Learn to make by hand
In the historic village of Waterford
The Waterford Craft School seeks to preserve traditional methods used in craft and building arts through hands-on immersive instruction. We encourage participants to learn make-by-hand skills by offering classes to the public that are taught by experts in their fields.
The Waterford Craft School serves the educational mission of the Waterford Foundation and works with the Waterford Fair to provide opportunities for artisans to demonstrate and teach while for students to experience and learn.
Waterford Craft School Class features:
Hands-on instruction
Crafts & Building Arts
Ages 18 and up
Varying class lengths
Lunch included
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DISCOUNTS
Classes are eligible for Early Bird* and Member** discounts. Find the promotional codes in your cart after you choose your class.
*Early bird discounts expire 60 days before the start of class.
**You must be a member of the Waterford Foundation to use the Member discount. To become a member, add the Membership to your cart at checkout.
Note: Only one discount code can be applied per transaction. Discounts are not offered on mini classes.
GIVE A GREAT GIFT!
Colorful Silk Scarf Dyeing
Friday, November 22, 2019 from 6pm to 8pm, dye your own colorful silk scarf!
Leather Liverpool Pocket Book
Fri. & Sat. November 15-16, 2019, create your own leather liverpool pocket book using historic methods!
Wreath-Making With Virginia Master Naturalist on December 5
Thursday, December 5, 2019 from 6PM to 8PM, make a wreath using native plants of Virginia with the Virginia Master Naturalists.
Hand-Spinning Yarn From Wool Using a Drop Spindle
April 4, 2020 Learn to use a drop spindle to weave wool yarn from carded wool with Susan Withnell, owner of Ewes-Ful Fiber Arts.
Making a Floorcloth — from Start to Finish
In this popular class, students will learn how to transform a raw piece of canvas into a colorful floorcloth. Design creation and stenciling technique will also be taught.
April 4, 2020
Wreath-Making With Virginia Master Naturalist on November 21
November 21, 2019 from 6PM to 8PM, make a wreath using native plants of Virginia with the Virginia Master Naturalists.
Holiday Oxford Punch Needle Hooking – Mini Class
Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at the Old School in Waterford, create a bell or stocking ornament in this beginners-level Holiday Oxford Punch needle hooking class!
Introduction to Broom Making
Make a handbroom and cobweb broom from natural "broomcorn" using natural materials and traditional Appalachian methods!
April 4-5, 2020
Dry Stone Fence Construction
Early Appalachian settlers created a functional art of using field stones to create beautiful mortar-less fences from surrounding field stone. Learn to enhance your own property using this eye-catching technique!
May 2-3, 2020
Handwoven Rag Rug Creation
Appalachian rag-rug weaving incorporated various strips of fabric to create colorful and one-of-a-kind textiles. In this class, students will create their own table runner, small rug, and/or placemats. Handwoven Rag Rug Creation is a multi-day workshop.
May 1-3, 2020
Introduction to Stained Glass 101
Student will draw and create a hanging stained glass window. Student will have access to multiple sheets of art glass, with different colors and textures. Framing will be available.
June 6-7, 2020
Introduction to Hand-Woven Cane
Learn the history, origin, and preservation of woven seats, how to prepare the materials to be used and what size cane to use. The chair seat itself will be the “loom” with holes drilled around the frame for the cane to be woven through. Learn the six steps in the process and leave with a finished product.
April 4-5, 2020
Leatherworking 101 – Document Case
In this class, students will make a slightly-enlarged copy (to accommodate standard modern letter-size paper) of a unique leather document case in the collections of the New Hampshire Historical Society.
May 2, 2019
Metalsmithing Jewelry
Master the basics of metalsmithing in this one-day workshop. Learn how to use a torch, sawing, hammering, plus other texture techniques to apply and finish copper jewelry.
June 6, 2020
Handwoven Splint Seat
In this one-day class, students will focus on weaving splint seats along with learning the history, origin, and preservation of their woven seats made using this technique. July 11, 2020
“This course was exactly what I hope it would be. I learned A LOT.”
“Allen was outstanding – clear, knowledgeable, understandable, interesting.”
“Wonderful course content. Gave us all hope that we will be able to repair our windows.”
“It was exactly what I hoped to learn – and I am now not at all dissuaded to tackle my own windows.”
“Karen Wychock was friendly, helpful, skilled basket maker. I liked the small class with personal attention.”
“Great lunch both days. Facility was clean and open. A lot of room.”
Become an Instructor
Join us as we aim to preserve handmade crafts such as quilting, weaving, pottery, furniture-making, basket weaving, and blacksmithing by educating the next generation of artisans. Classes in building arts are also encouraged, such as traditional construction methods, old and historic building restoration, and adaptive reuse.
Class space provided – Space appropriate for your specific class is provided for you in Waterford.
No administrative tasks – The Waterford Craft School handles all registrations and administrative tasks.
Lunch is provided – The Waterford Craft School provides lunch for students & instructors allowing you to concentrate on teaching.
Become a Member
Foundation members receive a $25 discount on a class.
