This weekend, thirteen girls joined us for our Field Trip to Makeville, a professional woodworking studio in Gowanus. The studio owner, Robyn, led the girls in a two-hour workshop to create their own mini brownstone boxes from scratch. There was a quick introduction, and within five minutes, these girls were using the vices, saws, measuring tools – it was amazing!
They started by constructing the base of the box. They measured out the sides of the box with t-squares, secured the planks in vices, cut the pieces with hand-saws, smoothed the edges with sanding blocks, and glued and clamped everything together.
While box bases were drying, the young woodworkers designed the fronts of their brownstones. Fully comfortable using the measuring and cutting tools at this point, they used thin scraps of wood to create windows, doors, stairs, molding and other details. They glued these into place. Once everything was (almost) dry, we attached the fronts to the bases with simple hinges, and we had a whole Brooklyn block of brownstones.
I was so impressed with the girls and their projects; I was truly blown away. I remember stepping back at one point – the room filled with the ripping sound of the saws – and seeing all thirteen girls bent over their vices, gripping saws and working away with focus and determination… well done!
About Makeville classes: Makeville Studio Kids offers classes for kids ages seven and up who love the fun, challenge, and satisfaction of making things with their own two hands. Building and making bring together an irresistible combination of play, learning, and a sense of accomplishment. After school classes focus on tool safety and techniques, creative design and visual problem-solving as kids make fun and practical projects of their own choosing. Visit the website!
