Nick James Design

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

10/06/2026

There’s something really special about being able to work with a tree that carries its own story and significance.

This beautiful oak came down in a storm. I milled it up and stacked it carefully over winter.

Now I have brought it into the workshop, it will begin its next chapter as a memorial bench for Rory, to be donated to his school.

As furniture makers, we often talk about creating pieces that last, but projects like this remind me that what we make can hold memories too. A tree that once stood tall will become a place to sit, reflect, remember and connect for many years to come.

It’s a real privilege to be trusted with work like this, and a lovely project to be involved in.

01/06/2026

A great session in the workshop with one of my students this week, making this wooden game.

After much discussion, testing and refinement, we decided to call it ‘The Decision Maker 3000’

The principle is simple. If you’re struggling to make a decision, give it a spin and let fate take over. A bit like tossing a coin, but far more satisfying because it’s made from wood.

One of the things I love most about teaching is that making is never just about the finished object. Along the way we explored measuring, maths, problem-solving, design, hand tools, and plenty of trial and error. More importantly, we built confidence.

In a world that often feels increasingly digital, there’s something powerful about learning how to make things with your hands. The ability to turn an idea into something real is a skill worth passing on.

And perhaps that’s exactly what the world needs a little more of right now.

30/05/2026

Rounding over these walnut bench legs - easy when you know how (and have the correct feeds and speeds + a sharp cutter ofcourse!)

19/05/2026

Dining table frame coming together today — all made from one very large (and very heavy) piece of 80mm oak.

I like working this way because the grain and tone stay consistent across the piece. It takes a bit more planning, a bit more wrestling with heavy timber, but I think you can feel the difference in the finished table.

There’s something really satisfying about seeing it all start to come together.

18/05/2026

There’s something incredibly satisfying about weaving a Danish cord bench.

The rhythm of it.
The tension building row by row.
Watching a simple wooden frame slowly transform into something functional, comfortable, and full of texture.

It’s one of those jobs where you properly lose track of time. Head down, good coffee nearby, hands repeating the same process over and over until suddenly the seat appears in front of you.

Slow work — but the satisfying kind.

12/05/2026

Another satisfying day weaving this Danish cord bench.

There’s something about this stage of a piece that completely pulls you in — head down, good coffee on the go, hands moving, and time seems to fly by!

Metres of cord, aching fingers, and a lot of concentration… but it’s always worth it when the pattern starts to build and the bench slowly comes to life.

I think that’s one of the things I love most about making furniture — getting lost in the process.

09/05/2026

Satisfying end to the week with completion of this walnut bench.
Designed and made to go with the walnut table the customer already bought from me a few years back - it’s nice to know it’s going to a good home!
I particularly love the way the walnut flows round the edges

25/04/2026

Mid glue-up on this Danish cord bench frame. It’s important to check alignment from every angle, and making sure everything comes together just right. This is where the piece really starts to become something.

22/04/2026

Back on the router table today — rounding over these legs for a Danish cord bench.

There’s something so satisfying about softening those edges and watching the form come together. Clean lines, subtle curves, and all the little details that make the final piece feel right.

10/04/2026

There are some pieces that just stay with you…

I made this Danish cord bench about three years ago, and it’s still one of my favourites. Something recently brought it back to mind.

Solid oak frame with a hand-woven Danish cord seat. The weaving takes time to get right — keeping the tension consistent and the pattern clean all the way through.

I really like how the curved handles work with the structure of the piece — they tie everything together and have a slightly gymnastic feel to them.

Must make another one - sometime soon!

Address

Mushroom Works, St Lawrence Road
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE61AR

Telephone

+441912244011

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