In these parent/caregiver workshops, children will learn about building with real tools. We will teach our students to safely use hammers, nails, handsaws, wrenches, nuts, bolts, drills and a variety of construction materials to build creative projects. This is old-fashioned, hands-on learning with contemporary creative (and environmental) values!
April 19: Marble Runs
May 3: Catapults
May 17: Lidded Boxes
May 31: Stools
About the Instructor:
Todd Shwayder earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Architecture & Design, and worked several years as a draftsman for and architectural project manager in San Rafael, CA before studying natural building and furniture construction at Yestermorrow Design/Build School in Vermont. Todd then travelled across the U.S. and eventually to Hawaii helping families and small communities with natural building construction and permaculture farming.
However, it was furniture design that brought Todd to Seattle where he started a small woodworking shop in Fremont. This personal shop turned into a shared community workspace where artists and craftsman came together to work with their hands. His passion for shared creation flourished after receiving a Master’s Degree in Environment & Community from Seattle’s Antioch University.
Todd now runs the Tool Library and Well Home Program at the Phinney Neighborhood Association where he plans educational programs focused on living sustainably and home maintenance while teaching people the tools and tricks of the trade. Todd hopes to inspire future generations of builders, artists, and engineers by teaching children’s workshops at Seattle ReCreative.
