On Saturday, June 27th, Shaker Village will offer a series of traditional craft workshops, folk demonstrations, educational nature walks, a heritage plant sale, and more! Traditional craft workshops (pre-registration required at www.maineshakers.com or call 926-4597) include making Herbal Teas & Fresh Herbal Wreath ($50) with renowned Shaker Village herbalist Betsey Ann Golon. Participants will craft their own products from herbs and plants harvested from the Shakers’ historic gardens. In “Beginner’s Rug Hooking” local master-hooker Beth Miller will teach the traditional methods of hooking while participants complete a rectangular Shaker-inspired design cover for a buckwheat and lavender filled aromatic pillow ($65). Beginners and experienced basketmakers can practice the techniques of basketmaking by making a beautiful and functional Cherokee-Style Storage Basket with Pat Libby ($75 includes all materials). Resident naturalist Carolyn Fensore will lead “Nature’s Outdoor Classroom”, a 2 1/2 hour hike through the Shakers’ 1,800 acres of diversified habitats while identifying and explaining flora, fauna, geological formations, and Shaker history along the way ($8 adults, $2 children). FREE demonstrations throughout the day include textile working and yarn spinning by the R & R Spinners, who extend an invitation to all amateur spinners to bring their spinning wheels and join the gathering under the great 116-year old maple tree. FREE blacksmithing demonstration with master-blacksmith Tim Greene. Also visit the Shaker Store and the Shaker Museum Visitors’ Center featuring a wide selection of old-fashioned gifts and high-quality local Maine crafts. Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village is located at 707 Shaker Road (Route 26) in New Gloucester. For more information about individual programs, including start times, reservations and registration, please contact 207-926-4597, info@maineshakers.com, ww.maineshakers.com, or follow us on Facebook at Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village.
