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Fee: $199.00
Instructor: Allie Robins (she/her)
Student Age: 14+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 6
Seats Available: 5
Dates: 1/27/2025 - 1/28/2025
Times: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Days: M Tu Sessions: 2
In this 2-session course, build your very own decorative rustic wooden ladder to display blankets, towels, or scarves, as we learn woodworking basics foundational to future projects. We will learn essential woodworking skills and techniques, gaining hands-on experience and confidence with a variety of power tools and hand tools.
Students will:
- Learn to design and plan a project, identifying preferred ladder dimensions
- Learn to select pieces of wood with desired characteristics, embracing natural character for this rustic project
- Learn to properly measure and mark workpieces
- Learn safety & techniques on the miter/chop saw, cutting our ladder rails to length and with angles
- Learn safety & techniques on the drill press to create mortises for ladder rungs
- Glue-up our project with clamps
- Learn proper sanding techniques and tips with both power sanders and hand sanding
- Learn finishing options (oils, stains, etc.) and techniques. A few options of low-VOC (low-fume) finishes will be available to be applied in-class, if desired and time-permitting. Students may apply other self-provided finishes (high-VOC/fume) at home.
Our ladders will be made in a rustic style with natural imperfections and variations, but can be refined depending on student preference.
Ladder is for decorative use only; do not use for climbing or allow children to play on/near ladder.
All tools and materials will be provided. We will provide safety glasses, ear muffs, and dust masks, but feel free to bring your own preferred protective equipment, if desired. Students should bring lunch/snacks/water or plan to buy from nearby food trucks/establishments on a short break.
Students should wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothes that can get dusty. Avoid long/loose jewelry/sleeves that could get caught in tools. For those with long hair/beards, bring a hair tie/clip.
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Fee: $485.00
Instructor: Allie Robins (she/her)
Student Age: 16+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 6
Seats Available: 3
Dates: 1/27/2025 - 1/31/2025
Times: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Days: Daily Sessions: 5
In this 5-session in-depth course, students will learn and practice fundamental woodworking skills by making a beautiful hardwood stool to bring home. Experiencing traditional techniques with hand tools, and taking advantage of the modern efficiencies of power tools, students will develop skills applicable to most future woodworking projects. Students may choose the height of their stool based on desired function (e.g., a stool, shelf riser, low end table, plant stand, laptop riser, etc.).
Students will:
- Build a solid wood stool using traditional joinery
- Learn to design and plan a project, identifying important steps and an order of operations
- Learn to select pieces of wood with desired characteristics
- Learn to properly measure and mark workpieces
- Learn one of the most common and useful wood joinery methods: the mortise and tenon joint
- Learn safety and technique on power tools: miter/chop saw, bandsaw, table saw, and drill press
- Learn safety and technique on hand tools: hand saw, chisel, and mallet
- Learn techniques for proper glue-ups with clamps
- Learn proper sanding techniques and tips
- Learn about wood finish options (oils, stains, etc.) and techniques. A few options of low-VOC (low-fume) finishes will be available to be applied in-class, if desired and time-permitting. Students may apply other self-provided finishes (high-VOC/fume) at home.
All tools and materials will be provided. However, if students want to practice with their own small tools from home, they are encouraged to bring them (especially a hand saw, chisels, mallet, drill, tape measure, square, mortise marking gauge, wheel depth/marking gauge). We will provide safety glasses, ear muffs, and dust masks, but feel free to bring your own preferred equipment, if desired. Students should bring dinner/snacks/water or plan to buy from nearby food trucks/establishments on a short break.
Students should wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothes that can get dusty. For those with long hair/beards, bring a hair tie/clip for safety with power tools.
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Class Full. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
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Fee: $50.00
Instructor: Ryan Johnson (he/him)
Student Age: 18+ (Ages 12+ with registered adult)
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 7
Seats Available: -3
Dates: 2/6/2025 - 2/6/2025
Times: 6:00 PM - 8:15 PM
Days: Th Sessions: 1
 Learn the fundamentals of sharpening knives and tools!
In this one-session workshop, join Woodworker and Survival Skills Instructor Ryan Johnson for a tutorial on sharpening your knives and tools by hand. We’ll discuss the principles of sharpening and get hands-on practice using free-hand techniques.
Please wear closed toe shoes and bring 2-3 knives or tools from your arsenal to practice on. If you don’t have any knives or don’t know what to bring, contact Ryan and he can bring extras for you. No prior knowledge is required to attend this class and all skill levels are welcome!
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Class Full. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
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Fee: $250.00
Instructor: Larry Miller (he/him)
Student Age: 13+
Location: Larry Miller's Shop
Max Class Size: 4
Seats Available: 0
Dates: 2/7/2025 - 2/8/2025
Times: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Days: F Sa Sessions: 2
Note that the course runs at different times on two consecutive days: Friday from 6-8:30pm and Saturday from 8:30am-4:30pm.
 In this 10 hour course spread over an evening and a full day, students will complete a spindle project (a wooden carving mallet, stirring spurtle, or garden dibble - student’s choice) and a small bowl, both of which they’ll take home after the class.
Friday evening will be devoted to safety, and lathe and tool orientation, followed by completion of the student’s choice of a spindle project. Saturday will be devoted to completing Friday’s project if needed, and completion of a small bowl, including finishing. For students interested in acquiring their own lathe or tools, the instructor will provide a catalog and go over different lathe options and tips on how to acquire equipment and tools at reduced cost.
Appropriate for all skill levels. All materials are included. A few days in advance of the class, the instructor will send an e-mail to all students containing a document on woodturning safety and techniques, directions to his shop, what to expect in the class, and what is appropriate attire for safety.
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Fee: $360.00
Instructor: Allie Robins (she/her)
Student Age: 14+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 6
Seats Available: 5
Dates: 2/11/2025 - 2/13/2025
Times: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Days: Tu W Th Sessions: 3
 Learn woodworking basics while making a beautifully unique curvy cutting/charcuterie board! We’ll each make our own board, learning skills and practicing techniques that will apply to future woodworking projects, with a beautiful piece of functional art to proudly take home at the end of the course.
Students will:
- Learn about wood species, hardwoods and softwoods, and selecting pieces of wood with desired characteristics
- Learn to design and plan a project’s steps, asking the right questions in advance
- Learn to properly measure and mark workpieces
- Learn safety & techniques on the bandsaw and jigsaw to cut curved strips that perfectly join together
- Learn techniques for proper glue-ups with clamps
- Learn to use the drill press and handheld drill to make an optional hole (e.g., for hanging or aesthetics)
- Learn to use the router table to create a smooth roundover along edges
- Learn proper sanding techniques and tips
- Learn specific techniques and tips for working with curved workpieces
- Learn about options for finishes on wood, and apply oil/wax to our boards
All tools and materials will be provided. We will provide safety glasses, ear muffs, and dust masks, but feel free to bring your own preferred protective equipment, if desired. Students should wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothes that can get dusty. For those with long hair/beards, bring a hair tie/clip for safety with power tools. All skill levels welcome.
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Class Full. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
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Fee: $49.00
Instructor: Allie Robins (she/her)
Student Age: 15+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 7
Seats Available: 0
Dates: 2/12/2025 - 2/12/2025
Times: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Days: W Sessions: 1
 Do you want to begin woodworking, but don't know where to start? This 3-hour beginner's course will give you an overview of the tools, materials, and knowledge needed to make a project with wood, covering the basics and providing resources for more in-depth skill-building. With a small class size, some of the course content will be tailored to the students' specific interests, such as your goal project(s), tools you already have or are considering, resources for building new skills, and other specific questions.
Topics covered:
- Tool overview: Which power tools, hand tools, and materials you may need (and don't need!) to get started
- Basic shop setup and considerations
- Quick overview of tool use (tailored to specific student interests)
- Planning a project: What to consider; limitations and risks
- Where and how to buy and select wood
- Basics of working with wood (hardness, movement, moisture, grain)
- Measuring and cutting basics
- Brief overview of joinery options (wood joints, fasteners, glues, dowels/biscuits, etc.) and how to choose
- Sanding basics
- Brief overview of finishing products and methods (stains, protective coats, etc.)
Appropriate for all skill levels. All necessary materials will be provided. Students are encouraged to bring a notebook/pen, and all your woodworking questions! You may also bring any small items or photos that you have questions about for projects you are considering. Please wear closed-toe shoes.
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Fee: $260.00
Instructor: Ryan Johnson (he/him)
Student Age: 18+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 12
Seats Available: 9
Dates: 2/13/2025 - 3/6/2025
Times: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Days: Th Sessions: 4
 In this 4-session introductory carving course, students will discover the world of green or “sloyd” woodworking while creating a collection of 4 handmade wooden projects: chopsticks, a notch stick, a small gnome figurine, and a spoon.
Throughout the course, students will learn about:
- general woodshop safety and safe use of sloyd carving tools (knives, gouges, hook knives, clamps, and saws)
- wood and trees as a creative medium (rings, grain orientation, and features)
- local types of wood and plant material that are suitable for carving
- sustainable harvesting and sourcing practices
- burnishing, oiling, and finishing hand-made wooden wares with food-safe, natural materials
The course will focus on demonstrations and safety while using core carving tools. For each project, students will follow along with the instructor each step of the way from start to finish. All tools and materials provided. Students should wear closed toe shoes and are welcome to bring their own carving tools if they have them. No prior knowledge is required and all skill levels are welcome to attend!
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Class Full. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
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Fee: $300.00
Instructor: Peter Yencken
Student Age: 18+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 4
Seats Available: -3
Dates: 2/21/2025 - 2/23/2025
Times: 6:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Days: Su F Sa Sessions: 3
Class Schedule: Friday (02/21) 6-10pm, Saturday + Sunday (02/22 + 02/23) 9am-5pm.
 In this 3-session course, students will make their own pack basket out of Ash, Black Walnut, Poplar, or Cherry weavers, fitted with leather straps and a plywood lid! Students can design their own pack basket by mixing different wood colours if they wish.
Often called trapper or foraging baskets, pack baskets are durable storage devices that can be carried wherever you go or used for storage. They make a great alternative to a plastic backpack and, unlike a normal backpack, they are easier to load and unload. With the lid on, they can be used as a table and are strong enough to be used as a seat. Pack baskets do not slump when carried and, if you are carrying fragile or perishable food, they protect it with the hard shell. They weigh about 5 lbs unloaded. They can be used for anything a regular plastic backpack can be used for: walking in the woods, overnight trips, carrying the laundry, or grocery shopping. If oiled occasionally they will last indefinitely. Students can choose the height of their basket and the only man made chemical is a small amount of glue in the plywood lid.
All materials and tools will be provided. If you would like to take notes, bring a notebook and pen. Please bring lunch (there are also many eateries nearby) and water bottle.
Please note that Make a Wooden Long Bow, Making Leather Shoes, Make a Wooden Pack Basket and Make a Leather Backpack run concurrently, and you may sign up for only one of these courses.
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Class Full. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
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Fee: $300.00
Instructor: Peter Yencken
Student Age: 18+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 6
Seats Available: -4
Dates: 2/22/2025 - 2/23/2025
Times: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Days: Su Sa Sessions: 2
Both sessions will run from 9am-5pm.
 Bows have been used in many ways, including for survival (both food gathering and protection), sports, recreation, and in spiritual practices like Zen meditation. This 2-session course is a continuation of these ancient practices. You will learn the skills to build a long bow: how to choose the wood, what are the tools needed and their uses, how to tiller (bend the wood) to your strength, how to finish the wood, and how to make a bow string using a traditional string making technique. During the final session, the bow will be ready to shoot, and you will be taught the “instinctive” shooting method. You will leave the class with a finished bow and enough understanding to be able to build a bow on your own. The course also includes a free arrow to take home!
This class is for beginners - no prior knowledge and experience are required. Mature youth, ages 14-17, may sign up if accompanied by a registered parent/guardian. Parents need to be sure their youth is able to do the work, and is prepared to stay for the duration. All materials and tools will be provided. If you would like to take notes, bring a notebook and pen. Please bring lunch (there are also many eateries nearby) and waterbottle.
Please note that the Make a Wooden Long Bow, Make a Leather Backpack, Make a Wooden Pack Basket, and Making Leather Shoes courses will run concurrently, and you may sign up for only one of these three courses.
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Fee: $50.00
Instructor: Rick Fogel
Student Age: 8+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 10
Seats Available: 7
Dates: 3/1/2025 - 3/2/2025
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Days: Su Sa Sessions: 2
 Originally made of animal bones like ribs, "the bones" are a percussive folk instrument with a long history all over the world, from ancient Greece to American zydeco. In this class you will make your own pair of bones and learn how to play them!
This is an easy and fun way to learn an instrument, as well as try your hand at woodworking. Students will learn how to hand-sand, decorate, polish, and finish your own oak, maple, pine, and walnut bones, and after the finishing oil has dried, learn how to move your wrist to achieve the perfect "click-it-y" sound.
Youth Scholarships are made possible by funding from the PARC Foundation. Apply here!
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Fee: $250.00
Instructor: Larry Miller (he/him)
Student Age: 13+
Location: Larry Miller's Shop
Max Class Size: 4
Seats Available: 1
Dates: 3/7/2025 - 3/8/2025
Times: 6:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Days: F Sa Sessions: 2
Note that the course runs at different times on two consecutive days: Friday from 6-8:30pm and Saturday from 8:30am-4:30pm.
In this 10 hour course spread over an evening and a full day, students will complete a spindle project (a wooden carving mallet, stirring spurtle, or garden dibble - student’s choice) and a small bowl, both of which they’ll take home after the class.
Friday evening will be devoted to safety, and lathe and tool orientation, followed by completion of the student’s choice of a spindle project. Saturday will be devoted to completing Friday’s project if needed, and completion of a small bowl, including finishing. For students interested in acquiring their own lathe or tools, the instructor will provide a catalog and go over different lathe options and tips on how to acquire equipment and tools at reduced cost.
Appropriate for all skill levels. All materials are included. A few days in advance of the class, the instructor will send an e-mail to all students containing a document on woodturning safety and techniques, directions to his shop, what to expect in the class, and what is appropriate attire for safety.
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Fee: $49.00
Instructor: Allie Robins (she/her)
Student Age: 15+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 7
Seats Available: 4
Dates: 4/9/2025 - 4/9/2025
Times: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Days: W Sessions: 1
Do you want to begin woodworking, but don't know where to start? This 3-hour beginner's course will give you an overview of the tools, materials, and knowledge needed to make a project with wood, covering the basics and providing resources for more in-depth skill-building. With a small class size, some of the course content will be tailored to the students' specific interests, such as your goal project(s), tools you already have or are considering, resources for building new skills, and other specific questions.
Topics covered:
- Tool overview: Which power tools, hand tools, and materials you may need (and don't need!) to get started
- Basic shop setup and considerations
- Quick overview of tool use (tailored to specific student interests)
- Planning a project: What to consider; limitations and risks
- Where and how to buy and select wood
- Basics of working with wood (hardness, movement, moisture, grain)
- Measuring and cutting basics
- Brief overview of joinery options (wood joints, fasteners, glues, dowels/biscuits, etc.) and how to choose
- Sanding basics
- Brief overview of finishing products and methods (stains, protective coats, etc.)
Appropriate for all skill levels. All necessary materials will be provided. Students are encouraged to bring a notebook/pen, and all your woodworking questions! You may also bring any small items or photos that you have questions about for projects you are considering. Please wear closed-toe shoes.
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