Build Your Own Little Lodge Birdhouse

Join artist Mark L. Johnson for a fun, beginner-friendly, one-day workshop where you’ll design and construct your very own Little Lodge Birdhouse.

You’ll start with flat pieces and learn how to bring them to life—adding custom shingles, arch detailing, and decorative touches that make each birdhouse truly unique. Mark will guide you step-by-step through construction, decorating, and finishing techniques, with plenty of time to get creative and explore your own style.

No woodworking or tool experience is required—we’ll cover the basics together before you dive in. All materials and tools are provided, and by the end of the day you’ll leave with a finished birdhouse, ready to brighten your garden or outdoor space.

Accessibility note: Due to space requirements, this event is only accessible by stairs.

About the Instructor:

Hi, I’m Mark Johnson — a Calgary-based photographer, designer, and lifelong maker. My journey into building started with Lego and K’nex as my first “gateway” tools, and it’s only grown from there. With a background in design and a love for working with my hands, I’ve picked up woodworking, welding, pottery, tiling, and all sorts of crafts along the way. Furniture building runs in my family, and I’ve carried that tradition forward. I’m always excited to share the joy of making.

This fall, I’m teaming up with Workshop Studios to host the Little Lodges Workshop. We’ll build more than just a birdhouse. We’ll craft a “little lodge.” You’ll learn a few foundational building skills you can carry into future projects, and we’ll add a touch of architectural flair to give your creation some charm.

Come join me, have fun making, and let’s create a little lodge together!

"My philosophy is simple: create things that work beautifully and last. Whether I'm capturing images, designing spaces, or crafting objects, I enjoy things that get better over time. When not working with clients, you'll find me skiing in the Rockies, building furniture in my workshop, or finding new ways to stay active and creative."

Website & Instagram

Common Questions

Minimum age / Can I register my child for this class?

The participant must be at minimum 16 years old to be registered and attend class unaccompanied and 12 years old accompanied with an adult. Our instruction is centred around teaching adults. If a minor is less developed than an adult, they may find our instruction methods and pace challenging. We do not guarantee any accommodation of instruction geared to minors.

Workshop is a mature environment where there are very hot kilns in unrestricted production areas; mature art that can contain challenging matters such as profanity, nudity, and mature & challenging subjects; responsible consumption of legal substances such as alcohol in both common areas and private studios, and marijuana outdoors; and lively discussion that is not censored for young ears. By registering a minor, you are agreeing to the risks and environment that they will be entering. If you are registering as a minor, you confirm that a guardian has reviewed this warning and has consented to you registering.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing that you won’t mind getting a little bit dirty. We will be working with wood, tools, and glue. The studio has aprons available for all students to wear while working. We recommend long hair be tied back and jewelry be removed before class begins.

Practice Hours

As this is a one-day workshop, our usual class practice hours are not included.

Cleanup

Classrooms must be left in a clean condition. Students are responsible for following Workshop’s cleaning protocols which are as follows: tables cleaned, floor cleaned up and mopped, tools put away, and laundry placed in basket.

Clean-up should be done with a wet sponge or a mop. Avoid sweeping in the studio as it will cause dust particles to become airborne.

Cancellations

Classes cancelled within 48h of the start date are subject to refunds only if a replacement is found for your signup. Classes cancelled anytime prior to 48h from the start date are subject to a 5% cancellation fee to cover our processing fees. Classes are subject to cancellations by Workshop in the case of low enrolment. If classes are cancelled by Workshop, you will receive a full refund, including processing fees.

What about Workshop being a safer space?

Everyone has the right to feel safe and included at Workshop Studios regardless of age, ancestry, colour, family status, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, mental disability, physical disability, place of origin, race, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or source of income.

Workshop Studios does not tolerate abusive or discriminatory behaviour. Such behaviour is grounds for removal from the studio and may result in the cancellation of future registrations or a permanent ban.

UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR

Any harassing behaviour which creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment is unacceptable conduct. Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

Verbal behaviour: Jokes, slurs, derogatory remarks, abusive language
Physical & visual: Unwanted touching, staring, filming or photographing
Visual displays: Derogatory items, posters, photographs, drawings
Verbal advances: Any unwanted or unwelcome verbal contact

If you feel you have been subject to any harassment, discriminatory behaviour or other abuse, please contact a Workshop Staff member. All communication is strictly confidential. We will work with you and if needed, and with your consent, with an independent mediator to address the issue.

Anyone exhibiting these behaviours can be asked to leave at any time by Workshop staff. By signing up to this workshop, you agree to read and follow our Safer Space Policy.

Little Lodges: A Birdhouse Building Workshop