Workshops

Welcome to the workshops at the Appalachian Center for Craft.
The Appalachian Center for Craft offers hands-on workshops on our campus nestled in the woods on Center Hill Lake in Smithville, Tennessee. Participants may find workshops for a variety of skill levels in blacksmithing, clay, fibers, glass, metals and wood. Workshops are accessible to those who want to learn an entirely new skill as well as those who want to refine their existing skills. Artists from across the country and our own campus lead workshops in our professionally equipped studios throughout the year.
Discounts are available to residents of Dekalb, Putnam, Smith and White counties and current Tennessee Tech students, faculty and staff. For more information, click the “discounts” drop down menu below.
- Blacksmithing
Daylong, October 10, 2026
Spike your Bladesmithing Skills
Jason BivensLearn basic blacksmithing and bladesmithing skills by making your very own railroad spike knife. Students will learn a combination of basic blacksmithing and bladesmithing skills by learning to build a coal fire and use basic blacksmithing tools to turn a railroad spike into a usable knife. Students will learn how to use different forging techniques and tools to shape their spike into a blade. They will also learn to grind and heat treat their blade into a finished spike knife. This class is open to all levels.
$185
Registration coming soon

- Clay
September 21 - October 26
6-Week Pottery
Andy FosterLearn the art of making pottery on the wheel or strengthen your wheel-throwing techniques! This 6-week course will focus on fundamental pottery techniques, from preparing your clay to glazing and decorating. We’ll create a variety of functional wares on the wheel, including cups, mugs, bowls and vases. For first-time, beginner and intermediate potters! 18+
6-8pm on the following Mondays: 9/21, 9/28, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26
$330
Participants may bring a basic set of clay tools and an apron.
Clay will be available by the bag for purchase. All necessary tools and equipment will be provided.
- Fibers
Daylong, October 10, 2026
Coptic Bookbinding
Autumn McPeakGet ready to make your own handmade book! In this hands-on Coptic bookbinding workshop, you'll dive headfirst into one of the world's oldest and most gorgeous book-making traditions! Over a fun, craft-filled session, you’ll fold, punch, and thread your way to mastering the ancient Coptic chain stitch—an open-spine technique that looks complex but feels like magic once you get the rhythm. You’ll learn essential bookbinding skills, including grain direction alignment, paper folding, awl punching, and tension control, all while building custom hardcovers from scratch. By the end of class, you'll take home a beautifully bound, lay-flat journal that opens completely 180° for effortless writing and sketching. Perfect for complete beginners and seasoned creatives alike, this class promises equal parts skill-building, relaxation, and artistic flair!
$175
Registration coming soon
- Glass
Daylong, October 10, 2026
Introduction to Stained Glass: Copper Foil Method
Bunny NunnIn this stained glass workshop, participants will design and create a stained glass artwork from a selection of beginner-friendly patterns. You’ll learn essential techniques including cutting glass, grinding, foiling with copper tape, and soldering to join pieces into a final design. We’ll finish with patina and polishing to help your piece sparkle. Throughout the workshop, you’ll work step-by-step with Bunny's guidance, gaining confidence in tool handling, artistic decision-making, and safe studio practices. All materials and tools are provided, and we’ll cover safety guidelines for working with the various equipment. No experience is needed - just curiosity and enthusiasm!
$185
Registration coming soon
- Special Topics
Daylong, October 10, 2026
Watercolor Techniques for All
Monica HuffIf you want to learn watercolor basics, or if you are curious about more advanced techniques, this workshop is geared for all levels. This workshop will include instruction on the step-by-step processes necessary for effective watercolor creations. The instructor will introduce students to various techniques and tools while encouraging each student to develop their unique, individual style. Following introductory demonstrations, students will have the option of creating up to three watercolor paintings, depending on the complexity of the subject, with one-on-one guidance.
$175
Registration coming soon
Workshop Information
- » How to Register
To reserve your seat, register online via our Workshop Marketplace and pay the workshop tuition fee. If you need assistance, we are happy to help you register via phone. Call our office at 931-372-3051 M-F, 8:30am - 4:30pm
- » Discounts
We offer 25% discounts on workshop tuition for Tennessee Tech University students, faculty and staff AND all residents of Dekalb, Putnam, Smith and White counties. Use the code ACC26 when prompted to enter a promotional code at checkout.
Discounts must be applied to your purchase when registering. The Craft Center cannot make refunds after registration for missed discounts. Multiple discounts cannot be combined. Discounts cannot be applied to room and board or meal plans.
- » Schedules
Weeklong Workshop — Sunday to Friday
Sunday
Time Activity Location 1 - 2:30 PM Check-in Lobby 2:30 PM Orientation Cafe 3 - 6 PM Workshops Studios 6 - 7 PM Dinner Cafe 7 - 9 PM Workshops Studios Monday - Thursday
Time Activity Location 8 - 9 AM Breakfast Cafe 9 AM - 12 PM Workshops Studios 12 - 1 PM Lunch Cafe 1 - 6 PM Workshops Studios 6 - 7 PM Dinner Cafe Friday
Time Activity Location 8 - 9 AM Breakfast Cafe 9 AM - 12 PM Workshops Studios 12 - 1 PM Lunch Cafe By 2 PM Check-out Lobby Weekend Workshop — Friday to Sunday
Friday
Time Activity Location 1 - 2:30 PM Check-in Lobby 2:30 PM Orientation Cafe 3 - 6 PM Workshops Studios 6 - 7 PM Dinner Cafe 7 - 9 PM Workshops Studios Saturday
Time Activity Location 8 - 9 AM Breakfast Cafe 9 AM - 12 PM Workshops Studios 12 - 1 PM Lunch Cafe 1 - 6 PM Workshops Studios 6 - 7 PM Dinner Cafe Sunday
Time Activity Location 8 - 9 AM Breakfast Cafe 9 AM - 12 PM Workshops Studios 12 - 1 PM Lunch Cafe By 2 PM Check-out Lobby Daylong Workshop — Saturday or Sunday
Time Activity Location 9:00 - 9:45 AM Check-in Lobby 9:45 AM Orientation Cafe 10 AM - 12 PM Workshops Studios 12 - 1 PM Lunch 1 - 5 PM Workshops Studios - » Room and Board for Summer Workshops
Workshop participants are able to purchase Room and Board as a package including lodging and meals. Please note that we recommend registering for Room and Board at least three weeks before the workshop start date. We cannot guarantee Room and Board to participants during check-in unless they have registered for it at least 2 weeks in advance.
Weekend Room
Room & Board: $130. Board for 2 nights. Friday evening - Sunday afternoon.
Includes lodging for Friday and Saturday nights. Check in is between noon and 2:30pm on Friday. Check out is by 2pm on Sunday.
Weeklong Room
Room and Board: $325. Board for 5 nights. Sunday evening - Friday afternoon.
Includes lodging for Sunday through Thursday nights. Check in is between noon and 2:30 pm on Sunday. Check out is by 2pm on Friday.



- » Material Fees
Material fees will be charged to all workshop participants based on materials used in each workshop, in addition to any supplies your instructor asks you to bring. Materials fees are collected on the last day of the workshop. The chart below contains an estimate for each studio’s materials fees. Please note that it is possible for fees to be less or greater than the amount indicated on the workshop listing and in the estimated range below.
Fibers — $50-$150
Wood — $50-$200
Clay — $35-$150
Metals — $35-$150
Blacksmithing — $35-$150
Glass — $50-$200 - » Workshop Policies
- Refunds and transfers are available up to 30 days prior to the first day of the workshop, minus the $75 processing fee. No refunds will be available after this date.
- If a workshop is cancelled due to low enrollment, registered participants will receive full refunds or may transfer into another workshop. Notice will be given no later than 2 weeks prior to the start of the workshop.
- Participants are responsible for bringing items on a workshop material list and paying for material fees, which are not included in the workshop tuition. A list of materials to bring and an estimated material fee is included in the confirmation email you receive prior to online registration. If you have not received this information, please contact craftcenter@tntech.edu
- All workshop participants must be 18 or older.
- Tennessee Tech does not condone and will not tolerate discrimination against any individual on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, sex, age, national origin, genetic information, disability, veteran status, and any other basis protected by federal and state civil rights law. Tennessee Tech complies with Title IX and prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities, admissions or employment.
- Individuals may be dismissed without refund from campus for hazardous, disruptive, aggressive or intimidating behavior. We strive to maintain a friendly, inspiring, safe atmosphere on our campus for maximum creativity!
- The health and safety of students, faculty and staff is important to us. We encourage you to review Tennessee Tech University’s Covid-19 Guidelines.
Questions? Contact the Craft Center at craftcenter@tntech.edu.


