Hand Tools, Real Skills: A Building Immersion Weekend at Seeds of Solidarity

Get Hands-On With Tools That Last a Lifetime

Knowing how to pick up a saw, drive a screw correctly, or frame a wall is the kind of knowledge that compounds. At Seeds of Solidarity Farm, a weekend workshop is offering exactly that — grounded, practical building skills taught in a working farm environment, by people who use these tools every single day.

What to Expect

This two-day immersion covers a wide range of hand and power tools, with proper technique at the centre of every session. Whether you’re a farmer wanting to fix your own infrastructure, an artist needing a functional studio, or simply someone who’s always wanted to build something real — this workshop meets you where you are. Expect to leave with the confidence to tackle furniture, a garden shed, or even a tiny house.

Now in its fourth consecutive year, the workshop is facilitated by Seeds of Solidarity founders Ricky and Deb, alongside farmer and builder Emi. The group is deliberately capped at 18 participants, so learning happens in close quarters, with plenty of individual attention and space for questions. Lunches are included both days, and rustic on-site camping is available for those travelling from further afield.

Practical Details

• Date: Sunday 23 August 2026 (two-day weekend workshop, 10am–4:30pm both days)
• Location: Seeds of Solidarity Farm, Orange, MA, United States — in-person
• Organiser: Seeds of Solidarity / NOFA Mass
• Cost: Sliding scale $85–$185 (valued at $250); lunches included
• Registration: Pre-registration required — email deb@seedsofsolidarity.org

Why It Matters

Permaculture has always recognised that functional, self-reliant infrastructure is not separate from ecological design — it is part of it. The ability to build and repair with your own hands reduces dependence on extractive supply chains, strengthens local resilience, and deepens your relationship with the materials and land around you. A workshop like this one doesn’t just teach tool use; it builds the kind of embodied knowledge that communities can pass on and build upon for generations.

How to Get Involved

1. Register now via the link below — spaces are capped at 18 and this event has sold out in previous years.
2. Share this with a friend or neighbour who farms, makes things, or has ever muttered “I wish I knew how to build that.”
3. Come with a project in mind — having a real goal (a shelf, a cold frame, a small structure) will help you get the most from the hands-on sessions.

Resources

🔗 Register and learn more at NOFA Mass

For more upcoming permaculture events near you and around the world, visit permanews.com.