For the past six years, Sara Tommerup has been inspiring women to pick up tools and have a go at carpentry at Coed Talylan. Her women-only carpentry course has become a cornerstone of the training offered at Coed Talylan, empowering participants with both practical skills and the confidence to tackle projects of their own. We sat down with Sara to talk about the origins of the course, what makes it special, and why she believes every woman should try carpentry at least once.
Sara, can you tell us how the idea for a women-only carpentry course came about?
Sara: When I first started doing carpentry, I noticed that mixed-gender workshops often felt intimidating for some women, especially those who were complete beginners. There’s this perception that carpentry is a traditionally male skill, which can sometimes make women feel out of place. I wanted to create a space where women could learn at their own pace, without any pressure or judgment. Six years ago, I decided to make a women-only course, and we have had more than 200 women join the course since.
What kind of women typically join your courses? Are they complete beginners or people with some experience?
Sara: It’s a real mix. Some women come in with no experience whatsoever—they’ve never picked up a saw or a drill—and others have dabbled in DIY or woodworking but want to expand their skills. We’ve had teachers, full-time mothers, artists, retirees… carpentry attracts such a diverse group of people, which also makes every workshop unique.
What do participants usually learn during the course?
Sara: The course is very practical, and I focus on skills that participants can immediately apply to their own projects. While building a structure from scratch together, participants get to try their hands on all the phases of building a wood structure and at the same time also learn how to use hand and power tools, understand types of wood, and design principles. I emphasise construction which is environmentally sound. This is a caring worldview which also appeals to women.
What’s the atmosphere like during the workshops?
Sara: It’s one of the most rewarding aspects of the course. The atmosphere is incredibly supportive and collaborative. There’s lots of laughter, a fair bit of sawdust flying around, and a shared sense of achievement. One of my favourite moments is when someone realises, “I can actually do this.” You see the transformation—not just in their carpentry skills but in their confidence—and it’s really powerful.
Have you noticed any broader impact on the participants’ lives after completing the course?
Sara: Many women tell me they’ve started tackling DIY projects at home— bookshelves, garden sheds, tiny houses and van conversions. Some apply it to their work such as theatre prop building, horticultural infrastructure and building conservation – even structural engineers and architects come to get proper hands on understanding of construction which they only have theoretic knowledge of. Some use it as a springboard for a carpentry apprenticeship or a general stepping stone to explore new careers or hobbies.
Why do you think it’s important to have women-only spaces for learning carpentry?
Sara: Representation matters. When women see other women excelling in a traditionally male-dominated field, it normalises the idea that they belong here, too. In a women-only space, there’s no fear of being judged or overshadowed. It’s a space to ask questions, make mistakes, and learn in an environment that’s entirely supportive. Lot of us women have had the experience of simply playing out the role ourselves – that only men can do carpentry. So the course is about changing that self-enforcing vicious cycle.
Lastly, what do you hope participants take away from your course?
Sara: I want every participant to leave with three things: practical skills, the confidence to tackle new challenges, and a sense of pride in what they’ve accomplished. Carpentry isn’t just about building —it’s about building self-reliance and creativity. If they leave feeling inspired to keep learning and creating, I’ve done my job.
Sara is a devout natural builder, environmentalist and educator. It’s no wonder that her women-only carpentry course has become such a success. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your woodworking skills, this course offers a welcoming space to learn, create, and be inspired. Ready to give it a go?
Visit the Course Page to book your spot on the next course.
