Basketmaking, woodworking,
nature walks on July 25

NEW GLOUCESTER — On Saturday, July 25, Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village will offer a series of traditional craft workshops, educational nature walks, a heritage plant sale, and more. Traditional craft workshops (pre-registration required at www.maineshakers.com or call 926-4597) include making “Green Cleaning Products” with renowned Shaker Village herbalist Betsey Ann Golon. Participants will make and take home several herbal cleaning products made from all natural ingredients that are commonly found in the household ($50). In “Birch Bark Necklace Basket,” local artist and basketmaker Carolyn Kemp will instruct participants to make a charming birch bark necklace basket. Previous basketmaking experience will be useful and this class is designed for anyone interested in fine, intricate projects ($65).

Internationally-known woodworker Chris Becksvoort will share his life-long expertise and techniques as a master cabinetmaker and scholar of Shaker furniture in his “Dovetails” woodworking workshop. Participants will learn proper layout procedures and methods for marking, sawing, chiseling, and fitting dovetails. Emphasis is on technique and precision. This class is designed for the beginner woodworker and those with advanced woodworking experience ($50).

In “Amish-Style Double-Sided Pillow,” local, expert seamstress and quilter Dianne Devonshire will teach the basics of quilting. Participants will complete an attractive double-sided pillow based upon a traditional Amish flower design and leave with the skills to continue quilting. This is an excellent class for beginners, and new quilters ($75). Although master-carver Norm Devonshire’s “Introductory Woodcarving” and Beth Miller’s “Cold-Process Soap Making” workshops are full, check the website for other upcoming dates and workshops.

Resident naturalist Carolyn Fensore will lead “Nature’s Outdoor Classroom”, a two-and-one-half-hour hike through the Shakers’ 1,800 acres of diversified habitats while identifying and explaining flora, fauna, geological formations, and Shaker history along the way ($8 adults, $2 children). Also visit the Shaker Store and the Shaker Museum Visitors’ Center featuring a wide selection of old-fashioned gifts and high-quality local Maine crafts. Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village is located at 707 Shaker Road (Route 26) in New Gloucester.

For more information about individual programs, including start times, reservations and registration, please contact 207-926-4597, [email protected], maineshakers.com, or follow us on Facebook at Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village.