Your browser is not optimized for viewing this website.

More information »

North Bennet Street School



Our Classes

Traditional Church Bench

$1,100

with Kolin Schmidt CF '21

Calendar Oct 26, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

Dates: Monday, October 26 - Friday, October 30 (5 meetings)

Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Instructor: Kolin Schmidt CF '21

Teaching Assistant: TBA

Price: $1,100 is the full cost of the class. A $150 deposit is due at the time of registration. Students will have the option to pay in full or pay over time with a weekly payment plan when registering for the class. The payment plan details will be shared during the registration process. 

In this workshop, students will build a sitting bench based on a traditional form found in rural Iowa. Using a combination of machines and hand tools, students will learn to cut and fit a variety of joinery. The backrest of the bench is removable due to clever hand made wedges. This piece’s simple timeless form will fit in any home. The bench seat measures 60” L x 13” W

Tools & Supplies: All tools and supplies will be provided for this class. 

Attire: This is a general list of how to dress for the shop environment, please contact ce@nbss.edu if you have any questions.

  • Closed-toe, comfortable, and protective footwear (sneakers or boots)
  • No loose clothing
  • Long pants suggested
  • No loose jewelry
  • Long hair must be tied back

Prerequisite: All skill levels welcome. Basic woodworking knowledge recommended.

Age Requirement: Students must be 18+ to attend adult CE classes. No one under 18 years old is permitted to register for an adult class, even if accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

Payment plan available: $150 deposit plus 8 payments of $105.55, paid weekly. Final payment of $105.60.

Box Making: Slipcase & French Box

$365

with Amy Lapidow BB '95

Calendar Oct 31, 2026 at 8:30 am, runs for 1 week

Dates: Saturday, October 31st & Sunday, November 1st (2 meetings)

Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Instructor: Amy Lapidow BB '95

In this class, students will learn how to construct two styles of boxes: the slipcase, a compact, 3-sided container for a book with many decorative possibilities, and a French box, a 4-sided container that can easily be made at home. Students will learn to measure so that the box will fit their books, discuss appropriate materials, assemble, and cover their boxes. 

Tools & Supplies: *Students should bring three books with them that measure no more than 6” x 9” inches in size. All other tools and supplies will be provided for this class.

Attire: This is a general list of how to dress for the shop environment, please contact ce@nbss.edu if you have any questions.

  • Closed-toe, comfortable, and protective footwear (sneakers or boots)
  • No loose clothing
  • Long pants suggested
  • No loose jewelry
  • Long hair must be tied back

Prerequisite: No experience necessary. Previous Bookbinding 101, or Fundamentals of Bookbinding I, experience a plus. If you have any questions about your experience, please contact ce@nbss.edu. 

Age Requirement: Students must be 18+ to attend adult CE classes. No one under 18 years old is permitted to register for an adult class, even if accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

Build a Windsor Bench

$400

with Oliver Strand

Calendar Oct 31, 2026 at 8:30 am, runs for 1 week

Dates: Saturday, October 31st & Sunday, November 1st (2 meetings)

Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Instructor: Oliver Strand

Teaching Assistant: TBA

Students will build a rectangular Windsor-style bench, perfect for an entryway or beside the kitchen table. This class covers the basic joinery and shaping techniques used in Windsor chairmaking, and will teach you everything you need to start making benches, stools, and chairs at home! We will use kiln-dried wood, simple hand tools, and tapered mortise and tenon joinery to build a rock-solid bench that will last a lifetime.

Tools & Supplies: All tools and supplies will be provided for this class. 

Attire: This is a general list of how to dress for the shop environment, please contact ce@nbss.edu if you have any questions.

  • Closed-toe, comfortable, and protective footwear (sneakers or boots)
  • No loose clothing
  • Long pants suggested
  • No loose jewelry
  • Long hair must be tied back

Prerequisite: None

Age Requirement: Students must be 18+ to attend adult CE classes. No one under 18 years old is permitted to register for an adult class, even if accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

Danish Cord Footstool

$425

with Ellen Kaspern CF '03

Calendar Oct 31, 2026 at 8:30 am, runs for 1 week

Dates: Saturday, October 31st & Sunday, November 1st (2 meetings)

Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Instructor: Ellen Kaspern CF '03

In this hands-on woodworking class, students will work with white ash to build a Danish cord footstool. Students will start off by building the bench base and learn about mortise & tenon joinery and domino construction. Students will use both machines and hand tools to build the base. From there, they will learn about different types of cords and methods that can be used to weave the seat. They will then apply what they learned to weave the seat of their bench. The basic furniture-making techniques learned in this class can be applied to building stools and tables. If you have prior experience, this class will help you refresh and refine your woodworking skills. Students will leave with a 16-inch-long, 12-inch-deep, and 12 1/4 inch tall Danish cord footstool.

Tools & Supplies: All tools and supplies will be provided for this class.

Attire: This is a general list of how to dress for the shop environment, please contact ce@nbss.edu if you have any questions.

  • Closed-toe, comfortable, and protective footwear (sneakers or boots)
  • No loose clothing
  • Long pants suggested
  • No loose jewelry
  • Long hair must be tied back

Prerequisite: None

Age Requirement: Students must be 18+ by the class start date to attend adult CE classes. No one under 18 years old is permitted to register for an adult class, even if accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

Introduction to Cabinets

$1,300

with Andy Draper CA '23

Calendar Nov 2, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

Dates: Monday, November 2 - Friday, November 6 (5 meetings)

Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Instructor: Andy Draper CA '23

Teaching Assistant: TBA

Price: $1,300 is the full cost of the class. A $150 deposit is due at the time of registration. Students will have the option to pay in full or pay over time with a weekly payment plan when registering for the class. The payment plan details will be shared during the registration process. 

The cabinet class will cover the planning, designing, building, and installation of standard kitchen inset-style cabinets. This course will provide the understanding needed to build various other types of cabinets. Students will break down and mill the plywood needed to assemble the cabinet boxes. Using pre-milled stock, students will assemble the face frame and doors and install door and drawer hardware for these lower cabinets before scribing and installation.

Tools & Supplies: All tools and supplies will be provided for this class.

Attire: This is a general list of how to dress for the shop environment, please contact ce@nbss.edu if you have any questions.

  • Closed-toe, comfortable, and protective footwear (sneakers or boots)
  • No loose clothing
  • Long pants suggested
  • No loose jewelry
  • Long hair must be tied back

Prerequisite: A previous woodworking or carpentry class at NBSS or equivalent experience with permission from the instructor. If you have questions about your experience, please contact ce@nbss.edu. 

Age Requirement: Students must be 18+ to attend adult CE classes. No one under 18 years old is permitted to register for an adult class, even if accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

Payment plan available: $150 deposit plus 10 payments of $115.00, paid weekly.

Bezel Ring Fabrication

$335

with Colleen Matthews JM '12

Calendar Nov 3, 2026 at 6 pm, runs for 2 weeks

Dates: Tuesdays & Thursdays, November 3 -12 (4 meetings)

Hours: 6:00 - 9:30 pm

Instructor: Colleen Matthews JM '12

Learn how to fabricate a Bezel Ring and set an oval cabochon stone. Students will work with a 10x8 mm stone and learn how to make, solder, and set a stone in a handmade bezel for a finished ring. 

Tools & Supplies: All tools and supplies will be provided for this class. 

Attire: This is a general list of how to dress for the shop environment, please contact ce@nbss.edu if you have any questions.

  • Closed-toe, comfortable, and protective footwear (sneakers or boots) 
  • No loose clothing
  • Long pants suggested
  • No loose jewelry
  • Long hair must be tied back 

Prerequisite: Jewelry 101 or equivalent experience. Students should feel comfortable with sawing, filing, and using a flex shaft. Basic jewelry hand skills are required. If you have questions about your experience, please contact ce@nbss.edu.

Age Requirement: Students must be 18+ to attend adult CE classes. No one under 18 years old is permitted to register for an adult class, even if accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

Bookbinding 101

$300

with Amy Lapidow BB '95

Calendar Nov 7, 2026 at 8:30 am, runs for 1 week

Dates: Saturday, November 7th & Sunday, November 8th (2 meetings)

Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Instructor: Amy Lapidow BB '95

In this two-day workshop, students will get a quick introduction to various bookbinding techniques by exploring three different book structures. The class will begin with a simple pamphlet and continue with constructing two multi-signature books, known as flatback case binding and link stitch binding. Finally, students will construct a box to house all of their creations. Bookbinding 101 is a great way to familiarize yourself with bookbinding and is perfect for those who are curious about the craft. 

Tools & Supplies: *Please bring a notebook and a pencil. All other tools and supplies will be provided for this class. 

Attire: This is a general list of how to dress for the shop environment, please contact ce@nbss.edu if you have any questions.

  • Closed-toe, comfortable, and protective footwear (sneakers or boots)
  • No loose clothing
  • Long pants suggested
  • No loose jewelry
  • Long hair must be tied back

Prerequisite: None

Age Requirement: Students must be 18+ by the class start date to attend adult CE classes. No one under 18 years old is permitted to register for an adult class, even if accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

Introduction to Pattern Carving

$350

with Charles Thompson

Calendar Nov 7, 2026 at 8:30 am, runs for 1 week

Dates: Saturday, November 7th & Sunday, November 8th (2 meetings)

Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Instructor: Charles Thompson

In this class, each student will develop their own vocabulary of carved patterns. We’ll ask how to capture shadow, how to reinterpret historic (or even prehistoric) patterns, how and where to use comfortable shapes and lines, and how to compile and arrange decorative elements within the form. Using an assortment of gouges, we’ll spend time learning tool strokes and carving motifs, gaining inspiration from historic furniture, architectural carving, folk art, tattoos, plants, flowers, scaled animals, and so on.

Tools & Supplies: All tools and supplies will be provided for this class.

Attire: This is a general list of how to dress for the shop environment, please contact ce@nbss.edu if you have any questions. 

  • Closed-toe, comfortable, and protective footwear (sneakers or boots)
  • No loose clothing
  • Long pants suggested
  • No loose jewelry
  • Long hair must be tied back 

Prerequisite: None

Age Requirement: Students must be 18+ by the class start date to attend adult CE classes. No one under 18 years old is permitted to register for an adult class, even if accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Full Course




Forgot password?
Staff Log In