Introduction

Create a bench and learn about sustainable forestry, wood properties and selection, milling and building in the process.
Forest to Furniture is a course that allows students to learn about the northern forest and to create a table or bench using wood sustainably harvested from Shelburne Farms.
We will kick off the course by visiting the woodlands at Shelburne Farms. We will explore natural history, discuss management, and learn not only about the importance of forest ecosystems but also their role in carbon sequestration. You will then carefully select your wood, harvested and milled at Shelburne Farms, based on the properties of the wood and your planned use for your finished product. A simple, locally sourced and prepared meal will be shared.
From May 10th to June 7th class meets at the craft school (64 Harbor Road in Shelburne) Instruction on hand tools including a plane, clamps, draw shaves, and spoke shaves will guide you as you begin your project. 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 finished project. On the last class, June 14, we will celebrate the completion of the projects with a reception at Shelburne Farms.
This course is being offered in honor and memory of Marshall Webb. Marshall was a long time board member of the craft school and a lifetime woodworker and woodsman. Marshall, along with his siblings founded the non-profit, Shelburne Farms and also served as the woodlands manager for many years. Marshall spent his lifetime on the land and embodied the vision of the farm as a true working landscape for learning. Both organizations were lucky to have Marshall a guiding star.

This course is being offered at an accessible cost due to a generous gift from a dear friend of Marshalls. There are also scholarships available.