Intensive workshop for anyone who wants to learn how to build dry stone walls, including retaining walls and seat walls.  Karl Gifford, DSWA-GB Level II is a local expert who also teaches at the Stone Trust in Vermont.  You will learn all the basic strategies and rules of structural walling.  Suitable for beginners and those with experience.  Please wear work clothes and boots and bring safety glasses and gloves. 

Lunch will be provided (contact melinda@tearcapworkshops.org with special dietary needs).

This workshop will introduce the basics of dyeing natural fibers with natural materials, an ancient and continuing craft.  Participants will tie dye a silk scarf with locally grown plant material while learning about the preparation required to insure vibrant, lasting colors.  A handout with trusted resources for instruction and supplies is provided and there will be plenty of samples.  Newcomers as well as experienced dyers are welcome.  Jude Hsiang has been natural dyeing for five decades.  She has a strong background in botany and horticulture, and grows and forages for dye plants in Central Maine.

Learn the craft of basket weaving with Ida Atkinson. We will make this sturdy basket that is perfect for your countertop. Learn about materials, weaving patterns and how to finish your piece. No experience is necessary, but those who have learned some skills will enjoy the new elements here, including a wrapped handle.

We will spend the day weaving, and Ida will be available the following week for additional help finishing. A fun and useful hands-on class!

Learn how to carve a spoon or spatula from beautiful hardwoods like cherry, maple, apple and birch.  Ken Wise will take you through the process of preparing, carving and finishing your wooden implement--perfect for use in the kitchen or as a gift.  Enjoy using Tear Cap's woodworking shop and its shave horses and tool.  Additional wood blanks can be purchased the day of class so you can continue carving at home.

Join wildlife ecologist and bear expert Deborah Perkins of First Light Wildlife Habitats for a lively presentation about black bears.  Deb has worked for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife's black bear study, and has researched bears across the US.  After the presentation, we will walk on Tear Cap Workshops property trails with Deb as our black bear habitat and forest biodiversity guide.

Scandinavian-inspired wood shavings ornaments are a creative additions to any window, a holiday tree, or to give as a hand-made gift.  Join Kathy Banks for this enjoyable class that is appropriate for ages 10 and up.  Each participants will be able to make several of these unique natural ornaments.