Nick James Design

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Nick James Design Designer and maker of fine furniture, made by hand in his workshop in Newcastle upon Tyne. Nick work

22/10/2026

It’s been a while since I’ve made one of these benches - think I can just about remember how to do it - hope so - it’s one of my favourites!

16/10/2026

Not a bad way to end the week – spending it in a swimming pool! 🏊‍♂️

Back at in Manchester for – an incredible exhibition in a truly incredible venue.

I’ve brought along a few new pieces this year, and it’s always a pleasure to share my work with new faces and returning customers alike.

And of course, one of the best bits is catching up with all the other talented makers – over 200 of us under one roof!

A brilliant celebration of making, creativity and craft!

09/10/2026

A satisfying end to the week, finishing off this oak stool.

It’s something I’ve been meaning to make for years. Customers have often asked if I could add a back to my stools, particularly at .

My answer was always “Yes, of course!”… and then I never quite got round to doing it!

Well, a recent commission finally gave me the push to work out the design, and here it is!

Really pleased with how it’s turned out, and I’ll be taking it to Manchester next week for .

Come along and try it for yourself!

08/10/2026

Back on the router table make more stool legs - this time a little different…

10 points if you can spot what’s changed! 🏅

07/10/2026

A very satisfying joint coming together today.

Cutting a walnut halving joint using a combination of Japanese hand saws and router work — blending hand-tool precision with the accuracy and repeatability of modern machinery.

I’ve always enjoyed this balance in woodworking - when traditional skills work alongside contemporary techniques.
My preferred method is sawing the sides by hand, removing the bulk with the router with a flush cut bit from then carefully fine tuning until the two parts slide together with that perfect little bit of resistance.
And then comes the best moment — when the joint finally seats properly for the first time! 

19/09/2026

Hand-cut meets machine precision.

This is my take on a three-way tri-halving corner joint—a three-dimensional puzzle where every cut has to land exactly where it should.

I used a combination of hand-sawn joinery and router cutters to achieve the precise dimensions needed for all three pieces to intersect and lock neatly into place.

Traditional skills and modern tooling, working together to create one very satisfying joint.

18/09/2026

Satisfying end to the week with a really successful day teaching Danish cord weaving at .

It’s such a satisfying process — simple materials, a little patience and plenty of repetition — slowly turning just 4 lengths of cord into something both useful and beautiful.

Everyone did brilliantly and left with a really lovely stool they’d woven themselves. Something to take home, use and cherish — and perhaps even pass on to the next generation.

For me, that’s a big part of the joy of making and teaching a skill, how to make something well, and then passing that knowledge on.

Address

Mushroom Works, St Lawrence Road
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE61AR

Telephone

+441912244011

Website

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