Woodworking
How often do we sit down at the dinner table, or glance at a picture frame, and remember that those items came from trees once rooted into the earth that feeds us, once cleaning the air and water that sustain us? Do we dare believe that we can construct our own artful pieces, using trees from our own bioregion?
If you would like to forego the foam packaging, gas guzzling delivery trucks, and often unethical harvesting practices associated with commercial wood products, consider replacing these instead with your own care and creativity as you learn building techniques from the best teacher around: the natural world.
Each workshop in the woodworking re-skilling series is designed to empower participants with a basic set of skills and to inspire new possibilities for what can be crafted at home.
Upcoming Workshops
Rustic Furniture Construction
US/Alaska
Offered: May 7 & 8 (second day optional) 2011, from 9am - 5pm
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.
This course is a way to interact with the natural world that is very different from a hike or camping trip—you will engage in a creative process in which the natural world will infuse your life with art and function. A rustic furniture piece that you have built yourself and is used on your front porch, in your office or bedroom, serves as a reminder of the joy we take in nature and our reliance upon it. 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.
No prior experience with tools or woodworking is necessary. Anyone old enough to hold a saw is welcome! Bring your son or daughter, your best friend, or come with just your own creativity.
This is a 1 to 2 day class. Saturday will begin with an inspirational slide show, and follow with a tool and material tutorial and then a chance to harvest and select raw and recycled wood for your project. The rest of the day will be spent immersed in the design and building process. By the end of they day, you will have a new skill set and a strong start to your hand-crafted piece of furniture.
For those who want continued instruction and coaching as they finish their hand-crafted peice, consider camping overnight and staying for Sunday's session to spend a less structured day working on your creation. Erin will share some intermediate joinery skills, and will be available to assist you as you develop your piece. You will also have access to more wood, hand and power tools as you shape your project into a final product.
Workshop Fees
$95 per person
$85 per person when you register with a friend
Add $45 if you would like to come back for further instruction and coaching as you complete your handcrafted peice of furniture.
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.
