5 Days
Tuition: $1,275
Ages: 18 & Up
Instructor: Zack Fealk & Peter Densmore
Instructional Delivery Method(s): In person
Prerequisites: none
Program Level: Beginner
Program Description:
"Do not make something unless it is both necessary and useful; but if it is both necessary and useful, do not hesitate to make it beautiful." Spend 5 days exploring the timeless craftsmanship of the Shakers through four classic projects.
We'll begin with a set of 3 nesting oval boxes, and as the days proceed we'll vary our time between turkey wing hand brooms, a two-step dovetailed Cherry step stool, and a painted peg rail on which to hang your work.
Most Shaker furniture was originally painted in uplifting reds, yellows, oranges, blues, and greens, and we'll have a wide variety of Milk Paint colors available for use alongside oil and film finishes.
Though we will use some electricity, this is primarily a hand tool class.
Learning Objectives:
Shaker Oval Boxes — Prepare and bend thin hardwood bands using heat and moisture; fit and tack overlapping swallowtail joints; shape and fit solid-wood lids and bottoms; and understand the principles of wood movement.
Turkey Wing Hand Broom — Work with natural broomcorn to sort, bundle, tie, and shape a functional hand broom; learn traditional broom-making knots and binding techniques; and develop an understanding of how tension and material arrangement create a durable tool.
Dovetailed Cherry Step Stool — Lay out, saw, and pare dovetail joints by hand; accurately fit solid-wood components; shape curved details; refine surfaces with hand tools; and assemble a small piece of furniture with attention to strength, proportion, and craftsmanship.
Shaker Peg Rail — Lay out and construct a traditional peg rail; drill accurately for turned pegs and utilize keyhole router jig for mounting.
Finishing — Prepare wood surfaces for finishing; applying oil or film finishes; optionally using Milk Paint to introduce the color palette historically associated with Shaker furniture.
Attendance Requirements: Students must attend all days
Location: Sam Beauford Woodshop, 1375 N. Main St, Building 41, Adrian, Michigan 49221
Class Size: Maximum 8 students
Refund, Cancellation, and Complaint Resolution Policies
If you have any questions about this class, please contact the Administrative Office at (517) 759-3070 or email admissions@sbwi.edu.
AIA Advance Learner Preparation: None
AIA Approved Learning Units & Type: 56 Elective
AIA CES Program Approval Expiration Date: 02/26/2028
Official AIA CES Provider Statement: Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number 10009739. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES (cessupport@aia.org or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3). This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.