Master the Lathe. Bring out your inner Artist.
The Immersion
From forest to workshop
You may help us source wood either recovering old trees or by visiting our suppliers. You'll understand how different species, cuts, and conditions influence the final piece.
Understand the material
Learn how to pick suitable pieces, evaluate grain, imperfections, moisture, and potential uses. You will learn preparation methods, including storing, seasoning, and treating wood before it becomes a finished product.
Practice your woodworking skills
You will practice with professional tools and equipment. Learn safe workshop practices, sharpening techniques, wood preparation, and essential woodturning methods while working alongside an experienced craftsman.
Be part of the daily workflow
Experience the day to day of a real woodturning studio: preparing commissions, organizing materials, refining designs, solving practical challenges, and understanding what it takes to create handcrafted products professionally.
From practice to craftsmanship
Through guided practice and continuous feedback, develop your technical confidence, improve your precision, and learn how craftsmanship, patience, and creativity come together in every piece.
Recognition of your effort
At the end of the program, receive a certificate acknowledging your participation and the skills developed during your apprenticeship at Josef’s workshop in Crete.
Anton, Hamburg // Archanes 2024
- Meet Anton -
"He created this beautiful lamp"
Anton came from Germany with a vision. Over his weeks with us, he mastered the transition from technical drafting to the organic flow of the lathe. The result was a signature series that now lives in Hamburg, born from a log found in the Cretan mountains.
"Mentorship is about helping you find yourself in the wood." – Josef
Express yourself in the wood
From raw timber to functional art.
It's not about precision.
We'll teach you the theory, however the main tool is your creativity.
Cretan Olive Wood
We'll teach you to select and work with olive wood. Abundant in Crete and highly valued all over the world.
Centric Location
15 mins from Heraklion. An immersion in Cretan village life. An environment suitable to develop your creativity.
Work on Real Projects
No practice boards. You'll work on real projects.
From our Workshop
Common Questions
How can I apply for the Apprenticeship?
Fill out the form in this page send us a message in What’s App indicating when and for how long would you like to join, we will get back to you ASAP.
How do I get to the workshop from Heraklion Airport?
Archanes is conveniently located just a 15 minute drive from Heraklion International Airport (HER). It is easily accessible by rental car or taxi.
Where should I stay during my apprenticeship?
Archanes offers several options within and around. If you need it we can recommend you a few places.
What makes learning in Archanes unique compared to other woodworking schools?
Archanes is not your typical school. Here you will find a way of living. You are learning in the heart of a village that has lived alongside olive trees for hundreds of years. We often source our wood from local logs saved from fires or trees destined for firewood.
What is the typical duration of an Apprenticeship?
This would depended on your needs and our availability, however the minimum amount is two weeks.
What should I bring?
Get ready to work! 🙂 Bring appropriate working clothing and shoes. If you have protective gear such as gloves, ear gear, mask / glasses you are welcome to bring it, if not we can provide it or you can easily buy in here. Bring fresh or warm clothes depending on the season.
What is the schedule?
A typical day starts at 10:00 with continuous lessons and practice up to 14:00 when we have a lunch break. Depending on the workshop plans we may comeback at 17:00 to keep the lessons or you may witness our work if we have a commission or you may have the afternoon free.
Is there public transportation in Archanes?
Yes, there is public bus line that connects with Heraklion and the main villages around, however consider that doesn’t have constant traffic, therefore we recommend you to think about renting a car, bike or bicycle.
Begin your Journey
Apprenticeships are tailored to your specific goals and schedule. Send us a message to discuss your immersion in Archanes.
Let us know your skill level through the form.
If you already have a portfolio we'll see it and set a goal.
We'll make a learning plan to develop your skills.
Archanes, Crete, Greece
Mon - Fri: 09:30 - 14:00 | 17:30 - 21:00
Sat: 09:30 - 15:00 | Sun: By Appointment
Send a Message
For custom orders or special workshop requests.