Craft & Trades Classes
You've admired the handwoven textiles in Liberty Corner and distinct
metalwork in Prairietown…now it's your turn! Work alongside master craftspeople
and acquire a unique skill of your own.
Reservations required; Call 317.776.6006 or 800.966.1836.
Currently Offered Classes
Traditional Arts and Arms Making Workshop
Enjoy a rare opportunity to work closely and directly with some of the nation's best craftsmen. Small class sizes in well-equipped facilities allow you to develop skills from basic to advanced.-
Timber Framing Class
Help construct a traditional timber-frame that will stand as the Carpenter Shop on the Conner Prairie grounds. Discover how to sharpen and use traditional tools such as corner chisels, slicks, handsaws and t-handled augers. Learn about proper timber selection, laying out and cutting mortice and tenons, drawboring and assembly. Ages 14 and over.
Friday, July 11, 2008 8:30 am-5 pm
$150 (Members $135)
Blacksmithing Basics
Through a series of projects like hooks, chain links and cooking utensils, embrace the tradition of hand blacksmithing and bench-work techniques. Experience tending a fire, drawing out, upsetting, welding, file work and finishing work. All materials are included in the class fee. Ages 16 and over.
Mondays, Oct. 27-Dec. 1, 2008 6:30-9:30 pm
$195 (Members $175)
Blacksmithing Knife Making
Experience the art of knife making. Explore steel selection, hand forging, filing and finishing, heat-treatment handle selection and fitting. Some hand tools are required. Ages 16 and over.
Wednesdays, Nov. 5-Dec. 10, 2008
$190 (Members $170)
Blacksmithing for Youth
Gain a new appreciation for traditional blacksmithing while constructing your own wall hook and nail. Explore the tools, technology and terminology of basic blacksmithing. All materials are included in the class fee. Ages 12–16.
Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008 9 am-4 pm
$110 (Members $100)
Pottery for Youth
Sculpt or form basic clay formations, or try your hand at the wheel. Receive personalized instruction from Conner Prairie potters and your own wheel workstation. Perfect for working towards completion of a scout merit badge or starting on a 4-H project. All materials are included in the class fee.
Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008 6:30-8 pm
$60 (Members $55)
Pottery Decorative Techniques for Redware
Learn how to lay a design, glaze and carve on Pennsylvania German and Early New England redware. Take home an heirloom piece of pottery you can share for a lifetime. All materials are included in the class fee.
Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008 7-9 pm
$60 (Members $55)
Pottery Basics
Try your hand at wheel thrown pottery and practice glazing techniques. Receive personalized instruction from Conner Prairie potters and your own wheel workstation. Class is adaptable to beginner or advanced students. All materials are included in the class fee. Ages 14 and over.
Tuesdays, Oct. 21-Nov. 25, 2008 7-8:30 pm
$170 (Members $155)
Pottery Holiday Class
Looking for a unique holiday gift idea for that hard to please person? Join the Conner Prairie potters for a day of fun. Receive individual instruction on wheel thrown pottery and glazes. Construct a bowl or vase, choose your favorite glaze and create the perfect handmade gift. All materials are included in the class fee. Ages 14 and over.
Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008 10 am-12 pm
$65 (Members $60)
Weaving Basics
Learn the basics of weaving on a four-harness loom from Conner Prairie’s textile specialists. Using natural-dyed wool, design and prepare a warp, dress a loom and learn basic weaving. Take home a one-of-a-kind hand made scarf. All materials are included in the class fee.
Saturday & Sunday, Nov. 1 & 2, 2008 9 am-5 pm
$220 (Members $200)
Holiday Penny Rug
Get in the holiday spirit! Join our textile specialist for a fun–filled look at Penny Rug décor. Make your own Penny Rug pincushion to add to your holiday decorations. All materials are included in the class fee.
Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008 9 am-12 pm
$25 (Members $20)
Spinning Basics
From sheep to yarn—learn the basics of wool preparation. Make your own yarn from Conner Prairie’s dorset sheep. Help prepare the wool, twist the fibers and use a drop spindle. This experience will inspire and give an appreciation of the ingenuity of our ancestors. All materials are included in the class fee.
Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008 6 pm-9 pm
$40 (Members $35)