• Timber Framing

    Adirondack Folk School 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, United States

    Spend five unforgettable days learning the art of traditional timber framing - while building a woodshed of small cabin alongside a group of like-minded learners. This is a hands-on, team-based experience where you'll learn the skills to take on your own timber frame project with confidence. Using the square rule method - a traditional method developed in the early 1800s - you'll be guided through each step of cutting, fitting, and assembling a timber frame structure, from mortise and tenon joinery to raising the finished frame. This is a group class, designed to create a collaborative learning environment while still giving you plenty of direct guidance from the instructor, Nick, a seasoned timber framer and builder. Expect demos, instructing, and lots of hands-on time with tools. This course focuses on traditional timber framing techniques using only hand tools and human power. Whether you're dreaming of a backyard shed, tiny cabin, or just want to understand how old-school builders worked with big timbers and simple tools - this course gives you a solid foundation. No previous timber framing experience is required. This course is beginner friendly, but also valuable for folks with some carpentry experience. A list of required tools will be sent out prior to the class.

  • Traditional Herbal Practice: Wildcrafting-Plants of Fall

    Adirondack Folk School 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, United States

    The senses are noticing yet another turn in the wheel of the year as we approach the Autumnal Equinox. The plant world is alive with the invitation to harvest what we can before the seasonal shift takes the plant energy down into the earth. We'll connect with nature and what she's offering us at this time of the year, while engaging in the traditional practice of wildcrafting plants before they are lost to frost. We will discuss what nature is mirroring to us during the season of fall, as we begin our own process of "being prepared". We will harvest and then take our bounty into the classroom for making preparations using traditional herbal practices. In this make and take experience, you can expect to go home with two herbal preparations based on what is alive, at peak, and available for harvest. While it's impossible to predict "who" will be available for us to work with, what I can share is that in past fall classes we've made: Plant Infused Honey, Herbal Exfoliation Scrubs, Herbal Infused Vinegars, Syrups. Please inform us ahead of time if you have any allergies.

  • Build a Wee Lassie Canoe

    The original Wee Lassie was a lapstrake-built open cedar canoe made in 1863 by J. Henry Rushton of Canton, NY. Rushton was one of the most famous canoe builders of his era. George Washington Sears, who wrote of his adventures under his pen name of Nessmuk as he recorded his paddling adventures throughout the Adirondacks, popularized these small, finely crafted canoes. Come spend 11 wonderful days with master instructor Larry Benjamin building your own Wee Lassie. You will be guided through every step of the building process. Leave with a beautiful, lightweight canoe that handles well in the water. Open to all level of student.

  • Viking Knife

    Adirondack Folk School 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, United States

    In this hands-on class, students will forge their own small Viking-style knife from mild steel. The Viking Knife, often referred to as a blacksmith knife, is a nod to the practical blades once crafted for everyday use. The knife features a one-piece, all metal construction with an integral handle, combining simplicity and durability. Students will learn essential knife-making skills including heat treating, grinding, and sharpening. This class is a solid introduction to the fundamentals of bladesmithing and is great for beginners eager to explore the art of knife making.

  • Chip Carved Peace Board

    Adirondack Folk School 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, United States

    It is good to remind ourselves of the importance of PEACE in our lives. In this session students will receive two basswood boards, each 4" wide, 12" long and 3/8" thick. Each board will have a floral corner design. One board will have the word PEACE on it, and the other will have SHALOM. Students will be able to erase and write "peace" in a language of their choosing, however. Several border designs will be available to frame the word. Chip carving knives will be provided.

  • Timber Framing

    Adirondack Folk School 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, United States

    Spend five unforgettable days learning the art of traditional timber framing - while building a woodshed of small cabin alongside a group of like-minded learners. This is a hands-on, team-based experience where you'll learn the skills to take on your own timber frame project with confidence. Using the square rule method - a traditional method developed in the early 1800s - you'll be guided through each step of cutting, fitting, and assembling a timber frame structure, from mortise and tenon joinery to raising the finished frame. This is a group class, designed to create a collaborative learning environment while still giving you plenty of direct guidance from the instructor, Nick, a seasoned timber framer and builder. Expect demos, instructing, and lots of hands-on time with tools. This course focuses on traditional timber framing techniques using only hand tools and human power. Whether you're dreaming of a backyard shed, tiny cabin, or just want to understand how old-school builders worked with big timbers and simple tools - this course gives you a solid foundation. No previous timber framing experience is required. This course is beginner friendly, but also valuable for folks with some carpentry experience. A list of required tools will be sent out prior to the class.

  • Wooden Chair Repair

    Adirondack Folk School 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, United States

    If you've got an old chair at your house that could use a little TLC this is the class for you. Students can bring their wooden chairs of almost any type and with some guidance, bring them back to new life. Chairs will be completely disassembled, cleaned of any old glue and reglued. Students should bring a wooden chair without upholstery that is loose or partially loose.

  • Chip Carved Peace Board

    Adirondack Folk School 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, United States

    It is good to remind ourselves of the importance of PEACE in our lives. In this session students will receive two basswood boards, each 4" wide, 12" long and 3/8" thick. Each board will have a floral corner design. One board will have the word PEACE on it, and the other will have SHALOM. Students will be able to erase and write "peace" in a language of their choosing, however. Several border designs will be available to frame the word. Chip carving knives will be provided.

  • Scroll Saw Baskets

    Adirondack Folk School 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, United States

    There is something intriguing about a wooden basket made using a scroll saw. These baskets make great gifts and conversation pieces. During the course of a day the student will progress from learning the basics in the operation of a scroll saw, saw safety, pattern transfer methods, basic cutting skills to the completion of at least two different style wooden baskets. This class is appropriate for beginning woodworkers with an interest in picking up a skill that can translate into a lifetime passion.

  • Timber Framing

    Adirondack Folk School 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, United States

    Spend five unforgettable days learning the art of traditional timber framing - while building a woodshed of small cabin alongside a group of like-minded learners. This is a hands-on, team-based experience where you'll learn the skills to take on your own timber frame project with confidence. Using the square rule method - a traditional method developed in the early 1800s - you'll be guided through each step of cutting, fitting, and assembling a timber frame structure, from mortise and tenon joinery to raising the finished frame. This is a group class, designed to create a collaborative learning environment while still giving you plenty of direct guidance from the instructor, Nick, a seasoned timber framer and builder. Expect demos, instructing, and lots of hands-on time with tools. This course focuses on traditional timber framing techniques using only hand tools and human power. Whether you're dreaming of a backyard shed, tiny cabin, or just want to understand how old-school builders worked with big timbers and simple tools - this course gives you a solid foundation. No previous timber framing experience is required. This course is beginner friendly, but also valuable for folks with some carpentry experience. A list of required tools will be sent out prior to the class.

  • Build a Wee Lassie Canoe

    The original Wee Lassie was a lapstrake-built open cedar canoe made in 1863 by J. Henry Rushton of Canton, NY. Rushton was one of the most famous canoe builders of his era. George Washington Sears, who wrote of his adventures under his pen name of Nessmuk as he recorded his paddling adventures throughout the Adirondacks, popularized these small, finely crafted canoes. Come spend 11 wonderful days with master instructor Larry Benjamin building your own Wee Lassie. You will be guided through every step of the building process. Leave with a beautiful, lightweight canoe that handles well in the water. Open to all level of student.

  • Rigid Heddle Weaving from the Start

    Adirondack Folk School 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, United States

    In this extended class you will learn to warp the rigid heddle loom. On the second day you will complete your scarf and the instructor will demonstrate several techniques that expand the design capacity on this basic loom. You will complete a 54" scarf with fringe. For this class you will use two skeins of knitting yarn. Sport or DK will give you a warp scarf. A fingering weight could work and will yield a softer, light weight scarf. You will need two skeins of yarn with a minimum of 220 yards on each. If you would like the instructor to provide materials, please let us know at the time of registration fand a materials fee will be added to y our registration.