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
Holiday Gingerbread House
Pottery
Textiles
Tinsmithing
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 November 23 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 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
Foodways
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
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 November 24 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Textiles
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
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
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
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 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
Gingerbread House Workshop
A wonderful tradition for families and youth. Craft an edible gingerbread house to take home - or to enter in the Old Sturbridge Village Gingerbread House Contest in December during our Christmas by Candlelight celebration. Bring your own supplies, or purchase a gingerbread house kit.
The workshop includes a hot buffet lunch served at noon. Menu includes choices of mac & cheese, hot dogs, french fries, chicken fingers, soup, dessert, and a selection of beverages including hot chocolate.
Program fee: $15 per per person (includes lunch and admission to the Village).
Gingerbread House Kit (optional): $10 (kit includes four walls, roof, chimney, frosting, three types of candy)
Saturday, Nov. 23: Register securely online
Questions? Contact: Jim O'Brien, 508-347-0328; jobrien@osv.org
Enter your creation in our Gingerbread House Contest. Entries are on display during Christmas by Candlelight.
