2023 Maker Camp Events

February 3-5

Taught by renowned leather worker, Ethan Carter, this all-inclusive weekend-long course was designed to teach students the skills necessary to embark on their own leather working journey. Whether or not you are a hobbyist or someone who is looking to start their own leather crafting business, this class is for you. Throughout the course of the weekend, students will use the techniques demonstrated to make their own goods! 

Some of the techniques that will be taught throughout the weekend include but are not limited to:

• Stitching 
• Edge Finishing
• Wet Forming
• Snap Setting
• Handle Wrapping
• Pattern Making
• Layout Fundamentals

The ticket fee for this class includes:

1. Housing at the Blackthorne Resort for the weekend
2. All meals for the weekend
3. Entry into class
4. All materials provided

Class size is limited to 10 people

February 17-19

This will be an introductory class for anyone who wants to learn the fundamentals of silversmithing. Working with sterling silver, you’ll be guided through the design and fabrication of a finished ring. Skills covered will be but are not limited to soldering, forming, bezel setting a cabochon, and polishing. This is the perfect class to start your silversmithing journey whether it be for recreation or to start your own silversmithing business!

Class fee includes

1. Entry into class
2. All tools and materials needed
3. Lodging at the Blackthorne Resort
4. All meals included

February 24-26

 On February 24-26th, join Dre of @craftswithdre to learn the basics of epoxy resin held at Blackthorn’s brand new Maker space! This event, sponsored by @totalboat, will be a weekend full of hands on projects where you can learn various epoxy techniques. By the end of the weekend you will know: 

◦ How to select the right epoxy for your project 

◦ How to use tints and pigments 

◦ How to achieve a “Stained glass” effect

 ◦ How to successfully pour bubble-free inlays 

◦ How to cast objects in epoxy ◦ How to make Micarta

 ◦ How to do the Epoxy “wave” technique

 There will only be 10-15 spots available for this course, so don‘t wait until the last minute to buy your tickets!

March 10-12

In this class we will be forging a 1.5lb 4140 hatchet from start to finish. We will cover punching the eye, drawing and splaying out the blade, straightening, rough grinding, heat treating, final sharpening and handling. The hatchets we'll be forging will make for a nice light axe that will be good for tasks such as limbing, splitting small fire wood, making kindling and of course throwing.  We will also go over a lot of other details involved in the axe making process including the different styles of axes, their grinds and purposes.  By the end of the class everyone will come away with there very own hand forged hatchet as well as the knowledge to take home and explore the process further. 

March 31-April 2

The Group Forge Project is a hands-on blacksmithing workshop guided by renown blacksmith and metal sculpter, Chris Cash of @mt_phillip_metal_work. Using a variety of blacksmithing and texturing techniques, attendees will work together to create a large-scale functional piece of metal art to live at the Blackthorne for the Maker Community to enjoy for Years to come. This years project will be a set of benches to accompany the giant fire pit we built last year! This class is limited to 25 people 

May 19-21, June 9-11

  The Maker Camp Hammer-In is basically a blacksmithing open house for smiths of all skill levels. Whether you are a seasoned professional or an amateur just looking to be introduced to the world of blacksmithing, this is a great event for you. While we have plenty of raw material and tools available for use, we highly encourage people to bring their own as well. If you plan on staying for the weekend, call the Blackthorne Resort office at (518)634-2541 to book your room

TBD

 Come help us out with another community-built timber frame project! Our Timber-In weekend is a perfect opportunity to learn all about traditional timber frame joinery. Led by master carpenter Justin Dietrich, attendees will learn how to cut mortise and tenons for a community-built timber frame bridge that will be assembled at our Maker Camp in October!  This Class is limited to 25 people

October 6-9

The last “Hurrah” of the Maker Camp season. This event is for everybody from hobbyists to hard core content creators and craftspeople. Come watch our world-class demonstrators show off their skills in everything from blacksmithing, glass blowing, welding, power carving, leather working and much much more. Take some of our hand-on classes and go home with your very own hand crafted goods. No matter what your interest in the Maker Community is, this event is for you.