Everything about my Kumiko journey has been about holding onto ideas for the long term and tackling them little by little. Because of the seasonal nature of construction work, I often don’t get to tackle my more artistic projects until the fall and winter. Around this time of year, as the light shortens and the days get cooler, anticipation starts to build, and I start thinking more concretely about artistic projects that have just been ideas all summer, or even longer.

If you’ve attended any of our woodworking classes, chances are you’ve heard me talk about my favorite book of all time: Understanding Wood by Bruce Hoadley. This reference contains an amazing breadth of information on trees and wood, from the difference between hardwoods and softwoods, to color images to help with species identification, to technical engineering equations for understanding the strength of wood in different orientations, and much, much more...

Behind the scenes, a dedicated group of individuals brings experience, insight, and passion to help guide the organization forward—meet the Hammerstone Board of Directors.

Each of our board members brings a unique perspective to the table, shaped by diverse professional backgrounds and lived experiences. What unites them is a shared belief in the power of craft skills education to transform lives

Fears can consume us. Fears can hold us back from trying something new. Fears can keep us from going back to something we have previously failed at. Fears have power… if we give it to them.

One way to take away power from our fears is to define them, to give them a name, to say them out loud…

Ready to build a beautiful set of shelves for your furry overlord? Or your books? Neither one will thank you, but you’ll know deep down they're grateful for your skill building. 

We are endlessly grateful for the time, care, and soul our TAs bring to Hammerstone. Because of them, we are so much more than a school - we are a vibrant and growing community of builders, each of us ready to pick up a power tool and share our expertise to help others. Every TA brings their own unique gifts to Hammerstone, and the tapestry of unique life experiences and backgrounds is a marvel.

In January of 2024, we were thrilled to offer Sophie a position on our crew.  Initially she joined us part time, but ever since tiny house prep work ramped up in the late spring 2024, she has been a full time member of the crew, and now is indispensable!

When asked how she would have pursued becoming a carpenter were it not for Hammerstone, Sophie responded, “I would have found some classes to take, but they most likely would not have been for women only, and I would not have been as comfortable asking questions…

The mural, titled Rising Ahead, envisions a just and sustainable future where all people and environments thrive. At its center is a phoenix made of reclaimed materials, a powerful symbol of transformation rising from the hands of non-traditional tradespeople: women, non-binary folks, disabled workers, and people of mixed heritage. A construction-style sign reads “Rising Ahead,” a nod to the work it takes to build a future shaped by equity and sustainability.

If you’ve Googled beginner carpentry plans, you’ve surely seen this tool. First made by company Kreg, the Pocket Hole Jig is a tool that’s paired with a drill and driver to neatly and securely join two pieces of wood. It’s used commonly in exterior and interior trim work, cabinetry, and furniture making.

“But in the same way a carpentry class specifically for women is empowering and safe, a class for trans and non-binary students offers a space to become a part of the Hammerstone community in a way that not only respects the full gamut of gender identities—but also celebrates them.”

If you have had the chance to take a class with Maria then you know in carpentry, brain is just as important as brawn. She believes unabashedly in the empowerment that Hammerstone courses provide.

Recalling a recommendation years earlier from her college roommate, she looked up Hammerstone and was delighted to find that its Trumansburg campus (the only campus back in 2021) was just a short bike ride from her home. That summer she enrolled in Basic Carpentry Skills 101 and had an unforgettable experience…

Ali Malone was halfway across the country, mid-move from the West Coast back to her home in Vermont, when she took an intentional left turn off the interstate. She’d heard Maria from Hammerstone speak on a podcast and felt curiosity stir…

If you’ve taken a Hammerstone class, there’s a good chance you’ve crossed paths with Christina Alario. From porches to power tools, she’s done it all and brought her curiosity, care, and carpentry skills to everything she touches…

Spring projects, a SPECIAL EVENT announcement, and more!

When to DIY & when to call an electrician.

Did you know that Hammerstone partners every year with Open Doors English (ODE) to offer a free Basic Skills Carpentry class for Immigrant and Refugee women?

Your favorite TA said it first.