Woodworking

Come build a Paraguayan harp. This harp is characterized by a large soundbox with a rounded base, very light weight, closely-spaced light tension strings (usually nylon), a relatively flat harmonic curve, and with the strings running up through the center of the neck, which are tuned with gear-style tuners (like a guitar). Almost all harps of this style are played with the fingernails, in very rhythmically intricate music. This is the national instrument of Paraguay, and is commonly found throughout South America, Central America and in parts of Mexico. Students will be using tools from the past and today, to fashion an instrument that will last a lifetime. After this class you may even want to learn to play your beautiful new harp!

Come build a Paraguayan harp. This harp is characterized by a large soundbox with a rounded base, very light weight, closely-spaced light tension strings (usually nylon), a relatively flat harmonic curve, and with the strings running up through the center of the neck, which are tuned with gear-style tuners (like a guitar). Almost all harps of this style are played with the fingernails, in very rhythmically intricate music. This is the national instrument of Paraguay, and is commonly found throughout South America, Central America and in parts of Mexico. Students will be using tools from the past and today, to fashion an instrument that will last a lifetime. After this class you may even want to learn to play your beautiful new harp!

Anyone can learn to make a rustic birdhouse in just a few hours. A birdhouse is a simple structure with seven basic parts: two sides, a front and back, a bottom, and two pieces for the top. Power tools are not necessary to cut the wood; it can be done with a handsaw. Using rough-cut lumber, you will construct a rustic birdhouse that can be functional and/or decorative. Choose from several birdhouse designs. There will be a short discussion about nesting birds, feeding birds and suitable houses for area birds. Participants are encouraged to bring objects (such as old drawer pulls, doorknobs, hardware, etc.) from home. Adults and teens welcome; children ages 10-14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Learn how to make your very own personal hiking stick. Begin by selecting the perfect stick collected by the instructor. Then you will learn how to shave and carve your hiking stick. Once you are happy with your creation, the sticks will be completed by drilling a hole in them and adding a lanyard. Once finished, put your stick to good use on the trail running right by our school!

Come join us in the making of your very own handmade Backpacker guitar. Drawing from over 35 years of instrument making, Martin Macica will share his knowledge of the principles and practice of guitar making, leading participants through the process of making their own versatile backpacker guitar.  Participants will leave the class with a working knowledge of guitar making and a handcrafted instrument ready for years of making music while traveling and adventuring.

Come join us in the making of your very own handmade Backpacker guitar. Drawing from over 35 years of instrument making, Martin Macica will share his knowledge of the principles and practice of guitar making, leading participants through the process of making their own versatile backpacker guitar.  Participants will leave the class with a working knowledge of guitar making and a handcrafted instrument ready for years of making music while traveling and adventuring.

Come join us in the making of your very own handmade Backpacker guitar. Drawing from over 35 years of instrument making, Martin Macica will share his knowledge of the principles and practice of guitar making, leading participants through the process of making their own versatile backpacker guitar.  Participants will leave the class with a working knowledge of guitar making and a handcrafted instrument ready for years of making music while traveling and adventuring.

Come join us in the making of your very own handmade Backpacker guitar. Drawing from over 35 years of instrument making, Martin Macica will share his knowledge of the principles and practice of guitar making, leading participants through the process of making their own versatile backpacker guitar.  Participants will leave the class with a working knowledge of guitar making and a handcrafted instrument ready for years of making music while traveling and adventuring.

Come join us in the making of your very own handmade Backpacker guitar. Drawing from over 35 years of instrument making, Martin Macica will share his knowledge of the principles and practice of guitar making, leading participants through the process of making their own versatile backpacker guitar.  Participants will leave the class with a working knowledge of guitar making and a handcrafted instrument ready for years of making music while traveling and adventuring.

Take your next hike or walk around the corner with a unique hand-crafted walking stick. Frank will guide you through the process of taking a piece of ironwood and transforming it into a walking stick that will last a lifetime. The inlaid compass will help ensure you don't lose your way on the trail! Makes a wonderful gift for the hikers in your life!

Open a new chapter in your wood working journey by making your own hand tool. Students will be able to make a block plane, shoulder plane or molding plane. Shape the wood body, harden and temper steel for the blade and make your first shavings all in one day!

In this advanced class, experienced students will have the opportunity to work on Large Shaker Oval Boxes. Construction steps and hardware application will be demonstrated, and all participants will put their hands-to-work on their own projects. Students will become familiar with construction techniques as they complete their projects. These projects have a firm place in Shaker history as they were a very popular offering to "The World's People" by Shaker craftsmen. With Shaker inspired elegance these are sure to become instant heirlooms!