Directory of Hands-On Learning
Collection of local and small-town workshops
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Featured School
Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture
Location: 630 Bedford Road Pocantico Hills, NY 10591
Description: Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture is a nonprofit organization on a mission to create a healthy and sustainable food system. We convene changemakers, train farmers, educate food citizens and develop agroecological farming practices.
Contact: https://www.stonebarnscenter.org/, info@stonebarnscenter.org, 914 366 6200
Category: cooking, farming, gardening,
Search Results for: carpentry
Ploughshare Institute for Sustainable Culture
Location: 608 Dry Creek Rd. · Waco, TX 76705
Description: Our goal is to transmit a vision for a cohesive, integrated agrarian way of life, but one that aims toward bringing forth complete individuals and whole families in a supportive and tangible context, a context respectful of the natural environment. We are dedicated to recapturing and perpetuating a sense of intentional community which includes rediscovering and perpetuating the knowledge and skills that can provide for essential human needs (both socially and spiritually as well as materially) on a sustainable basis.
Contact: http://www.SustainLife.Org, info@sustainlife.org, (254) 754-9600
Category: Gardening, Beekeeping, Poultry, Dairy Cows, Dairy Goats, Horse, Organic, Gardening, Orchards, Bread/Pizza, Cheese making, Soap making, Basket making, Fiber arts, carpentry, Blacksmithing, Pottery, Quilting
Wild Abundance
Location: P.O. Box 1991 Asheville, NC 28802
Description: Wild Abundance is here to empower people with skills for self-sufficiency and interdependence. We develop deeply meaningful and effective classes, programs, and demonstration sites to bring people closer to the each other and to the web of life. We believe that these skills are humanity's legacy; we strive to make them accessible to all people with a hunger to learn through sliding scales and scholarships.
Contact: http://wildabundance.net/, info.wildabundance@gmail.com, (828) 775-7052
Category: Permaculture, Gardening, Foraging, Carpentry, Homebuilding, Butchering,Tanning, Food preservation, Cooking
Nifty Homestead
Location: 900 1st Ave South, Suite 205A Seattle, WA 98134
Description: Nifty Homestead was founded to help aspiring and expert homesteaders learn and grow. We post resources on gardening, raising animals, natural building, sustainable energy, and tons of other topics related to homestead living.
Contact: https://www.niftyhomestead.com/, hello@niftyhomestead.com ,
Category: Milling , Carpentry, gardening, Urban Farming, Off the Grid, Plant ID, Aquaponics, Poultry, Beekeeping, Goats, Permaculture, Soapmaking, Quilting, Knit, Fiber arts, Weaving
Heartwood School for the Homebuilding Crafts
Location: Johnson Hill Road Washington, MA 01223
Description: We established Heartwood in 1978 to teach the skills and knowledge it takes to build an energy-efficient house. Since that time, we have expanded our programs to include all aspects of the homebuilding crafts, particularly timber framing.
Contact: http://www.heartwoodschool.com/, request@heartwoodschool.com, 413 623-6677
Category: homebuilding, carpentry, timber frame,
The Farm School
Location: 488 Moore Hill Road, Athol, MA, 01331
Description: A highly immersive and exclusive class to learn agricultural techniques for aspiring farmers, educators and community leaders
Contact: http://farmschool.org/learntofarm/, admissions@farmschool.org,
Category: forestry, animal husbandry, carpentry, homesteading, cooking, organic, sustainable agriculture
The Organic Farm School
Location: PO Box 837 Freeland, WA 98249
Description: An experiential training program designed for aspiring farms to learn and practice the skills they need to run a small-scale organic farm.
Contact: https://organicfarmschool.org/,
Category: Gardening, Pest Control, Carpentry, Animal husbandry, Beekeeping, soil management
Koviashuvik Local Living School
Location: 71 lake Drive, Temple, Maine
Description: Founded in 2008, Koviashuvik is a working homestead and school of simple living. We offer the Family Sustainability Stay, programs for schools, The Simple Life Internship, and weekend craft classes. Through these venues we teach skills that inspire a lifeway of connection, resilience, and gratitude. Woodwork, wild gathering, tool sharpening, homestead agriculture, food preservation, basketry, fire from friction, leatherwork, acorn processing, rocket stove construction, cooking over fire, humanure composting…. These skills, from all different traditions and times, empower us to choose a positive relationship with mother earth.
Contact: http://koviashuvik.com/, info@koviashuvik.com, 207-778-0318
Category: Carpentry,foraging, homesteading, sustainable agriculture, gardening, food preservation, basketry, basket making, camping, leather,homebuilding, cooking , composting
Vermont Tiny Homes
Location: Various Locations: VT
Description: Peter King is an experienced Vermont carpenter, an inspiring teacher, and a tiny house enthusiast. He has been building Tiny Houses in Vermont for years. He conducts weekend workshops in Northern Vermont. Join the new socioeconomic housing movement that reduces the world's carbon footprint by building small and living large.
Contact: http://www.vermonttinyhouses.com/, peterking@vermonttinyhouses.com, 802-933-6103
Category: homebuilding, gardening, carpentry, forestry, farming, permaculture, milling,electric, plumbing,plant ID
Hancock Shaker Village
Location: 34 Lebanon Mountain Rd., Hancock, MA 01237
Description: Go back in time, forward in thought. Living history museum in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts.
Contact: hancockshakervillage.org, skraft@hancockshakervillage.org, 413-443-0188
Category: fiber arts, spinning, weaving, carpentry,
Yestermorrow
Location: 7865 Main Street, Waitsfield, VT 05673
Description: In hands-on classes that explore and engage, we teach the arts of design and building as an integrated process, and provide instruction in fundamental skills. We offer nearly 100 classes in sustainable building and design, construction, natural building, architectural craft, woodworking, working landscapes and ecosystems, energy efficiency, and building science.
Contact: https://yestermorrow.org/, info@yestermorrow.org, 888.496.5541
Category: homebuilding, carpentry, timber framing, permaculture, off the grid, leather, cabinetry, electric, plumbing, basket making,forestry, milling, sustainable agriculture, metal work,composting,
Artist's Asylum
Location: 10 Tyler Street, Somerville, MA, 02143
Description: Artisan’s Asylum is a non-profit community workshop in Somerville, Massachusetts. Our mission is to support and promote the teaching, learning and practice of fabrication.
Contact: https://artisansasylum.com/, general-info@artisansasylum.com, (617) 284-6878
Category: carpentry, fiber arts, crochet, jewelry,metal work, welding,
Soule Homestead
Location: 46 Soule Street Middleborough, Massachusetts 02346
Description: The mission of the Soule Homestead Education Center is to support and maintain a community-based nonprofit education center for the benefit of area schools and the general public while preserving and enhancing the historic Soule Homestead. Hands on learning opportunities include environmental programs, organic farming activities, traditional crafts, and cultural events.
Contact: http://www.soulehomestead.com/, educator@soulehomestead.org, 508-947-6744
Category: ecology, organic farming, gardening skills, fiber arts, spinning, weaving, quilting, food preservation, carpentry, basketry, sustainable agriculture
North Bennet St. School
Location: 150 North Street, Boston, MA 02109
Description: North Bennet Street School's mission is to train students for careers in traditional trades that use hand skills in concert with evolving technology, to preserve and advance craft traditions, and to promote greater appreciation of craftsmanship.
Contact: http://www.nbss.edu/continuing-education/, info@nbss.edu , 617-227-0155
Category: carpentry, jewelry, cabinetry
Center for Furniture Craftsmanship
Location: 25 Mill Street Rockport, Maine 04856
Description: Our woodworking school offers courses in furniture making and related skills such as carving, turning, marquetry and finishing.
Contact: http://www.woodschool.org/, cfc@woodschool.org, 207-594-5611
Category: carpentry, cabinetry,
Eliot School of Fine & Applied Arts
Location: 24 Eliot Street Jamaica Plain MA 02130
Description: The Eliot School inspires lifelong learning in craftsmanship and creativity for all. We offer classes and workshops in woodworking, sewing and fiber arts, painting, drawing, photography and other crafts.
Contact: https://eliotschool.org/, info@eliotschool.org, 617.524.3313
Category: carpentry, cabinetry, knitting, crochet, fiber arts, quilting, weaving, basket making,
Black Warrior Wood Turning School
Location: 4509 Woodland Hills Drive Tuscaloosa, AL 35405
Description: Classes for turning scheduled each month by appointment only providing a basic repertoire for all turning skill levels.
Contact: https://www.clabaugh.org/, 205-553-6977
Category: Carpentry
Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery
Location: 1012 NW Grand Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85012
Description: The Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery was founded in 1975, and is the longest running guitar making school in North America. Students have traveled from every continent except Antarctica to attend. Over 2000 graduates of the school have branched into employment and entrepreneurial startups in guitar making, guitar repair, road tech work, and many other lutherie related occupations.
Contact: http://www.roberto-venn.com/, info@roberto-venn.com, 602-243-1179
Category: Carpentry
Southwest Center for Craftsmanship School of Fine Woodworking
Location: 4011 South 16th Street Phoenix, AZ 85040
Description: The Southwest School of Woodworking is a for-profit educational organization based in Phoenix, Arizona. Our mission is to promote the craft of woodworking and to instill the concept of craftsmanship in all of our students.
Contact: http://www.southwestschoolofwoodworking.org/, info@swcfc.org, 480-734-0274
Category: Carpentry
American School of French Marquetry
Location: 3815 Utah Street San Diego, CA 92104
Description: Learn from W. Patrick Edwards, a professional woodworker with over 45 years experience. In 2000, he founded the American School of French Marquetry to share what he learned in Paris at the Ecole Boulle in Paris with my fellow American woodworkers
Contact: http://www.wpatrickedwards.com/, wpatrickedwards@gmail.com, 619-298-0864
Category: Carpentry, Cabinetry
American School of Lutherie
Location: 449 Allan Court Healdsburg, CA 95448
Description: Husband and wife Charles Fox and Denise Richards are business and creative partners in both ASL and Charles Fox Guitars. In 2001, having closed a busy guitar production workshop and a much larger version of the American School of Lutherie, Charles and Denise moved from Healdsburg, CA to Portland, OR, downsizing their demanding life and workload. Today Charles builds guitars independently and teaches small classes in his Portland workshop, imagining that he's retired, at least twelve hours a day.
Contact: http://www.americanschooloflutherie.com/, info@americanschooloflutherie.com, 707-431-9530
Category: Carpentry
College of the Redwoods
Location: 440 Alger Street Fort Bragg, CA 95437
Description: A nine-month program in fine cabinet and furniture making with Laura Mays, Jim Budlong, Greg Smith, Ejler Hjorth-Westh and Todd Sorenson. In addition, workshops lasting a few days or weeks are offered in the summer. All courses are designed for the aspiring cabinetmaker who hopes to combine sensitivity with personal expression, patiently striving toward a goal best described as fine craftsmanship.
Contact: http://www.crfinefurniture.com/, fwwmail@mcn.org, 707-964-7056
Category: Carpentry, Cabinetry
Community Woodshop
Location: 3617 San Fernando Rd Glendale, CA 91204
Description: Community Woodshop is a shared woodshop offering Memberships and Classes like a fitness club. As a member it is expected of you to be able to work safetly and independently. If you need some help consider one of the many private lessons they offer.
Contact: http://www.communitywoodshopla.com/, info@communitywoodshopla.com, 626-755-4202
Category: Carpentry, Cabinetry
Cerritos College
Location: 111150 E. Alondra Blvd Norwalk, CA 90650
Description: The goal of Cerritos College Department of Woodworking Manufacturing Technologies is to provide students with a high quality woodworking education program that leads to job opportunities in the wood industry. Strong vocational programs are offered in cabinetmaking, CNC woodworking, and furniture making. Certificates and degrees are available in Cabinetmaking, Furniture Making, and Comprehensive Woodworking. A CNC certificate is also available.
Contact: http://www.cerritos.edu/wood, cstammerjohn@cerritos.edu, 562-860-2451
Category: Carpentry, Cabinetry
"Daiku Dojo (Japanese hand tools and joinery Laney College Wood Technology Department)"
Location: 900 Fallon Street Oakland, CA 94607
Description: Daiku Dojo is a community organization designed to help provide the education and skills necessary for the use of hand tools in woodworking. The organization also encourages personal involvement with community projects. By joining together we can work on interesting projects that most of us would not have the opportunity or resources to attempt alone, and at the same time, benefit local groups and organizations.
Contact: http://www.daikudojo.org/, info@daikudojo.org, (510) 635-7182
Category: Carpentry, Home building
Adirondack Folk School
Location: P. O. Box 2 51 Main Street Lake Luzerne, NY 12846
Description: Adirondack Folk School (AFS) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, unique for its dedication to teaching the arts, crafts, and cultural heritage of the Adirondack region. Made up of local artisans, crafts people, and volunteers, we offer non-competitive education focusing on the student.
Contact: http://www.adirondackfolkschool.org/, info@adirondackfolkschool.org, 518-696-2400
Category: blacksmithing, basket making, gardening, carpentry, pottery, cooking, kids, fiber crafts, leather, jewelry, timber framing, soap making, essential oils, food preservation, cheese making, trades, masonry,
Brookfield Craft Center
Location: 286 Whisconier Road (Route 25) Brookfield, CT 06804-0122
Description: Brookfield Craft Center is recognized as one of the finest professional schools for creative study in America, dedicated to teaching traditional and contemporary craft skills, and fostering the appreciation of fine craftsmanship. Students can explore blacksmithing, bladesmithing, ceramics, fused glass, flameworking, jewelrymaking, woodturning, weaving and fiber arts. Other areas of special interest include business, marketing and photography for artists; decorative arts; drawing and painting.
Contact: http://store.brookfieldcraftcenter.org, info@brookfieldcraft.org, 203-775-4526
Category: pottery, fiber arts, glass work, jewelry, carpentry, blacksmithing,
Mystic Seaport
Location: 75 Greenmanville Avenue PO Box 6000 Mystic, CT 06355
Description: Many people know Mystic Seaport as one of Connecticut’s most popular tourist destinations, full of one-of-a-kind sights, activities, and attractions. But not as many know that Mystic Seaport also offers just as many unique educational opportunities, for everyone from children and teenagers to grad students and grandmothers. Get a degree. Take a field trip. Build a boat. Learn to sail. The IQ-enhancing choices are endless. Best of all, they’re fun.
Contact: https://www.mysticseaport.org/learn/, info@mysticseaport.org, 860.572.0711
Category: blacksmithing, cooking, carpentry, Modern Celestial Navigation
South County Museum
Location: 115 Strathmore St, Narragansett, RI 02882
Description: Come to the South County Museum, where Rhode Island’s coastal legacy has been celebrated since 1933. Here you can explore a rich heritage of rural and coastal life. Our beautiful seven-acre campus is in a 174-acre town park that was the 19th-century estate of Rhode Island’s Civil War-era governor and postwar senator, William Sprague. Explore history in the one-room schoolhouse, carriage barn and carpentry shop. Watch artisans at work in the blacksmith shop and print shop. Wander through the Canonchet Estate stable ruins, visit the Rhode Island Red heritage flock and our other farm animals. Our grounds feature heirloom flower and herb gardens, and they are bounded by woods, meadows, and salt marshes accessible on marked walking trails.
Contact: http://southcountymuseum.org/adult-programs/, info@southcountymuseum.org,
Category: blacksmithing
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