Classes
Chill Clay Night $40 Purchase required to enroll
An evening outing of fun! Our monthly Chill Clay Nights allow anyone, regardless of their familiarity with clay, to come to our Ceramics Center and get their hands dirty. Beginners will benefit from the introductory instruction in a laid-back setting, and more experienced makers will enjoy practicing their skills in our welcoming community studio. We invite you to attempt functional forms for everyday use - bowls, mugs, and maybe more. While there is no pressure to create a masterpiece in two hours, we are happy to fire 1-2 small pieces for those of you who want to keep your works of art. This is a low-key creative social gathering, and great for dates, friends, coworkers, parents with older children, and anyone else who wants to give the potter’s wheel a spin!
Ceramic Center Open Studios $20 per class No purchase required to enroll
Beginning Clay $300 Purchase required to enroll
If you are brand new to clay, or are looking to build up your pottery skills, this class is for you! In this course we will go through the basic steps and processes to make pottery in a variety of ways. These sessions will provide the tools, materials, and space to learn new techniques in hand building, wheel throwing, trimming, and glazing, with guidance and time for creative exploration along the way. Level: Beginner
Teapot Workshop $125 Purchase required to enroll
with Sam Deering
Session 1: Sunday November 5th 1:30-4 PM
Session 2: Sunday November 12th 1:30-4 PM
Session 2: Sunday November 19th 1:30-4 PM
Session 2: Sunday December 3rd 1:30-4 PM
A quintessential form in ceramics, the teapot is a combination of multiple parts working in unison to serve a specific purpose. In this workshop, students will learn how to create the body of a teapot, its lid, spout, and handle, then combine them together to make a finished form that is balanced and functional. Combining many pieces to make one form with clay is challenging, and a large part of this workshop will be learning not just how to make the various aspects of a teapot, but how to combine them in a way that maintains the visual tension of the vessel while still being useful and easy to handle. We will make multiple versions of each respective part to get the hang of each form, working iteratively, coming away with at least one complete teapot at the end. (Weekend workshop; 4 sessions) Some experience on the wheel required.
Ceramics - All Levels with James Mitschmyer $300 Purchase required to enroll
With a focus on the wheel and incorporation of hand-built elements, James Mitschmyer will shepherd students, from beginners to veteran potters, to taking their work to the next level. From Sprig molds, hand-building to perfecting or learning basic wheel-throwing techniques, this class focuses on the individual interests of the participants. (Once a week; 8 sessions) Level: All levels welcome.
Hard and Soft: Mixed Media Sculpture w/Rachel Montroy $172 Purchase required to enroll
In this workshop we will explore combinations of hard (ceramic) and soft (felted wool) mediums to create a mixed media sculpture. We make the clay forms on the first day, fire them in the kiln, and then incorporate felted elements on the second Saturday of the workshop. We will also discuss how a sculptor’s choice of media can influence how a sculpture is interpreted. No experience in either technique is necessary. Ages 15+
CNC Group Meetup Free No purchase required to enroll
Intermediate/Advanced Wheel-Throwing $300 Purchase required to enroll
The focus of this class is to expand on the skills students already have, and emphasize the finer details of their practice, with the goal of being able to consistently make different forms.
Students will be challenged to refine their technique and gain confidence in working with larger amounts of clay. Classes will cover a variety of forms, asking students to strengthen different techniques for each: lifting clay and establishing smooth lines, managing wall thickness and shaping, and creation of forms that incorporate multiple parts (such as teapots and pitchers) and alterations (darting, carving, texturing, etc.).
We will spend time looking at our work, assessing the qualities we do and do not like about a particular form, and identifying changes to make in our next attempts. In this way, we will emphasize aesthetic quality and develop our artistic eyes and voices. This class is about refinement and exploration, quality over quantity, and celebrating as we turn weaknesses into strengths.
Recommended Pre-Requisites: basic throwing skills and a willingness to push yourself technically and creatively. Ages 18+ unless pre-arranged with the instructor.
Ceramics Center Open Studio $20 per class No purchase required to enroll
Pit-Firing Workshop $175 Purchase required to enroll
Pit-Firing Workshop with Kimberly Kersey-Asbury
Saturdays, February 1st, 2-5pm and February 15th, 9am-7pm
Two sessions/6+ hours
Pit-firing, the oldest known firing method in the world, remains an accessible and fun way to create beautiful organic surfaces on pottery. Students will learn the basics of the process and its rich history, as well as some contemporary innovations. In the first session, Kimberly will cover the unique considerations for making and decorating pieces especially for pit-firing. In the second session, students will work together with their instructor to load the pots into the outdoor pit, then build and maintain the wood-fueled fire that completes this interactive process. Students are invited to participate in only the decoration and loading, or to stay for the all-day firing. Pit-firing is an opportunity to connect deeply with the materials and processes of the ceramic arts, and it is also a wonderful community builder! Bring your curiosity and can-do attitudes to this mid-winter alternative firing. No experience needed/all levels welcome.
Textiles Open Studio Free No purchase required to enroll
Weeks 1 and 3 of each month: Simple starter sewing, we'll have a project each month to help new sewists and those who need to dust of their skills to get comfortable using the machines
Week 2: Mending circle, Sunday's after Repair Café are a great time to learn your own fixing skills from zipper replacements to visible mending and embellishments
Week 4: Fiber circle, bring your knitting, crochet or other fiber art and join our cozy group stitch and chat in the textiles room with expert advice from our textiles leads on those stubborn stitches.
This is a By Donation event. Your contributions keep our textiles space thriving.
Furniture for Beginners: Milking Stool $175 Purchase required to enroll
Age Range: 18+
Level: Beginner / All Levels
Bubbles Chopping Board $175 Purchase required to enroll
Age Range: 18+
Level: Beginner / All Levels
Let's Turn a Bowl $175 Purchase required to enroll
This course will teach you the basic steps needed to turn a small wooden bowl from tree to finished piece. Through discussion, question and answer periods, as well as demonstration and hands on experience, you will gain the knowledge and confidence needed produce a wooden bowl. Our goal, is to make you feel comfortable enough continue to visit MAXT and explore woodturning on your own. The small class size and abundance of tools and attention is designed to help you through the exploration of this craft.
The class will include instruction on wood selection, design, and finishing techniques all while focusing on safety and control.
One Good Turn Deserves Another $250 Purchase required to enroll
This course will further your understanding of the steps needed to turn a small wooden bowl or enclosed vessel from tree to finished piece. Our goal, through creative class projects, is to make you feel more comfortable around the shop and challenge your design sense. Membership at MAXT is recommended but not required. The intent is for you to continue to explore woodturning on your own and build a community that supports wood turning and woodturners. The small class size and abundance of tools and attention is designed to help you through the exploration of this craft.
We will discuss wood selection, design, and finishing techniques all while focusing on safety and control. Natural edge bowls, turning “air”, and hollow forms will be discussed and supported. All meetings will start with a demo and then convert into supported design and production time. Surface treatments and carving will be discussed as well.
All Levels Ceramics with James Mitschmyer $275 Purchase required to enroll
April 4 - May 23, 2023
Tuesday Evenings, 6:00-9:00pm
With a focus on the wheel and incorporation of hand-built elements, James Mitschmyer will shepherd students, from beginners to veteran potters, to taking their work to the next level. From Sprig molds and hand-building to perfecting or learning basic wheel-throwing techniques, this class focuses on the individual interests of the participants. (Once a week; 8 sessions) Experience Level: Beginning through Advanced.
The Block Printing & Clay Connection $125 Purchase required to enroll
Printmaker/Ceramic Artist Kim Cunningham will lead a workshop in carving one-of-a-kind block print stamps which will be used to texture clay slabs for creative clay constructions. Participants will design and carve at least two small rubber stamps, which they will begin by stamping on paper before moving on to clay slabs. The slabs will then be used to make coasters, tiles and vessels. Each participant should come away with several unique pieces. (2 sessions; 9 hours total)
Jewelry Making Workshop Series $40 Purchase required to enroll
Woodturned Gifts $75 Purchase required to enroll
Age Range: 18+
Level: Beginner / All Levels
Wooden Bowl Turning for Beginners $75 Purchase required to enroll
Age Range: 18+
Level: Beginner ? All Levels
Woodturning Lvl. 1 - Tool Handles $75 Purchase required to enroll
It is a handy skill to be able to quickly turn a tool handle. Whether for new tool tips or old tool restoration, making your own handles saves time, money, and offers a chance to customize the handle to your needs. In this class, we’ll cover such things as pre-drilling, keeping the tenon concentric, adding the ferule, and other basic turning and design considerations. If you’ve got a tool in need of a handle, bring it along.
Woodturning Lvl. 1 - Captive Rings $75 Purchase required to enroll
Captive rings offer an interesting and playful design element that can be added to a variety of spindle projects. They add movement and sound, and often leave folks wondering “how did they do that anyway?” Captive rings are not difficult to turn, but there are a few tools and tricks that can aid in consistency and help to finish them off nicely. In this class, we’ll cover a variety of tools, techniques, and projects designed to make captive rings a part of your turning arsenal.
DIY Resin Charcuterie Board $75 Purchase required to enroll
Each student receives a pre-cut board for them to apply the resin. Mix your own colors and watch as the ocean comes alive as you pour over the board.
Day 1 - Lay the resin and cure overnight
Day 2 - Sand and finish
Board size 1”x10.5”x13.3”
Stitch Resist Shibori: Indigo Art $40 Purchase required to enroll
All materials provided
The Bowls on the Wheel $120 Purchase required to enroll
Session 1: Throwing Session I - 9:30am-1:30pm, Saturday, June 24th
Session 2: Throwing & Trimming Session II - 9:30am-1:30pm, Sunday June 25th
All Levels.
Craft + Beer at Post and Beam: Playful Watercolor $40 Purchase required to enroll
If you’ve been curious about watercolor or have some experience and just want to play, please join us at Post and Beam on August 30th, We will explore the world of how watercolor moves, blends drips and drys. There are no expectations. It’s a chance to learn and explore the wonders of watercolor. All of the materials will be supplies, but if you have your own, please feel free to bring them.
Craft + Beer happens at Post and Brewery in Peterborough, monthly.
Jars $150 Purchase required to enroll
Session 1: Session I - 9:30am-1:30pm, Saturday, July 8 (4 hours)
Session 2: Session II - 9:30am-1:30pm, Sunday, July 9 (4 hours)
Session 3: GLAZING Day - 10:00am - 1:00pm, Sunday, July 22 (2 hours)
Used for millennia to store and transport goods, age and ferment food and drink, and show off social status, the jar is synonymous with pottery and its rich history. In this workshop students will use the potters wheel to throw a form, learn how to throw a lid, how to trim both, use texture or color to decorate, and in the final session how to glaze the jar so it’s visually appealing and functional. Combining these techniques participants will create their own jar to use in the home, or simply admire.
Some experience on the wheel is recommended.
Mugs $125 Purchase required to enroll
Session 1: Session I - 6-9pm, Tuesday, August 8 ______ (3 hours)
Session 2: Session II - 6-9pm, Thursday, August 10 _____ (3 hours)
Session 3: GLAZING Day - 6-8pm, Tuesday, August 22________ (3 hours)
There’s nothing better than enjoying your morning coffee out of your own handmade mug. So join us in this mug making workshop where we’ll learn about and use different techniques to craft our own unique mugs. Participants will use the potters wheel to throw a vessel, learn how to pull and attach handles, decorate with texture or color, and in the next session do any final decorating and glazing to get our finished work. We’ll cover all the steps necessary to create your morning masterpiece.
This workshop is beginner friendly.
Fun with Forms: A Bottles Workshop $100 Purchase required to enroll
Session 1: On the Wheel - Saturday Morning, July 1, 10:00am-2:00pm
Session 2: Glaze Session - Saturday Morning, July 15, 10:00am-1:00pm
Description:
Spend a day playing with form and experimenting. Bottles are a fun and classic shape that can be made on the wheel. During this workshop, we will practice pressure and pulling methods to create a small series of bottles. Students will be encouraged to use creativity and add their personal style to their artwork. Intended for potters with some wheel throwing experience, this workshop includes one day for creation and finish work, and another for glazing.
Sound Through Clay $150 Purchase required to enroll
Session 1: Handbuilding Session I - 9:30am-1:30pm, Saturday, August 12 (4 hours)
Session 2: Handbuilding Session II - 9:30am-1:30pm, Sunday August 13 (4 hours)
Session 3: GLAZING Day - 10:00am - Noon, Saturday, August 26 (2 hours)
Description:
Ceramic whistles, ocarinas, shakers, and horns each balance form and space in miraculous ways to make noise! join us at the studio as we explore different clay instruments, how they work, and how you can design and make your own. There will be clay, space, time, and firings provided so you can play and discover new sounds through clay. All Levels
Exploring Slab Bowls Workshop $75 Purchase required to enroll
Session 1: Handbuilding Day - 2:00-4:00pm, Tuesday, July 11 (2 hours)
Session 1: Handbuilding Day - 2:00-4:00pm, Tuesday, July 18 (2 hours)
Session 3: GLAZING Day - 2:00-4:00pm, Tuesday, July 18 (2 hours)
A different spin on making clay bowls! Ceramicist and art educator Karrie Mitschmyer will guide you through creative approaches with slabs to construct one-of-a-kind eye-catching bowls. Beginner’s welcome.
Screenprinting Workshop $100 Purchase required to enroll
Pen Turning $75 Purchase required to enroll
Age Range: 18+
Level Beginner / All Levels
Altering Thrown Vessels $150 Purchase required to enroll
This 8-week class will be focused on throwing shapes and then manipulating them off the wheel. Using the wheel as a tool for creating instead of the entirety of creation will change your perspective of how to produce great artwork. Removing pieces from the wheel also allows for more sculptural exploration. Students are encouraged to think outside the box and combine throwing and hand building skills. Artists who attend will be encouraged to cut and re-assemble their pieces to challenge themselves. Students will throw cylinders, alter them into other shapes and use a variety of techniques to develop unique and creative artwork. This class requires fundamental throwing skills and is geared towards intermediate and advanced students. Tools are provided, but students are encouraged to bring their own set. (Once a week; 8 sessions)
Ceramic Jewelry Workshop $95 Purchase required to enroll
Introduction to 3D printing $30 Purchase required to enroll
Age Range: 18+
Level: Beginner
Urban Sketching $50 Purchase required to enroll
Age Range: 14+
Level: Beginner
Funky Upcycled Earrings $50 Purchase required to enroll
Age Range 18+
Level: Beginner
Sparkling Gemstone Trees $40 Purchase required to enroll
Age Range: 14+
Level: Beginner
Chunky Chain Upcycled Bracelets $50 Purchase required to enroll
Age Range: 18+
Level: Beginner
Hammered Wire Rings $50 Purchase required to enroll
Age Range: 14+
Level: Beginner
Knitting Needle Necklace with Bur Oak Studio $50 Purchase required to enroll
Age Range 10+
Level: Beginner
Knitting Needle Earrings Trio with Bur Oak Studio $50 Purchase required to enroll
Age Range: 10+
Level: Beginner
Statement Upcycled Necklace $50 Purchase required to enroll
Age Range: 18+
Level: Beginner
Wire Wrapped Jewelry $50 Purchase required to enroll
Age Range: 14+
Level: Beginner
Yarn Dyeing Crash Course $90 Purchase required to enroll
Age Range: 14+
Level: Beginner
Colorful Coil Baskets $80 Purchase required to enroll
Age Range: 14+
Level: Beginner
Introduction to Oil Painting $125 Purchase required to enroll
Age Range: 18+
Level: Beginner
Playful Watercolors $40 Purchase required to enroll
Come play with watercolors and enjoy watching your colors flow and merge.
In this workshop we will learn the basics of how to work with watercolors by mixing colors, exploring the amount of water to use and how these elements respond on different papers. We will learn different techniques, from wet on wet to wet on dry and more.
We will begin the class with experimentation and loose play, getting you comfortable with the magic that can happen with watercolor. From your playful explorations, you will create several handmade cards to take home, inspired by nature or from your own imagination. Basic materials and card sets will be supplied but if you have your own watercolor and paper, please bring them to the class.
Age Range 14+
Level: Beginner
CNC for Beginners: Make a Sign $80 Purchase required to enroll
Age Range: 18+
Level: Beginner
Python Programming with the MicroBit $100 Purchase required to enroll
Age Range 14+
Level: Beginner
Introduction to CAD in 3D Studio Max $60 Purchase required to enroll
Age Range 14+
Level: Beginner
Linocut Prints Inspired by Nature $50 Purchase required to enroll
Age Range: 18+
Level: Beginner
Linocut Prints Inspired by Nature - Youth Session $50 Purchase required to enroll
Age Range: 12-18
Level: Beginner
Sewing for Beginners: Corn Filled Heating Bag $40 Purchase required to enroll
Age Range: 14+
Level: Beginner
Spooky Screen Printed T-Shirt Make + Take $40 Purchase required to enroll
Age Range: 14+
Level: Beginner
Valentines Screen Printed T-Shirt Make + Take $30 Purchase required to enroll
Get into screen printing with this fast and fun workshop! Professional screen printer Carrie will give a short talk on the screen printing process from digital design to screen preparation and printing. Students will then get to try their hand at printing a design filled with love from our premade screens.
Age Range: 14+
Level: Beginner
Big and Bold, Crochet Granny Square Sweater $60 Purchase required to enroll
Age Range: 14+
Level: Beginner
Quilting for Beginners: Tablemat $50 Purchase required to enroll
Age Range: 14+
Level: Beginner
Beginning Sewing - Pincushion / Thread Catcher $40 Purchase required to enroll
Age Range: 14+
Level: Beginner
Macramé Witch Bells $40 Purchase required to enroll
Age Range: 14+
Level: Beginner
Ghostly and Ghastly Fiber Arts Workshop $35 Purchase required to enroll
Create a dastardly duo of spooky projects in this special Friday the 13th workshop. Nicole will guide students through summoning an adorable amigurumi crochet ghost. In this class you will learn the basics of 3 dimensional shapes and finishing techniques for stuffed creations.Dave meanwhile will lead a group through extracting a needle felted eyeball pincushion from nothing more than wool roving. Costumes encouraged, basic crochet experience (single, increase and decrease) a plus but beginners welcome.
Age Range: 14+
Level: Beginner / All Levels
Beginning Knitting $40 Purchase required to enroll
Age Range: 14+
Level: Beginner
Macramé Plant Hanger $50 Purchase required to enroll
Gardening season may be coming to an end, but there's still time to play with plants! Add some retro charm to your home with this beautiful Macramé Plant Hanger class. Our instructor Kate will guide you through the basics of macramé and each student will leave with their very own potted plant buddy in a stylish cord hammock.
Age Range: 14+
Level: Beginner
Garment Sewing for Beginners - Estuary Skirt $180 Purchase required to enroll
Age Range: 18+
Level: All Levels
Understanding Natural Edge Turning $120 Purchase required to enroll
Age Range: 18+
Level: All Levels
Beautiful and Practical Wooden Tool Caddy $195 Purchase required to enroll
Age Range: 18+
Level: All Levels
Beginning Woodturning - Youth Session $75 Purchase required to enroll
A great beginning course for middle school students with experienced instructor Doug. Students will learn how to safely work in the woodshop using lathe tools to turn a wood block into a fast and fun finished piece. Perfect for kids who want to explore, build and create!
Age Range: 12-18
Level: Beginner
Spoon Carving for Beginners $95 Purchase required to enroll
Learn to carve a spoon from a tree. This class will focus on gaining skills with two main tools of spoon carving – the sloyd (straight) knife and the hook knife. We will explore wood grain, learn different strokes and maintenance with each knife, and learn how to care for your body while carving. Students will leave the class with their own spoon, handouts of further resources, and the empowerment to continue learning and making things out of wood. This is a great class for beginners, as well as folks with some experience carving who are looking to brush up / reengage!
Age Range: 18+
Level: Beginner
Turned Boxes $150 Purchase required to enroll
Dive a little deeper into woodturning with this beginner friendly two part class. Students will learn to turn the box shape and then create a close fitting lid. Perfect for a first project to keep or gift! Jim will guide students through all the steps from box blank to finished piece, whilst learning about the fundamentals of wood turning and lathe safety.
Age Range: 18+
Level: All Levels
Become a Wood Carver - Serving Spoon Set $190 Purchase required to enroll
Dig into wood carving with this weekday evening multiseries with Lee Spoons. In this class, which meets 4 Tuesday evenings in November from 6-9, you will learn the skills to carve your own wooden utensils, and enter into the world of green wood carving. Students will work with a sloyd knife and hook knife to create a set of spoons, perfect for gifts over the winter holidays, or for use in your own kitchen.
Students will leave the class with their own sloyd knife, as well as a finished set of spoons they have made over the course of 4 weeknight sessions. Students will learn in-depth spoon carving techniques, as well as how to sharpen and maintain their tools and stretch your body. Come join us, and leave with a new skill to last a lifetime.
Age Range: 18+
Level: All Levels
Jewelry Upcycling Open Studio $10 per class Plans available from $48 No purchase required to enroll
Come and get creative in our jewelry space! Grab some vintage goodies, bead and findings from our stash and let your creativity take off. MAXT volunteers will be on hand to help break apart, recombine, clean and polish forgotten relics into new shining treasures. Bring your own broken pieces and we’ll even help you give them a new lease of life!
Tools and materials are provided. Free for members and students in ongoing jewelry classes. $10 for public entry.
Every third Wednesday of the month 6-8p
Craft + Beer @ Post and Beam - Wire Wrapped Pendant $40 Purchase required to enroll
Craft + Beer @Frogg - Frog Embroidery $40 Purchase required to enroll
Shapely Charcuterie Board $150 Purchase required to enroll
Doug will guide students through turning a rough board into a beautiful, smooth and shapely piece to brighten up your dinner table. We'll learn how to select wood, mill, cut, cut, shape and finish a piece that you'll be proud to show off. Doug's classes are always a fun time and with years of experience teaching woodshop he'll make sure everyone leaves with some great new skills!
Craft + Beer @ Post and Beam - Knit Gemstone earrings $40 Purchase required to enroll
Silk Scarf Dyeing $40 Purchase required to enroll
Craft + Beer @Post and Beam - Block Printed Coasters $40 Purchase required to enroll
Wood Turning for Homeschoolers $75 Purchase required to enroll
This class will introduce beginning students to the safe and thoughtful use of the wood lathe. Here students will learn to easily create simple shapes while discovering how woodturning can open the door to an infinite variety of creative possibilities. The class will begin with a discussion of shop safety as well as a discussion of wood as a material.
Students will leave with a few small projects such as key rings, spinning tops, light pulls, tree ornaments, or mini baseball bats.
Designed for students aged 12+Bowl Turning for Homeschoolers $75 Purchase required to enroll
Age Range: 12+
Wood Turning - Holiday Ornaments $75 Purchase required to enroll
A great introductory class to wood turning. Students will learn the basics of lathe and tool safety with our experienced instructor Doug. Then it's on to making some jolly holiday ornaments with some beautiful woods in a variety of forms. Learn the same skills as our other beginning wood turning courses with a holiday twist. It's a regular Santa's workshop!
Felted Tapestry - Woodland Scene $80 Purchase required to enroll
Gnomes! $50 Purchase required to enroll
Ugly Sweater Factory! Free Purchase required to enroll
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.
Introduction To Papermaking $75 Purchase required to enroll
This workshop guides you through every step in the process of hand-making paper with recycled materials, using traditional papermaking methods. You’ll also get to experiment with different methods such as stenciling and embossing to make your paper that much more unique! Materials are generously provided by donations to MAXT, though you’re encouraged to bring some of your own junk mail and other paper items to recycle.
Linocut Printing for the Holidays $50 Purchase required to enroll
Join experienced art educator Kelsey for a holiday linocut printmaking workshop. Choose between card making or gift tags. Students will design and carve their own linocut block and have the opportunity to print their design on cards (envelopes provided) or gift tags.
Holiday Tea Spoon Carving Class $75 Purchase required to enroll
We'll even send you home with some holiday tea blend and a cute little ribbon for the perfect mini gift package, cute as a button!
Craft + Beer @ Frogg - Linocut Notebooks $40 Purchase required to enroll
This is a 21+ event
Brass Holiday Ornaments: Introduction to Jewelry $40 Purchase required to enroll
Join us for a fun and festive class of beginner friendly metalsmithing! Smithing instructor Krystal will guide students in making a shiny new addition for their tree. We will learn proper sawing, filing, texturing, and polishing techniques on brass sheet metal to create your own unique ornaments. Students will walk away with a finished piece ready for holiday display!
Junior Creatives: Handmade Holiday $100 Purchase required to enroll
Make merry with the Junior Creatives in this next series!
The MAXT Makerspace series for Middle Schoolers
Everyone loves to receive hand made gifts over the holiday season, whatever you celebrate. This year give your kids the chance to create something really special with our expert instructors. From textiles to woodwork, jewelry to fine art they'll explore 6 skills over the 6 weeks and create 6 amazing gifts!
MAXT Junior Creatives $100 Purchase required to enroll
Climb aboard our entrepreneur-ship and sail off on a new adventure with Junior Creatives, sign ups are now open for our Spring session.
Each themed session brings new and exciting ways for middle schoolers to express their creativity, build some fantastic maker skills and work as a team to produce a final piece they can all be proud of!
Chapter 2: Maker's Market
Wednesdays 3-5p
Mar 20-Apr 17 / May 1-15
This session our Junior Creatives mean business!
On May 15, MAXT will be turned into a beautiful miniature market full of fantastic creations, open to friends and family. Only one problem, we have no booths, no goods, we don’t even have any artisans!
Time to get to work! Our Junior Creatives will start with getting right into making, creating pieces with 6 different types of media and skills in the Makerspace. Each week they’ll be given the freedom to pursue their own theme and designs.
Then it’s on to designing their booths, turning their works into a display they can be proud to say is all their own work.
Finally we invite friends and family to the big party, if you’ve been to Night Market, you know that MAXT likes to make a big splash to show off our artists!
Exercises for a Mindful Studio Practice $40 Purchase required to enroll
In this two-hour workshop participants will go through a series of guided making exercises that are intended to bring both novelty and grounding to their making practice. Pairing a mindful approach to the creation of forms, marks and language, participants will leave with new conceptual tools and ways of being in their studio practice. Whether one is new to their art practice or have been making for decades there will be something of value and consideration for every one.
Requirements include: A willingness to work in periods of silence. A willingness to play. A desire to prioritize your process. All Levels
"The object isn't to make art, it's to be in that wonderful state which makes art inevitable." Robert HenriLarge Vessel Wheel Workshop $95 Purchase required to enroll
This class will be focused on working with larger amounts of clay and throwing bigger pots. Students will increase the amount of clay, and exercise their ability to build wider and taller. This concept will be explored through stacking smaller vessels to create larger pieces as well as using quantities of clay 5lbs or greater. If you have foundational wheel skills and are ready for a new challenge, this is the class for you! We will explore historical pottery of large shapes and sizes that will inspire our own work. This class is targeted to intermediate level ceramic artists. Tools are provided, but students are encouraged to bring their own set.
Level: Intermediate
Hand Cut Slab Tile Workshop $150 Purchase required to enroll
Utilizing a hand-cut slab method, instructor Jim Cusmano will lead you through the design process, whether you choose to work in the abstract or realistically, to create interesting pictorial tile surfaces. Time will be spent finishing your works with a variety of decorating techniques, from stains, to underglazes to traditional glazes. Use these techniques to decorate your home or create a portable work of art. Students will make two 7x7 designs.
No experience necessary.
Abstraction & Sculpture Clay Workshop $120 Purchase required to enroll
Using a variety of hand building techniques, students will create detailed sculptures. These sculptures will focus on abstraction of form and shape through clay. Starting with sketching ideas, students will be challenged to explore how volume is created in three dimensional space without specific realistic sculptural goals. Slab, coiling, and pinching methods will be used to develop unique abstracted ideas. If you are curious about clay and are ready to explore new ways of playing with it, sign up now!
Upcycled Feed Sack Totes $40 Purchase required to enroll
Winter Sports Tune Up - Seminar Free Purchase required to enroll
This is a free event, donations are appreciated.
Gel Plate Monoprints $80 Purchase required to enroll
Silver and Turquoise Bezel Ring $110 Purchase required to enroll
Drawing Basics: Still Life Studies $60 Purchase required to enroll
Practical 3D Printing: Stamps $60 Purchase required to enroll
Introduction to Bookbinding: Custom Sketchbook $60 Purchase required to enroll
Exploring Pen Making $95 Purchase required to enroll
Take some extra time with Bryan to explore the world of pen turning on our lathes here at MAXT. Students will start with a simple two piece pen, learning to cut blanks, drill, turn and assemble a pen. This class then dives deeper into creating more advanced pen designs using the same slimline kit, students will learn different ways of building and embellishing turned pens. Each attendee will leave the class with am minimum of two finished pens. This is a great class for true beginners or as a follow on course from Bryan's previous Pen Turning classes.
Drawing Basics: The Human Face $50 Purchase required to enroll
Introduction to Miniatures Painting for Gamers and Collectors $90 Purchase required to enroll
A Musical Introduction to Woodworking: Door Harp $190 Purchase required to enroll
Continuous Strand Weaving: Fingerless Mitts $50 Purchase required to enroll
Smash the Stash - Upcycled Jewelry $40 Purchase required to enroll
Smash! Dig deep into our treasure trove of jewelry parts and pieces with Gabby to create your very own upcycled creations. We have pound and pounds of vintage goodies here at MAXT to harvest for parts and expert guidance from Gabby to use our jewelry tools and notions to create something new and unique. Students will leave with a minimum of one finished bracelet, necklace or set of earrings - anything you can make, you get to keep!
Pot Holder Loom make and weave (Family 10+) $40 Purchase required to enroll
Fair Isle Hat $50 Purchase required to enroll
Handpainted Yarns $40 Purchase required to enroll
Springtime Crochet Amigurumi $50 Purchase required to enroll
Make new friends at MAXT! Amigurumi is the art of creating cute, miniature stuffed characters, everything from a classic bear to a coffee cup. Add some extra cuteness to your making, we'll provide everything you need - just bring a sense of fun and basic crochet skills (chain, single and double crochet, fasten off).
Gardeners Hand Lotion $40 Purchase required to enroll
Turning Start to Finish: A Skill Building Series $215 Purchase required to enroll
Make your own Carbide Lathe Tools $95 Purchase required to enroll
Screen Printing: from Digital Design to Wearable Art $120 Purchase required to enroll
Introduction to Quilting: Using the Long Arm Quilter $50 Purchase required to enroll
Solar Printing $40 Purchase required to enroll
Pysanky: Traditional Wax Resist Egg Dyeing $50 Purchase required to enroll
Get eggcited for this cracking class! Learn the satisfying art of Pysanky, the traditional Ukrainian art of wax resist egg dyeing. Students will learn how to use the kitska tool to apply layers of wax, dye their creations in successive colors and how to finish their piece by blowing the egg for preservation. Students will end the class with at least one intricate egg, depending on their pace most students will create multiple pieces.
Silver Bezel Pendant $120 Purchase required to enroll
Dive into the world of silver smithing with this introductory class with Krystal Hjelm. Students will learn how to work with sheet silver, wire and prepared stones to create their own unique piece of fine jewelry. A fantastic introduction to the use of our jewelry shop from hand tools to bench top polishers, rotary tools and our high temperature soldering setup.
Springtime Felted Eggs $75 Purchase required to enroll
Earrings in a Day $140 Purchase required to enroll
Woodshop Open Studio Free No purchase required to enroll
This is a free event, donations are appreciated to help with running costs.
MAXT Weekly Tour Free No purchase required to enroll
CNC Open Studio Free No purchase required to enroll
Craft + Beer @ Post and Beam - Junk Robots $40 Purchase required to enroll
CJ Burton presents Sonderbots! These personalized junk robots are a canvas for your creativity, inspired by the concept of 'sonder'—the profound realization that each of us shares a connection through common objects and experiences. CJ has meticulously curated an array of robot components in a mini factory setting, enabling you to assemble your distinctive Sonderbot. Utilize an eclectic mix of blocks, nuts, bolts, and various other elements to bring your unique vision of a Sonderbot to life.
Make a new friend, get your first beer on us - what a wonderful way to spend an evening.
This event is hosted at Post and Beam Brewing, 40 Grove St Peterborough
This is a 21+ event.
Art and Wine @ diVINE - Accordion Artbooks with Kelsey Fleet $60 Purchase required to enroll
Craft + Beer @ Post & Beam - Gemstone Trees $40 Purchase required to enroll
Art and Wine @ Divine - Creative Collage with Kate Allen $60 Purchase required to enroll
Bring some inspiration to this playful afternoon of Art + Wine @ diVINE. Kate Allen will lead this exploration into the art of mixed media collage, with materials from a huge range of sources from hand made papers, found objects and even music sheets. A snack plate or glass of wine is included in the class, with more goodies available to purchase from diVINE.
This class is hosted at diVINE on Main - 32 Main St, Peterborough
Craft + Beer @ Frogg - Macramé Pennant $40 Purchase required to enroll
This is a 21+ event, held at Frogg Brewing, 580 Sawyers Crossing, Swanzey
Craft + Beer @ Post and Beam - Lego Letterpress $40 Purchase required to enroll
This is a 21+ event hosted at Post & Beam Brewing, 40 Grove St, Peterborough
Co-creating with Clay Coils $150 Purchase required to enroll
This class is perfect for beginners and will cover the basics of coil building and introduce/play with the concept of building something on a team in addition to individually. We will take a unique co-creation approach in this class, with the opportunity to work on pieces collaboratively, sharing ideas and skills along the way. This four week course will introduce and develop the versatile coil building approach to creating with clay and demonstrate ways to combine wheel throwing and handbuilding, adding slips, and glazing techniques.
No experience necessary. Ages 16+
The MAXT County Fair - Junior Creatives Summer Program $240 Purchase required to enroll
Roll up! Roll up! To the MAXT County Fair. There's a whole host of games and fun… or, there will be. Let’s just say our fete is in the hands of the Junior Creatives!
In this intensive summer making program, our wannabe carnival entrepreneurs will build and test fairground games, with expert guidance from MAXT staff and instructors. From boat racing to target practice and ring toss we’ll have a variety of summertime favorites.
They’ll get to work with a wide variety of materials around the workshop: building with wood, sewing, painting and creating something they’ll be proud of. Then, there’s a chance to show off to their families on our final day during the MAXT County Fair with refreshments, fairground prizes and good old fashioned fun.
Junior Creatives programs are designed for grade levels 5-8. If you have questions about if this program is suitable for your child, please contact us.Don't Stop the Presses! - Junior Creatives Summer Program $240 Purchase required to enroll
This summer program is one that’s sure to make a big impression!
In this intensive art and making program we will explore a host of creative printing techniques in our printshop. We’ll screen print shirts, explore relief, intaglio and mono printing methods, carve, etch, build with Lego, and even make the paper.
We haven’t forgotten it’s summer and they’ll be etching….. I mean itching to go outside - so we’ll be super sizing some printing techniques to print on giant paper!
We’ll wrap the whole week off with an art show for family and a portfolio of work to take home in their own accordion artbooks.
Junior Creatives programs are designed for grade levels 5-8. If you have questions about if this program is suitable for your child, please contact us.
Beginning Woodturning: Green Wood Bowls $75 Purchase required to enroll
Bryan will take students through the first steps of using of the wood lathe to produce a beautiful bowl that will naturally change shape into a softened organic form as it dries.
Students will explore turning a bowl using only one tool, the 60 degree Ellsworth, or Irish grind, bowl gouge. The key to a good bowl is a sharp tool and we will spend time learning how to put the perfect edge on our gouges. Following the sharpening tutorial we will take our blank, place it between centers and turn a tenon so the bowl can be held in a chuck. The next step is to shape the outside of the bowl. We remove the bowl from centers and place it in the chuck and hollow it out. Bowls are left unfinished until they are dry. As they dry their shape will change and you are left with a bowl that was designed both by you and by nature.
Craft + Beer @ Frogg - Cursing in Cross Stitch $40 Purchase required to enroll
This is a 21+ event, hosted at Frogg Brewing. 580 Sawyers Crossing Rd, Swanzey, NH 03446
Introduction to Travel Sketchbooks $95 Purchase required to enroll
We all take photographs when we travel, but they are fleeting moments captured in our phones. A travel sketchbook is a way to record important memories with words and visuals. This documentation slows down your thoughts and describes your trip with more detail and emotion.
You will learn basic quick sketching techniques that will help you find your style. Perfection is not the goal, taking the time to reflect and draw has more power than a perfect sketch.
There will be an introduction to perspective, techniques for capturing a space or object quickly and insights into light and contrast. We will use pen and watercolor and create a small sketchbook for you to use during the class. There will be two classes held at MAXT and one meet up in Peterborough where we will sketch on location. Practice is encouraged during the week between classes, but not required.
Introduction to Woodworking: Coasters $80 Purchase required to enroll
Are You Drawn to Art? - Introduction to Drawing $120 Purchase required to enroll
The class will explore art history while learning basic drawing techniques. If you have
done some drawing and want to hone your skills, you can work at your own level. The
goal of this class is to improve the student’s drawing ability, develop art appreciation,
and to produce at least one finished portfolio piece.
The instructor, Andrew Bills, is an accredited art teacher with decades of experience,
both as a professional artist and as an art educator.
Make Your Own Findings and Chains with Joy Raskin $150 Purchase required to enroll
Stacked Rings with Joy Raskin $160 Purchase required to enroll
Simple Metalsmithing with Joy Raskin $150 Purchase required to enroll
Thrown and Altered Ceramics Workshop $145 Purchase required to enroll
Ceramics Skill Share: Color Slip Hands on Demo Free Purchase required to enroll
Creating Crochet Garments $50 Purchase required to enroll
Practice materials are included. Students will need to provide or purchase materials of their choice for their garment.
Introduction to Woodworking: Book Tree $150 Purchase required to enroll
Linocut Printing in Multiple Colors $75 Purchase required to enroll
Get Hooked - Crochet Stitch Series $20 per class No purchase required to enroll
Nicole has generously donated her time for this course so donations on site are appreciated to help fund more fiber arts programs at MAXT.
Zippered Feed Sack Bags (Family 10+) $40 Purchase required to enroll
16 and under must be supervised by an adult.
Cold Process Soap Making $55 Purchase required to enroll
Learn to make 100% natural skin loving soap with Andrea. Now based in Marlborough creating art with her new business Big Barn Pottery, she still makes soap after years of being a professional soap maker in NYC.
In this class you will learn the basics of cold process soap making. As an introductory class we will cover safety procedures, ingredients & adding natural colorants and scent.
During this three hour class as a group we will first discuss what makes a good bar of soap, then measure out ingredients, blend and pour our soap, getting an understanding of saponification.
After 48 hours everyone in the class will be able to pick up and take home several bars of soap.
Stained Glass for Beginners: Suncatcher $100 Purchase required to enroll
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
Sew a T-Shirt! $60 Purchase required to enroll
Students will work on the free pattern Augustina, a piece designed for women's sizes XS to 4X. All materials are provided and students will head home with a custom cut pattern for their size to recreate.
Slab-Built Kitchenware: Butter Dishes and Beyond $85 Purchase required to enroll
Have you wanted to make items that are not only beautiful but also useful? Learn how to hand-build a butter dish for your kitchen. Handmade ceramic butter dishes are a simple and beautiful way to keep soft butter available. Your instructor will walk you through a step-by-step process to create your unique and functional work of art! Students will have the opportunity to add details and designs independently with texture and underglazes. Skills learned in this workshop will transfer to other slab-built forms. All experience levels are welcome. Students will have one day to build and one day to decorate and glaze their work. If students cannot attend the second session, the instructor will select and glaze their work for them. (2 Sessions)
Craft + Beer @ Post and Beam - Fly Tying $40 Purchase required to enroll
Craft + Beer is an opportunity to make something awesome with your friends in a relaxed setting. A pint is included in the cost of admission!
For our next Craft + Beer night, Larry Antonuk will introduce us to the world of fly tying. Did you ever want to tie your own fishing flies? Or tie them for someone who fishes? In this class we’ll learn all the basic concepts needed to produce some simple (but very effective) dry and wet fly patterns.
All materials and tools will be provided – you’ll be going home with several flies of your own design. This class is good for all levels, but especially for those just testing the waters.
Craft + Beer happens at Post and Brewery in Peterborough, monthly.
Miniatures Painting - Vehicles and Weathering $80 Purchase required to enroll
This class will cover model preparation, preshading, color selection, track and wheels, heat blooms and exhaust soot, glow effects, decals, chipping, dusting, oils and weathering powders.
Some example models will be available for this course but it is recommended you bring your own piece to work on. Please let us know ahead of time if you don't plan to bring a model.
Examples of suitable pieces to work on:
Any 28mm scale wargames piece (Games Workshop or similar). 1/35 scale military models, cars or similar. Fully assembled and primed grey.
Acrylic Pour Art Family Fun $40 Purchase required to enroll
Suitable for ages 10+, children must be accompanied by an adult.
Art and Wine @ diVINE - Abstract Inspirations with Cassidy Kehlenbach $60 Purchase required to enroll
This class is hosted at diVINE on Main - 32 Main St, Peterborough
Wood Turning for Beginners: Candlestick $75 Purchase required to enroll
Screen Printing in a Day $125 Purchase required to enroll
Students will learn the process of screen coating, development, washing and finally printing their designs. Each student will leave with 3 finished t-shirts from a wide choice of sizes and colors provided by Carrie, plus practice shirts from the MAXT supply.
Students can pick from hundreds of designs for their pieces from Carrie's stock (from years of professional screen printing) or bring their own.
Design parameters:
Design must be printed in black ink using an inkjet printer on an inkjet transparency. Design must fit on an 8.5" x 11" sheet. No lines in any element of the design should be smaller that 2mm.
This class includes a 1hr break for lunch.
Craft + Beer @ Frogg - Bookbing - Notebooks $40 Purchase required to enroll
This is a 21+ event hosted at Frogg Brewing, 580 Sawyers Crossing, Swanzey, NH
Fools Guides (to Being an Adult) Free No purchase required to enroll
Feel lost with basic skills? Feel like a fool around the most simple of repairs? Did your dad never show you anything?
MAXT volunteers are here to help! Our new Fool’s Guides Series, Mondays 5.30-6 are quick, FREE mini classes on basic skills. Drop in and learn in our judgement free zone!
Wooden Jewelry Hanger - Introduction to Furniture Making $100 Purchase required to enroll
Students may require extra time to finish the piece outside of class and are encouraged to come to our Monday Woodshop Open Studio between the sessions.
The Magical Fun Machine - Project Launch Free Purchase required to enroll
Come and tinker with us!
MAXT will be renovating and enhancing a vintage synth into an, electronic art piece. We need your help to clean, fix the electronics, build in digital visuals, paint, upholster and more. Meet our makers and learn new skills in this FREE program
Program Launch Date 6/8 - help us make a plan for our finished piece.
Work sessions - Weds evenings starting 6/19
Fiber Arts Circle Free No purchase required to enroll
Donations appreciated to help fund MAXT's facilities and events.
T-Shirt Yarn and Crochet Beach Bag $50 Purchase required to enroll
Join Nicole as we explore turning fabrics into vibrant t-shirt yarn, suitable for all kinds of chunky knit and crochet projects from rugs to baskets and of course bags. With your newly made yarn, Nicole will guide students through simple finger crochet and working with large scale hooks to create your own beach / market bag ready to take on those summer adventures.
Fabric will be provided from our textiles donations at MAXT, if you have something you would like to include in your piece, bring it along.
Drypoint Printmaking Basics $95 Purchase required to enroll
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.
CMYK Monotype Printing with Bill Cass $75 Purchase required to enroll
Monotype prints are one of a kind images produced on a smooth plate by selectively removing ink, each print is as unique and creative as you want to make it. CMYK prints use primary colors just like your home computer printer to be able to create a whole rainbow of tones.
Bill will guide students through the process of designing, layering and removing inks on Perspex plates and finally using our press to transfer your impressions to paper.
Students should bring at least one photo or sketch to work from for their piece. Prints will be produced on an 8" x10" plate
Copper Coil Bonsai $75 Purchase required to enroll
Students will create their own bonsai garden complete with pot and accessories built around the centerpiece of a coiled wire tree. The tree is a great standalone project, or a next step in your wire journey from Gabby's gemstone tree classes.
So join us for a relaxing afternoon making miniature worlds!
Collage Your Life $75 Purchase required to enroll
“It is remarkable how the seemingly simple act of cutting paper and gluing elements can have a profound impact on your life” -- Laurie Kayner, MA
Collage is a joyful art form that will encourage creativity and self-expression. With paints, papers, natural elements, etc., you can create a visual record of everything that is you! You will learn techniques and use a multitude of ephemera: papers, glues, mark-making tools, natural elements, photos, etc. Collage offers many creation opportunities, such as art journaling, bookmaking, handmade cards, and wonderful art. ALL LEVELS
Craft + Beer @ Post and Beam - Yarn Dyeing $40 Purchase required to enroll
Join indie dyer Dave for this fast and fun introduction to acid dyes and yarn. Choose from a buffet of high quality wool yarn bases from lace and sock to super chunky. Then get to work learning how design your own colorways, mix, apply and set your colors. If the weather co-operates we can even dye outside and be inspired by the beautiful gardens in downtown Peterborough. Plus your first beer is on us!
This is a 21+ event hosted at Post and Beam Brewery, 40 Grove St, Peterborough
Please wear old clothes or an apron for dyeing just in case.
Water Soluble Monoprints - Crayons for Grown Ups! $50 Purchase required to enroll
Students will learn how to build and manipulate colors on a plexiglass plate using Caran D'ache water soluble wax pastels. This unusual medium allows colors to be applied like wax crayons but manipulated and blended like watercolors or oil pastels. Students will then use the press to transfer their piece to paper, creating a unique print in rich vibrant color. The ghosted image remaining on the plate can be redrawn or manipulated to form a series of related pieces.
The Magical Fun Machine - Work Days Free No purchase required to enroll
Mindful Studio Practices: a mini-course $150 Purchase required to enroll
This 4-week class combines structured exercises, prompts and activities with a bit of independent making time. Classes will incorporate readings, writing prompts, drawing meditations, claywork meditations, and time to work on individual projects with guidance if desired. The goal of this mini-course is to help direct your making practice towards an intentional and meaningful process. After all, the objects we make in the studio are really just a byproduct of “art;” “art” is the personal practice developing when we’re in the studio manipulating materials.
Students should bring a sketchbook and/or journal, favorite tools, and a spirit of exploration. Clay and related firing fees are included.
Workshop Organization Team Free Purchase required to enroll
That's where the Workshop Organization Team comes in!
Bring your skills and spend some time making our space better for everyone as we build and implement a system of color coding, workshop logs, machine guides and signage to be installed at the new space. There's a lot to do and every little helps.
Kickoff meeting July 11 5.30-7.30p with flexible working times to be decided by the group.
Family Sewing Party - Bunting Free Purchase required to enroll
Everyone is welcome to join our volunteers to learn the basics of fabric cutting and stitching as we work together to create colorful bunting. We want our new textiles space at Noone Falls to be full of color and patterns, this is the perfect way to make your mark for years to come.
Light refreshments will be provided
Wooden Counter Making $20 Purchase required to enroll
We have had generous donations of locally sawn pine and some beautiful vintage cast iron café table bases, perfect to create some outfitting our textiles space with purpose built sewing machine tables.
During this program attendees will learn how to work with rough boards, measure, cut, joint, plane, glue and finish into high quality counter tops.
Your registration fee will help cover the consumables and every attendee will be gifted a MAXT shirt and a special trinket as thanks for coming to one of our Making Our Move courses!
Recycled Lamp Making $65 Purchase required to enroll
During this course, students will learn how to select items, clean, design and refit into custom lighting. Students are encouraged to bring some items to transform, a variety of pieces of interesting junk will also be available. Create a haunting piece to add some extra spook to your Halloween, or turn a treasured broken heirloom into something new and stylish to light up your home.
John is filling in for our original instructor Patrick Cogan, John creates a wide variety of lamps from beautiful natural deadfall wood he mills himself in the Monadnock region.
Furniture Transformations $15 Purchase required to enroll
In this session, learn some simple techniques to brighten up your finds with great bones. From how to build jigs and cut down chair legs to how to clean, fill, prepare, paint and use simple surface coverings. Students will help to refinish a set of reclaimed bar stools to create new seating for MAXT workshops.
Making Our Move classes are reduced price programs to help MAXT improve our space whilst teaching new skills. All attendees with receive a MAXT shirt and a special thank you trinket as part of their ticket. Your fee helps to pay for consumables used in the class.
Introduction to Casting with Sally Ray $95 Purchase required to enroll
Sally Ray has recently moved to the area after decades in the movie industry, creating costuming and special effects for a host of major films from Men in Black to Galaxy Quest, Tron Legacy and many, many more. Sally was Head of Production at the Jim Henson Creature Shop for 8 years amongst other impressive credits.
In this class, students will learn the fundamentals of silicone mold making from an object they provide (we'll have some options on hand too), around 2" in diameter. They will learn to to plan, prepare and pour their silicone to create an accurate mold. In the second class students will learn how to take their rough molds through the process of preparing for casting and create their own candle to take home. Sally will also demonstrate resin molding.
Introduction to Natural Dyes $50 Purchase required to enroll
Students will learn the basics of collecting, processing and dyeing with easily available plant materials from the kitchen to the flower garden. Students will experiment with mordants and multiple different dye types, leaving the class with their own collection of hand dyed sock yarn minis (100-150g total) in a range of soft plant tones.
Craft + Beer @ Post and Beam - Story Cloth $40 Purchase required to enroll
Throughout history and across cultures humanity has preserved and told its stories through fabric and stitches. Join us for a fun and interactive evening exploring this expressive art form. A wide variety of fabric and thread will be available for you to choose from, but this can also be a poignant opportunity to use fabric that is sentimental to you, so feel free to bring in some of your own supplies. This class is suitable for all levels and can be a wonderfully free and unique way for beginners to engage in hand sewing in a meaningful and personal way. Simple stitches and more complex embroidery techniques will be taught as needed.
Plus your first beer is on us!
This is a 21+ event hosted at Post & Beam Brewing, 40 Grove St Peterborough
Traditional Sign Writing $45 Purchase required to enroll
Making Our Move classes are reduced price programs to help MAXT improve our space whilst teaching new skills. All attendees with receive a MAXT shirt and a special thank you trinket as part of their ticket. Your fee helps to pay for our artisan's expert instruction and consumables used in the class.
Junior Creatives 3: Monster factory $100 Purchase required to enroll
Chapter 3: Monster Factory
Scare up some fun in the next session of Junior Creatives! Each themed session brings new and exciting ways for middle schoolers to express their creativity, build some fantastic maker skills and work as a team to produce a final piece they can all be proud of.
Our team of mad scientists will get to work to create some monstrosities for the spookiest night in town - we’ll be creating displays for Monadnock Country Club’s Spooky Walk!
The Junior Creatives will design and build their own showpiece displays from a whole host of materials with expert help to fit our theme of creepy plant life. From strangling vines to man eating flowers, it’s theirs to imagine! The Mini Makers elementary school group will provide support with their own small themed pieces and decorations to fill out a whole MAXT room.
Mini Makers: Ghost, Ghouls and Gluesticks $100 Purchase required to enroll
New for Fall! Mini Makers is our program for grades 1-4
Scare up some fun in Mini Makers: Ghosts, Ghouls and Gluesticks! Each themed session brings new and exciting ways for elementary school makers to express their creativity, build some fantastic maker skills and produce a final piece they can all be proud of.
Our team of gruesome ghouls will get to work to create some monstrosities for the spookiest night in town - we’ll be creating displays for Monadnock Country Club’s Spooky Walk!
Each week we’ll work on a different small project in this year’s creepy conservatory theme, from eyeball plants in pots to hanging vines. We’ll cut, glue, paint, build, draw and more with all kinds of materials.
Then we’ll join forces with the Junior Creatives middle school group who will create some big centerpiece monsters, together they’ll fill out a whole MAXT room!
Carpentry 101: Building Walls $100 Purchase required to enroll
Students will embark on the project of creating new studio booth walls for MAXT at Noone Falls and end the class with marketable skills in carpentry to be able to work on home renovation projects or begin their journey into employment with a contracting company with a portfolio piece.
Over the two days students will work as a team to learn about how to approach a project brief, selecting materials and basic design, building solid and square frames, sheathing and finishing as well as using jigs for repeated work and how to work to a deadline.
There will be a 30min break for lunch each day.
This is a reduced price course as part of our Making Our Move series to build a new home for MAXT at Noone Falls - be part of our future and learn some great new skills! Students will also receive a free MAXT t-shirt and a small trinket as a thanks from us for taking part.
Polymer Clay Art: Tic-Tac-Toe (Family session) $50 Purchase required to enroll
Kelsey will guide students through a deliciously whimsical process to design, shape, bake and paint your very own food themed tic-tac-toe board from polymer clay. A pizza, a waffle with fruit topping, a plate of pasta - time to play with your food!
This is a special family session - make one board together as a family, kids age 6+ are welcome to attend with an adult., Makes a great gift for someone special. One ticket per family
Magical Hideaway Mushroom Basket $65 Purchase required to enroll
Join Devin for another magical class in fiber arts, learn how to create a coil basket, play with form and color as well as exploring different ways to create a lidded shape.
Needle Felt Spider $50 Purchase required to enroll
Students will learn the basics of crafting needle felted sculpture with Devin, using fiber, wire armatures and beads to create their very own adorable arachnids.
Lo Tech Wire Chains with Joy Raskin $150 Purchase required to enroll
Join experience jewelry instructor Joy Raskin for this fantastic class! We are so happy to have Joy join us, with two decades of teaching experience she’s going to be doing some amazing things.
Chains such as Egyptian spiral chain, Viking ( knitted) chain, wirewrapped links with beads chains, basic link chains will be covered. Using 14g. to 26g. round wire, we will wrap, bend, knit, hammer, spiral our way to make your own chain samples, and a chain to be worn.Calligraphy 101 $50 Purchase required to enroll
Muraling 101 $80 Purchase required to enroll
Fairy House Making with Gluckspilz Gifts $100 Purchase required to enroll
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.
Chainmail Jewelry $60 Purchase required to enroll
Learn the Half-Persian 3-1 weave, and how to turn it into a versatile bezel. We'll be wrapping your choice of supplied cabochons, to make a pendant.
You'll also have the opportunity to learn your choice of three weaves that make beautiful earrings, and make a pair of earrings to take home. We'll be teaching Box, Byzantine, and Captive Bead weaves.
Basically Drawing $150 Purchase required to enroll
In just five days, you'll discover you can draw anything better!
Beginners through experienced artists - Anyone who just wants to come and play!
Instruction * Exercises * Fun!
* * *
Things you'll learn about:
Tools - how to use them
Pencils
Papers
Erasers
How to measure
Art Terminology
Value
Hue
Shade
Skills
How to see like an artist
How to edit what you see Light on Form
Why basic geometric shapes are your friends
We'll draw a cone, cylinder, cube, sphere, pyramid, mobius strip
Concave and convex drawings
Wood Turning Foundations $400 Purchase required to enroll
Join our experienced wood turning instructors Bryan Field and Jim Fischer for this deep dive in to wood turning. This is an extremely small, very hands on course taking only 4 students per session.
This curriculum is based on “Let’s Go For a Spin” The American Association of Woodturners'‘ recommended guide for beginners.
Over 6 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.
Students are expected to practice their skills between sessions, additional open studio hours are available Mondays 6-8p for our regular Woodshop Open Studio as well as turning specific hours provided for this course on Weds 10/23, 10/30, 11/6 and 11/20 6-8p. Scrap wood and some blanks will be available during these hours.
Week 1 will begin with the basics of technique with guidance from both Jim and Bryan. Each tutor will take turns teaching a wide variety of projects including small ornaments, bowls, platters, lidded boxes and green wood pieces from weeks 2-4. In the final class students will be provided with a blank and work on designing and turning a piece of their choice.
Continuing Beginners: On the Wheel $300 Purchase required to enroll
This class is a great fit for students who have previously taken our Beginning Clay or All-Levels Ceramics class and wish to focus on working with the potter's wheel. New beginners are welcome too!
Craft + Beer @ Post and Beam - Creative Doodling $40 Purchase required to enroll
Stained Glass Level 2 $125 Purchase required to enroll
* Students must have taken our Stained Glass for Beginners course, or have equivalent experience in cutting, grinding and soldering stained glass pieces*
Students will choose from a variety of deigns to make more complex sun catchers or pieces that can be framed. You'll have access to a wide variety of glass, including textured and marbled colors to make a truly unique piece, Sue will guide you through cutting curves, working with more difficult materials and constructing larger glass pieces.
Max’s Raku Thing! Purchase required to enroll
Lidded Pots! with Ben Putnam $150 Purchase required to enroll
Surface Design Techniques with Forrest Bencivenga $150 Purchase required to enroll
Craft + Beer @ Post and Beam - Chainmail and Glass Bracelet $40 Purchase required to enroll
This is a 21+ event held at Post & Beam Brewing - 40 Grove St, Peterborough
Craft + Beer @ Post and Beam - T-Shirt Yarn Baskets $40 Purchase required to enroll
Why not turn some of those that didn't survive the season in the best of shape into a cool basket with Nicole?! Learn how to turn t-shirt fabric into chunky yarn then crochet your way to a beautiful and useful basket. We'll have plenty of fabric to work with, but you can bring your own to include. No crochet experience necessary.
Plus as with every Craft + Beer, your first pint is on us!
This is a 21+ event held at Post & Beam Brewing, 40 Grove St, Peterborough.
Mini Makers: Handmade Holiday $100 Purchase required to enroll
Everyone loves to receive hand made gifts over the holiday season, whatever you celebrate. This year give your kids the chance to create something really special with our expert instructors. From textiles to woodwork, jewelry to fine art they'll explore 6 skills over the 6 weeks and create 6 amazing gifts!
Resin Earrings (Families welcome) $35 Purchase required to enroll
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.Positive Affirmation Art with Hannah Banana $35 Purchase required to enroll
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.
Embroidered Holiday Ornament $45 Purchase required to enroll
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.
Hand Sewn Wreath Ornaments - English Paper Piecing $40 Purchase required to enroll
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.
Intro to Woodwork - Chopping Board $75 Purchase required to enroll
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.
Glamorous Gifts! $50 Purchase required to enroll
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.
Zentangle for Beginners $40 Purchase required to enroll
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!
Celtic Visions Star Pendant : Chainmail Jewelry $50 Purchase required to enroll
Natural soap making workshop for beginners $60 Purchase required to enroll
All materials are included in the price of this class.
Whimsical Mushroom Ornaments $30 Purchase required to enroll
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!
Wire and Stone Bookmark $40 Purchase required to enroll
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 : Homeschool Handmade Holidays $30 Purchase required to enroll
MAXT is an EFA vendor and our classes are eligible to be purchased with your class wallet.
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.
This session is for children in grades 5-8 equivalent, adult helpers welcome
Calligraphy for Kids - Homeschool Handmade Holiday $15 Purchase required to enroll
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
Hand Sewn Wreath Ornament - Homeschool Handmade Holiday $30 Purchase required to enroll
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
Wooden Tic Tac Toe - Homeschool Handmade Holiday $30 Purchase required to enroll
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
Votive Holder - Homeschool Handmade Holiday $30 Purchase required to enroll
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
Ring Toss Game - Homeschool Handmade Holiday $40 Purchase required to enroll
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
Solar Printing - Homeschool Handmade Holiday $30 Purchase required to enroll
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
Upcycled Totes - Homeschool Handmade Holiday $30 Purchase required to enroll
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
Block Print Wrapping Paper - Homeschool Handmade Holiday $25 Purchase required to enroll
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
Nail and String Art - Homeschool Handmade Holiday $30 Purchase required to enroll
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
Heirloom Handmade Stockings $60 Purchase required to enroll
Puppet Yourself! $125 Purchase required to enroll
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!
Craft + Beer @ Post and Beam - Bath Bombs $40 Purchase required to enroll
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
Craft + Beer @ Post and Beam - Holiday Signs $40 Purchase required to enroll
Students will learn how to manipulate vinyl stencils and acrylic paints to produce their own unique, solid wood holiday themed sign from a selection of pre-cut options. A great way to relax and produce a fun piece for brightening up you home this winter. Plus your first beer is one us!
Begining Clay: On the Wheel $300 Purchase required to enroll
The Clay Clinic: Mixed-Level Wheel $300 Purchase required to enroll
Artist-in-Residence Series: Handbuilding Methods $300 Purchase required to enroll
Handbuilders of all skill levels are invited to join Mary Roberts, our first Artist-in-Residence, for a deep dive into a range of handbuilding techniques. Mary will cover her version of the coil/pinch method, stiff slab construction, and more. Students will explore the functional and sculptural values of 3-dimensional form using handbuilding, as well as development of surface treatment and design. This is a great place to start for anyone interested in handbuilding, and it’s a next step for returning students who enjoyed Mary’s fall workshop. Don’t miss out!
Middle School Clay: Handbuilding $155 Purchase required to enroll
Students in grades 5-8 can join us for our kid-centric class, expanding on skills they may have learned at school, or getting the chance to play with clay for the first time! Focusing on pinch pots, small sculptures, coil-, and slab-building, students will build fundamental skills while creating their own fun and functional ceramics. Working together in a safe and welcoming environment, instructors will introduce good habits with clay, and inspire students to continue on in their own creative endeavors. No experience necessary; can be repeated.
Middle School Clay: On the Wheel $155 Purchase required to enroll
Patchwork Pots $175 Purchase required to enroll
Chill Clay Night, 2025 $45 Purchase required to enroll
An evening outing of fun! Our monthly Chill Clay Nights allow anyone, regardless of their familiarity with clay, to come to our Ceramics Center and get their hands dirty. Beginners will benefit from the introductory instruction in a laid-back setting, and more experienced makers will enjoy practicing their skills in our welcoming community studio. We invite you to attempt functional forms for everyday use - bowls, mugs, and more. Each month, the lesson will focus on a different form, giving students time to practice and time to play. While there is no pressure to create a masterpiece in two hours, we are happy to fire one piece for each of you who want to keep your works of art! This is a low-key creative social gathering, and great for dates, friends, coworkers, parents with older children, and anyone else who wants to give the potter’s wheel a spin!
Mini Makers: Family Game Chest $100 Purchase required to enroll
Junior Creatives - Family Game Chest $100 Purchase required to enroll
Female Faces - With Sue Ann Hum $185 Purchase required to enroll
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 use whatever medium they want to develop the final project. Copyright-free photos will be provided, or student may use their own photos.
Students are encouraged to bring their own materials for the final two weeks of the course to allow them to work in their favored media. A selection of media will be available at MAXT.
All materials will be provided for the first 4 weeks of the session.
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.
Young Creatives $100 Purchase required to enroll
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.