A video course by Brad Sharp
After 30 years crafting rustic frames from foraged branches on the South African coast, Brad Sharp is passing on everything he knows. No expensive tools, no precise measurements — just stunning frames that celebrate the natural character of the tree.
Start learning — $97
Watch the introduction
“I have spent 30 years making unique wooden picture frames from dead branches that I collect around my home in Schoenmakerskop, on the shores of the Indian Ocean. It is now time to pass my skills on to a new generation of woodworkers.”
Brad Sharp · Schoenmakerskop, South Africa
Meet Brad
I've worn many hats in my time, but all of them have fallen by the wayside except for the frames. I have made many thousands, yet I am never happier than when arriving at my workshop with a load of dead, dry branches and the anticipation of what I will be able to create from them.
They suit my lifestyle. I believe in living as sustainably as possible. I am artistic. I love being outdoors. And the hunter/gatherer gene runs in my veins.
I have a well-equipped workshop, but this isn't essential. It is quite feasible to make a frame without using any power tools at all — it just takes a little longer. I hope this course will persuade you to look beyond the flat planks at the wood store, and to find a more sustainable source of timber — in the park down the road, or the woods around the corner.
10 modules · ~3 hours of video
View full curriculum
Meet Brad and discover the creative possibilities of rustic frame-making with naturally dried wood.
3 min
What to look for when collecting branches and driftwood — identifying grain, texture, and character.
9 min
Cut collected branches into manageable lengths and prepare them for planing, including curved and irregular pieces.
24 min
Build the simple but critical jig from scrap materials for achieving accurate, repeatable corner cuts.
12 min
The core technique — determine corner angles based on wood thickness and curvature. No 45° bevels needed.
30 min
Proper glue application, alignment techniques, and the drying process for strong, clean joints.
13 min
Clean up excess glue, sand irregular surfaces, and prepare frames for finishing while preserving natural character.
13 min
Professional mounting techniques for artwork, glass, and backing — adapted for non-standard rustic frames.
21 min
Advanced techniques for scaling up, including mirror frames. Working with candlewood for bigger projects.
40 min
Showcase your frames professionally — selecting artwork, presentation strategies, and maximizing visual impact.
16 minBeyond the course
Now, at the grand age of 70, Brad has taken on yet another hat — content creator. He's spending a year traveling across Southern Africa, making frames from 52 different species of tree and shrub, sharing his love of nature and the region along the way.
Follow the journey as he hunts for new woods, challenging woods, and sometimes unbelievably unwoody woods — and watch what can be done with a good stick.
Everything you need to create stunning rustic frames — from foraging wood to presenting finished artwork.
None at all. This course is designed for complete beginners. Brad starts from the very basics — finding and selecting wood — and builds up from there.
Very few. Brad has a well-equipped workshop, but it’s entirely feasible to make a frame without any power tools at all — it just takes a little longer. You’ll need basic items like a saw, sandpaper, and wood glue.
The course covers foraging for branches, driftwood, and naturally dried wood. Brad shows you exactly what to look for and where to find it.
Lifetime. Once you enroll, you can watch the modules as many times as you like, at your own pace. There’s no expiry.
Absolutely. Module 9 covers presenting and selling your work professionally, including working with artists and maximizing visual impact for display or sale.