Workshop Catalog

What to Expect:
Participants will engage in practical demonstrations and hands-on exercises, gaining proficiency in using the extruder tool and exploring its diverse applications. Through step-by-step guidance, attendees will learn how to create cups, mugs, and vases using both extruded and slab-formed components. Expect an immersive experience that encourages experimentation and fosters creativity in clay. There will also be an hour break for lunch. You're welcome to bring food or take advantage of the many options in the neighborhood. 

What to Expect

Participants will get familiar with MakeHaven’s die press cutter and explore collage techniques to create unique greeting cards and envelopes. You’ll work with a curated collection of upcycled materials—but you’re also welcome to bring your own stash of interesting papers to personalize your designs. Each participant will leave with a finished set of ten handmade cards and envelopes, ready to mail, gift, or keep.

Skills You’ll Acquire

What to Expect

This is a hands-on, machine-focused class led by Sean, drawing on real-world experience with a variety of 3D printers. We’ll walk through the major components of a printer, how they interact, and what’s happening at each stage of a print. Participants will observe printers in operation, practice common setup and adjustment tasks, and work through typical problems that come up during printing. The focus is on understanding what the printer is doing and why, so troubleshooting feels logical instead of frustrating.

What to Expect

This standalone skill class meets on Sunday, March 8, from 1–4pm. Gayle, our instructor, will guide you through each step of traditional applique design using demonstrations, guided instruction, and hands-on practice. Fabrics will be available to use, or you can bring your own quilting cotton.

What to Expect

This class is ideal for new riders who want to feel more confident before every ride. You’ll get familiar with your bike’s key components and learn how to assess, adjust, and maintain them. Hands-on practice includes fixing a flat, cleaning your drivetrain, and doing quick adjustments on brakes and shifting. You’ll leave with a working toolkit checklist, a personalized maintenance routine, and the skills to stay safe and self-sufficient on the road.

What to Expect

In this workshop, you’ll start with pre-sized lumber and learn how to measure, cut, drill, and assemble your own wooden carrier. Instructors will guide you through safe tool use (like the miter saw and drill press) and show you how to add finishing touches like sanding and optional stain or oil. You’ll leave with a complete six-slot bottle caddy and the skills to make more.

Skills You’ll Acquire

• Measuring and marking for accurate cuts

• Safe operation of the miter saw and drill press

Skills You'll Learn:

What to Expect

Across four sessions, students will gain confidence in each step of the stuffed animal-making process, with guided instruction and hands-on practice. You’ll start with basic stitches and appliqué, move into embroidery and shaping, and finish with details like horns, fingers, or facial features. By the end, you’ll have the skills to confidently tackle any stuffed animal pattern you pick up.

Skills You’ll Learn

What to Expect:

This workshop invites participants to unleash their creativity by designing and crafting a personalized lantern. Bring your own design or create one on the spot; either way, you'll discover the magic of using a laser cutter to precision-cut your lantern's intricate patterns. As the finishing touch, you'll delve into the world of basic wiring to illuminate your lantern, creating a captivating masterpiece that reflects your unique design sensibilities.

What to Expect

Expect demonstrations and guided work time: you’ll fold and hand-sew signatures (page inserts), plan and assemble a Kraft-Tex cover, add optional pockets, and attach your chosen closure. The instructor will offer step-by-step support so you can complete a working refillable notebook during the session.

Skills You’ll Acquire

• How to hand-sew signatures (page inserts) using standard paper

• Planning and constructing a Kraft-Tex cover that mimics leather

What to Expect:
Even using templates, there will be plenty of room for origination and creative risk-taking with exciting possibilities! We will also learn how to apply glaze over-top our leather hard clay bodies and the many different ways one can approach glazing: sgraffito, all-over patterning, ombre etc. Bring a friend along and enjoy the process together. This class is about getting our hands dirty, having fun through the process and making something beautiful.

What to Expect

This standalone skill class meets on Sunday, April 5, from 1–4pm. This class focuses on guided practice using curved piecing templates provided by the instructor. You’ll learn how to prepare fabric, align curved edges, and stitch them together cleanly, with demonstrations and plenty of time for hands-on sewing. The instructor will share tips and tricks for easing curves, managing fabric stretch, and improving accuracy, while offering individual support throughout the session.

All workshops are free of charge. People of all ages are invited.

Los preparativos para nuestro festival han comenzado.  Estaremos pintando calaveras 💀, creando una marioneta gigante, flores de papel, y mucho más! Nos vemos en el próximo taller 🫡🎭🌼💀🖌️
Todos los talleres son gratis. Se invita a personas de todas las edades.
 

What to Expect

Students will be guided through the techniques of Senegalese hair styling, learning how to create and decorate these traditional looks. You’ll also be introduced to basic Senegalese vocabulary related to hair and styling, helping you connect more deeply with the culture. Each session will highlight the significance of these hair rituals and how they reflect the values and traditions of Senegalese communities.

Skills You’ll Acquire

• Techniques for traditional Senegalese hair styling and decoration

What to Expect

• Activities to spark creativity and help you begin the process of writing poetry or prose.

• Guided discussions on translating personal stories and emotions into impactful writing.

• Insights into using language effectively to create vivid imagery and emotional resonance.

• A supportive space to explore your voice and connect with others through shared experiences.

Skills You’ll Acquire

• Strategies for finding and developing your unique writing voice.

***This workshop happens over two consecutive Sundays: September 21st & 28th***

What to Expect

Students will learn how to take a finished quilt and add the final, polished edge: the binding. You’ll explore different methods of binding—both by machine and hand—and practice trimming, attaching, and finishing techniques to ensure your quilt has a clean, professional look.

What to Expect

This standalone skill class meets on Sunday, June 7th, from 1–4pm. This class combines demonstration and guided practice. Participants will learn multiple Flying Geese methods, then apply them directly while receiving individualized support. Design and fabric placement will be discussed alongside technical construction.

What to Expect

Enjoy an engaging session led by Amy Demers, founder of the CT Foraging Club. The class includes lecture-style teaching with visual examples and discussion, plus time for Q&A. You’ll walk away with the knowledge and confidence to begin safely identifying mushrooms that are fruiting in our region this season. A cup of chaga tea is included with your ticket.

Skills You’ll Acquire

What to Expect:
Experience the joy of creating two distinctive mosaic pendants during this 3-hour workshop. Dive into a world of color and texture as you work with stained glass, stones, beads, and more. Receive step-by-step guidance and demonstrations on cutting small pieces and selecting the right adhesive for jewelry making. Bring along any tiny trinkets, beads, or old jewelry you'd like to incorporate into your designs for a personal touch.