Spend some time at OSV learning a historical craft. These adult workshops vary from blacksmithing to textiles, coopering, foodways, and more. Come and try your hand at a craft and take home your finished masterpiece!
To securely register online, select the date of your workshop below.
Blacksmithing
Decorative Arts
Foodways
Gardening
Pottery
Textiles
Tinsmithing
Woodworking
Other
Blacksmithing
Basic Blacksmithing
Shape steel with fire and hammer! Participants learn the basic techniques and operations of blacksmithing by fashioning hooks and nails. This full-day workshop will be held at the Museum Education building.
Instructor: Tim Dauphinais
Workshop is open to 8 adult participants
Please note: Due to the nature of this workshop, participants are asked to wear closed-toe shoes and work clothing.
Members: $105, plus $15 materials fee;
Non-members: $130, plus $15 materials fee.
Sat September 28 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sat November 23 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Forge a Trivet
Participants will make a heart-shaped cooking trivet in this full-day workshop. Along with advanced forging techniques, this project involves welding, punching, and riveting. Previous blacksmithing experience required.
Instructor: Derek Heidemann
Workshop is open to 4 participants
Please note: Due to the nature of this workshop, participants are asked to wear closed-toe shoes and work clothing.
Members: $105, plus $15 materials fee;
Non-members: $130, plus $15 materials fee.
Sun September 29 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Forge Welding
This full-day, advanced, workshop will introduce traditional forge-welding techniques. Forge welding is a process that has been integral to blacksmithing since the beginning of the Iron Age. Students will learn the basics of this process by making a chain. Other forge welding techniques will also be discussed. Previous blacksmithing experience required.
Instructor: Derek Heidemann
Workshop is open to 4 adult participants
Please note: Due to the nature of this workshop, participants are asked to wear closed-toe shoes and work clothing.
Members: $105, plus $15 materials fee;
Non-members: $130, plus $15 materials fee.
Sun November 24 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Decorative Arts
Floorcloth Painting
A "floorcloth" is a painted canvas alternative to a more expensive carpet. These durable, colorful floor coverings were popular in 19th-century America and fit well into both traditional and modern rooms. Participants also learn how to take a design and adapt it for use on their future projects. Participants will finish a 24" x 36" floorcloth. All materials are included in the materials fee.
Instructor: Nancy Sherren
Workshop is open to 8 participants
Members: $105, plus $50 materials fee*;
Non-members: $130, plus $50 materials fee*
*Materials Fee payable to instructor on day of course
Sat September 28 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sat November 23 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Fraktur Painting
This workshop will discuss Fraktur Painting and students will reproduce a historically authentic Fraktur design in watercolor on laid paper. Included in the workshop will be the history of Fraktur Painting. Fraktur, which had its beginnings in illuminated manuscripts, is a style of lettering and natural motifs (such as birds and flowers) seen on German manuscripts. Such decorative painting is also found on documents commemorating births and baptisms as well as weddings, house blessings and awards of merit. The March class project is "Flock of Birds" ca. 1840. The November class project is "House Blessing" ca. 1840. All materials to complete your project will be included.
Instructor: Sandra Strong
Workshop is open to 10 participants
Members: $105, plus $45 materials fee;
Non-members: $130, plus $45 materials fee
Sun November 24 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Shadow Puppet
Make your own shadow puppets! Shadow puppets are flat, cut-out shapes which, when lit from behind, are used to cast shadows and tell stories. Having originated in ancient south-east Asia, they were a popular form of entertainment in 19th-century America. Participants in this full-day workshop will learn how to make their own simple and complex shadow puppets. In addition, participants will take home information about how to make their own screen and perform with their puppets. A demonstration of dramatic traditional puppets is also included in the workshop.
Instructor: Andrea Caspari
Workshop is open to 8 participants (age 12+)
Please note: All materials needed are included in workshop fees. However, participants may bring additional collage elements (feathers, pipe cleaners, etc.) to decorate their puppets.
Members: $105, plus $10 materials fee;
Non-members: $130, plus $10 materials fee.
Sat November 23 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Traditional “Woodblocking" - Create Your Own Cards
"Woodblocking" is an ancient craft from as early as the 15th-century which was carried into the 18th and 19th centuries to produce fabric and wallpaper. With modern tools and materials, participants will learn the skills to carve a block print to create a set of note cards.
Instructor: Monique Schlegel
Workshop is open to 6 participants
Please note: Practice paper and blocks, note cards and envelopes are included in materials fee. Tools and paints are provided for in-class use only.
Members: $105, plus $10 materials fee;
Non-Members: $130, plus $10 materials fee
Sat September 28 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Foodways
Beginning 19th-Century Baking Techniques
Learn the skills and special tricks to prepare fine baked goods like breads, pies, little cakes (cookies) and a (cup) cake! This workshop will cover the fine art of preparing a "sponge" to make a loaf of bread, hand mixing and rolling pie crust. Participants will be taught these skills with early 19th-century equipment such as the bake oven, bake kettle and reflector oven. Modern day adaptations will also be included.
Instructor: Victoria Belisle
Workshop is open to 10 adult participants
Please note: Participants are advised to wear comfortable layers.
Members: $105, plus $15 materials fee;
Non-Members: $130, plus $15 materials fee.
Sun September 29 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Celebrate! Cooking for the Holidays OSV Style
Celebrate! 19th-century New Englanders celebrated a different array of holidays and special events - and, food preparation was certainly a part of the celebration! Prepare Foods that were enjoyed during special holidays (such as July 4th, Thanksgiving and more!) and special events - such as weddings!
Instructor: Linda Oakley
Workshop is open to 6 adult participants
Please note: Participants are advised to wear comfortable layers.
Members: $105, plus $15 materials fee;
Non-Members: $130, plus $15 materials fee.
Sat November 23 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Historical Ice Cream - Tastes & Techniques
Discover the history and flavors of early ice cream as enjoyed by our ancestors. Learn the techniques used, help to create some truly unique flavors and sample the finished delicacy!
Instructor: Ryan Beckman
Workshop is open to 8 participants
Please note: Participants are advised to wear comfortable layers.
Members: $55, plus $10 materials fee;
Non-Members: $70, plus $10 materials fee
Sat September 28 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Gardening
Preserving the Harvest
Participants will learn and practice early 19th-century techniques for preserving, food-salting, pickling, jellying and drying food items. Historical background will also be included.
Instructor: Linda Oakley
Workshop is open to 6 participants
Please note: Participants may bring a cotton or linen apron if desired. No shorts or sandals, please.
Members: $105, plus $15 materials fee;
Non-Members: $130, plus $15 materials fee.
Sat September 28 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Pottery
Introduction to Pottery
Through working on the wheel, hand building and using molds, participants will create their own place setting of a redware plate, bowl and mug. Finished pottery will be fired in the OSV kiln to be retrieved at a later date.
Instructor: Rich Giordano
Open to 4 participants (at least 12 years of age).
Please note: Participants are asked to wear layers of comfortable, work clothing.
Members: $105, plus $15 materials fee;
Non-members: $130, plus $15 materials fee.
Sun September 29 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sun November 24 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Textiles
Beginner Knitting
Learn how to make 19th-century muffattees, the fingerless mittens that you see so many costumed interpreters wearing at Old Sturbridge Village! The basics will be provided for beginners and advanced variations will be offered to challenge experts. Take home patterns for three different styles of muffattees. Knitting pins (needles) and OSV-dyed yarn provided.
Instructor: Linda Oakley
Workshop is open to 6 participants
Members: $55, plus $10 materials fee;
Non-members: $70, plus $10 materials fee.
Sun September 29 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Introduction to Spinning
In this class for beginning spinners, we will explore different techniques used to transform wool into yarn. Try your hand at carding wool and spinning with a drop spindle, treadle wheel, and wool wheel. Learn about other tools used to process yarn, including a yarn winder, clock reel, and swift.
Instructor: Deb Knight
Workshop is open to 6 participants
Members: $105, plus $5 materials fee;
Non-members: $130, plus $5 materials fee.
Sat September 28 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Knits in Miniature
Learn to knit miniature woolens for "Keeping Warm" (stockings, mittens, hats and scarves) but use them for decorating your Christmas tree or use them for unique gift tags! You will use wool yarn dyed with natural dyes at OSV. If you have sock or sport weight yarn in your "stash" bring that along! Knitting needles will be provided.
Instructor: Deb Knight
Workshop is open to 10 participants
Please note: Some knitting experience is recommended. Knitting needles will be provided or you are welcome to bring your own.
Members: $105, plus $15 materials fee;
Non-members: $130, plus $15 materials fee.
Sun November 24 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Making a Hussif, Housewife or Workpocket
Using fabrics based on textiles used in the Old Sturbridge Village Collection, create an early 19th-century version of this beautiful and practical sewing kit that has been used for centuries. Some hand sewing experience is helpful.
Instructor: Victoria Belisle
Workshop is open to 8 participants
Please note: Some hand sewing experience is helpful.
Members: $105, plus $5 materials fee;
Non-Members: $130, plus $5 materials fee.
Sat September 28 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Standing Wool Rugs
Recycle and repurpose the smallest of wool scraps into folk art rugs! Participants will use a 5 inch needle and heavy thread to sew wool strips to create a thick, plush rug. Learn to manipulate woolen strips in various ways to create different effects. Workshop will cover standing wools, center shirring, faux shirring, beaded wools and several other methods to make a multi techniques sample piece for a table mat or chair seat or to go on to make a larger rug.
Instructor: Rose Ann Hunter
Workshop is open to 8 participants
Please note: Participants are asked to bring their own scissors.
Members: $105, plus $20 materials fee;
Non-members: $130, plus $20 materials fee
Sun September 29 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Wool Christmas Ornaments
Learn to recycle worn or unused wool cloth into heirlooms with simple sewn stitches. By adapting various techniques from the early 1800s, learn to center shirr wool garlands with rolled wool beads and wool flowers. We will also make a whimsical wool sheep and other wool ornaments to adorn your tree.
Instructor: Rose Ann Hunter
Workshop is open to 10 participants
Please note: Participants are asked to bring their own scissors. Participants are also welcome to bring any small, leftover pieces of wool or cotton fabrics from home.
Members: $105, plus $15 materials fee;
Non-members: $130, plus $15 materials fee.
Sun November 24 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Yarn Sewing
Begin to stitch a yarn sewn piece suitable for a footstool cover, table mat, or doll house rug. This practical and decorative technique was commonly used in the 18th and 19th centuries to make hearth rugs, coverlets and mittens. All materials are provided. Beginners are welcome.
Instructor: Linda Oakley
Workshop is open to 8 participants
Members: $55, plus $10 materials fee;
Non-Members: $70, plus $10 materials fee.
Sun September 29 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Tinsmithing
Tin Lighting Devices
Participants in this full-day workshop will learn the use of the tools, machines, techniques and materials of the 19th-century Tinsmith. Several finished pieces, including a candle extinguisher, a wall sconce and a punched tin lantern will be produced to take home.
Instructor: Phil Eckert
Workshop is open to 5 participants
Please note: Participants should wear comfortable work clothes and bring an apron.
Members: $105, plus $15 materials fee;
Non-members: $130, plus $15 materials fee.
Sun November 24 9:00 am - 4:00 pm – SOLD OUT
Woodworking
Coopering
Making a wooden bucket with no nails or glue is quite a trick! Participants in this two-day workshop will make a pine bucket to take home using traditional tools and techniques.
Instructor: Phil Eckert
Workshop is open to 4 participants
Please note: This is a two-day workshop. Previous woodworking experience is strongly recommended.
Members: $205, plus $60 materials fee;
Non-Members: $255, plus $60 materials fee
Sat September 28 - Sun September 29 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Hand Hewing
Learn the art of hewing. Hewing is the skill of squaring a round log for the purpose of making a building timber (post or beam). Participants will be instructed in the use of the common ax and other simple tools found on the farm. The skills learned could be used to make landscape ties, timbers or rustically decorative architectural features. The workshop will also include a tour of the timbers in the Village.
Instructor: Justin Kennick
Workshop is open to 6 participants
Please note: This workshop will be held outdoors. Participants are advised to bring work gloves, practical clothing for the day and wear work boots. Those wishing to bring their favorite ax, may do so. Or, you may use one of ours. Previous woodworking experience is strongly recommended.
Members: $105;
Non-members: $130
Sun September 29 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Other
Basketmaking
Learn to weave your own 19th-century basket using simple tools. Beginners will learn about the different materials that were used in the process and will go home with a finished basket!
Instructor: Claire Williams
Workshop is open to 6 participants
Members: $105, plus $25 materials fee;
Non-members: $130, plus $25 materials fee.
Sun September 29 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sun November 24 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Crafting Early Christmas Ornaments
Try your hand at creating early versions of Christmas ornaments including Moravian Stars, Gilded Egg Cups and other traditional decorations as seen on our trees during our popular Christmas by Candlelight program! Take home several creations to add to your own tree and bring home some Old Sturbridge Village Christmas magic!
Instructor: Victoria Belisle
Workshop is open to 10 participants
Members: $105, plus $15 materials fee;
Non-members: $130, plus $15 materials fee.
Sun November 24 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Stone Wall Building
In 1871, nearly half of all fencing in Massachusetts consisted of stone walls or stone walls with wooden rail tops. In early New England, an annual tradition was building and repairing stone walls. During this two day workshop, participants will tear down a section of wall, prepare the ground appropriately and rebuild the section of stone wall.
Instructor: Jack Mullin Jr.
Workshop is open to 10 participants
Please note: Participants must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Work glove and safety glasses are strongly recommended. Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and wear appropriate shoes.
Members: $205
Non-Members: $255
