Craft a Windsor Birdcage Side Chair with master Chairmaker Luke A. Barnett in this immersive five-day workshop. Designed exclusively by Luke, this signature chair—complete with the distinctive duckbill joint—isn’t taught anywhere else. On day 1, we will begin with rough logs and learn to rive, split, and shape perfect straight-grained parts. We will then steam-bend the birdcage structure, carve the seat, and master the elegant duckbill joint. On the last day, we will assemble, refine, and depart with a finished Windsor Birdcage Side Chair ready for generations of use.

Build a Windsor Make a Comb-Back Rocker with Chairmaker Jeff Wyatt. Students will join us for a 5-day class. We will start with logs on Monday morning and finish with a Comb-Back Rocking Chair late Friday afternoon.

Step back in time and learn the art of 19th-century window and door construction in this immersive 5-day course. As part of the Thoreau’s Cabin Series, this class will guide students through the transformation of rough sawn boards into simple, historically accurate window sash and doors, while also exploring the repair and restoration of old sash and glazing techniques.

Build a Modern Windsor Rocking Chair with Chair maker Luke A. Barnett. Students will join us for a 7-day class. We will start with logs on Monday morning and finish with a rocking chair on Sunday.

Build a Windsor Continuous Arm Chair with Chair maker Luke A. Barnett. Students will join us for a 7-day class. We will start with logs on Monday morning and finish with a continuous armchair on Saturday. Students who have not completed their chair or are making a rocking chair will return Sunday.

This course focuses on timber frames. Students will learn about material science of wood, what makes a timber frame appealing, and why timber frames are more environmentally friendly, sustainable, and energy-efficient than traditional stick frame structures.

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the art and craft of axe work in this 6-day immersive course. The Thoreau’s Cabin Series, Part 1: The Art & Craft of Axes is designed for anyone interested in learning the history, anatomy, and practical use of one of the most essential tools in woodworking and timber processing. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced woodsman, this hands-on course will equip you with the skills to handle an axe with confidence and precision.

Step into the world of traditional craftsmanship in Thoreau’s Cabin Series, Part 2: Hand Tool Timber Framing. In this immersive 6-day course, students will build a full-scale replica of Henry David Thoreau’s famous cabin at Walden Pond, gaining firsthand experience in the fundamentals of timber framing—all using hand tools.

Build a Windsor Balloon Back or Fan Back Side Chair with Chairmaker Luke A. Barnett. Students will join us for a 5-day class. Students can choose to build either a balloon back or a fan back side chair.

The final phase of building Thoreau’s Cabin is ensuring its protection from the elements, and this 6-day immersive course will teach students how to split (rive) wood using traditional hand tools to create the materials needed for roofing, siding, and interior lath work.

Build a Modern Windsor Rocking Chair with Chair maker Luke A. Barnett. Students will join us for a 7-day class. We will start with logs on Monday morning and finish with a rocking chair on Sunday.