Learn the foundations of woodworking with hand tools and build a planter that you can take home and use in your garden or yard. Get tips for selecting lumber for woodworking projects, practice key skills such as marking and sawing boards straight and square, and learn the basics of wood joinery. Most importantly, participants will learn how to bring an observant, patient, and focused state of mind to the process of turning lumber into beautiful and useful handcrafted items.
Cost of the program is per workbench; each workbench can accommodate up to two participants.
This program meets in person at the Arboretum.
Instructor: Emilian Geczi, manager of early childhood programs, The Morton Arboretum
Age: 16 and older
Course number: A300
Instructor
Emilian Geczi, manager of early childhood programs, The Morton Arboretum
Emilian Geczi manages early childhood and family programs at The Morton Arboretum. He has a PhD in natural resources from the University of Vermont, and has been working to connect children and families with nature since 2007. He discovered the joys of woodworking during the pandemic, and has been designing and building furniture in his home workshop ever since.
What to Know
This program will be held entirely outdoors in a covered shelter, rain or shine.
No prior experience of working with wood is necessary.
Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, or bring an apron. Tie back long hair.
Bring water and a snack if you would like.
The main tools used will be hand saws, chisels, and hand drills. No power tools will be used.
All materials will be provided.
Cost of the program is per workbench; each workbench can accommodate up to two participants.
Program Schedule
Saturday, June 14, 2025, noon to 3:00 p.m.
Thornhill Picnic Shelter (Parking Lot 21), West Side
