There’s lots to cover in this multi-skill course, where students will learn the basic aspects of traditional chair making by building a post-and-rung stool and get an introduction to natural dye processes. We’ll begin on the evening of the first day with a demonstration on splitting logs and a lesson in shaping pre-split stool parts using a shaving horse, drawknife, and spokeshave. The next morning, students will prepare their seat-weaving materials by mordanting and dyeing shaker tape (aka cotton webbing) with plant-based dyes provided by the instructor, and then spending the rest of the day carving stool parts with hand tools. On day three, students use mortise and tenon joinery to assemble their shaped parts into furniture and explore different weaving patterns with their dyed traditional shaker tape to weave a beautiful pattern for their seat. Students ages 12-15 may work with an adult to complete one project. The youth registrant will receive a 25% tuition discount when attending with a full-paying adult; call to register.The pair will pay one materials fee to make one project. Students ages 16+ may register independently.
Required Tools
- All students must bring close toed shoes
Optional Tools that Might be Helpful
- Favorite carving knife, drawknife, hand plane, or spokeshave.
- Carving/work gloves and/or an apron may be helpful.
