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About the workshop:
Gourd Crafting & Functional Art
Transform dried gourds into masks, bowls, scoops, and functional art using cutting, scraping, and finishing techniques.
You’ll learn:
Gourd preparation and tool use
Design and shaping techniques
Functional vs. decorative applications
Expect creativity, patience, and lots of character in each piece. This workshop will be more self directed with one on one support rather than group lectures or talks. Side activities for kids will be available but parents will need to keep a close eye on kids around tools!
Optional take-home items:
Free option: Design and craft your own gourd bowl, mask, vase or birdhouse to be used on the farm or sold at the farmstand.
$10 - Design & take home a gourd craft with minimal, simple design and embellishment.
$15 - Design & take home a gourd craft with all the accoutrement and with more design & tool support from our experts!
*Sliding scale / suggested donation: Choose the price that works for you from $0–15 per workshop. Participants pay what they can (truly), providing free & low-cost skills education that works with everyone’s budget. Monetary contributions support staff time, materials, and land stewardship.
Information about the full series
Living Systems: Second Saturday Farm Workshops
Slow skills to build seasonal rhythms and a connected life
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At Parker Learning Gardens, learning happens with dirt on your hands, tools in motion, and community all around you. Our Second Saturday Workshops are immersive, hands-on skill days designed for families, adults, and curious learners of all ages who want to reconnect with land-based knowledge, seasonal rhythms, and traditional crafts.
Each month offers a new epic, tactile experience—from weaving living willow and pressing cider, to cob building, broom making, and herbal medicine. These are not demos. These are do-it-together days.
Parking & meeting location: Park on the south side of the farmstand in the grassy open area before the orchard. We’ll meet at the farmstand.
Gear: Closed-toe shoes required. Weather-appropriate clothing strongly encouraged. Aprons, gloves, and layers recommended for many workshops.
Lunch option: Participants are welcome to stay afterward for lunch in a designated area. Please bring a paper brown-bag lunch—we’re happy to compost it for you.
PLG style: Expect farm sounds, animals nearby, mud, laughter, real tools, and real learning.
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Monthly on the second Saturday | 10 AM – 1 PM
February 14 – December 12, 2026Note: Times will generally stick to this schedule but may vary slightly depending on the skill.
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Sliding scale / suggested donation: Choose the price that works for you from $0–15 per workshop. Participants pay what they can (truly), providing free & low-cost skills education that works with everyone’s budget. Monetary contributions support staff time, materials, and land stewardship.
Take-home items: Participants have the option to purchase an item created during the workshop or related to the skill. Pricing varies depending on materials and time involved.
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Capacity: Capped at approximately 20 adult participants. Adults register for the workshop separately with an option to add children to their registration form. Please register in advance!
Family-friendly: Children are welcome, with the understanding that some activities require focus, tools, or heat. Caregivers may need to step away from the workshop to support their younger children. Volunteers and activities for children will be available to support kids’ engagement.
Select teen volunteers & students enrolled in other other PLG programs may be able to participate without an adult present with prior PLG staff approval. Text us at 541-579-8788 or email us at info@parkerlearninggardens.org to discuss teen participation options.