Stained Glass Intensive with Erin Glassworks
January 23-25
Instructor: Erin of Erin Glassworks
Join us for an immersive, all-inclusive stained glass workshop hosted at the scenic Blackthorne Resort, where creativity and craftsmanship come together in a focused, hands-on environment. This unique program offers participants the opportunity to learn the full process of stained glass design and fabrication while enjoying comfortable accommodations and thoughtfully prepared meals on site.
Under the expert instruction of Erin from Erin Glassworks, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of traditional stained glass techniques—from pattern design and glass selection to cutting, foiling, soldering, and finishing. Each student will complete and take home their own custom stained glass panel, created to their individual design.
The workshop is designed for both beginners and those with prior experience who wish to refine their skills in a supportive, professional studio setting. Erin brings years of experience as a stained glass artist and educator, ensuring that every participant receives personalized guidance and technical insight throughout the process.
Class Fee Covers:
-Lodging at the Blackthorne Resort
-Meals provided by the Blackthorne Resort
-Tools and materials
Fold Form Metalsmith Intensive with Curtis Bohn
January 23-25
An all-inclusive weekend long fold-form metalsmithing intensive taught by metal artist Curtis Bohn
Join renowned metal artist Curtis Bohn for an immersive, hands-on exploration of fold forming — one of the most dynamic and sculptural techniques in contemporary metalsmithing. Set amidst the scenic beauty of the Blackthorne Resort, this all-inclusive workshop invites artists of all skill levels to dive into the creative and technical process of transforming flat sheets of metal into fluid, organic forms.
Over the course of this workshop, Curtis will guide participants through the fundamental principles of fold forming — including forging, annealing, hammering, and unfolding — to reveal elegant curves, ridges, and textures inspired by nature. Students will learn how to coax movement and depth from copper and brass, developing both technical mastery and an intuitive sense of design.
With individualized instruction, demonstrations, and open studio time, you’ll have the opportunity to create your own one-of-a-kind metal sculptures, jewelry components, or decorative pieces. Whether you’re a beginner eager to learn or an experienced metalsmith looking to expand your artistic vocabulary, this workshop offers a supportive and inspiring environment for experimentation and growth.
Class Fee Covers:
-Lodging at the Blackthorne Resort
-Meals provided by the Blackthorne Resort
-Tools and materials
Silversmithing Intensive with Kerges Nimen
March 20-22
Join master silversmith Kerges Nimen for a transformative, hands-on silversmithing experience at the beautiful Blackthorne Resort. This all-inclusive weekend workshop focuses on one of the most rewarding aspects of the craft — recycling and reimagining silver.
Over the course of the weekend, participants will learn how to melt down scrap silver and refine it into usable wire and sheet, gaining a deeper understanding of the metal’s lifecycle and potential. From this newly reclaimed material, Kerges will guide you through the creation of handcrafted embellishments — including delicate flowers, leaves, stampings, and small castings — perfect for adorning jewelry or adding unique detail to future projects.
Students will then apply these techniques to design and fabricate two finished pieces: a custom silver ring and a pendant, both made from metal they’ve recycled and shaped by hand. Through a blend of demonstrations, personalized instruction, and open studio time, you’ll leave with both refined technical skills and the satisfaction of sustainable craftsmanship.
Class Fee Covers:
-Lodging at the Blackthorne Resort
-Meals provided by the Blackthorne Resort
-Tools and materials
Leather Bag Making with Jamie Seel
March 20-22
Join renowned leather artisan Jamie Seel for a comprehensive, all-inclusive workshop at the picturesque Blackthorne Resort. Designed for both beginners and experienced makers, this immersive program offers a structured and engaging introduction to the art of professional leather bag making.
Over the course of the workshop, participants will gain hands-on experience with every stage of the process — from design conception and templating to precise cutting, stitching, assembly, and finishing. Under Jamie’s expert instruction, you’ll learn essential techniques and industry best practices while crafting a fully finished, custom leather bag to take home.
This all-inclusive experience includes high-quality materials, professional-grade tools, and guided instruction in a supportive, small-group environment. Participants will also enjoy comfortable accommodations and thoughtfully prepared meals at the Blackthorne Resort, ensuring a seamless and inspiring creative retreat.
Class Fee Covers:
-Lodging at the Blackthorne Resort
-Meals provided by the Blackthorne Resort
-Tools and materials
Group Forge Workshop
April 10-12
Join us for a fully immersive, weekend-long blacksmithing experience where collaboration, creativity, and hands-on forging take center stage. Guided by renowned blacksmith Chris Cash of Mt. Phillip Metal Works, and joined this year by acclaimed artist-blacksmith Matt Harris of Matthew Harris Studio, participants will work together to create a large-scale, free-form aquatic sculpture.
Throughout the workshop, you’ll explore a dynamic mix of both traditional and contemporary forging techniques—learning how each process contributes to the flow, texture, and expression of a complex group build.
After each day’s structured instruction, students will also enjoy access to our open forge, stocked with a wide range of materials so you can create personal projects, experiment with new skills, or continue refining what you’ve learned.
This workshop is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their blacksmithing skills, work as part of a creative team, and spend a weekend forging in a supportive, energetic environment.
Class Fee Covers:
-Lodging at the Blackthorne Resort
-Meals provided by the Blackthorne Resort
-Tools and materials
Hammer-In
May 8-10
Join us for a weekend-long Blacksmithing Open House at the Blackthorne Resort—an open, welcoming space where complete beginners and experienced smiths can forge side-by-side, share knowledge, and celebrate the craft.
Whether you’re looking to reconnect with your favorite maker friends, spark your creativity using our wide range of forging equipment, or simply try blacksmithing for the very first time, our Hammer-In is the perfect place to jump in. No experience required—just curiosity and a willingness to have fun.
This event is completely FREE!
All we ask is that you bring a good attitude and something to contribute to the party—snacks, steel, coal, propane, or whatever you feel inspired to share.
Lodging available on-site at the Blackthorne Resort.
For room reservations or more information, call (518) 634-2541.
Wood Turning Intensive
Wood Turning Intensive
Wood Turning Intensive
May 8-10
Discover the joy, rhythm, and creativity of woodturning in this fully immersive, all-inclusive Weekend Woodturning Workshop taught by renowned maker, educator, and woodturning enthusiast Pat Lap. Whether you’re brand-new to the lathe or looking to refine your technique, this hands-on class offers the perfect balance of skill-building, experimentation, and fun.
Over the course of the weekend, Pat will guide students through every step of turning a beautiful, functional project—from selecting and preparing blanks to tool control, shaping, hollowing, sanding, and finishing. You’ll learn how to safely and confidently use a variety of turning tools, understand grain behavior, correct common mistakes, and develop the muscle memory needed for smooth, clean cuts.
Pat’s approachable teaching style, humor, and deep passion for the craft make the learning process both accessible and energizing. Students will leave the workshop with a completed turned piece, a strong foundation of technique, and the confidence to continue turning on their own.
Spend a weekend surrounded by wood chips, good people, and great instruction—an unforgettable woodturning experience with one of the community’s most beloved makers.
Class Fee Covers:
-Lodging at the Blackthorne Resort
-Meals provided by the Blackthorne Resort
-Tools and materials
More Info to Come
Timber-In
Wood Turning Intensive
Wood Turning Intensive
Join us for this all-inclusive timber framing retreat, led by renowned timber framer James Smith. Throughout the weekend, attendees will work together to cut mortise and tenons for a large timber frame structure that will live at the Blackthorne. This year’s project will be a pair of Adirondack style lean-to shelters!
Students will learn how to lay out timbers, use traditional timber framing tools, implement new tools into traditional timber framing and much much more. By the end of the weekend, the group will have all of the mortise and tenons of the structure complete and ready for dry fitting! Then, the whole frame comes back apart and waits to be fully erected at the next Maker Camp!
Class Fee Covers:
-Lodging at the Blackthorne Resort
-Meals provided by the Blackthorne Resort
-Tools and materials
Field of Tools
Wood Turning Intensive
Field of Tools
August 7-9
Join us for the first ever Field of Tools, a weekend devoted to celebrating the tools that keep us making the things we love! Come see curated displays of rare vintage tools and machinery, new tools and innovative products from industry leaders, and our extensive Swap-Meet, where you might just be able to find that one tool or piece of machinery you’ve been looking for.
Weekend Highlights Include:
- Refurbish your rusty tools at our Evapo-Rust Dunk Station
- Pick a hand tool and learn how to restore it at the Restoration Station
- Tool and Machinery Swap Meet
- Rare Tool and Machinery Displays
- Friday Night Free Hot Dogs and Hamburgers
- Saturday Night Maker Camp Pool Party