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North Bennet Street School

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Our Classes

Shaker Oval Boxes

$286

with Kolin Schmidt CF '21

Calendar Jul 19, 2025 at 8:30 am, runs for 1 week

Dates: Saturday, July 19th & Sunday, July 20th (2 meetings)

Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Instructor: Kolin Schmidt CF '21

In this class, students will learn to make oval bent-band boxes using basic hand tools and steam bending. These boxes are of a traditional style often called "shaker" boxes. * Working with prepared box bands, students learn to bevel, steam, and bend bands; then fit and tack them to lids and bottoms. Students will make 3 different-sized nested boxes, and some techniques for finishing them will be covered as well. All skill levels are welcome!*The term "Shakers" refers to the people of The United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, a religious group that separated from the Religious Society of Friends (also known as "Quakers") during the 18th Century. While the group itself is no longer active, their aesthetics of simplicity and utility were highly influential to the history of American furniture making in what has come to be known as the "Shaker style." They were also known for their communal culture, pacifism, abstinence, and equality of the sexes at a time when this was well outside of the mainstream. Both "Shaker" and "Quaker" are terms, originally pejorative in nature, that were given to these groups by outsiders.

Tools & Supplies: All tools and supplies are 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.

Window Sash Restoration

$465

with Tom Eldridge PC '20

Calendar Jul 19, 2025 at 8:30 am, runs for 2 weeks

Dates: Saturdays, July 19-26 (2 meetings)

Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Instructor: Tom Eldridge PC '20

This two-day course provides information and instruction appropriate for homeowners on the simple repair and restoration of wooden windows. An overview of professional preservation and restoration will also beprovided. Day 1 reviews the anatomy and mechanics of wooden sash windows, the process of removing sash from their openings, paint removal and repairs to the wood frame. Day 2 includes the practice of deglazing glass, glass replacement, glazing, and painting. The methods taught in this class will be based on regularly available tools and materials for easy replication at home.

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

Introduction to Linoleum Block Printing

$360

with Martha Kearsley BB '95

Calendar Jul 19, 2025 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

Dates: Saturday, July 19th & Sunday, July 20th (2 meetings)

Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Instructor: Martha Kearsley BB '95

Teaching Assistant: TBA

This two-day workshop is a comprehensive introduction to design, carving, and printing with linoleum blocks and methods for printing on both paper and textiles. Students will learn to transfer designs and carve linoleum surfaces and will explore a variety of methods to produce their prints, including the use of a traditional platen press and several set-ups and methods to print without a press.

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

Prerequisite: None

Introduction to Platform Framing

$925

with Nick Fernandes CF '20, CA '21

Calendar Jul 21, 2025 at 8:30 am, runs for 1 week

Dates: Monday, July 21 - Friday, July 25 (5 meetings)

Hours: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

Instructor: Nick Fernandes CF '20, CA '21

Teaching Assistant: TBA

This course is a framing intensive, covering the basics of floor and wall framing. Students will learn the terms, techniques, and tips applicable to residential stick framing. The curriculum will include code compliance, building science, and the cutting and assembling of wall and floor framing. 

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

Fundamentals of Bookbinding I

$1,094

with Colin Urbina BB '11

Calendar Jul 21, 2025 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

Dates: Monday, July 21 - Friday, July 25 (5 meetings)

Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Instructor: Colin Urbina BB'11

Students will learn the foundations of bookbinding by combining hands-on exercises and discussion. The class starts by exploring non-adhesive structures: soft cover pamphlet, Coptic, historical longstitch, and link stitch. The class ends with a look at case bindings, with the creation of two hardcover flatback bindings. Students also learn different structural elements, sewing variations, and covering and cutting techniques using various materials, tools, and equipment. Throughout the course, discussions will cover terminology, paper grain and folding, selecting proper materials and tools, and adhesives and their properties.

Tools and Supplies: Please bring a notebook and a pencil. All other tools and supplies are provided for this class.

Prerequisite: None

Bookbinding 101

$297

with Ariana Rutledge BB '22

Calendar Jul 26, 2025 at 8:30 am, runs for 1 week

Dates: Saturday, July 26th & Sunday, July 27th (2 meetings)

Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Instructor: Ariana Rutledge BB'22

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. All levels of experience are welcome to register.

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

Prerequisite: None

Introduction to SketchUp

$300

with Kolin Schmidt CF '21

Calendar Jul 26, 2025 at 8:30 am, runs for 1 week

Dates: Saturday, July 26th & Sunday, July 27th (2 meetings)

Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Instructor: Kolin Schmidt CF '21

SketchUp is a program for creating 3D models for construction, woodworking, jewelry, and craft projects.  Some 3D Modeling software can be complicated, expensive, and impractical for many makers.  SketchUp is a great way to learn about 3D modeling and get to work quickly without wasting time or money on advanced software you don’t need.  In this class students will learn the basics of navigating a 3D space, creating objects, and organizing a 3D model.  Time permitting, students will work through some more complex projects, as well.

Tools & Supplies: Please bring the following required supplies to the first day of class.

Required:

  • Any version of SketchUp 
  • A laptop or Chromebook that meets the minimum requirements to run SketchUp
  • Your laptop or Chromebook’s power cord

Recommended: 

  • Notebook and pen or pencil
  • A 3-button mouse (left, right, and clickable scroll wheel) is highly recommended.

 Prerequisite: None

Jewelry Making 101

$269

with Elizabeth Arnold JM '18

Calendar Jul 26, 2025 at 8:30 am, runs for 1 week

Date: Saturday, July 26th 

Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Instructor: Elizabeth Arnold JM '18

Learn the basics of jewelry making and get to know your way around the bench. Move through a series of beginner-level projects to gain an understanding of basic fabrication and insight into more complex techniques.

Tools & Supplies: All tools and supplies are 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





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