Stained Glass Intensive with Erin Glassworks
Bladesmithing Intensive with Silas Blacklow and Gabriel Turner
January 22-24
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
Bladesmithing Intensive with Silas Blacklow and Gabriel Turner
Bladesmithing Intensive with Silas Blacklow and Gabriel Turner
January 22-24
Join Gabriel Turner and Silas Blacklow at Blackthorne Resort for a hands-on knife-making intensive. You’ll take a knife from raw steel to a finished tool, learning how to forge and shape the blade, heat treat it, and fit and attach a handle.
Gabriel and Silas will guide you through each stage of the process, with time to practice the techniques and understand why each step matters. You’ll leave with a knife you made yourself and the knowledge to keep building your skills.
Room and board at Blackthorne Resort are included.
Class Fee Covers:
-Lodging at the Blackthorne Resort
-Meals provided by the Blackthorne Resort
-Tools and materials
Fold Form Metalsmith Intensive with Curtis Bohn
February 12-14
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
Sewing Intensive with Patti Gilstrap
February 12-14
In this weekend sewing intensive, students of all skill levels will create a versatile, unisex garment. Beginners will make a sleeveless vest, while intermediate and advanced sewists will make a chore coat. Both projects will be sewn using medium-weight cotton canvas or denim.
You’ll learn how to read and work with a sewing pattern, select the correct size, and customize the fit for your unique body. Skills covered will include sewing straight seams and topstitching, constructing a collar, using interfacing, pressing seams, creating pockets, installing a snap-front closure, and fitting the finished garment. Those making the chore coat will also learn how to set in sleeves.
You may bring your own sewing machine or use one provided. If time allows, we’ll add customized details to make each garment truly unique. You’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind piece of clothing and plenty of new sewing skills!
Class Fee Covers:
-Lodging at the Blackthorne Resort
-Meals provided by the Blackthorne Resort
-Tools and materials
Silversmithing Intensive with Kerges Nimen
March 5-7
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 5-7
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 9-11
Join renowned artist blacksmith Chris Cash of Mt. Phillip Metalworks for an immersive, team-oriented blacksmithing experience unlike any other. The Group Forge Project is a collaborative workshop where participants work together to design and forge individual components of a large-scale kinetic metal sculpture, assembling the pieces over the course of the weekend.
This hands-on class emphasizes cooperation, problem-solving, and traditional forging techniques, while introducing participants to the challenges and rewards of creating functional, moving elements in forged steel. Under Chris’s expert guidance, students will craft individual parts that interact mechanically and visually, learning how kinetic components are engineered, balanced, and integrated into a cohesive sculptural work.
Hosted at the Blackthorne Resort in East Durham, New York, this workshop is fully all-inclusive. Blackthorne provides comfortable lodging, all meals, forge tools, and materials—allowing you to focus entirely on learning, forging, and collaborating with fellow makers. Evenings offer time to relax, share stories, and enjoy the camaraderie that defines the Maker community.
Whether you’re an experienced smith looking to expand your collaborative and kinetic design skills or an adventurous maker eager to be part of a shared creative process, The Group Forge Project promises an inspiring weekend of fire, motion, iron, and teamwork in a beautiful Catskills setting.
Class Fee Covers:
-Lodging at the Blackthorne Resort
-Meals provided by the Blackthorne Resort
-Tools and materials
Fabric Marbling Intensive with Brittani Locke
April 9-11
Discover the mesmerizing art of marbling in this engaging, hands-on workshop led by artist Brittani Locke. Using techniques rooted in the centuries-old traditions of marbled paper and book arts, participants will learn how to create intricate floating patterns and transfer them onto both paper and fabric, transforming color and movement into one-of-a-kind designs.
Throughout the workshop, Brittani will guide students through the fundamentals of marbling, including color application, pattern development, the use of traditional marbling tools, and techniques for achieving successful transfers onto different surfaces. Students will work on both paper and small pieces of cotton, allowing plenty of opportunity to experiment with color, practice classic patterns, and become comfortable controlling the paint within the marbling tank.
As skills and confidence develop, participants will gradually move on to larger and more challenging pieces, with the opportunity to marble on silk scarves. Students will build an understanding of the process, then translate their designs onto a finished wearable piece.
With demonstrations, individual guidance, and plenty of time for experimentation, students will leave with a growing collection of hand marbled papers and fabrics and a deeper understanding of this endlessly versatile surface design technique. No prior marbling experience is required
-Lodging at the Blackthorne Resort
-Meals provided by the Blackthorne Resort
-Tools and materials
Hammer-In
TBD
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
TBD
Discover the rhythm, satisfaction, and quiet precision of woodturning in this hands-on Mallet Turning Workshop taught by maker, educator, and woodturning enthusiast Pat Lap. Whether you're brand new to the lathe or looking to strengthen your fundamentals, this class offers a focused and approachable introduction to spindle turning.
In this engaging session, Pat will guide students through the complete process of turning a traditional round wooden mallet between centers. Starting from a square blank, participants will learn how to safely mount their stock, convert it to a cylinder, and shape a comfortable, functional tool using only three classic turning tools: the roughing gouge, spindle gouge, and parting tool.
Along the way, students will explore essential woodturning fundamentals including tool control, bevel support, shaping clean curves, defining diameters, and achieving smooth finishing cuts. The class also includes a practical introduction to tool sharpening, helping students understand why sharp tools are the key to safer turning and cleaner results.
Pat’s approachable teaching style, humor, and passion for the craft make the learning experience relaxed, informative, and highly enjoyable. By the end of the session, each student will leave with a hand-turned wooden mallet, a solid understanding of the turning process, and the confidence to continue exploring the lathe.
Spend a few hours surrounded by spinning wood, flying shavings, and great instruction—an inspiring introduction to woodturning with one of the maker community’s most enthusiastic voices.
Class Fee Covers:
-Lodging at the Blackthorne Resort
-Meals provided by the Blackthorne Resort
-Tools and materials
Timber-In
Wood Turning Intensive
Field of Tools
TBD
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