"Learning the traditional craft of log building in four or two weeks"
If I might say a few things in regards to your chosing to attend a hands-on log building workshop. I believe it is the one best single things you could do in preparing to build, either handcrafted or with milled log materials. Celebrate the freedom you have to chose to build your own log home the way you want to, and do it wisely!
A big part of learning this age old craft is getting a good set of tools together, and learning how to use, care and maintain them. A much over looked area in aquiring the needed tools is the building of your own reference library. This is a must, and you will see many books on the subject while at the school. What you can not "see" in your minds eye, these invaluable print and video materials will fill in. For many, these references
don't have near the significance that they will once you have completed your hands- on workshop! Your experience while attending our workshop to prepare you with all the requisite skills needed to build a fine log home/cabin project upon returning home. To do that, we have honed a procedural approach flexible enough to accomodate anyone's skill and experience level. Young and old alike have done very well and enjoyed every minute of their time spent here with us. Its hard, tedious work and the days are long with a lot of information being gone over - in all kinds of weather too!
We want to listen to you tell us what you are looking to do with your new found skills - what are your plans? Take out a note book right now, today. Begin recording questions you have and want an answer to, leaving room for answers later - this is the best way to be sure you get the most out of your experience. Check off each one as they are answered, making notes accordingly. Be prepared to take written notes at all times - as well as have your tools close by and tool belts on. Nothing will frustrate you more than not having these things close at hand!
We cover a lot of ground and demonstrate things repeatedly both for the group and individually throughout each day. We are confident that between your hands-on skill training and application, notes, pictures and text book - there is no reason why you could not return home and begin your own project immediately!
Dress for the weather and anticipate the worst - I can not stress this enough. Nothing will rob you of the joy of being a part of this experience faster or more thouroughly!
We are very excited about finally making arrangements to locate the school South of Indianapolis, Indiana and near Waverly, Indiana in Morgan County!
We started in the Fall of 1991 with classes at West Boggs Park near Loogootee, Indiana and quickly became a traveling school, going where we were sponsored in one capacity or another. Often we were Hosted by former students to help them get a great start on their handcrafted log home project. Then we began workshops at a physical site near Harrodsburg, Indiana with the folks that managed the West Bogg Park years before. The dream of finally owning our own land to support a custom log building enterprise in conjunction with teaching a schedule of classes is getting closer and closer! UPDATE! We Did it!
We are no longer going to be locating a few miles South of Bloomington, Indiana on the at 4575 West Popcorn Road out of a small town called Harrodsburg, but at 8125 Whiteland Road, Martinsville, Indiana just 15 miles South of Indianapolis, Indiana on Highway 37 and 10 miles North of Martinsville, Indiana! Accomodations are listed in liturature sent upon registration and on the 2007 Tuition & Schedule download on the main web page. Zoning prohibits us from certain activities regarding housing students for the time being. Pop campers, tents and RV's are welcomed however!
Students will be free to just bring food they want, their clothes and tools, and certainly a cooler for their own beverages! There are restaurants nearby and also hotels and camp grounds with RV dump capabilities available. It is our hope we can provide this more accomodations in the form of small cabins built by students over time.
The cost for an individual to attend a two week log-building workshop has been $950.00 each. That person can bring a companion at an additional $100.00; in fact, the companion can attend the four-week workshops with you also for the same amount of $100.00.
The tuition for an individual to attend a four-week log-building workshop is $1650.00.
All students are required to bring a set of tools and safety gear we have listed for them on our website, those attending with an accompanying pal can share their set of tools. All participants must have their own safety gear for obvious reasons.
The second person discount is primarily intended for relatives to participate, i.e. husband-wife, father-son cousins and so on, but is not limited to kin folk. (Often what happens is the two attending together split it down the middle so it's less expensive to come in pairs!) Please call ahead for attendance openings so arrangements can be made. (Please keep, store and prepare own meals, hot showers and sleeping accommodations.) Register early to assure a spot !
