In this class, students will create a 6-7" European-style chef knife. Starting with a section of flat 1080 steel bar, the class will cover forging, grinding, heat treatment, handle fitment and finishing techniques. Students will leave with a finished, hidden tang blade ready to take home and prep a meal. There will be opportunities for additional forging as time allows. Beginner blacksmithing experience is strongly recommended but not required.

Course fee: $500

Materials fee: $50

Class size limited to 6

Zach is a welder by trade with experience in a wide range of industries. Based in rural NY, he is an ABS bladesmith who creates custom, heirloom-quality, hand forged kitchen cutlery and edged tools. He strives to blend traditional and modern techniques and materials to create quality tools to be used for decades in the kitchen. After teaching welding for Monroe Community College and at the Arc + Flame Center for seven years, Zach now runs his own company where, in addition to blades, he manufactures tooling and machines for blacksmiths and metalworkers. He is passionate about collaborating with other local artisans, makers, and tradespeople. In his classes, Zach seeks to inspire students by sharing the functional artistry of modern bladesmithing. https://tarbellindustries.com/

Wood hand planes are a joy to use, and once you know the steps to make them, you will be able to make planes in any shape and size, including curved bottom planes. In this weekend workshop students will construct a classic smoothing plane with a 1¾" iron, and it may become your new favorite hand tool. Tim was a student of Jim Krenov in the 1980s and learned directly from him how to create “the cabinetmaker’s Stradivarius”, as Krenov referred to the handmade plane.

Class fee: $350

Materials fee: $100

Class size limited to 10

Tim Coleman creates custom furniture in a shop he built a few paces from his home in rural Western Massachusetts. He has been creating furniture for clients and exhibition for more than 35 years after studying at the College of the Redwoods with James Krenov in the 1980s. Tim is known for his graceful and dynamic furniture forms which often feature richly patterned and textured surfaces. Using low-relief carving, marquetry, embossing, and thick veneer tiles, he has developed simple but innovative techniques that put a new spin on traditional embellishment. As passionate as Coleman is about his own work, he is equally excited to pass on his knowledge as a frequent contributor to Fine Woodworking Magazine and by teaching at schools throughout the US.

This stool is featured in issue 322 of Fine Woodworking magazine.

In this 5-day workshop, students will learn to build a contemporary counter stool that combines precise machine work for the legs and stretchers with a hand-shaped seat and footrest. Featured in issue 322 of Fine Woodworking magazine, this shapely stool is a great project to learn mortise and tenon joints, both through tenons and floating tenons to connect the legs to the solid wood seat. Students will have lots of practice with the band saw to cut the legs, seat and footrest, and will also gain experience with a hollow chisel and slot mortiser. The seat is shaped with a compass plane, and students will use carving gouges and round bottom planes to shape the cove under the seat. Tim will provide a detailed, measured drawing for each student and jigs to aid in the making.

Class fee: $900

Materials fee: $75

Class size limited to 10

Tim Coleman creates custom furniture in a shop he built a few paces from his home in rural Western Massachusetts. He has been creating furniture for clients and exhibition for more than 35 years after studying at the College of the Redwoods with James Krenov in the 1980s. Tim is known for his graceful and dynamic furniture forms which often feature richly patterned and textured surfaces. Using low-relief carving, marquetry, embossing, and thick veneer tiles, he has developed simple but innovative techniques that put a new spin on traditional embellishment. As passionate as Coleman is about his own work, he is equally excited to pass on his knowledge as a frequent contributor to Fine Woodworking Magazine and by teaching at schools throughout the US.

Marquetry is the delicate art of creating intricate images, decorative elements, and lettering by cutting and fitting together different wood species. Originating during the Italian Renaissance, marquetry has adorned furniture, church pews, and grand panels in homes and palaces for centuries. Over time, its techniques and styles evolved as the craft spread worldwide.

In this two-day introductory class, Frank will guide you through his favorite marquetry techniques, including packet cutting and double-bevel sawing, revealing that anyone can bring this timeless art to life. You’ll learn how to select and prepare veneers, use essential tools, and practice foundational skills. Starting with simple designs, you’ll then explore reproducing historical paterae—classic motifs found on 18th and 19th-century furniture. Along the way, you’ll master sawing methods and ancient techniques like sand shading to achieve depth and a three-dimensional effect.

The course culminates in double-bevel cutting, where you’ll practice precision techniques for creating flawless lettering with no visible gaps. Join us for a journey into the rich tradition of marquetry and discover how to bring beautiful, wood-crafted artistry into your work.

Class fee: $385

Materials fee: $50

Class size limited to 10

Frank Strazza is a master traditional fine furniture maker with over 30 years of experience, based in Central Texas. His woodworking journey began at the tender age of 11. After graduating, Frank served many years as an apprentice honing his craft under the tutelage of renowned artisan Paul Sellers. Frank's work has been showcased in local and national publications and is part of the White House's permanent collection. His masterpieces have garnered multiple top awards in nationally recognized furniture shows, including Best of Show and People's Choice. He has been building furniture for over 25 years and his work has been featured in both local and national publications, including Woodworker West, Woodwork Magazine, and Fine Woodworking. A passionate educator, Frank travels across the country imparting the timeless skills of hand tool woodworking to eager students. His diverse interests span Windsor chair making, intricate inlay, violin crafting, and the art of marquetry. When he's not in the shop, Frank can be found cycling, and making music on the mandolin and cello. http://www.strazzafurniture.com/