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April Workshops at Sanborn Mills Farm
Build a Stick Chair with Andy Glenn
This April, we’re excited to welcome Andy Glenn—furniture maker, instructor, and author—for Build a Stick Chair with Andy Glenn, a five-day immersive workshop focused on traditional chairmaking.
Based in Waldoboro, Maine, Andy is known for his thoughtful approach to vernacular furniture forms and hand-tool woodworking. His path to craft includes formal training at the North Bennet Street School and years of professional work ranging from furniture repair and custom making in Boston to boatyard and cabinet shop work in coastal Maine. He has held leadership roles as Head of Woodcraft at Berea College and Head of The Woodworking School at Pine Croft, and since 2021 has been self-employed, building chairs and custom furniture while teaching nationally.
In early 2024, Andy published Backwoods Chairmakers: In Search of the Appalachian Chairmaker with Lost Art Press, a book that reflects his deep interest in regional chair traditions and the makers behind them.
During this workshop, students will build a complete stick chair from start to finish, beginning with a solid plank that is shaped and sculpted into the seat. Over the course of five days, participants will shave the legs and undercarriage, fashion the sticks, arms, and comb, and assemble the chair using traditional techniques at the bench and shave horse. Dry hardwood—most likely ash or red oak—will be used. The primary chair form is shown in the main image, with gallery photos illustrating optional variations; students may adapt their combs if desired.
Skills covered include seat carving, planing legs into octagons or rounds, spokeshave work, understanding rake and splay, drilling accurate leg angles, and final assembly. Whether you are building your first chair or refining long-held skills, the class offers both challenge and a clear path to success, with a strong emphasis on sound construction and hand-tool proficiency.
This workshop offers a rare opportunity to learn chairmaking from an experienced maker and teacher, and to leave with a finished chair built with care, intention, and lasting skill.
Introductions to
19th Century Tinsmithing & Fly Tying
Explore the history and craft of 19th-century tinwork with Master Tinsmith Richard Eckert in a hands-on workshop where you’ll make period items like cups, sconces, and chambersticks using traditional tools and techniques.
Learn the art of fly tying in this hands-on workshop where beginners and intermediate anglers will tie nymphs, streamers, wet flies, and dry flies to use on New Hampshire lakes and rivers.
Sanborn Mills Farm | www.sanbornmills.org
Sanborn Mills Farm | 7097 Sanborn Road | Loudon, NH 03307 US