Lunch break conversation at Pete Galbert’s school/shop can be as educational as the class itself; George is even taking notes. Maybe it’s Pete’s chairs that ease conversation. We did get up from time to time to make shrink pots and shrink-books.

There’s the Dirty Dozen of June (10 students 2 teachers) with some of their pots and books. The MVP is Joel Paul, he with the raised boot sole on the left. Joel’s woodworking experience runs deep and he has a gift for communicating that knowledge with students. He assists me as well as other instructors at Pete’s. What a joy to work with such enthusiastic people in an inspiring place.

It’s been over a month and a half since the class ended; it’s been a busy summer. Peter Follansbee’s blog post about his recent chair class (and the fact that Pete will be announcing classes for the first half of 2027 soon) spurred me to get back on the ball with this brief post. Pete has some exciting new offerings and teachers lined up for 2027. Watch for updates on his blog and website.

I’ll be heading back to Pete’s in mid-October to teach the shrink pot/book class again. Every time I return, I find that Pete has done even more to improve the shop and facilities for the benefit of the students and instructors. It’s been inspiring to see his vision realized and growing.

Back to Follansbee for a minute to wrap up this post… In case you missed it, his latest book, 17th Century Essex County Cupboard, is out. Not only is it a valuable record of experimental archaeology, but also a practical guide to working wood the way Peter has done it for decades: riving oak stock, hewing, planing, shaping moldings, painting with linseed oil and pigments, spring-pole lathe turning, and more. Here’s a link to Peter’s own post about the book.

More soon!