closed-toe shoes are required for safety reasons.

Yes, parking is available in front of our workshop.

This workshop is a very special, one-time opportunity! As this is Matt Estlea's first time teaching in Dubai, we've partnered with him to waive our profits on this particular workshop. Our goal is to make high-quality woodworking education accessible to the community and offer incredible value. This is a unique initiative to support learning and is not something we'll be able to repeat in the future, so we encourage you to take advantage of this exceptional opportunity.

The Modular Woodworking Program is a flexible, self-paced course designed for individuals who want to develop and refine their woodworking skills.

The program consists of seven modules covering essential woodworking techniques, from hand tools to CNC machining.

The program must be completed within six months. If additional time is needed, a one-time six-month extension is available for AED 500.

Students can book any module on:

✅ Saturday, Sunday, or Tuesday with at least 48 hours’ advance booking.

✅ If students wish to book a session on any other day of the week, an additional AED 250 per session fee applies.

This allows for flexibility while ensuring tutor and workshop availability.

The program includes the following seven modules:

Hand Tools Fundamentals – Learn sharpening techniques, precise planing, and create a handmade breadboard.

Advanced Hand Tools Techniques – Master complex joinery techniques, such as dovetails and lap joints.

Machines Safety – Gain confidence in operating professional woodworking machinery.

Machines Joinery – Apply advanced machine joinery techniques using mortise and tenon joints, dovetail jigs, and sanding tools.

Veneering – Explore veneering techniques, including pattern matching and vacuum pressing.

Fusion 360 & CNC – Learn digital woodworking through 3D design and CNC operation.

Personal Project – Apply all acquired skills to create a custom woodworking project.

The program has two payment options:

Complete Program Fee (All 7 Modules)

Upfront Payment: AED 10,250 (includes all modules and mentorship).

Pay-Per-Module Option: AED 13,500 total (students pay separately for each module).

Starter Package (Modules 1 & 3) – AED 4,250, with the option to upgrade later.

Additional Fees:

One-on-One Mentorship: AED 170/hour

Booking a class outside standard days: AED 270 per session

Course extension (6 months): AED 500

The course fee covers:

• Tuition for all selected modules.

• Materials for core projects (e.g., wood, veneers).

• 20 hours of Resident Program access for the Personal Project (Module 7).

• Exclusive discounts on tools and future workshop access.

• Students are allowed one free reschedule per module if they give at least 24 hours' notice.

• Additional reschedules incur a AED 200 fee per instance.

Yes! Students have independent workshop time during:

• Tuesday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM.

• Tutors are available during these hours for guidance.

Yes! Certified students gain ongoing access to The Makers Society’s tools and facilities, allowing them to continue practicing their woodworking skills.

A full refund is available if the course is cancelled within the first 7 days from the initial payment. No refund is applicable after this time.

Students must acquire their hand tools (eligible for a 10% discount through The Makers Society). These are personal items that will be used to learn sharpening and set up techniques.

Yes!

Free project storage is provided during the Machine Safety and Machine Joinery modules.

One month of free storage is offered post-program.

Additional storage costs AED 150 per month.

Yes!

The Mini Mastery Course is approved by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai.

Upon successful completion, students will receive a KHDA-recognized certificate, validating their skills in woodworking. The Makers Society is responsible for course delivery and compliance with KHDA guidelines.

Congratulations! You’re ready to start the Modular Woodworking Program. As a Trial participant, you qualify for AED 1,000 off your full enrollment (valid for 3 days). Our team can help you pick your start date and first module.