Tree Limbing and Felling Workshops at Shelter

Tree limbing and felling can be stressful as it is sometimes dangerous work, and the preservation of the tree is an important piece of the puzzle.

We have invited our favorite arborist, Tom Hoerth, to share with you his 25+ years in the field of tree care.

Shelter Institute is offering a two-series workshop. The first is about limbing, and the second is how to safely fell a tree. Tom will explore best practices, discuss tool selection, and offer demonstrations. There will be ample opportunity for questions and answers.

Join us on our 70-acre wooded campus to learn how you can maintain your own trees on your own land.

These classes are accredited through the Maine Arborist Association and serve as CEU’s for professionals maintaining their license.

Register for the classes online, or contact us for more information.
Cost: $95 per person for each course
Dates: Pruning Techniques, July 13 and November 9; Tree Felling, July 27 and November 2, 2013
Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Location: Shelter Campus

Shelter in NY Times Magazine Travel Special Edition

The Maine Office of Tourism featured Shelter Institute in an ad in the recent New York Times Magazine summer travel issue. It was an great pleasure to be mentioned among great summer destinations like L.L. Bean's Outdoor Discovery School, Bay Sailing School, Summer Keys, and other fine Maine institutions.

Early in Shelter's history, the Times ran articles that described the growth of the self-build movement and the emergence of schools to teach homebuilding skills. Here's one quote from Pat in 1981:

''America is based on pilgrims coming over here and knocking together log cabins,'' said Patrice Hennin, a 35-year-old lawyer who, with his wife, Patsy, founded the Shelter Institute. ''Everyone, deepdown in his heart, knows he can build a house."

We're always excited and honored to see our name in local or nationally respected publications. Follow your heart and come join us this summer. Become a part of the fun and continuing story. And best of all, become empowered to learn how to build your own home or learn a new and valuable skill.

One Day Hand Hewing Workshop: Saturday June 22

Instructor Mike Beaudry Hand Hewing

Join guest instructor, author, sawyer, and woodsman, Mike Beaudry for a one-day log-hewing workshop, Saturday June 22, 2013 from 9:00 to 4:00 pm at the Shelter Campus.

You will learn the process of hand hewing:

• how to size and layout the log ends for hewing
• how to score the log with axes, and
• the process of juggling to remove most of the waste.

Registration Begins at 8:30. The class will run from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Tuition is $95.00. You can register online at the Shelter Tools website.

The class will be taught generally with the double-bevel Gransfors Axe. We will provide some tools, but students should bring their own axe if they own one. Students will be introduced to a number of hewing axes, including the antique single-beveled Pennsylvania Patter Axe as well as froes. We will discuss tool selection, maintenance, and sharpening. All students must wear protective clothing – long heavy fabric paints and heavy steel-toed boots.

Each student will have their own log to hew and will receive both group and one-to-one instruction. The class will be held rain or shine in our spacious workshop or outside as the weather permits. Students will receive a 10% discount on any tools and materials purchased during the class in our hand tool shop, Shelter Tools.

Learn an Essential Woodworking Skill: Handcutting Dovetail Joints

The skill of hand cutting dovetail joints is one that is learned and perfected with practice. Join us for a morning to learn how to layout and accurately cut dovetail joints by hand. Our very own Ken Hatridge will bring in his favorite tools and walk you through, step-by-step, how best to cut your joints including a review of the best tools as well as the best techniques. You will walk away with the techniques in mind so that you can easily perfect your skill set.

Shelter is offering the Dovetail Joinery by Hand course on Saturday, June 8th, from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. The course is $45.00.

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Upcoming Weekend Workshop Class: Learn to Wire Your Home

Electrical terms sound familiar, but how they work in your home might be a bit of a mystery: Amp, volt, 100, 220, three pole, four pole, wire gauge, and on and on. But the fact of the matter is that with a little bit of time and instruction, you can learn how to do most electrical projects in your home and manage them safely. This is an opportunity to become competent and confident about wiring. It's actually safer than driving once you understand a few little principles.

Mystery revealed.

Shelter is offering a Home Wiring course on Saturday, June 1st, 2013 with instructor Pat Hennin, who has been teaching wiring for nearly 40 years. He shares the how of electricity, so you can understand the why. He will describe electricity and how to control it in simple, non-technical language.

Learn How Electricity Works and Wire Your Entire Home

Spend the day at the Shelter Campus, and learn how to wire your entire home. Whether you want to build your own home, be your own general contractor, or have a home that you want to understand better, this class will give you a comprehensive understanding of home wiring. You can make changes to your home and effectively deal with any problems that occur.

We will discuss residential wiring and how to wire a house that conforms to the National Electrical Code. This is followed by a discussion of how electricity actually ends up in the house. Finally, we break into small groups to practice wiring sample panels, switches, and lights. This is a small investment that can save you a lot of time, money, and worry.

Date: June 1, 2013
Time: 9:30-3:00
Tuition: $95.00 per person
Register online.

Deadline Approaching for Shelter Scholarship for High School Students

This scholarship is designed
to help jump start a career.

The annual Patricia K. Hennin Scholarship application process has begun. Shelter Institute is excited to offer the scholarship, which was established to honor company co-founder Patricia K. Hennin. The scholarship is awarded to a local high school junior or senior interested in the fields of engineering, architecture, or construction.

Eligible applicants should be high school juniors and seniors currently enrolled in school and residents of the state of Maine. Preference is given to students with a demonstrated interest in the fields of engineering, architecture, or construction. Applications may be obtained from the student's high school guidance office or directly from Shelter Institute.

The deadline for applications is 3:00pm on May 24th, 2013. Please call 207-442-7938 or e-mail store@shelterinstitute.com. The scholarship recipient receives free enrollment in the Shelter Institute course of their choice, valued at approximately $1,000.

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New Shipment of Robert Sorby Tools at Shelter and Intro to Woodturning Class This Weekend

Shelter has just received a a huge shipment of tools from one of our favorite tool companies, Robert Sorby, which produces an extensive selection of high quality woodturning, woodcarving, and woodworker's tools in Sheffield, England.

Many timberframers who have spent time at Shelter are familiar with the 3" and 2-3/8" Sorby slicks we carry. Like all Sorby tools, it's finely crafted. The heft of this tool makes it unique, and it's preferred by those who like to put some weight behind their work. The well tempered steel provides a durable edge that is easily sharpened.

In addition to Robert Sorby chisels and slicks, we also carry their woodturning tools. Call, email, or visit Shelter if there is a Sorby tool you have questions about or would like to purchase.

Ken at work.

If you've interested in wood turning, but haven't gotten the nerve up to start collecting tools, then come to Shelter this weekend and spend the morning with turner and carver, Ken Hatridge of Tree Trunk Designs. 

Ken is offering his Introduction and Demonstration of Woodturning class on Saturday, April 27, from 9 am to 12 noon at the Shelter Campus. The class is $45. Registration is available online and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

During the class, you'll be able to see Ken's expert woodturning techniques, learn about his favorite essential starter tools, and discuss qualities to look for in a lathe. Ken will also discuss wood species, layout, and design as well as tips and techniques for you to try in your own workshop.

Ken is trained in the art of woodturning, strives to continually learn more, and experiments with new skills and techniques. He has been trained in cabinetry and millwork, is an active member of the Southern Maine Woodturners, and is a member of the American Association of Woodturners. Frequently Ken does woodturning demonstrations at meetings and shows.

One-Day Spoon Carving Workshop: Saturday 3/2 at Shelter

Carver Ken Wise

Join us on Saturday, March 2nd, for a full day of carving. Instructor, Ken Wise, has been teaching woodworking and carving for over thirty years. He brings blanks, tools and technique to help you build your skills in carving. This is a hands-on class using, primarily, hand tools. Demonstrations include design and layout, discussion of wood species and selection, tool selection and maintenance, techniques and finish techniques.

All materials and tools are provided for the workshop, but you can also bring any tools you would like to try. Hardwood blanks are provided for each student but please feel free to bring a special piece of wood if you have one on hand.

Each student in our last workshop completed one spoon and began a second one within the time frame of the class. Ken's ease with carving and shaping as well as his general patience is infectious. He sets a comfortable pace for woodworkers of all levels, and he's able to draw each student through the process. It is a great way to spend a cold winter day.

Register for the class online, or contact us for more information.
Cost: $45 per person
Date: March 2nd, 2013
Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Location: Shelter Campus

Top Bar Beekeeping 101: February 9-10 at Shelter

A New York Times reporter referred to bees as the "angels of agriculture." It's amazing to learn and see how essential bees are to the production of our food.  A recent documentary vividly depicts the threats facing bees. We can help sustain these essential insects by maintaining hives in our own backyards and get the wonderful reward of harvesting honey.

Shelter has again invited guest speaker, Christy Hemenway from Gold Star Honeybees, to offer a two-day "Intensive" beekeeping workshop on Top Bar Beekeeping February 9-10 at the Shelter campus. The class is designed specifically for those who want to get started keeping bees in top bar hives in the 2013 beekeeping season.

This in-depth class—with emphasis on the why of things—combines important how-to information, history, hive management techniques, and natural disease and pest control methods. You can get started with confidence!

The Weekend Intensive workshop is two full days of "Bee Buzz" and includes the following topics:

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Spoon Carving Workshop: Saturday 2/2 at Shelter

Carver Ken Wise

Join us on Saturday, February 2nd, for a full day of carving. Instructor, Ken Wise, has been teaching woodworking and carving for over thirty years. He brings blanks, tools and technique to help you build your skills in carving. This is a hands-on class using, primarily, hand tools. Demonstrations include design and layout, discussion of wood species and selection, tool selection and maintenance, techniques and finish techniques.

All materials and tools are provided for the workshop, but you can also bring any tools you would like to try. Hardwood Blanks are provided for each student but please feel free to bring a special piece of wood if you have one on hand.

Register for the class online, or contact us for more information.
Cost: $45 per person
Date: February 2nd, 2013
Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Location: Shelter Campus

Shelter's 2013 Class Schedule

Dogs love Shelter!

The 2013 Shelter classes have begun! We've kicked off the year with our winter Purely Post & Beam Course. (Follow us on Facebook and see the class in action.) If you've considered taking a class at Shelter, make this the year to join us at our Woolwich, Maine campus.

We've added classes this year to our Design Build, Post and Beam, and weekend workshop series offerings. We've changed our schedule a bit over the past month (to make room for returning to the Common Ground Fair), so if you received a class schedule in the mail, be sure to check for schedule changes in our fall offerings.

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Sign Up for the January Purely Post and Beam Class

Mortise and tenon, dovetail, lap joint, through-tenon, birdsmouth notch—posts, beams, braces, roof rafters . . . spend five days with the Shelter Institute staff and learn how to design, layout, cut, and assemble a timber frame structure.

At the end of the week you'll leave with detailed cut sheets for a 24x24 timber frame structure and the knowledge of how to masterfully craft a timber frame structure yourself.

The next Purely Post and Beam Class begins on Sunday, January 6th and runs through Friday, January 11th, 2013.

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Reminder: Concrete Countertop Class This Saturday

Join us for our very popular One-Day Concrete Countertop Class. Our next session is Saturday, June 16, 2012 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Learn the physics of concrete and the essentials of steel reinforcement. See the physical characteristics of placing concrete and the tamping, vibrating, troweling, polishing, and finishing that goes into making concrete countertops. All in just one day.

Read more about the class on our blog. Space is limited so please sign up today. Call (207) 442-7938 or email if you have questions.

Register online today.
Deposit: $100 per person (reserves your place now)
Tuition: $200/person or $300/couple

One-Day Concrete Countertop Class

Join us for our very popular One-Day Concrete Countertop Class. Our next session is Saturday, June 16, 2012 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Granite or engineered stone countertops are nice, but they’re also very expensive. In our Concrete Countertops class, you’ll learn how to make polished and durable countertops that are very affordable and will bring style to your home.

Learn the physics of concrete and the essentials of steel reinforcement. See the physical characteristics of placing concrete and the tamping, vibrating, troweling, polishing, and finishing that goes into making concrete countertops. All in just one day.

During the class we'll mix and pour two countertops (one in a mold and one in-place), and we'll pull a countertop out of its mold to polish and finish it. We'll teach you the subtle tricks of the trade to avoid cracking, voids, color variances, and thickness changes. Safety equipment is required (gloves, hearing protection, heavy work shoes, back brace as needed). We will have diamond stones, grinders and polishers on hand for you to try, so you will experience first-hand what tools and materials you will use to make your countertop.

This class is VA approved for tuition reimbursement and qualifies for job training benefits as well as certification programs. Space is limited so please sign up today.

Call (207) 442-7938 or email if you have questions.

Register online today.
Deposit: $100 per person (reserves your place now)
Tuition: $200/person or $300/couple

Structural Insulated Panels Workshop for Architects

If you are not currently building or designing with Structural Insulated Panels, better known as SIPs, you have probably heard about them. We are offering a free informational workshop entitled, "Structural Insulated Panels-Building a Better Way" on Friday, June 1, 2010, at our campus from 12-1:00. (Brown bag lunch available for $12.) This presentation is an AIA approved program and qualifies for continuing education units. Please contact us for more information.

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New Veteran's Benefit for Design Build Class

Congress and the President recently signed into law the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011, which includes additional financial assistance to unemployed vets through the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP). Shelter's Design Build class qualifies for this program.

According to the VA website:

VRAP offers up to 12 months of training assistance to unemployed Veterans. The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) and the Department of Labor (DOL) are working together to roll out this new program on July 1, 2012.

The VRAP offers 12 months of training assistance to Veterans who:

• Are at least 35 but no more than 60 years old
• Are unemployed
• Received an other than dishonorable discharge
• Are not be eligible for any other VA education benefit program (e.g.: the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Assistance)
• Are not in receipt of VA compensation due to unemployability
• Are not enrolled in a federal or state job training program

The program is limited to 45,000 participants from July 1, 2012, through September 30, 2012, and 54,000 participants from October 1, 2012, through March 31, 2014.

The program application is available on the VA website. The next Design Build class at Shelter is July 9-20. Enroll now to reserve your spot.

Learn How to Be Your Own Contractor

Register today for the two-day Contract-It-Yourself course, May 26-27, at Shelter.

If you're planning a building or renovation project, this is the class for you. Whether you work with a General Contractor or you want to be your own General Contractor this class will help you understand the building process and teach you how to finance and budget the project. We'll cover what kinds of contracts and additional insurance is needed for construction and how to ensure that the project goes without a hitch to completion.

Renovating doesn't need
to be a nightmare

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Tools for Women Workshops Special Offer

Ladies, are you looking to gain some confidence when it comes to tools? Does the idea of building your very own timber frame home excite you, but you’re not sure how to get started? Or do you just want to be informed enough to talk to the contractor remodeling your kitchen about all your options? If so, you have to check out the deal we’ve got on our Tools for Women workshop series!

Sign up for THREE classes in the Tools for Women series*, and we'll take 10% off each class. (Total discount will be applied to your third tuition.)

If you’ve already taken Basic Tool Selection for Women workshop or have signed up for another course, consider adding the Sharpening, Hands-On Sawhorse Building Workshop, Power Tool Selection for Women, or our famous Post & Beam course—all designed just for women. Not only is this a great bargain, it’s a wonderful opportunity to learn something new about construction, tools, timber framing, and yourself. 

*If you've already taken a class in the series, it will count towards earning the discount.

Second Chance at Top Bar Beekeeping 101 Class

Alright, no more excuses. You heard about the Top Bar Beekeeping 101 class we offered at Shelter in February, but you were still in hibernation. Lucky for you, we had such a great time we’re offering the class again on April 14 and 15.

Time to wake up, sign up, and learn all about getting that honey!

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Bangor Daily News Features Tools for Women Workshops

Blueberry at work.
(From Bangor Daily News)

Blueberry is featured in today's Bangor Daily News. Writer Christopher Cousins asks her about the challenges of working in the construction industry as a woman and highlights the upcoming Tools for Women workshop and class series at Shelter. Here's a selection from the article:

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