Coopering is the ancient art of making wooden vessels such as barrels, butter churns, buckets, canteens, pitchers, and piggins using only wood for staves and white oak bands with no nails or glue. Learn how to use the traditional tools and techniques the instructors’ family has used for six generations. Also, discuss how to select proper woods, such as cedar for staves and white oak for bands, to complete your vessel. All levels welcome.

Weekend + Week. Make your own split-cane rod that incorporates heritage, tradition, and craftsmanship. Learn how to select top-quality Tonkin cane and heat treat, taper, and assemble a one-tip, two-piece fly rod. Through hands-on demonstrations, learn your options for completion, including various finishes, wrapping techniques, dipping methods, and more. Basic woodworking skills are helpful. $

The “democratic chair” was specifically designed by Curtis Buchanan to be made with just a few hand tools, allowing more people access to the craft. Build this handsome, Windsor-style, chair as you practice basic chairmaking techniques, use a small kit of hand tools to split parts from a log, shape legs and spindles, drill mortises, and carve the seat. This project is intended to build skills and confidence in using affordable hand tools to produce refined furniture with a handcrafted look. $

The ukulele is a fun introduction to lutherie and an excellent first instrument to learn to play. Build a tenor-size uke, in a style based on a Martin ukulele with a dovetail neck. We'll cover wood selection, bending, shaping, and fretting. Your ukulele should be assembled and playable at the end of class, though some finishing may need to be done at home. All levels–including new woodworkers–welcome; some evening hours may be required. $

Build a professional-level, open-back banjo with a goat skin head. Goat skin creates a warmer, plunky sound when playing compared to synthetic. Learn the entire construction process from beginning to end–neck assembly, shaping, fingerboard glue up, peghead profiling, inserting frets, truss rod adjustment, banjo pot construction and more. Return home with a beautiful, heirloom instrument you can enjoy for years to come. All levels welcome. $

Complete a beautiful set of–at least five–nesting Shaker oval boxes using traditional materials just like those used by the Shakers. Use hand and power tools to construct your boxes, then finish them with paints, stains or oils, and waxes. Optionally, students may construct a small open round box. Returning Shaker box students may craft larger pieces or trays. All levels welcome; no woodworking experience required. $

Explore the process of hand crafting an Appalachian rocking chair in small, manageable steps. Spend time refining pre-milled chair parts such as shaping the curved rear legs and slats, mortising for slats and rungs, shaping the arms and runners, assembly, and installing and balancing the runners. Finally, choose between hickory bark, Shaker tape, or Danish Cord to weave a beautiful seat for your new chair. Intermediate levels welcome.

Make a jack-o-lantern box with interchangeable faces designed to add a ghostly-glow to your Halloween decorations. Construct the box and adorn it with your own designs or choose from the designs provided. Learn to safely operate common hand and power tools. Return home with one or more uniquely crafted lantern boxes, ready to illuminate your next spooky celebration! All levels welcome.

WEEKEND + WEEK. This class continues through October 31. Build your very own 000 style parlor guitar with Sitka spruce top, Honduran mahogany body, and herringbone purfling. Learn all the skills to build a great sounding instrument. Class will cover complete construction, top tuning, scalloped bracing, neck shaping, installing and dressing frets, guitar set-up, and inlay. No woodworking experience is needed; all levels welcome. $

Design and build a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture that matches your personal aesthetic. Discuss particular characteristics of wood and have a quick sketch and design session. Receive demonstrations and lectures on tools needed to dimension and shape rough lumber. Focus on floating mortis and tenons joinery. Also, explore the endless possibilities of using routers to get unique edge treatments. Finishes explored include milk paint and woodburning. $

Coopering is the ancient art of making wooden vessels such as barrels, butter churns, buckets, canteens, pitchers, and piggins using only wood for staves and white oak bands with no nails or glue. Learn how to use the traditional tools and techniques the instructors’ family has used for six generations. Also, discuss how to select proper woods, such as cedar for staves and white oak for bands, to complete your vessel. All levels welcome.

Build your very own D-18 style, dreadnought guitar with Sitka spruce top and Honduran mahogany. Learn all skills needed to build a great sounding instrument. Class will cover complete construction–top tuning, scalloped bracing, neck shaping, installing and dressing frets, guitar set-up, and inlay. No previous woodworking experience required. All levels welcome. $

Do you have well-used or heirloom hand planes or chisels in need of restoration? Learn the skills to assess those classic tools and bring them back to life. Bring a tool or two from your collection and restore them to their former glory. Topics covered will include safely de-rusting, setting up, sharpening, and using these timeless tools. All levels welcome.

Build a classic, fan leg table while learning essential woodworking techniques. Cover lumber dimensioning, basic joinery, leg shaping, and precise table assembly. Gain hands-on experience with hand tools and machinery while exploring design principles that enhance both form and function. Take home a complete and beautifully crafted table, ready for finishing. Suitable for beginners and experienced woodworkers alike. $

Craft a custom electric guitar from scratch using highly figured wood and quality hardware. Learn to plan your build, cut, mill, shape, wire, and set up your instrument body and neck. You'll build it all! Create something truly unique while gaining a solid introduction to modern lutherie. This class is best suited for students who have some experience using woodworking machinery and power tools. $

Enjoy the complete process of inventing, planning, developing, and constructing jigs for the table saw, drill press, bandsaw, and router. Jigs are shop-made, work-holding tools that bring additional safety, accuracy, repeatability, and speed to the woodworking process. Return home with personalized jigs for your future projects, increased confidence, comfort, and problem-solving abilities in the woodshop, and inspiration to continue your craft well into the future. $