Woodturning Foundations
Join our experienced wood turning instructors Bryan Field and Doug Finkel for this deep dive in to wood turning. This is an extremely small, very hands on course taking only 4 students per session.
Over 7 weeks students will cover a wide range of wood turning techniques, from the basics of spindle and bowl turning to completing a final display piece of their own design. Students will create multiple projects along the way in a variety of woods all provided as part of the class fee. Classes will cover safety, tool care and sharpening alongside turning instruction.
Students are expected to practice their skills between sessions: additional open studio hours are available Tuesdays 6-9p for our regular Wood Turning Open Studio at no cost for Woodturning Foundations students. Guidance from expert turner and teaching assistant Rick Bernier as well as a variety of blanks and scrap lumber will be available during these hours for practice.
Week 1 will begin with the basics of technique with guidance from both Doug and Bryan. Each tutor will take turns teaching a wide variety of projects including turning green pieces, matched parts, off axis turning and platters during weeks 2-6. In the final class students will be provided with a blank and work on designing and turning a piece of their choice.
Puppet Yourself! - With Sally Ray
Sally’s decade of work as a special fabricator for film and television can be seen in films from Gremlins 2 to Men in Black. She then went on to project manage puppet builds for films such as Disney’s George of the Jungle and Tron: Legacy.
This class will provide hands on experience and practical knowledge of making a a puppet head from patterned foam while exploring character development by applying different features and finishes. You can even puppet yourself! Hand sewing experience helpful!
Making these puppets is a challenging skill using a host of sharp tools and solvent based glues. This is an adult level (14+) class.
Stained Glass for Beginners: Suncatcher
Bring some sparkle and shimmer to your life by learning all about stained glass! We're excited to open up a new stained glass area at MAXT for spring 2024 and kick it all off with some great beginner classes.
Learn to create in stained glass, making a beautiful 5 pointed star in vibrant colored glass. Students will learn how to safely handle glass, to select the correct pieces for their project, cut, grind, foil, solder, and polish. A full introduction to this beautiful artform.
2 2hr sessions per course
January 25 and Feb 1 10-noon
Modern Calligraphy 101
Explore the basics of modern calligraphy and decorative hand lettering in Calligraphy 101 with Lorin Baeta of Letterly Signs & Lettering. We’ll cover the anatomy of script letterforms, and practice writing and drawing with different tools to learn the essential strokes that all letters are made from. Each student will receive a craft pumpkin to personalize with their newly developed skills. Focusing on signage and lettering for the past 7 years, Lorin has produced calligraphic works for weddings, businesses and private commissions, as well as personalizing countless seasonal and decorative keepsakes at fall and winter craft fairs.
Exploring Watercolors - Freeform Session
Join us for a fun night of creative watercolors with Liz Knight.
The studio will be set up with watercolors and paper ready for you to relax and explore the magic of watercolor. Liz will demonstrate the fundamentals of mixing and layers and then send you off on your own explorations. Students are encouraged to bring their own projects and enjoy the community of painters. We will share encouragement and tips along the way.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Young Creatives - High School Program
MAXT's brand new flagship High School Program
16 weeks of making with learning opportunities in our new workshops equipped with 3D printers, laser and vinyl cutters, printing presses, screen printing, textiles equipment, stained glass, electronics and more!
Young Creatives is designed to assist local high school aged youth to become independent artists. The program will work through a semester long syllabus, building a robust set of transferable skills.
Students will begin by learning creative thinking and design skills both by sketchbooking and thorough powerful digital design tools. The program will then proceed through education in a variety of skills and equipment at MAXT. Students will then be allowed agency in choosing a specialism, designing a product and creating their own final exhibition. The majority of the final third of the semester will be focused on students practicing their chosen skill and developing and manufacturing a product. The series will culminate in a final public exhibition with items for sale, hosted at a local community space.
Mentorship by MAXT staff and volunteers is an important part of the program, offering guidance in how to think creatively as well as offering experience and critique. MAXT is a safe space for all to experiment and students will be expected to be self motivated in problem solving and pursuing their own goals as a maker.
MAXT has secured some generous grants to support Young Creatives in 2025. We are able to offer this program at a significantly reduced rate, just enough to cover the materials for the makes students will get to keep as a portfolio.
Quilts 101
Learn the basics of quilting with Patricia by creating a baby or lap sized quilt with a half square triangle design. This is an intensive and small course taking only 6 students per session.
In the first class we will make half square triangle blocks to learn about fabric choices, cutting methods, and sewing techniques. The second class will discuss block layout, and design choices as we work on finishing the quilt top. The third class will introduce quilting options as we prepare our quilts for finishing. The final class will cover methods for binding and signing our quilts.
In order to be able to finish your own quilt you will need a knowledge of basic machine sewing and the ability to work independently outside of class either at home or in the makerspace. Open Studio hours are available free of charge for students during our regular Sunday 1-4p events to finish your piece. A short introduction to the longarm quilting machine will be included but proficiency on this machine will take dedicated practice. Patricia MacFarlane will be the instructor for this course. She is an award winning quilter, who has been learning from her mistakes all her life.
MAXT will provide quilt batting, thread and fabric for practice and demonstrations as part of your ticket cost.
For your piece students will need to provide quilting cotton in their choice of patterns, (a limited supply of quilting cotton is available from donations at MAXT at no charge, students are welcome to "shop" this stash before the class). Total fabric costs estimated around $40
1 1/2 yard white, off white or light colored fabric, may be as multiple pieces/ patterns.
4 fat quarters darker assorted prints
3/4 yard of fabric similar to the assorted dark prints for binding (and some of the squares)
1 yard of any hue for the back.
Drypoint Printmaking Basics
Join professional printmaker and experienced instructor Tracie Pouliot for this wonderful one day introductory course.
Drypoint is a very atmospheric form of printmaking which allows you to make multiples that have rich, dense blacks as well as fine lines and subtle details. You will learn the basics of drypoint using a plexiglass plate, a sharp needle tool to scratch into the plate, oil based etching inks, and MAXT’s etching press. You’ll walk away with a small edition of black and white prints you can keep or give as gifts.
No experience necessary. Ages 12 and up. We have some aprons, but it never hurts to bring your own and/or wear clothes you don't mind getting ink on.
Mastering Stained Glass
Take the next steps in Stained Glass with Sue in this new 6 part class series. Perfect for those who've taken our beginners class and really want to venture into being an independent glass artist at MAXT.
Over the 6 weeks students will work on creating a large oval window design, with many precise pieces and joints.
Sue will guide you through choosing and adapting a design for their tastes, students are welcome to bring their own design ideas and over a dozen designs will be available in the shop.
You will learn to cut complex and curved pieces using any glass of their choosing in the shop including opaque and textured sheets.
Students should have basic glass cutting, grinding and soldering skills before attempting this course.
Introduction to Embroidery: Valentine
Enjoy a night of Valentine-themed crafting with My Darling Threads! Learn four basic embroidery stitches on paper, while creating your own handmade card. Each student will be provided with a handout to follow along with the Erin’s demo and have the opportunity for one-on-one assistance when needed. All materials included. (Be sure to bring your reading glasses if you wear them!)
Yarn Dyeing Crash Course
Get creative with color and fiber with Dave! Students will explore the world of acid dyeing yarn through creating 3 custom colorways using kettle, hand paint and speckling techniques on beautiful wool yarn bases. A perfect crash course in dyeing for knitters, crocheters and more. Dave will guide you every step of the way to creating stunning colors with over a decade of experience in indie dyeing and fiber arts teaching.
Age Range: 14+
Level: Beginner
Linocut Greeting Cards with Nodding Violet Studios
Join local artist Angela Smith to create hand-made block printed cards just in time for Valentine’s Day!
This workshop will introduce you to the process of printing your own greeting card from designing, transferring, carving with soft blocks (similar to Speedy-Carve), to using 1-2 colors to hand-print finished greeting cards.
No experience is necessary, and all materials will be provided, including an assortment of Valentine-themed designs to work with. Students are encouraged to bring their own artwork and ideas to transfer and print, but this is not mandatory.
Please note, this workshop will be using sharp hand-held tools, and inks that can permanently stain clothing.
Introduction to Resin: Working with Two-Part Epoxy
Intro to Resin aims to open the door for working with two-part epoxy resin. Part one will include proper mixing techniques, adding in powders and dyes, and how to continue the journey at home without fancy equipment. Part two will cover cleaning up finished pieces, and turning them into wearable or functional art. A variety of silicon molds will be provided for use in the class, from jewelry to trays.
Important Note: Resin works by creating a chemical reaction, which can ruin clothing, burn skin, and produces fumes that can irritate the eyes and airways. Non-latex gloves and safety glasses will be provided; class-goers are encouraged to bring aprons, and respirator masks if they want additional protection.
Fly Tying for Beginners
It's Winter! Time to fill up those fly boxes, and dream of warmer days on the river. Students will leave this class with the foundation necessary to tie all the patterns needed to catch trout in the Monadnock Region.
We'll focus on easy to tie but very effective patterns in four different categories - Nymphs, Wet Flies, Dry Flies, and Streamers. Tying several flies in one or two patterns in each category, students will learn general techniques, knots and whip finishing, and how to select the proper materials for each pattern. Everyone will go home with up to a dozen flies for their fly box. We'll start with basic patterns, but all flies will be tied in sizes that are usable on local waters.
All tools and materials are provided, but feel free to bring your own toolset if you have one.
No experience necessary. If you've tied before, this class might provide a good review and a way to improve your foundational techniques.
Exploring Chainmail Jewelry
Join Eric for a dive into the world of of chainmail jewelry! Get to grips with the basics of interlocking links in a variety of weave patterns.
You'll learn your choice of three weaves that make beautiful earrings, bracelets, pendants and more, making a sample piece of each weave and at least one pair of earrings to take home. We'll be teaching Box, Byzantine, and Captive Bead weaves in this first course
Wooden Bowl Turning for Beginners
Craft a beautiful, functional bowl in this fun class. Doug will guide students through taking a rough sawn board to a complete bowl ready for your morning cereal Bowls start with kiln-dried lumber. We’ll mount the blanks on the lathe then use gouges and scrapers to bring our bowls to shape. We’ll also learn about reverse-chucking, which will allow us access to both the outside and the inside of our projects. Finally, we will sand, apply finish, and clean-up the bottom. We will also touch on design considerations and various surface treatments.
Age Range: 18+
Level: Beginner / All Levels
Glass and Resin Art
Bring your creativity for this introduction to glass and resin art. Stacey will guide students though designing and building their own 8x10 art piece using glass pieces, ground glass, beads and more. You will then learn how to prepare and pour epoxy resin to turn your design into a framed, finished piece perfect for a sunny spot.
All materials included, students are encouraged to bring inspiration images from photographs to coloring pages.
Resin will need to cure overnight in the studio, MAXT staff will arrange pickup of cured pieces shortly after the class.
Furniture Making Intensive: Step Stools with Louis Lovas
Join master furniture maker Louis Lovas of Flint Hill Furniture for this intensive skill building class.
Students will begin with high quality hardwood planks and proceed through a variety of processes in the shop from milling through creating tight fitting bridle joints and finishing their pieces. Louie's expert tuition will help anyone learn the fundamentals of furniture construction to create a beautiful and functional heirloom piece.
This 4 day session will teach students all the skills they need, additional time during our Monday evening Open Studios may needed to complete the piece. Students are encouraged to attend these open nights at no cost to complete their work.
Fairy House Making with Gluckspilz Gifts
Create your own amazing miniature world with Sean of Gluckspilz Gifts, his whimsical work is instantly recognizable from galleries and fairs around the region - now you can learn the process!
Students will work with whole selection of natural materials, collected with Sean's unique view of the woods. During the class students will learn how to approach designing with natural pieces, to select and shape, build and embellish a unique fairy house inspired by Sean's eye-catching style.
Soldering 101 with Joy Raskin
Have you ever wanted to learn soldering or improve your soldering skills? Or are you not sure how to set up your own soldering torch and tank? This class will cover the basics of how to set up your own soldering torch and tank, safety issues and a place to solder. We will cover all the soldering basics from butt joints to stick soldering. We will cover various torches, gases and soldering supplies. We will work on soldering and help you gain confidence in your soldering skills. Great for those who have been taking jewelry classes but want to improve on soldering as well as those who want to understand soldering. Each week, we will cover different ways to solder, work on getting better at soldering, work on soldering problems that students have encounters and work on resolving them.
This is a 6 week course and includes materials for class pieces.
Digital Fabrication for Makers
Join Jeremy for this multi disciplinary course in digital fabrication. A great crash course for makers in using a whole host of tools at MAXT, expanding you making toolkit!
Over the course of 6 weeks students will create a smart table lamp of their own design..
Learn 3D modelling using FreeCAD by designing the lamp base
Learn vector graphics with Inkscape by designing the lampshade
Learn basic electronics with microcontrollers to light it all up
Print a part you designed with our Form 3, 3D resin printers
Laser cut your part designs out of acrylic or wood
Program interactivity in Python
Then finally... enjoy your creation and new skills!
Foundations of Woodworking: Small Project Fundamentals
This six-week beginning woodworking class offers an in-depth introduction to the fundamentals of fine woodworking. Through the creation of a picture frame project, students will be guided through every aspect of project building, from initial design and wood selection to milling, joinery, sanding, and finishing.
This class will cover the safe and thoughtful use of nearly all the power tools in the MAXT wood shop. We’ll learn in detail about the milling process (including jointer, planer, and table saw,) as well as the use of other power tools (including the band saw, drill press, and router.) One of the primary goals of this class is to help students feel more comfortable and capable around woodshop power tools. We’ll also cover a wide range of hand tools and techniques (including chisels, hand planes, and scrapers.)
We’ll discuss how the nature of wood defines the basic principles of joinery. For our frames, we’ll use splined miter joints.
Sanding, finishing, and thoughtful consideration for how to mount pictures and display our frames will also be covered.
The class is open to beginners and anyone looking for a refresher on how to use the power tools in the woodshop safely and thoughtfully through the creation of a small but challenging project.
Female Faces with Sue Ann Hum
Gain confidence in drawing and painting faces! Join local artist specializing in lively female portraits Sue Ann Hum.
Sue Ann will teach basic proportion and shapes, and photo transfer. You’ll be encouraged to embrace your own style and abandon any attempt at perfection!
Students will explore drawing techniques and watercolor in this course. Copyright-free photos will be provided, or student may use their own photos.
Students may use whatever medium they want to develop the final project, watercolor, canvases and a selection of other materials will be available. Students are encouraged to bring their own materials to allow them to work in their favored media.
Students are required to have basic drawing skills, this is a great course to continue education from Sue Ann's Basically Drawing or from previous offerings at MAXT.
Accompanying images represent Sue Ann's work and class subjects may vary.
Beginner Mosaics
Session 1- Students will learn the basics of preparing a framed base to mosaic onto and will begin glueing tesserae (mosaic pieces) to the base. Students will learn about different types of glues and grouts as well as the multiple modes of Andamento which can create movement in your mosaic design. Students can make their own pattern or choose one that will be available for this class. Students may also bring special tesserae they may want to incorporate into their piece. Students will finish glueing pieces to the framed mosaic base and will be grouted at the 2nd session.
Session 2- We will discuss how to choose a grout color for your piece and there will be a demonstration on grouting. Then students can grout their own piece to take home with them and can ask questions about how to go about planning their next piece.
Leatherworking for Beginners: Belts - with Horse Hill Studio
Join expert leather workers Donlin and Jaya of Horse Hill Studio for this 2 part class. Students will learn basic leather skills and finish the program with a beautiful and functional custom belt.
This class will cover:
-Cutting belt strips from from a “side” of leather
-Finishing the edges of leather with beveler and burnishing techniques
-joining leathers with saddle stitching or riveting
-skiving (thinning leather)
-using drive punches for finishing the belt ends and sizing holes
-plus basic dying, embossing, and final finishing techniques.
We're excited for this first leather working event at MAXT - this is one of our most requested programs, so join us and help build this new skill at our space!
Fiber Art: Coral Reef
Join local artist Rockey Cornell for a colorful multi-media exploration and build your own coral reef! This four hour workshop will cover wet and dry felting techniques and explore new ways to create shapes and textures with fiber on canvas. This is an intermediate fiber arts class that relies on a pre-existing foundation of basic crochet and embroidery techniques. All necessary supplies will be provided but participants are welcome to bring fun fibers and textures from home to incorporate into their own sculptures!
An Introduction to Japanese Hand Tools for Woodworking
This class will cover the basic use of Japanese woodworking tools: saws, chisels, planes and layout tools. We will also cover sharpening with water stones. Each student will be able to experiment with using the various tools after a demonstration of how they work. If you have Japanese hand tools you would like advice on, please bring them to the class.
Paul Tuller has been using Japanese hand tools for woodworking since 1980. Please visit Paul’s website at: www.paultuller.com to learn more about his background.
Natural soap making workshop for beginners
In this workshop you will learn how to make cold process soap safely and with confidence. This introductory class covers safety procedures and the knowledge of formulating a recipe using lye, water and oil. Each student will be hands on and guided making their very own batch of soap. Your batch will make four bars of soap you can give away as a gift or personal use.
All materials are included in the price of this class.
Design and Build: Market Displays
Get ready for market season with John Whelan in this 4 week course.
Students will spend session 1 planning and designing their display pieces to suit their work, from folding tables to basic shelving or stands.
In sessions 2-4 John will give the students the skills required to create their displays, depending on your skill and ambition some additional hours during our regular Monday (6-9p) Woodshop Open Studios may be needed. This is free of charge to students of ongoing classes and members.
Limited scrap wood and donated boards/ ply as well as basic fasteners and glue will be available in our shop. Students will need to provide lumber and hardware for their pieces for session 2.
Becoming a Sewist–How to make your first garment!
Join Marybeth for this exciting first journey into garment sewing. A perfect course for true beginners or novices, over 6 weeks students will cover basic sewing skills and create a pair of lounge pants with their own unique fit and style from he same gender neutral base pattern.
13 CONCEPTS
The joy of making!
The tools of the trade
Develop your sewing machine skills
Learn to read and use a pattern
How to take your measurements
Choosing fabric
Pinning and cutting
Finishing seams simply–different finishing stitches
Elastic and drawstring waistbands
Hems
Different types of pockets-flap/cargo, patch, side-seam (piped, w/button, added decorative elements)
Dealing with mistakes–MINDSET, seam ripping, altering your project, when to begin again.
Finish and flare–making it your own!
MAXT will provide all thread, notions, elastic and practice / accent fabrics. Students will need to provide 3yds of cotton flannel, chambray or other woven cotton fabric in the color/pattern of their choice. Very limited selections are available free of charge at MAXT, please check and reserve fabrics before class.
Muraling 101
Have you ever wanted to paint a mural but weren’t sure where to start? Let an experienced muralist lead you through the process of designing, transferring and painting your art on a wall, all while beautifying MAXT’s new home at Noone Falls!
In Muraling 101 you’ll receive design pointers, review the many techniques for transferring your design, and play with industry-favorite tools and materials for installing your mural right on the walls of MAXT Makerspace. This course meets for a first lab for instruction and initial design then will have follow up, flexible lab time to complete your piece for reveal at an open day event . Instructor Lorin Baeta is a local artist with public murals and signage you may have spotted at small businesses, farms or schools in and around Peterborough.
Introduction to Wood Turning: Green Wood Bowls
A wonderful introduction to woodturning and using green wood, this is a perfect introductory class. Bryan will take students through the first steps of safety and use of the wood lathe including tool sharpening and blank preparation. Then students will be guided through turning a bowl with a single gouge using green wood, to produce a beautiful bowl that will naturally change shape into a softened organic form as it dries.
Silver Pendant with Bezel Set Stone
Join accomplished jewelry instructor Joy Raskin for this one day course.
Students will learn how to create a simple and elegant silver pendant base, then build and add a bezel before finishing by setting their choice of stone cabochon.
All materials included.
Exploring Watercolors - Freeform Session
Join us for a fun night of creative watercolors with Liz Knight.
The studio will be set up with watercolors and paper ready for you to relax and explore the magic of watercolor. Liz will demonstrate the fundamentals of mixing and layers and then send you off on your own explorations. Students are encouraged to bring their own projects and enjoy the community of painters. We will share encouragement and tips along the way.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Introduction to Gouache with Hannah Banana
Join local artist Hannah Banana for this fun introduction and exploration of gouache.
Students will begin by learning how to control gouache colors, how they differ from watercolors and create a piece on pre drawn outline.
The second part of the class with allow students to experiment with technique and create their own unique pieces with guidance from Hannah.
Maker’s Workbench: Carpentry 101
Join Carter for this practical carpentry course for makers.
Students will begin the course with an evening seminar, covering the basics of design and construction for work surfaces.
Over the two day sessions (10-4 Sat and Sun) you'll learn the skills to build your own workbench for use in a home studio or workshop, each student will leave with their own sturdy finished bench to fit their specific needs. Perfect for working with heavy tools and equipment or for holding a machine or art supplies.
Students will be provided materials to create a 4' x 4' plywood topped bench at a comfortable working height of around 36". Smaller or lower benches can be built. If you want to create a larger bench in class, students are responsible for additional materials.
Celtic Visions Star Pendant : Chainmail Jewelry
In this 3-hour workshop, we'll briefly cover chainmail basics, and then teach the Celtic Visions chainmail weave. We'll then learn how to form it into the Celtic Visions Star, which makes an elegant pendant (or a delightful ornament!). We'll discuss design options, and provide plenty of direct support. Participants will leave with a pendant in their choice of colors, and are welcome to make more pendants or a bracelet to match as time allows. Beginners welcome! This workshop is suitable for all skill levels, and all tools and materials are provided.
Exploring Zentangle
Join Gracie Buckman for this dive into the world of meditative drawing. Gracie is a Certified Zentangle Teacher and has over a decade of experience in graphic design
If you think you are not an artist, or that you have no creativity, or that you can’t even draw a straight line, then this class may be for you. If you are looking to relax and unwind from the stresses of life, then this class may be for you. If you are looking for an artistic type of meditation, then this class may be for you!
Anyone can learn the Zentangle Method. When we “tangle”, we draw simple lines that form into patterns; these patterns are put together to create something beautiful.
Zentangle is meditative by nature. It is a great way to take time out and relax. In Zentangle, we start with gratitude, and we believe that everyone has an inner artist, and everyone is creative. Even though we are drawing structured patterns, no two tiles ever come out the same. The size of a Zentangle tile is small, about 4 by 4 inches, so in no time at all you will have created your little masterpiece!
This class will go beyond beginner tiles, to practice a variety of new patterns each week as well as exploring different materials options from pens, pencils, black paper tiles and more.
All materials included, students will be provided with a beginner set of materials to keep for home practice.
Fabulous Fanny Packs
Join gear specialist Sarah for this dive into zippers, clips, straps and pockets in the textiles studio!
Dig into our bins of fabrics and notions to create your own unique fanny pack, great for a maker on the go - chapstick and multitool not included.
Stained Glass for Beginners: Suncatcher
Bring some sparkle and shimmer to your life by learning all about stained glass!
Learn to create in stained glass, making a beautiful 5 pointed star in vibrant colored glass. Students will learn how to safely handle glass, to select the correct pieces for their project, cut, grind, foil, solder, and polish. A full introduction to this beautiful artform.
2 2hr sessions per course
Introduction to Woodworking: Book Tree
Get a great introduction to the woodshop at MAXT and make yourself a fun, rustic shelf for your home. In this 3 part class students will learn how to select, measure, cut, plane, use the router and finishing techniques. Your finished book tree can be wall mounted or free standing and makes a beautiful addition to a reading space.
3 Sessions 6-9p
Pebble Mosaics
Create an outdoor pebble mosaic for your garden!
Session 1- Students may bring their own special pebbles they have collected or use some that will be available for the class. We will cover the proper techniques and materials to use for outdoor mosaics, Students will begin their pebble mosaic piece and finish on their own before the 2nd session.
Session 2- Students will learn proper techniques for grouting, sealing and maintenance of natural stone mosaics. There will be a demonstration and then students will grout their own pieces to take home for their garden or other outdoor space.
Pen Turning
Get on the Lathe for this quick primer on how to create your own custom turned pens! Working from kits and your choice of wood, penmaker Bryan Field will walk you through the process of making your own pen. You'll learn how to safely use a lathe and turning tools, precision measuring and shaping, adding hardware, and finishing techniques. It's a perfect beginning turning class and you will go home with a beautiful pen of your own making!
Junior Creatives - Family Game Chest
Get ready for those cold winter nights with some cozy family games! Each week our Junior Creatives (Grades 5-8) will learn some new maker skills and create a copy of a family classic game. We'll create with wood, textiles, polymer clay and more in this hands on session to create some pieces to be proud to play with family. 6 weeks - 6 sets of skills - 6 games.
Mini Makers - Family Game Chest
Get ready for those cold winter nights with some cozy family games! Each week our Mini Makers (Grades 1-4) will learn some new maker skills and create a copy of a family classic game. We'll create with wood, textiles, polymer clay and more in this hands on session to create some pieces to be proud to play with family. 6 weeks - 6 sets of skills - 6 games.
Final Sale - Everything must go!
The Final MAXT Moving Sale!
+++++ Date Change to Dec 21 +++++
We’re in the final stages of our move to Noone Falls. Come along and donate what you can for what we left behind!
Tools, furniture, office equipment, storage, art and making supplies - it’s a whole host of goodies. Come grab a big bargain. Lots of stuff not seen in our previous sales.
Nail and String Art - Homeschool Handmade Holiday
Join us for a special Homeschool Handmade Holiday session, reduced price classes from MAXT for your young creators.
MAXT is an EFA vendor and our classes are eligible to be purchased with your class wallet.
Tie your morning up with this creative class. Students will draw their own designs then learn the process of converting them into nail and string art pieces on prepared boards. Perfect for decorating their rooms, or as a unique holiday gift.
This session is for children in grades 5-8 equivalent, adult helpers welcome
Glamorous Gifts!
Join Lorin Baeta of Letterly and our very own Dave Broughton for this fun class to glam up your gift giving!
It's two classes in one, with students rotating after 1 hour with some thrown in festive cheer. Give those presents some real handmade chic.
Lorin will guide students through basic Calligraphy skills to create beautiful hand lettered gift tags to say it with style this holiday season.
Dave will dive into the basics of block printing using our linocut tools and simple school erasers to guide students through creating their own block printed classy kraft wrapping paper.
Block Print Wrapping Paper - Homeschool Handmade Holiday
Join us for a special Homeschool Handmade Holiday session, reduced price classes from MAXT for your young creators.
MAXT is an EFA vendor and our classes are eligible to be purchased with your class wallet.
Brighten up those festive packages with your own hand printed kraft wrapping paper! Students will learn how to create simple stamping blocks of their own designs from school erasers using linocut tools. Then we'll stamp up a storm with colorful inks and paints to create their own sheets of paper. the perfect accompaniment to our other holiday making classes.
This session is for children in grades 1-4 equivalent, adult helpers welcome
Celtic Visions Star Pendant : Chainmail Jewelry
In this 3-hour workshop, we'll briefly cover chainmail basics, and then teach the Celtic Visions chainmail weave. We'll then learn how to form it into the Celtic Visions Star, which makes an elegant pendant (or a delightful ornament!). We'll discuss design options, and provide plenty of direct support. Participants will leave with a pendant in their choice of colors, and are welcome to make more pendants or a bracelet to match as time allows. Beginners welcome! This workshop is suitable for all skill levels, and all tools and materials are provided.
Wire and Stone Bookmark
Get ready for snuggle up and read season with Gabby!
Come along for this fun class of wire wrapping to create your very own custom bookmark with a big and bold stone setting, perfect for your own reading adventures or to gift to the book lover in your life.
Silk Scarf Dyeing
Learn the basics of acid dyeing in this fast and fun class! Students will dye a large, 5ft long fringed silk scarf using premixed dyes. Make beautiful and colorful, organic mixes and patterns with this foolproof technique. Fantastic for a pop of color in winter outfits or a last minute gift.
Upcycled Totes - Homeschool Handmade Holiday
Join us for a special Homeschool Handmade Holiday session, reduced price classes from MAXT for your young creators.
MAXT is an EFA vendor and our classes are eligible to be purchased with your class wallet.
Sew something special with Sarah! Students will learn how to cut and prepare a feed sack then sew and finish this fun project. A great beginning project, one that we teach regularly for our adult classes. Each student will take home a tote, perfect for carrying treats at the farmer’s market or gifting this holiday season.
This session is for children in grades 5-8 equivalent, adult helpers welcome
Wooden Bowl Turning for Beginners
Craft a beautiful, functional bowl in this fun class. Doug will guide students through taking a rough sawn board to a complete bowl ready for your morning cereal Bowls start with kiln-dried lumber. We’ll mount the blanks on the lathe then use gouges and scrapers to bring our bowls to shape. We’ll also learn about reverse-chucking, which will allow us access to both the outside and the inside of our projects. Finally, we will sand, apply finish, and clean-up the bottom. We will also touch on design considerations and various surface treatments.
Age Range: 18+
Level: Beginner / All Levels
Whimsical Mushroom Ornaments
Go on a whimsical woodland adventure with Sean. Our resident maker of magical worlds has foraged natural materials for this class to create his signature mini mushrooms dressed up for the holidays.
Learn the process of turning foraged finds into fun fungi, each student will create multiple mushrooms / ornaments to adorn their homes of the holidays - or all year round!
Votive Holder - Homeschool Handmade Holiday
Join us for a special Homeschool Handmade Holiday session, reduced price classes from MAXT for your young creators.
MAXT is an EFA vendor and our classes are eligible to be purchased with your class wallet.
It's a fun morning in the woodshop with Molly! Students will learn how to measure, drill on our drill press, sand and complete with a wax coat a beautiful solid votive holder. Made from locally harvested wood, this piece is perfect for gifting or simply lighting up your family table this winter.
This session is for children in grades 1-4 equivalent, adult helpers welcome
Ugly Sweater Factory!
Bring your old sweater and we'll bring the bling! It's a fun holiday upcycling adventure at our Ugly Sweater Factory.
We've been saving goodies all year to make some truly wild creations, we've got ornaments, felt, glitter and tinsel galore ready to create your own garish fashion faux pas. We'll have some hot chocolate, holiday music and even a photo booth set up to model your creations.
Just bring your enthusiasm and a garment you'd like to decorate, leave your good taste at home.
Families welcome, suitable for kids age 8+ (must be accompanied by an adult)
This is a FREE event, donations appreciated.
Natural soap making workshop for beginners
In this workshop you will learn how to make cold process soap safely and with confidence. This introductory class covers safety procedures and the knowledge of formulating a recipe using lye, water and oil. Each student will be hands on and guided making their very own batch of soap. Your batch will make four bars of soap you can give away as a gift or personal use.
All materials are included in the price of this class.
Introduction to Wood Turning: Green Wood Bowls
A wonderful introduction to woodturning and using green wood, this is a perfect introductory class. Bryan will take students through the first steps of safety and use of the wood lathe including tool sharpening and blank preparation. Then students will be guided through turning a bowl with a single gouge using green wood, to produce a beautiful bowl that will naturally change shape into a softened organic form as it dries.
Gnomes!
Make new friends at MAXT with this fun class. Students will make two gnomes with distinctive personalities, working with our lathes, hand tools, paints, faux fur and 3D printed accessories A fun class to bring some more whimsy to your holiday season or simply make a buddy to live on your desk..
Ring Toss Game - Homeschool Handmade Holiday
Join us for a special Homeschool Handmade Holiday session, reduced price classes from MAXT for your young creators.
MAXT is an EFA vendor and our classes are eligible to be purchased with your class wallet.
It's a fun morning in the woodshop with John! Students will learn how to measure, cut, drill on our drill press, glue, nail, sand and complete with a wax coat a beautiful ring toss game. A fun addition to any family game night or a great gift for the holidays!
This session is for children in grades 5-8 equivalent, adult helpers welcome
Stained Glass for Beginners: Suncatcher
Bring some sparkle and shimmer to your life by learning all about stained glass! We're excited to open up a new stained glass area at MAXT for spring 2024 and kick it all off with some great beginner classes.
Learn to create in stained glass, making a beautiful 5 pointed star in vibrant colored glass. Students will learn how to safely handle glass, to select the correct pieces for their project, cut, grind, foil, solder, and polish. A full introduction to this beautiful artform.
2 2hr sessions per course
December 4 and 11 6-8p
Zentangle for Beginners
Join Certified Zentangle Teacher Gracie Buckman for this fun introduction to a relaxing new art form.
Are you looking for a creative outlet to help you relax, maybe a distraction from certain family members over the holiday season?
If you think you are not an artist, or that you have no creativity, or that you can’t even draw a straight line, then this class may be for you. If you are looking to relax and unwind from the stresses of life, then this class may be for you. If you are looking for an artistic type of meditation, then this class may be for you!
Anyone can learn the Zentangle Method. When we “tangle”, we draw simple lines that form into patterns; these patterns are put together to create something beautiful.
Zentangle is meditative by nature. It is a great way to take time out and relax. In Zentangle, we start with gratitude, and we believe that everyone has an inner artist, and everyone is creative. Even though we are drawing structured patterns, no two tiles ever come out the same. The size of a Zentangle tile is small, about 4 by 4 inches, so in no time at all you will have created your little masterpiece!
Solar Printing - Homeschool Handmade Holiday
Join us for a special Homeschool Handmade Holiday session, reduced price classes from MAXT for your young creators.
MAXT is an EFA vendor and our classes are eligible to be purchased with your class wallet.
Join our dye master Dave for this fun class to catch the last of the 2024 sun! Students will learn how to create unique designs from foraged materials and tools from our shop in a range of beautiful rich color. Everyone will leave with their own tote bag, great for holding art or for gifting this holiday season.
This session is for children in grades 1-4 equivalent, adult helpers welcome
Hand Sewn Wreath Ornaments - English Paper Piecing (Family Friendly)
Dive into the traditional art of English paper piecing with Patricia!
This introductory class is perfect for kids (age 8+ with an adult) and adults alike. Learn how to cut and hand sew accurate shapes to make this adorable little wreath. Perfect as a stand alone class or as a first step in creating some full sized complex pieces with this resurgent art form.
Wooden Tic Tac Toe - Homeschool Handmade Holiday
Join us for a special Homeschool Handmade Holiday session, reduced price classes from MAXT for your young creators.
MAXT is an EFA vendor and our classes are eligible to be purchased with your class wallet.
It's a fun morning in the woodshop with Molly! Students will learn how to decorate with scorch markers and wood burning tools, sand and finish pre cut blanks before adding felt and a beautiful wax coat. A great introduction to the woodshop for our younger makers and a fantastic family game to play at home or gift for the holidays.
This session is for children in grades 1-4 equivalent, adult helpers welcome
Positive Affirmation Art with Hannah Banana
Dive into the power of positive affirmations before the busy holiday season with Hannah
Banana!
Create two special & unique works of art alongside Hannah Banana during this positive
energy-focused workshop. Together, you will discuss powerful affirmations that can help
you through the busy holiday season while getting creative with a variety of materials.
In this workshop, you will create both a positive affirmation magnet and a piece of 4x6 wall
art.
The session starts with basic brainstorming activities to get the creative juices flowing.
Students will then design their magnet & matching wall art using acrylic paints, paint pens
& 2d embellishments.
Hand Sewn Wreath Ornament - Homeschool Handmade Holiday
Join us for a special Homeschool Handmade Holiday session, reduced price classes from MAXT for your young creators.
MAXT is an EFA vendor and our classes are eligible to be purchased with your class wallet.
Learn how to cut and hand sew accurate shapes to make this adorable little wreath using the traditional art of English paper piecing. Perfect as a stand alone class or as a first step in creating some full sized complex pieces with this resurgent art form.
This session is for children in grades 5-8 equivalent, adult helpers welcome
Embroidered Holiday Ornament
During this course, students will be taught basic embroidery stitches while creating a small holiday ornament in a 3” wooden hoop. Each student will be provided with a handout to follow along with the instructor’s demo and have the opportunity for one-on-one assistance when needed. All materials included.
Erin Boyle is a New Hampshire-based textile artist who specializes in original hand embroidery. She established her own small business, My Darling Threads, in 2022 and has been selling her stitch work around New England since. She’s excited to share her passion for embroidery through her intro course at MAXT. Visit mydarlingthreads.com or check out her instagram @mydarlingthreads to view more of her work.
Craft + Beer @ Post & Beam - Bath Bombs
Make some bubbles to go with your suds! This month's Craft + Beer features Kristen from The Vintage Herb Company showing us how to make her big, beautiful bath bombs. Make a little luxury for yourself as we hit that weather for nice warm baths, or save them for holiday gifting.
Each attendee will leave with 3 7oz bath bombs plus molds to make more at home and your first beer is on us!
This is a 21+ event hosted at Post & Beam Brewing, 40 Grove St Peterborough
Intro to Woodworking - Chopping Boards
Create a centerpiece to be proud of for your holiday meals!
Join John in the woodshop as we learn to turn a rough board into a unique, high quality hardwood chopping board, perfect for bread at the thanksgiving table or charcuterie over the holiday season.
Students will learn how to take a rough board through milling, cutting to shape with the chop saw, table saw and bandsaw, drilling on the drill press and then finishing with fine sanding and oil ready for the table. Students will work on their own designs for handles, board shape and hanging holes.
Calligraphy for Kids - Homeschool Handmade Holiday
Join us for a special Homeschool Handmade Holiday session, reduced price classes from MAXT for your young creators.
MAXT is an EFA vendor and our classes are eligible to be purchased with your class wallet.
Lorin from Letterly leads this fun class into the world of hand lettering. Students will learn some basic calligraphy skills from our professional sign writer and muralist, finishing up with their own hand lettered craft pumpkin for the festive season.
This session is for children in grades 1-4 equivalent, adult helpers welcome
Resin Earrings (Family Friendly)
Join resin jewelry artist Kerry for this fun class!
You don’t need fancy tools to work with resin and make quality pieces. In fact, you probably have almost everything you need to get started already at home! In this make and take class, you’ll learn how to properly mix resin, helpful tools for getting rid of bubbles, and how to remove sharp edges from fully cured pieces. All without breaking the bank.
In this class, you’ll learn:
- How to protect yourself and your workspace
- How to properly measure and mix resin
- How to get bubbles out of resin without fancy or expensive equipment
- How to personalize your pieces with glitter and mica powder
- How to safely clean up the edges of fully-cured pieces at home
- How to assemble finished pieces into wearable jewelry
Each participant will be provided with a box containing:
- Silicon earring mold
- Small spray bottle of rubbing alcohol
- Cuticle trimmer
- De-burring tool
- Small bag of jewelry findings (please note that pliers are not provided but are available at MAXT if you don't have them at home)
- Print out of tips and tricks with everything from the class
- Print out helpful supplies and where to find them
- Extra popsicle sticks
- Ziplock bag
The box itself can be used to transport your pieces home, providing a flat surface and a cover to keep out dust and dirt. The Ziplock is to keep everything else together in one place. Each student will create multiple sets of earrings with their mold.
Additional safety information:
Two-part resin epoxy works by creating a chemical reaction when the two parts combine, which produces fumes. The fumes should not be breathed in and should not come in contact with eyes. Working in a large room / well ventilated area reduces the risk of inhalation but participants may wish to bring their safety respirator mask and / or eye protection. MAXT will have eye protection and masks on hand.
This is a family friendly class, age 8+ are welcome with an adult. Please purchase on ticket per attendee.