2027 Village Class
Saturday, February 20 and Sunday, February 21
9:00am-5:00pm
Choose from four time-honored crafts: bowmaking, backpack basket weaving, leather shoemaking, and leather backpack sewing.
Alongside guidance from a master artisan, you'll share a creative space with a community of makers, observing and learning from the diverse projects around you. By the end of this immersive weekend, you’ll have developed lifelong skills and a functional, handcrafted piece that’s uniquely yours.
Be sure and register soon — very limited spaces available!
Saturday, February 20 and Sunday, February 21
9:00am-5:00pm
Location: Chimacum Grange
Chimacum, WA
Instructor:
Peter Yencken
Come and weave using 1/16th inch hardwoods weavers of poplar, ash, black walnut or cherry. Your finished product will have leather shoulder straps and a plywood lid, and be strong enough to sit on.
This class is taught as part of a "village class,” meaning that Bow Making/Archery, Backpack Basket Making, Leather Shoemaking, and Leather Backpack Making are being taught simultaneously in the same space. This allows participants to be exposed to several arts while focusing on one specific skill.
Tuition:
$345 (includes materials fee + state sales tax)
Ages:
6+ (minors must be accompanied by a registered adult)
BACKPACK BASKET MAKING
Come and weave your very own backpack basket using various hardwoods. Your finished product will be durable, functional and truly lovely!
Saturday, February 20 and Sunday, February 21
9:00am-5:00pm
Location: Chimacum Grange
Chimacum, WA
Instructor:
Peter Yencken
Sew your own custom leather shoes—minimalist footwear perfectly fit to your foot! This course includes design elements, use of awls and punches, sewing and weatherproofing your shoes. These shoes are comfortable, ergonomic, durable, and attractive.
This class is taught as part of a "village class,” meaning that Bow Making/Archery, Backpack Basket Making, Leather Shoemaking, and Leather Backpack Making are being taught simultaneously in the same space. This allows participants to be exposed to several arts while focusing on one specific skill.
Tuition:
$345 (includes materials fee + state sales tax)
Ages:
6+ (minors must be accompanied by a registered adult)
LEATHER SHOE MAKING
Create your own custom leather shoes with a course that covers design, sewing, and weatherproofing. After this class, you’ll experience the satisfaction of wearing beautifully unique shoes you’ve crafted yourself, designed to be both sturdy and comfortable.
Saturday, February 20 and Sunday, February 21
9:00am-5:00pm
Location: Chimacum Grange
Chimacum, WA
Instructor:
Peter Yencken
Work with thick leather and create your own sturdy backpack! Course includes design elements, use of punches, sewing, and how to care for the leather. The completed product is incredibly durable and attractive.
This class is taught as part of a "village class,” meaning that Bow Making/Archery, Backpack Basket Making, Leather Shoemaking, and Leather Backpack Making are being taught simultaneously in the same space. This allows participants to be exposed to several arts while focusing on one specific skill.
Tuition:
$345 (includes materials fee + state sales tax)
Ages:
6+ (minors must be accompanied by a registered adult)
SEW A LEATHER BACKPACK
Create an attractive leather backpack that will be both practical and durable.
Saturday, February 20 and Sunday, February 21
9:00am-5:00pm
Location:
Chimacum Grange
Chimacum, WA
Instructor:
Peter Yencken
The art of making and shooting handmade wooden bows has been practiced worldwide for thousands of years. Bows have been used for survival, sport, and meditation (Zen Archery). This class is a continuation of these ancient practices.
You will make a hickory board bow. Learn about the wood and how to select it, which tools to use (and how to use them safely), how to make bowstrings, and how to weatherproof and finish your bow. Once your bow is ready, we’ll spend an afternoon practicing instinctive shooting techniques.
Bowmakers receive one arrow, with the possibility of making more if time allows.
This class is taught as part of a "village class,” meaning that Bow Making/Archery, Backpack Basket Making, Leather Shoemaking, and Leather Backpack Making are being taught simultaneously in the same space. This allows participants to be exposed to several arts while focusing on one specific skill.
Tuition:
$345 (includes materials fee + state sales tax)
Ages:
6+ (minors must be accompanied by a registered adult)
BOWMAKING AND ARCHERY
Learn the timeless craft of building your own longbow, then take it to the field for an afternoon of “instinctive” shooting practice.
Meet Your Instructor
Peter Yencken
Peter started as a bowyer while working for Tom Brown's Tracking and Wilderness Survival School. He has taught the art of making bows to 2000+ people of all ages. He also makes and teaches knife (of different size and shapes) making; backpack basket making; felt boot making; as well as leather bag, hat and shoe making. Peter has been on a lifelong search for skills that help people reclaim a feeling of self reliance while also providing a focal point for observing oneself more deeply. He currently lives in Ticksville (a.k.a. Charlottesville, VA) and learns much wisdom from his daughter.