The new edition of the Iberian Summer School on Traditional Architecture will take place in Lisbon from July 5 - 19, 2026. The programme will focus on the study of local traditional urbanism, architecture, and construction details. Each day, the core activity will consist of hand drawing and measuring buildings, forming the basis of the […]
This course combines the core of our previous timber framing, homebuilding, and apprenticeship curriculums into one package for those seeking a career in timber framing or a deeper understanding of the skills needed to build their own timber frame. It's ideal for those who seek more opportunities for development than are provided in our one-week […]
The decision to repoint a masonry structure is most often related to some obvious signs of deterioration, such as disintegrating mortar, cracks in mortar joints, loose bricks or stones, or damp walls. On the surface, restoration projects may appear straightforward and intuitive, but there’s no substitute for skill and experience. Good repointing practices guarantee the […]
In this full day workshop, participants will gain skills needed to identify woods no matter what the sample size, be it a board, a log, or a small sample. The class will focus on common hardwoods and softwoods of North America. Skills learned can be applied to identification of non-native species as well. Participants will […]
The key to using hand tools correctly is a sharp edge - learn how the masters make it look so easy. Join expert woodworker and machinist Bob Goppold for a one day workshop on sharpening hand planes and chisels. Learn the physical properties of tools, how to know when a blade needs sharpening, and several […]
A basic introduction to carpentry and power tools. This two-day course is an introduction to the vast world of carpentry. You'll learn key vocabulary, become comfortable using basic hand tools, and gain confidence and fundamental knowledge to pursue future carpentry projects by completing a small project. Read Syllabus Class Schedule: April 18-19, Saturday - Sunday, […]
Join North Bennet Street School’s Teen Craft & Trade Intensives during the February and April 2026 school breaks! Designed for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors (ages 15-18), these week-long programs offer an exciting introduction to hands-on trades and crafts in a supportive, small-class setting. Instructor: Kolin Schmidt CF ’21 Teaching Assistant: TBD Class Description: In this week-long […]
The decision to repoint a masonry structure is most often related to some obvious signs of deterioration, such as disintegrating mortar, cracks in mortar joints, loose bricks or stones, or damp walls. On the surface, restoration projects may appear straightforward and intuitive, but there’s no substitute for skill and experience. Good repointing practices guarantee the […]
In this timber framing course, we will layout timbers using the traditional square rule method developed in the early 1800s. Participants will learn proper hand tool use and sharpening techniques […]
This course will give students a foundational education in timber framing while they work as a group to build and complete a timber frame pavilion. Students will gain an understanding of the materials, tools and safety standards used in the timber framing industry. Students will receive hands-on experience laying out, cutting, and assembling traditional joinery. […]
Construct and raise a small timber frame structure using mortise and tenon joinery. In this hands-on course students will learn layout techniques, tool use, and joinery cutting methods as we work on a small timber frame project, culminating in a raising on the final day. This course will focus on traditional hand tools and joinery […]
Step into the world of round log timber framing, where the beauty of natural wood meets the precision of traditional joinery. Unlike conventional timber framing, this unique craft replaces square-sawn timbers with carefully de-barked logs, preserving their organic shape while integrating the structural integrity of timber frame joinery. The result is a striking hybrid of […]
Essential framing and power tool skills for structures. Learn the essential tools, terms, and techniques of carpentry while building a small structure such as a shed or playhouse. In this supportive, hands-on course, you’ll safely use a range of hand and power tools and explore the basics of house framing, layout, and the “anatomy” of […]
Gain hands-on experience felling and milling a tree for lumber. For those considering harvesting logs for lumber on a small scale, building with materials from their own woodlot, or purchasing a sawmill, this course will provide an overview of methods and options for small scale sustainable harvesting and wood production. The bulk of the course […]
A two-day introduction to square rule timber framing Perfect for students with a budding interest in timber framing, this course will cover the basics through a hands-on building project. We'll introduce basic layout concepts and terminology, and every student will experience cutting joinery. Each student will make their own mailbox post to take home. Read […]
Overview: Cruck frames use large curved timbers to transfer the weight of the roof directly down to the foot of the posts. Besides being structurally efficient and allowing the wall frames to be lighter, their soaring arches create a beautiful interior space. Usually, each pair of cruck blades is halved from the same tree. Since […]
We will learn a variety of joints, their strengths and weaknesses, and how to implement them into furniture making and design. This class will explore the art and technique of wood joinery, while focusing on hand tool techniques. At the end of class, students will leave with a small decorative box showcasing their new joinery […]
Love working with your hands? Want a career with purpose? The Preserve Montana Trades Corps is calling. Train in traditional building trades, restore historic places, and gain real-world experience alongside expert mentors. Build your hands-on preservation trades skills with the Preserve Montana Trades Corps, a pre-apprenticeship training program grounded in context-based learning. The nine-week training […]
In this timber framing course, we will layout timbers using the traditional square rule method developed in the early 1800s. Participants will learn proper hand tool use and sharpening techniques […]
Essential framing and power tool skills for structures. Learn the essential tools, terms, and techniques of carpentry while building a small structure such as a shed or playhouse. In this supportive, hands-on course, you’ll safely use a range of hand and power tools and explore the basics of house framing, layout, and the “anatomy” of […]
The decision to repoint a masonry structure is most often related to some obvious signs of deterioration, such as disintegrating mortar, cracks in mortar joints, loose bricks or stones, or damp walls. On the surface, restoration projects may appear straightforward and intuitive, but there’s no substitute for skill and experience. Good repointing practices guarantee the […]
Design and craft your own stained glass panel. This class will introduce students to basic tools and techniques for layout, cutting, shaping, and connecting stained glass using the copper foil method by building a panel of your own design. Read Syllabus Class Schedule: June 27-28, Saturday-Sunday, 9am-5pm Credits: 1 Sterling College CEUs Click […]
This course combines the core of our previous timber framing, homebuilding, and apprenticeship curriculums into one package for those seeking a career in timber framing or a deeper understanding of the skills needed to build their own timber frame. It's ideal for those who seek more opportunities for development than are provided in our one-week […]
In this four-month carpenter training, you’ll learn essential carpentry and building skills through immersive mentorship—including framing and finishing a tiny house and working on your own small design-and-build carpentry project. Spring Session: March 10 – July 1, 2026 (tiny house intensive dates: March 24 – April 1, 2026) Fall Session: July 21 – November […]
Step back in time and learn the art of window and door construction in this immersive 5-day course. This class will guide students through the transformation of Eastern White Pine […]
Construct and raise a small timber frame structure using mortise and tenon joinery. In this hands-on course students will learn layout techniques, tool use, and joinery cutting methods as we work on a small timber frame project, culminating in a raising on the final day. This course will focus on traditional hand tools and joinery […]
The decision to repoint a masonry structure is most often related to some obvious signs of deterioration, such as disintegrating mortar, cracks in mortar joints, loose bricks or stones, or damp walls. On the surface, restoration projects may appear straightforward and intuitive, but there’s no substitute for skill and experience. Good repointing practices guarantee the […]
A basic introduction to carpentry and power tools. This two-day course is an introduction to the vast world of carpentry. You'll learn key vocabulary, become comfortable using basic hand tools, and gain confidence and fundamental knowledge to pursue future carpentry projects by completing a small project. Read Syllabus Class Schedule: August 1-2, Saturday-Sunday, 9am-5pm […]
In this timber framing course, we will layout timbers using the traditional square rule method developed in the early 1800s. Participants will learn proper hand tool use and sharpening techniques […]
OVERVIEW: Scribing is an art as much as a craft, requiring a good eye and a steady hand. It involves laying out and transferring joinery intersections from one timber to another using plumb bobs, levels, and marking devices instead of tape measures and math. This traditional method is useful for incorporating out-of-square, naturally curved, or […]