Appalachian Center for Craft - Summer Workshops

Workshops

A workshop student in the backsmithing studio.

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.

 

Fall Workshops are Here!
Scroll down or click "Workshops" to view all of our workshops!

 

  • Blacksmithing

    Daylong, October 10, 2026
    Spike your Bladesmithing Skills
    Jason Bivens

    Learn 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

    blades and metal

  • Clay

    September 21 - October 26
    6-Week Pottery
    Andy Foster

    Learn 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.

    Register here

    Hands sculpting clay on the wheel

  • Fibers

    Daylong, October 10, 2026
    Coptic Bookbinding
    Autumn McPeak

    Get 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

    bound book

  • Glass

    Daylong, October 10, 2026
    Introduction to Stained Glass: Copper Foil Method
    Bunny Nunn

    In 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 Huff

    If 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

    Watercolor painting of wood


 

 

Workshop Information

Questions? Contact the Craft Center at craftcenter@tntech.edu.

 

Experience Tech For Yourself

Visit us to see what sets us apart.

Schedule Your Visit