Forest to Furniture

Forest to Furniture
Event on 2015-10-09 14:00:00
Build a rustic table or bench out of a slab of wood from a tree grown on the Farm! Explore the source of your table – the Shelburne Farms forest, select your piece of wood, and craft it into a table or bench. Prior wood working experience is helpful, but not necessary. This program is a partnership with the Shelburne Craft School. Instructors: Chris Ramos, Shelburne Craft School Wood Shop Manager and Marshall Webb, Woodlands Manager, Shelburne Farms                                Day 1 (Friday) Explore the natural history of Vermont's landscape and discover the importance of forest ecosystems with Field Naturalist, Matt Kolan.   Discuss all aspects of forest management, including harvesting practices and historical context with Woodlands Manager, Marshall Webb.  Visit the Old Dairy Barn which houses 18 species of wood harvested and milled here on the property. Select the material for your table or bench based on the properties of the wood and your planned use for your project.   Day 2 (Saturday) Instruction on hand tools including a plane, clamps, draw shaves, and spoke shaves will guide you as you work on your project under the forest canopy in an outdoor classroom along the shores of Lake Champlain.  Day 3 (Sunday) Work with power tools in the woodshop at Shelburne Craft School to complete your one of a kind project.  You will have instruction on the use of a power sander, drill press and band saw to shape the legs and joinery.   Attributes of oil and water based finishes will be discussed including ease of use and durability. Apply the finish to your project based on the type of wood and how you plan to use your table or bench.     "The holistic approach to woodworking; considering the source and issues first hand, focus on traditional woodworking methods and use of primitive tools…extremely pleasing to work outside. Having the meals incorporated with the class fostered closeness among participants”-Forest to Furniture participant In partnership with:

at Inn at Shelburne Farms
1611 Harbor Road
Shelburne, United States