Four Winds Boat Shop and Woodcraft

Build a Cedar Strip Canoe

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This workshop requires a minimum group size of 10 people.  Please call if interested in scheduling time for your group to build a canoe.

 

Instructor:  Dawne Olson

Cost of Tuition:  $200

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Building a cedar strip canoe could be the best experience you will have all year!  Don't make the mistake of dismissing this opportunity for any of the following reasons: 

You don't need a canoe.

You don't have any interest in woodworking.

You don't think you are strong enough.

You think you are too young or too old.

You don't have time.

You don't need to acquire this knowledge.

You're not a "group person".

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This course covers the construction of a cedar strip canoe from start to finish.  Similar courses to this at folk schools around the country are hundreds to thousands of dollars more than what you will pay for this.  

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If you have ever wanted to be part of something unique and rewarding, then the grace and beauty of boat construction is unparalleled. Several clients have worked with me one-on-one to build their own cedar strip canoes and kayaks.  I have thousands of hours of experience facilitating these types of builds.  The woodshop is a unique and -- sacred -- space.  A renovated one room schoolhouse is used to host classes and craft myriads of projects.  The shop is situated in a pastoral setting behind a grove of old cedar trees.  It's not uncommon to see wildlife:  wild turkeys or deer and on rare occasions - coyote. ( If you work in the evening, you will almost certainly hear them!)  People often bring a lunch to enjoy on the deck out back or at the picnic table.  There is a fridge, microwave, grill, outhouse, picnic table and Adirondack chairs for your use while you are a guest at Four Winds.  Bring your spouse or a parent or your son/daughter.  There are several stages of construction but some of the tasks that can be expected are gluing, sanding, caning canoe seats, using clamps, taping strips down, using simple hand tools such as a drill, block plane, hand saw, chisel or broom :) (there is a LOT of sweeping and dusting.)  You will be asked to use your best judgement as to which jobs are appropriate for younger hands. Some tasks are as simple as using a tack cloth to remove dust from surfaces to be varnished.  Most tasks are best for individuals over the age of 10 but young helpers can schedule time as well.  Kids under 14 MUST have a parent present.  Only persons 18 years and older will be able to be present for work that involves laying up fiberglass, working with epoxy or varnishing.  

The first day of class is an orientation meeting. This will be an orientation for all participants and the only full group meeting.   Participants will be responsible for scheduling shop time on a weekly basis following this initial meeting.  How much time you spend in the shop will be entirely up to you.  This is something that allows you (and me) a great deal of flexibility.  If you have vacation plans you can still do this!  If you work full time during the day -- yes -- you can still do this.  The studio is closed on Sundays but most Saturdays are available and some evenings can be scheduled as well.  If you want to build your own cedar strip canoe or kayak then this course is invaluable.  If you simply want to put your hands on a project that will change lives and give you a great space to open your heart and foster your creativity then you simply won't find anything that compares!  All participants will be required to sign a waiver and adhere to all safety requirements.  

Please contact me to request registration forms, waiver, and shop safety information sent to you by mail or email.  You are also welcome to come by the studio to sign up in person!