BEREA, Ky. — Berea Makerspace will host a two-day woodworking workshop May 30 and 31 focused on traditional toolmaking and hands-on furniture construction.
The class, titled “Tools and Stools with Don Weber,” runs from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. both days at the Berea Makerspace facility, located at 116 Spring Circle Drive in Berea. The workshop is built around a practical philosophy: participants first build a traditional hand tool, then use that exact tool to complete a small furniture project.
🪚 Building the Tool First
On the first day of the workshop, students will focus entirely on building a functional bow saw. Instructor Don Weber will demonstrate three distinct styles of the tool, ranging from a simpler version optimized for general carpentry to a scroll-saw style version intended for more intricate forms.
Organizers note that the simpler carpentry version is highly recommended for most participants. This first-day toolmaking work establishes the functional foundation for the remainder of the class.
🪵 Making the Stool
On the second day, participants will put their newly constructed bow saws to work, using them to cut out a solid oak stool seat. The session also covers the technical aspects of shaping structural stool legs using a traditional draw knife and a tenon cutter.
The primary goal is for students to leave the weekend with a completely finished project, or at least the specialized tools and technical knowledge required to finish the assembly independently at home. The workshop is structured to be accessible for all skill levels, requiring no prior carpentry experience.
👤 About the Instructor
Don Weber, widely known across the region as “the Bodger of Paint Lick,” is an experienced traditional woodworker, blacksmith, toolmaker, furniture maker, and fly-rod maker. His work connects closely with historic green woodworking and traditional Appalachian craft practices, making this workshop an ideal fit for anyone interested in heritage skills and historic manufacturing methods.
✅ Registration and Logistics
- Schedule: Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. both days
- Age Requirement: Participants must be at least 16 years old. An adult must be present to supervise any participating minors.
- Cost: $115, which covers all necessary raw materials, lumber, and workshop supplies
- Deadlines: Pre-registration with full advance payment is required. Cancellations and full refund requests will be accepted until Friday, May 29, at 12:00 p.m.
Registration Portal:
https://bereamakerspace.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?club_id=440327&item_id=2926828&page_id=4091
Berea Makerspace Site:
https://bereamakerspace.org/
Upcoming Events in Berea & Beyond
Community, Arts & Civic
- Richmond Centre Summer Concerts Opening Night (2139 Lantern Ridge Dr.), Friday, May 29, 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
https://shoprichmondcentre.com/promotions/ - Tools and Stools Workshop (116 Spring Circle Dr.), Saturday, May 30 to Sunday, May 31, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
https://bereamakerspace.clubexpress.com/ - Drive-Thru Pet Vaccine Clinic (1151 Goggins Lane), Saturday, May 30, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
https://madisoncountyky.gov/mc-events/ - Next Level Soccer Camp (Berea College Alumni Field), Monday, June 1 to Friday, June 5
https://visitberea.com/events/ - Woodcarver Wednesday (Berea Welcome Center), Wednesday, June 3, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
https://visitberea.com/events/ - 15th Annual US 25 Yard Sale (Regional Route), Friday, June 5 to Saturday, June 6
https://visitberea.com/events/ - Junebug Festival (Old Town Artisan Village), Friday, June 5 at 6:00 p.m.
https://visitberea.com/events/ - Free Kids Fishing Derby (Lake Reba Park), Saturday, June 6, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
https://madisoncountyky.gov/mc-events/
Theater & Performance at The Spotlight Playhouse
Tickets and info: https://www.thespotlightplayhouse.com/
- Annie KIDS (Spotlight Acting School), May 29 to June 7
- Creative Arts Camp (“New York, New York”), June 8 to 12
- Macbeth (The Bluegrass Players), June 19 to 28
- **Film Acting Camp (Rising 6th to Age 18), June 29 to July 3
About the Author
Dr. Chad Hembree is the Executive Director of Spotlight Acting School, The Spotlight Playhouse, and Spotlight Performing Arts. Affectionately known to the community as “Mr. Chad,” he is a playwright, director, and performer with a professional background spanning music, theater, and technology. As a contributor and editor for BereaOnline.com, he focuses on highlighting community news, local events, and the evolving intersection of technology and the arts in Madison County.