Workshops
February - March
Open Carving Guided Instruction
Thursdays, February 5, 2026 - March 26, 2026 (weather permitting)
Fee: $50.00 per 3-hour session (project material is not included)
Hours: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Email Dan up to one week in advance of an open carving guided instruction session to inquire about registration.
Open carving guided instruction sessions are intended for students (at least 18 years of age) with some carving experience who are currently working on an independent traditional woodcarving project and are interested in guided instruction. Students must provide their own project material and arrive to the session with their material “ready to be carved”. Milling/material prep is not available on-site. Projects that Daniel Faia teaches in his workshop program are not suitable for open carving guided instruction sessions. Students will be using a standard workbench during the session, so their carving project must fit within those space parameters. Students should bring their own carving tools (sharp and ready to go), but some carving tools are available for students to use/share on-site, if necessary. Level of progress will vary by student.
All open carving guided instruction sessions are weather permitting and may be canceled by Daniel Faia due to inclement weather.
Advance registration is required for each session, and payment (cash or check payable to Daniel Faia) is due at the beginning of each session. Electronic payment methods, such as credit cards, debit cards, Venmo, and Zelle, are not accepted.
Registrations are limited to five students per session on a first-come, first-served basis, and are not transferable.
Prospective students may email Daniel Faia to inquire about registration up to one week in advance of an open carving guided instruction session.
The email inquiry should include the scheduled session date and a brief description of the carving project.
Please click here to review the complete registration and cancellation policy for open carving guided instruction.
April - June
Woodcarving Foundations
Thursday, April 23, 2026 - Sunday, April 26, 2026
Fee: $900.00
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Email Dan on/after 1-1-26 (8 am EST) to inquire about registration.
This 4-day workshop is designed to build a strong foundation of essential skills necessary for woodcarving. Students will take a deep dive into many of the techniques and processes of decorative woodcarving. Students will learn to carve traditional designs through a series of exercises that include incised carvings, carved moldings, relief carvings, and an applique carving. These projects were developed to build knowledge, confidence, and good work habits for successful woodcarving. Topics and discussions will include: properties of wood technology; tool selection; care and sharpening of carving tools; proper stance and technique; and design and layout of woodcarving styles.
Furniture Drafting Foundations
Saturday, May 9, 2026 - Sunday, May 10, 2026
Fee: $425.00
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Email Dan on/after 1-1-26 (8 am EST) to inquire about registration.
This 2-day workshop is designed to develop and enhance the essential drafting skills for furnituremakers. The exercises and discussions will focus on the technical aspects of furniture making, with an emphasis on joinery, construction details, material choices, and basic design. Topics will include: drafting tools and equipment; drafting processes; joinery options and details; creating patterns; project development and procedures; and scaling from a photograph.
Drafting boards will be available for each student to use on-site. However, students must provide their own drafting tools. A required tool list will be provided upon registration, and students should plan accordingly in advance in order to be prepared.
Carved Pineapple
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Fee: $225.00
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Email Dan on/after 1-1-26 (8 am EST) to inquire about registration.
The traditional pineapple motif is a well-recognized symbol of hospitality. This 1-day workshop is designed to explore a high relief carving. Students will learn how to read the pattern, securely hold the work, develop techniques for shaping and forming the profile, and detail the finer elements.
Level of progress will vary by student, and take-home work following the workshop should be expected. Wood selection may vary.
Finishing supplies/instruction are not included.
Approx. Dimensions: 9 ½”H x 5 ¼”W
Hand Tool Woodworking Foundations
Thursday, May 28, 2026 - Sunday, May 31, 2026
Fee: $900.00
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Email Dan on/after 1-1-26 (8 am EST) to inquire about registration.
This 4-day workshop is designed to build a strong foundation of essential skills for furniture making. Hand tool woodworking is a satisfying craft that can easily be integrated into a machine efficient shop. Students will develop skills and knowledge as they chisel, plane, and shave through the projects and exercises. Topics and discussions will include: tuning, sharpening, and maintaining the basic tools of the furnituremaker (hand plane, card scraper, bench chisels); wood technology; stock preparation and reference surfaces; layout and cutting of traditional joinery (lap joints, mortise and tenon joints, dovetails); and construction design for furniture.
Chippendale Dressing Box
Thursday, June 11, 2026 - Sunday, June 14, 2026
Fee: $1200.00
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Email Dan on/after 1-1-26 (8 am EST) to inquire about registration.
This workshop model was inspired by a rare Chippendale dressing box (circa 1760-1780). The overall design is an ideal project to learn the methods and processes for serpentine and blocked furniture. The rectangular case has ogee bracket feet and a serpentine molded front edge with a single serpentine/blocked drawer. Topics and discussions during this 4-day workshop will include: project layout and procedure; cutting joinery; layout of case and drawer blocking; cutting, shaping, and fairing drawer and case; building and fitting a drawer; small bracket feet; and construction/design variations.
Level of progress will vary by student, and take-home work following the workshop should be expected. Wood selection may vary.
Hardware and finishing supplies/instruction are not included.
Approx. Dimensions: 4 ¾”H x 16 ½”W x 8 ¾”D
250th Celebration Eagle Plaque
Monday, June 22, 2026 - Friday, June 26, 2026
Fee: $1200.00
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Email Dan on/after 1-1-26 (8 am EST) to inquire about registration.
This carved eagle plaque workshop was developed to recognize America’s 250th Celebration. The model was inspired by an original carving by Samuel McIntire that adorned Hamilton Hall in Salem, MA (circa 1805). The eagle has been a symbol of strength, courage, honor, and pride throughout history. This large-scale carving features an eagle with a dramatic open-mouth head profile, intricate feather detailing, right claw grasping a stars and stripes shield, and left claw holding arrows and an olive branch. Topics and discussions during this 5-day workshop will include: shaping and modeling the eagle’s head and body; creating the feather shapes and details; and layering the shield with the claws, arrows, and olive branch ornamentation.
Level of progress will vary by student, and take-home work following the workshop should be expected. Wood selection may vary.
Finishing supplies/instruction are not included.
Approx. Dimensions: 31”L x 11 ½”W
This workshop model is in progress (preliminary sketch shown).
July - September
Open-back Bookcase
Thursday, July 9, 2026 - Sunday, July 12, 2026
Fee: $1200.00
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Email Dan on/after 1-1-26 (8 am EST) to inquire about registration.
In this 4-day workshop, students will create an open-back bookcase that was designed to include several skill sets. The stylized piercings are divided by contrasting vertical bars that are let-in to the case sides. The two-shelf design, with raised base, incorporates accent wood stretchers to enhance the details. The case front has two vertical angled stiles that receive the front edges of the shelves. Joinery techniques will include through dovetails, various tenons, slip joints, and dados.
Level of progress will vary by student, and take-home work following the workshop should be expected. Wood selection may vary.
Finishing supplies/instruction are not included.
Approx. Dimensions: 42”H x 24”W x 12”D
Carved Codfish
Saturday, July 18, 2026 - Sunday, July 19, 2026
Fee: $500.00
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Email Dan on/after 1-1-26 (8 am EST) to inquire about registration.
The codfish is a regional symbol that celebrates the history and prosperity of the early fishing industry in New England. In this 2-day workshop, students will create a carved codfish wall decoration. Topics and discussions will include: layout and design; methods to secure the work; shaping and modeling the profile; and fine detailing techniques.
Level of progress will vary by student, and take-home work following the workshop should be expected. Wood selection may vary.
Finishing supplies/instruction are not included.
Approx. Dimensions: 28”L x 9 ½”W
Contemporary Side Chair
Monday, July 27, 2026 - Saturday, August 1, 2026
Fee: $1800.00
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Email Dan on/after 1-1-26 (8 am EST) to inquire about registration.
Chair making provides an opportunity for creativity through the blending of design and form. The workshop model is a fusion of modern and classic styling using traditional joinery. This contemporary side chair has an X-frame seat rail system, curved posts, a curved and shaped crest rail and splat, and a solid shaped seat. Topics and discussions during this 6-day workshop will include: design and patterns; construction details; cutting and fitting joinery; cutting, fairing, and shaping curved elements; and shaping and sculpting the seat.
Level of progress will vary by student, and take-home work following the workshop should be expected. Wood selection may vary.
Finishing supplies/instruction are not included.
Carved Lobster Panel
Thursday, August 6, 2026 - Sunday, August 9, 2026
Fee: $900.00
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Email Dan on/after 1-1-26 (8 am EST) to inquire about registration.
In this 4-day workshop, students will create a carved oval panel that features a lobster, lobster trap, starfish, shells, and decorative border. Topics and discussions will include: reading the pattern; layout and design; methods to securely hold the work; grounding techniques and methods; shaping and forming the profiles; establishing the fine details of each element; and forming the carved rope border.
Level of progress will vary by student, and take-home work following the workshop should be expected. Wood selection may vary.
Finishing supplies/instruction are not included.
Approx. Dimensions: 19”L x 15”W
This workshop model is in progress (preliminary sketch shown).
Chippendale Side Table
Thursday, August 20, 2026 - Sunday, August 23, 2026
Fee: $1200.00
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Email Dan on/after 1-1-26 (8 am EST) to inquire about registration.
This workshop model was inspired by an original Chippendale side table from Newport, Rhode Island (circa 1780). The table has molded Marlborough legs, integrated ogee rail brackets, a rectangular molded top, and a molded lipped dovetailed drawer. Topics and discussions during this 4-day workshop will include: project layout and procedure; cutting and fitting table joinery; cutting, shaping, and fairing rail brackets; creating internal components for drawer operation; building and fitting a lipped drawer; molding table legs, drawer front, and top; and construction and design variations.
Level of progress will vary by student, and take-home work following the workshop should be expected. Wood selection may vary.
Hardware and finishing supplies/instruction are not included.
Approx. dimensions: 27”H x 28”W x 18”D
Carved Laurel Wreath
Saturday, August 29, 2026 - Sunday, August 30, 2026
Fee: $450.00
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Email Dan on/after 1-1-26 (8 am EST) to inquire about registration.
The laurel wreath has been a symbol of peace, honor, victory, triumph, and achievement throughout history. This carving workshop model was inspired by the original work of John Haley Bellamy (Portsmouth, NH circa 1875). The small wreath design enables students to learn many techniques and procedures used in creating a pierced carved ornament. Topics and discussions during this 2-day workshop will include: layout and design; methods to secure the work; shaping and modeling the profile; and fine detailing techniques.
Level of progress will vary by student, and take-home work following the workshop should be expected. Wood selection may vary.
Finishing supplies/instruction are not included.
Approx. Size: 10” Diameter
Rohlfs-inspired Trefoil Table
Friday, September 11, 2026 - Sunday, September 13, 2026
Fee: $900.00
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Email Dan on/after 1-1-26 (8 am EST) to inquire about registration.
This workshop model was inspired by an original Charles Rohlfs table (circa 1888). His innovative designs are a fusion of the Arts & Crafts and Art Nouveau styles. In this 3-day workshop, students will create a trefoil table with shaped and profiled legs and stretchers, mortise and tenon joints, 3-way miters, and a shaped and carved top.
Level of progress will vary by student, and take-home work following the workshop should be expected. Wood selection may vary.
Finishing supplies/instruction are not included.
Approx. Dimensions: 22”H x 19”W x 19”D
Shield-back Side Chair
Sunday, September 20, 2026 - Saturday, September 26, 2026
Fee: $2200.00
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Email Dan on/after 1-1-26 (8 am EST) to inquire about registration.
This workshop model was inspired by an original shield-back side chair carved by Samuel McIntire (circa 1795-1800). Students will create a side chair that features the distinctive shield-back design with three carved splats, carved cap, molded posts/crest/mid-rail, tapered and carved front legs, and ash seat rails to receive the over the rail upholstery (upholstery supplies/instruction are not included in this workshop).
Topics and discussions during this 7-day workshop will include: sawing, fairing, and shaping curved components; mortise and tenon joints for curved components; fitting the shaped splats with curved shoulders; hand-shaping the molded surfaces; angled and compound angled mortise and tenon joints; and a variety of carved ornamentation (leaves, bellflowers, paterae, beads, and flutes).
Level of progress will vary by student, and take-home work following the workshop should be expected. Wood selection may vary.
Finishing and upholstery supplies/instruction are not included.
This workshop model is in progress (preliminary sketch shown).
October - December
Woodcarving Foundations
Thursday, October 1, 2026 - Sunday, October 4, 2026
Fee: $900.00
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Email Dan on/after 1-1-26 (8 am EST) to inquire about registration.
This 4-day workshop is designed to build a strong foundation of essential skills necessary for woodcarving. Students will take a deep dive into many of the techniques and processes of decorative woodcarving. Students will learn to carve traditional designs through a series of exercises that include incised carvings, carved moldings, relief carvings, and an applique carving. These projects were developed to build knowledge, confidence, and good work habits for successful woodcarving. Topics and discussions will include: properties of wood technology; tool selection; care and sharpening of carving tools; proper stance and technique; and design and layout of woodcarving styles.
McIntire-inspired Architectural Finial
Thursday, October 15, 2026 - Sunday, October 18, 2026
Fee: $975.00
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Email Dan on/after 1-1-26 (8 am EST) to inquire about registration.
This carving workshop model was inspired by an original Samuel McIntire architectural finial (circa 1800). It is a classic turned ornament in the Federal style with flame finial, draped urn form featuring bows and swags, beading, and gadrooning. The focus of this 4-day workshop is to learn techniques and procedures for carving on a turned element. The finial is an ideal project to gain practical experience with this type of carving, and it also makes an incredible showpiece!
The turning will be provided for students.
Level of progress will vary by student, and take-home work following the workshop should be expected. Wood selection may vary.
Finishing supplies/instruction are not included.
Approx. Dimensions: 24”T x 6 ¼” Diameter
Furniture Drafting Foundations
Saturday, October 24, 2026 - Sunday, October 25, 2026
Fee: $425.00
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Email Dan on/after 1-1-26 (8 am EST) to inquire about registration.
This 2-day workshop is designed to develop and enhance the essential drafting skills for furnituremakers. The exercises and discussions will focus on the technical aspects of furniture making, with an emphasis on joinery, construction details, material choices, and basic design. Topics will include: drafting tools and equipment; drafting processes; joinery options and details; creating patterns; project development and procedures; and scaling from a photograph.
Drafting boards will be available for each student to use on-site. However, students must provide their own drafting tools. A required tool list will be provided upon registration, and students should plan accordingly in advance in order to be prepared.
Carved Leaf & Floral Panel
Friday, November 6, 2026 - Sunday, November 8, 2026
Fee: $675.00
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Email Dan on/after 1-1-26 (8 am EST) to inquire about registration.
This carving workshop model was inspired by original drawing plates from Ince and Mayhew’s Authentic Georgian Furniture Designs (1762). Students will carve a decorative panel in the Georgian style with various leaves, flowers, volutes, and filigree. Topics and discussions during this 3-day workshop will include: reading the pattern; layout and design; methods to secure the work; grounding techniques and methods; shaping and forming the profile; and detailing the finer elements.
Level of progress will vary by student, and take-home work following the workshop should be expected. Wood selection may vary.
Finishing supplies/instruction are not included.
Approx. Dimensions: 17”H x 11”W
This workshop model is in progress (preliminary sketch shown).
Pie Crust Tray
Saturday, November 14, 2026 - Sunday, November 15, 2026
Fee: $475.00
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Email Dan on/after 1-1-26 (8 am EST) to inquire about registration.
The elegant carved rim of the well-known stately pie crust tables captures the eyes and hearts of collectors and furnituremakers. In this 2-day workshop, students will learn the process to carve the pie crust edge as they create a small circular tray. Topics and discussions will include: layout and design; developing patterns; securing and holding the work; and shaping/detailing techniques.
The turning will be provided for students.
Level of progress will vary by student, and take-home work following the workshop should be expected. Wood selection may vary.
Finishing supplies/instruction are not included.
Approx. Size: 10” Diameter
Inlaid Platter
Saturday, November 21, 2026 - Sunday, November 22, 2026
Fee: $475.00
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Email Dan on/after 1-1-26 (8 am EST) to inquire about registration.
The artful designs of inlay have decorated furniture for centuries. In this 2-day workshop, students will create a flat inlaid platter with a compass star focal point, banded perimeter detail, and accent handles. Topics and discussions will include: project layout; pattern designs; installing and mitering banding; and compass star inlay.
The banding will be provided for students.
Level of progress will vary by student, and take-home work following the workshop should be expected. Wood/banding selection may vary.
Finishing supplies/instruction are not included.
Approx. Dimensions: 15 ¾”L x 10”W
Letter Carving
Saturday, December 5, 2026 - Sunday, December 6, 2026
Fee: $450.00
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (on your own)
Email Dan on/after 1-1-26 (8 am EST) to inquire about registration.
This 2-day workshop is designed to cover the foundational skills for letter carving in wood. Using Roman style lettering as the guide, students will learn how to carve straight, curved, and combined letters and numbers with serifs. There will also be an introduction to elegant script lettering. Topics and discussions will include: layout and design; tool selection; wood grain orientation; and the foundational techniques of letter carving. In addition to the introductory and practice exercises, students will create a “Welcome” sign.
Level of progress will vary by student, and take-home work following the workshop should be expected. Wood selection may vary.
Finishing supplies/instruction are not included.
Approx. Dimensions: 18”L x 5 ½”W