Women’s Carpentry

This course is designed for both carpentry novices who want to break the ice using power tools, as well as women who have some carpentry experience but want to increase their confidence and knowledge base. The skills we will be learning will leave you with a feeling of empowerment to approach and build the projects that have inspired you to learn this craft. Over the span of three days we will cover the basics of tool safety and operation, how to read and create carpentry plans, hands-on building, learn creative problem solving, talk about workspace setup and essential tools for your home shop, and more. 

To develop your skills we will build a small outhouse for a bucket compost toilet and yoni steam boxes that will be yours to take home. These projects will empower you with the basics to build a small structure you could tailor for your needs as well as smaller projects like drawers, shelves, toy box, etc. Throughout the weekend we will be combining learning opportunities through lecture format as well as hands-on instruction.

Childcare- Childcare is included in the costs of the workshop. We provide a family friendly environment and space for mothers to come learn new skills. 


June 2nd - 4th, 2023 Willits, California

About the Teacher

Avani has a myriad of building experience, from building her own cob home from the ground up as well as a sauna/bath house utilizing pallets and clay to furniture. Originally she learned carpentry from her good friend and neighbor, Austen. Her first project was a three tiered worm box where all three boxes were (mistakenly) equally unsquare. If stacked in the right orientation though, they worked perfectly! Since then she has honed her skills to build both square and plumb! She has worked with the build team for Beloved festival building stages but mostly likes to work on projects that serve her needs for her home, such as designing and building a custom bed with 13 drawers, herbal storage cabinets, shelving systems, wall systems and more. 

Her teaching methods are explorative and encouraging and has a “let’s go for it” attitude. 


This program will start at 10am on Friday June 2nd with an 8-9:30 am arrival. Lunch and dinner will be served on Friday. A full day Saturday with three organic meals. The program will end on Sunday afternoon by 5pm.

Recommended tools/items to bring (yard sales are awesome places to find tools)

  • Notebook and pen/pencil

  • Safety glasses

  • Ear plugs

  • Gloves

  • Tool belt (optional, but makes it much easier to keep your tools together and accessible)

  • Hammer

  • Square

  • Pencil 

  • Tape measure - there are many types of tapes that depict measurements, compare options available of which is easiest for you to read

  • Utility knife

Daily Schedule:

7 am yoga 

8:00 breakfast

9:00 morning meeting

9:30 hands-on learning and demonstrations

12:30 lunch and siesta

2:00 lecture

3:30 hands-on learning and demonstrations

6:00 clean up

6:30 dinner

8:00 evening program or free time

Cost

Included in the cost: three organic meals, camping, and childcare. Lunch and dinner Friday, three meals Saturday, breakfast and lunch Sunday.

We have a developed forest camp-ground. Our bathroom facilities are composting toilets and outdoor bathing with warm water.

We provide a family friendly environment and space for mothers to come learn new skills.

Solidarity: $425

Suggested if you make less than $40k/year

Sustainer: $475

Suggested if you make between $40k and $100k/year

Suggested if you make more than$100k/a year or just want to be super awesome and support this program and help make sure other women can participate

Supporter: $525

In an effort to include people who have been systemically isolated from ancestral knowledge and hereditary wealth.

Reparative Pricing 20% off solidarity price

Review our refund policy here.