Hands on Deck - TWO DATE EVENT

This is a TWO DATE EVENT. Because of the need for the wooden box to dry, the class is divided up into 2 sessions. Day 1: Wednesday, February 11th @ 1pm Day 2: Wednesday, February 25th @ 1pm

Event time listed allows 10 minutes to park, use the restroom, and find the group.

This two-day, hands-on field trip immerses students in traditional industrial arts through woodworking, papermaking, and historical writing tools. Students complete a functional Quill & Ink Box while experiencing the full process of creating a personal writing kit—from raw materials to finished object. This project is great for students of all grades.

You will need to complete a waiver upon arrival. Please wear closed toe shoes and clothes that can get stained.

Day One: Build Oil the Box & Make Paper

Assemble the outer Quill & Ink Box using basswood parts. Learn woodworking vocabulary including grain

direction, joinery, liner, and panel. Practice careful alignment, sequencing, and teamwork during box assembly

Light sanding and oil the wooden box, learning how oil protects wood and enhances grain

Make handmade paper from recycled fibers, examining how cellulose bonds through hydration, pressing, and drying.

Day Two: Finish the Box & Make Ink

Students return to refine and complete their work while deepening their understanding of historical materials and

processes. Install the interior liner and fitted lid, completing the box. Final fitting and detail sanding as needed.

Make traditional iron gall ink, learning how natural materials were historically combined to create durable writing ink.

Skills & Learning Outcomes

Identify and assemble box components in proper sequence

Understand grain direction, joinery, and material contrast

Experience papermaking and ink production as applied science

Connect historical tools to modern skills