Offered: September 18-19
Location: Commonweal Garden
Instructor: Erin Campbell

Carpentry isn't only about right angles and lumber that comes from a mill. Engage your creativity as we learn building techniques from an esteemed teacher: nature.  First, we will gather design ideas by exploring nature's patterns and learning about the history of rustic furniture. Then we'll dive into a dynamic design/build process in which we'll harvest on-site materials, such as willow and plum tree whips, pine cones, branches, stumps, as well as some driftwood and salvaged dimensional lumber. What does your home need, or what might you want to gift to a friend? Hat tree, coffee table, spice rack, garden bench…the possiblities are endless.

Course Instructor: Erin Campbell

After studying literature and religion at the University of Virginia, Erin made a predictable, natural move into the field of construction. She spent two years in West Virginia leading service retreats and teaching youth to build as they repaired homes and built relationships with under-resourced families. Since then she has worked in Vermont, Virginia, Mexico and Costa Rica, exploring alternative building techniques such as wattle and daub, strawbale and timberframing. She is now the site manager at Commonweal Garden, and is excited to be learning about west coast trees and lumber.

Read more about woodworking in RDI's Re-Skilling Series!

Workshop Fees

$170 early bird registration before August 20
$180 registration before  September 10
Register here