In the past, turner compagnons judged a candidate’s skill by their ability to create a trembleur: a spindle with delicate decorative shapes connected by extremely thin sections. Though purely decorative, a trembleur is a striking piece that demonstrates mastery of precision turning-sure to impress both yourself and your woodturning friends. Students will begin by practicing very thin forms to refine their use of the spindle gouge, bedan, and skew. From there, they will turn short sections of a trembleur, either by copying sample designs or developing their own. Attention will be given to studying and creating pleasing shapes. Next, the trembleur frame will be set up on the lathe and the blank prepared for a larger project. Students will learn how to tie proper knots for string steadies and how to use a three-wheel steady. As skills progress, participants will have the opportunity to turn a trembleur up to 32″ in length. The class will also cover methods for making string steadies, including a tailstock string steady. Breakage is possible-often near completion-so patience, control, and breaks are encouraged. Finished trembleurs can be displayed by hanging or in a glass tube with a turned base, which will also be made in class.