North House is thrilled to welcome Featured Instructor Eiko Tanaka, a Japanese woodturner and artist, to Unplugged 2026! In this class, Eiko will give a short introduction to the marvels of Japanese woodturning. This style of woodturning is unique because of the movable and unfixed tool rest on a table and the use of hooks instead of gouges and hand held scrapers. Eiko will begin this short class with a presentation on the history of Japanese woodturning, and will then demonstrate the use of a variety of hook tools and handheld scrapers while turning a small bowl. Students will break into small groups on shared lathes to try out some of the techniques for themselves. Eiko will also give a short demonstration on how to apply and cure urushi lacquer to a small bowl. For those with curiosity but no prior turning experience, this class is a great introduction to the beautiful craft of Japanese woodturning.

This course is part of Unplugged 2026. Eiko will give a free demonstration and a presentation on her work during the weekend. Full schedule available summer 2026.

Required Tools

• All needed tools and materials will be provided