Blue Ridge Parkway Offers Craft Workshops

Class participants prepare to weave baskets during a Parkway Workshop at Mabry Mill.

Skilled park rangers and master cultural volunteer demonstrators will be leading hands-on workshops this summer at the historic area of Mabry Mill, milepost 176 and the Brinegar Cabin, milepost 238, on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The public is invited to come and learn a new skill and help keep these traditions alive.

There is a small fee to cover materials so participants can take their handiwork home.  Space is limited and advance reservations are required. Call the Park Service Visitor Center at 540-745-9662 for more information or to reserve a spot.

Chair Bottoming Workshop at Mabry Mill – Saturdays June 19 and July 31, 1-4 p.m. Weave a split bottom seat for a wooden chair. We provide the reed. You bring a wooden chair without a seat to finish in class.

Basket Making Workshop at Mabry Mill – Saturdays July 3 and August 28, 1-4 p.m. Learn how to make a basket. Fee includes materials for a basket that you will make and take home.

Basic Blacksmithing at Mabry Mill – Fridays July 9, Aug 20, and Sept 17 , 1-4 p.m. Explore the mystical world of blacksmithing in a century old shop. Learn the fundamentals of the trade and take home your own hand-forged wall hook.

Broom Making Workshop at Mabry Mill – new this year! Satturday July 17, 1-4 p.m. Learn to make an Appalachian style whisk broom using string, broom corn, and a few simple tools.

Weaving and Spinning Workshop at Doughton Park – Saturday August 14, 1-4 p.m. Use a drop spindle to spin wool into yarn, and learn how to do a tabby weave using a small frame loom. Take the drop spindle, frame loom, and some wool home to practice with.

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