The Napa Valley Craft &
Design Experience
You'll Create a Stunning Waterfall Table with Your Own Hands.
No Experience Necessary. Just Your Desire to Create Something Real.
Three days where you step away from emails and Zoom calls, and rediscover what it feels like to create something beautiful with your hands—something that will last for generations.
The Experience
Why I Created This
For over two decades, I designed and built furniture for high-end clients and luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Dior. The time has come for me to open my studio doors to beginners of all ages, and to share my expertise and passion with you.
I've witnessed the transformation that happens when my students build something with their own hands. They start with zero experience, and three days later, they're standing in front of a gorgeous table they made—often in disbelief, and sometimes with tears in their eyes.
This journey is not just about building furniture. We're using woodworking as a form of meditation. As a way to ground ourselves in reality.
Crafting furniture requires our undivided attention—our senses are alert, focused, and alive. We're saying no to screens and scrolling. This is what brings us back to what's real.
The Vision
Imagine This
In just three days, you'll walk out with a Waterfall side table that you built and the memories of an unforgettable experience. You'll see the unique grain patterns of the rare California black walnut slab YOU selected. This $3,800 piece of furniture didn't come from a store—you made it. With your own hands.
Your friends will ask where you bought it. You'll smile and say, "I didn't. I built it myself."
But here's what they won't see: the transformation that happened inside you during those three days.
The Material
California Black Walnut
Early on in my career, I discovered that a great deal of precious black walnut trees were being cut down in people's backyards only to be chipped into mulch—or even worse—end up to rot in a landfill. Knowing that woodworking would be a passion that would stay with me for the rest of my life, I invested in a sawmill and got to work sourcing fallen trees from all around Northern California—from Mountain View to Napa Valley, and from Berkeley to Mendocino. When you mill logs into slabs, you begin to understand that the greatest artist of all time is nature itself. Incredible colors and grain patterns emerge as the history of the tree reveals itself. It is the most poetic thing I have ever experienced, and together, we will learn how to read the poetry of a tree.
The best part? You get to pick your very own slab of this incredibly rare and gorgeous California black walnut for the creation of your Waterfall table.
Perfect for couples and families.
Your Journey
Three Days of Transformation
Day One: Orientation & Selection
You'll arrive at the studio for an orientation—I'll walk you through the space, the tools, and what we'll create together. Then you'll select your wood slab from a collection of rare California black walnut slabs. One will call to you. Your transformation begins.
Day Two: Creation & Flow
You'll lose track of time as you shape, sand, and refine. The constant mental chatter quiets. You're completely absorbed. Your senses are alert, focused, and alive.
Day Three: Completion & Transformation
Your table will come to life as we oil it on the final day—the grain deepens, the character emerges. You'll step back in disbelief at what you've made. Sometimes there are tears. Always, there's transformation.
Is This For You?
This Experience Is For You If...
- You're exhausted by screens and desperate for something tangible
- You've always wanted to work with your hands but never had the chance
- You're successful in your career, but you want to experience life in a wood shop
- You need a sanctuary to finally turn off the digital noise
- You don't want another online tutorial—you want a life-changing pattern interrupt
You don't need experience. You need desire.
Investment
The True Value of Your Investment
Your Investment
$3,950
Your total savings: $3,450.
Plus gaining skills that last a lifetime.
Details
What's Included
- Intimate instruction from a master craftsman with 25 years creating for Louis Vuitton and Dior
- Your choice of rare California black walnut slab
- All materials and professional-grade equipment
- Daily lunch in the woodshop
- Your finished table ($3,800 retail value)
Availability
Winter 2025/2026
Limited to four participants per session
Private Group Experiences
Private groups of up to four people can reserve custom dates.
Perfect for corporate team building, family bonding experiences, friends creating together, and special occasion celebrations for couples.
Inquire About Private Groups
Questions
Frequently Asked
What is The Napa Valley Craft & Design Experience?
This is a three-day, hands-on woodworking apprenticeship in Napa Valley designed specifically for complete beginners. You'll build a Waterfall side table under one-on-one guidance from master craftsman Florian Roeper.
Where does this take place?
At the Studio Roeper woodshop & gallery in Downtown Napa, CA, near all major hotels, restaurants, shops, and tasting rooms.
What if I've never used any woodworking tools?
You're in the right place! This experience is designed for complete beginners with no woodworking experience.
What will I create?
You will build a Waterfall side table from start to finish using rare Claro Walnut sourced by Florian. You will leave with the finished piece.
Do I need my own tools or safety gear?
No. Everything is provided: professional tools, materials, safety gear, and full access to the Studio Roeper woodshop.
What are the hours?
Every day from 10am to 6pm. Community lunch and an afternoon snack break are included.
Can I come alone?
Yes, individuals are welcome to apply for the upcoming sessions.
Can we book a private group?
Yes. Private groups of up to four people can reserve custom dates. Perfect for corporate teams, families, and couples.
Are meals and accommodation included?
Lunch each day is included. Lodging and other meals are not, allowing you the flexibility to enjoy Napa Valley's dining and hotels. We are happy to share recommendations.
How is this different from a class?
This is a true apprenticeship, not a class. Sessions are limited to four participants with one-on-one guidance. No videos or modules—only hands-on learning.
I'm flying in. Can you ship the table?
Yes. Once complete, your table can be professionally packed and shipped directly to your home. Fees are determined by destination.
Next Steps
Let's Talk About Your Transformation
A $3,950 investment for an intimate apprenticeship requires a conversation. We'll spend 15 minutes to make sure your goals align with this experience.
What we'll discuss:
- What you will learn
- Which dates work best for your schedule
- The logistics and daily schedule
- Any questions or concerns you have
Your hands are waiting to create something beautiful.
Will you let them?