This Spring, develop real wood-working skills in this combined six day educational immersion as we work together with local artisans to select, harvest, saw, carve, and raise a new structure made of wood from our forest. In part one of this workshop in March, we will Learn to Harvest and Cut Trees From Our Forest. In part two of this workshop we will learn traditional timber frame construction.

Up to 3  work exchange opportunities are available for a reduced workshop fee in exchange for on-site work before and/or after the Timber Frame construction course. Please inquire to Jennifer@fabric-of-life.org before Monday, May 6th.

May 23-26, 2019 – Gain Hands-on Experience in Traditional Timber Frame Construction  

Location: Fabric of Life Farmhouse, 80 Bassett Road, Shelburne, Massachusetts.

This hands-on 4 day course teaches you properties of wood, joinery design basics, authentic cutting methods, mortises and tenons, traditional tools, and raising a structure frame.  Learn-by-doing as we place timber, carve joinery, and raise the frame for an 18’x20’ outdoor pavilion.

Come prepared to learn while doing in this immersive course.  A good attitude, safety gear, and some basic tools are required for this program.

Our workshop instructor, Jeremy Myles Topitzer of Colrain MA is versed in all facets of carpentry, as well as several natural building techniques with timber framing being his specialty. A licensed contractor since 2008, Jeremy has maintained an active membership in the Timber Framers’ Guild of North America since 2001. He is well versed in the properties of wood and the forces acting on buildings and has studied building science and the properties of building materials.

At Jeremy’s core is a love for Traditional Timber Framing Technique.  “At Lyonsville Carpenters we believe that every building should connect and cultivate our sense of place and time. We build for future generations as well as ourselves.”

Timber Frame Construction Workshop Flyer

Timber Frame Construction Tool and Gear List

May 2019 Learning Objectives

 

  • Joinery design basics
  • Mortises and tenons
  • Wood as structure
  • Authentic cutting methods
  • Traditional tools
  • Safe handling of timbers
  • Raising a structure frame

$600 includes 4 full workshop days, and includes lunch each day.

Don’t delay! Courses are limited to 10 participants. Make sure to attend one or both of these great programs!

Please feel free to contact Program & Partnership Agent, Jennifer Martin with any additional questions that you may have: jennifer@fabric-of-life.org.

To Register:

Step 1: Please fill out our online registration form.

Step 2: Purchase Workshop Tickets