Saratoga Joinery

Join us for a women and gender non-conforming only class to build this lovely wood tray. Made of cherry and measuring 12” x 16”, it’s the perfect tray to learn some woodworking skills in a safe and encouraging space and make some sawdust! It will look pretty great sitting on your coffee table too.

What You’ll Learn

This cherry tray will teach you many basics of woodworking that you can use later in larger and more complex projects. Here are just a few things you’ll learn:

• How to mill rough lumber
• Cutting rabbits and dados
• Using pins to secure your pieces
• Gluing and sanding techniques
• Options or various finishes for your tray

Take the skills you’ll learn during this class to create drawer boxes and cabinetry.

Tools Used

We’ve got a shop full of great tools we’re excited to share with you. You’ll learn to safely use the following tools during our class together:

• Table saw
• Band saw
• Jointer & planer
• Drill press
• Sanders

While we’re excited to have you learn to use these tools, we understand that not everyone will be comfortable with everything we do in the shop. If you don’t feel good about making a particular cut or maneuver, just let us know - we’re happy to help!

Skill Level & Prerequisites

Beginner to Intermediate

You’re a woman or gender non-conforming.

You are interested in the craft, but haven’t been in the shop yet. You’ve made a few things before, but want to up your game with a new project and some additional skills. No prior knowledge or experience necessary!

Ages 16+; minors are required to be accompanied by an adult.

Schedule

Two, 7-hour sessions

There will be a break for lunch. Bring something with you or grab something from one of our local eateries.

Safety

PPE: We provide safety glasses, hearing protection, and dust masks if requested. Safety glasses are required in the shop at all times.

Dress: We’re probably going to get a little dusty! Make sure to wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes. Avoid loose clothing and jewelry. Anything that may get caught in machinery, like long hair, must be tied back and secured.

Accommodations: While we’ll be moving about the shop for most of our time together, we aim to make the craft as accessible as possible for everyone. Please reach out if you have any questions about our space or may need accommodations of any kind.

What to Bring

If you have a favorite tape measure, pencil, or tool feel free to bring it along. Otherwise, we’ve got you covered!

We’ll be on our feet for most of the class, so it might be good to bring something to drink and a light snack. Don’t worry, we’ll take some breaks!

Instructor Bio

Sophie received her MFA in Furniture Design and Woodworking from San Diego State University, and BFA in Sculpture and Drawing from SUNY Purchase College. She has exhibited her work across the country, including Blue Spiral 1 Gallery (NC), the Center for Art in Wood (PA), and the Metal Museum (TN), and has been fortunate to receive several grants, fellowships, and residencies to help advance her career, including the John D. Mineck Fellowship in 2022.

Sophie currently teaches at KutztownUniversity, and has taught workshops at A Workshop of Our Own, Penland School of Craft, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, the Appalachian Center for Craft, and Haystack Mountain School of Crafts.