Service Learning: TIMBER-Frame Shavehorses

Friday, October 23; Saturday; October 24; and Sunday, October 25:

9 AM - 5 PM

Help build out CPC’s classroom facility while learning timber-frame skills! In this three-day beginner-friendly course, students will construct versatile shave horses using traditional joinery techniques. Each horse is built on a durable base designed to accept multiple interchangeable fixtures, including a work table, bowl-carving support, clamping device, and spoon mule. Participants will make the base and the clamping and workbench fixtures, gaining hands-on experience with timber-frame methods while producing a highly functional, multi-use tool. 

  • Tuition: By Donation (Valued at $400)

  • Materials Fee: None

  • What to Bring: Wear clothes appropriate for a workshop, especially closed toe shoes. You may bring timber framing tools if you have them.

  • Age / Ability Level:This class is open to all levels of woodworking experience. Minimum age 14.

  • Under the expert guidance of Fred Livesay, volunteer participants will work in pairs to build shavehorses for Center for People and Craft’s woodshop. 

    All tools and safety equipment will be provided.

  • Hand tool woodworking requires a moderate level of hand dexterity.

    CENTER FOR PEOPLE AND CRAFT is committed to building a diverse, inclusive learning community where people of all backgrounds feel welcome and able to participate. We are dedicating space in each class for reduced-tuition scholarships to support anyone facing financial barriers. As we build a more robust scholarship program, we hope this initial launch will remove barriers and expand access to hands-on learning for all.

    Anyone with financial need is encouraged to apply for a half-tuition scholarship. To be considered, please submit a brief online application. Please note that CENTER FOR PEOPLE AND CRAFT is operating with limited financial resources and an entirely volunteer staff. Therefore, we cannot guarantee a spot for every applicant. Each class has one scholarship slot available. Applicants who are not selected in this current round are welcome to reapply.  Apply here

  • CPC is able to provide refunds up to two weeks before the start date of the class for which the registration was submitted, though we do retain a $20 fee for return payment processing. If you need to cancel your class within the two week window, a refund is not guaranteed, but will be considered based on several factors.

    If CPC needs to cancel a class due to low enrollment, teacher illness, or other factors, you will receive a full refund. Read our full set of policies.

meet your instructor

Fred Livesay is a longtime craftsman who made his first spoon at age seven. Fred trained as a wheelwright and carriage-builder before furthering his study in Scandinavian folk art, art history, and museum studies. With over 35 years of teaching experience in the U.S., Sweden, and England, he is a founding instructor of North House Folk School and the Spoon Gathering in Minnesota. He brings a deep belief in the meditative and healing power of handmade craft.