Hancock Shaker Village Winter/Spring Workshops

12:00AM / Monday, December 16, 2002Print Story | Email Story

Pittsfield - Hancock Shaker Village has announced its schedule of workshops for the winter and spring of 2003. Workshops are co-sponsored by Berkshire Community College and take play at Hancock Shaker Village on Route 20 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Registration, unless otherwise indicated, is through the BCC Office of LifeLong Learning, (413-)499-0856 ext. 376 beginning January 2. Unless otherwise indicated, tools and materials are provided. Complete workshop description and further information is available by calling Hancock Shaker Village at (413)443-0188, or at www.hancockshakervillage.org. Weaving for Beginners January 11, 18, 25, February 1, 8(five consecutive Saturdays), 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Instructors: Isabel Krebs, Elizabeth Linzey In this five-day class, held on five consecutive Saturdays, learn to wrap a loom and to use basic weaving structure and techniques. You will weave a sampler, approximate size 18" x 60", and, if time and individual skill level allows, a towel approximate size 12" x 18". Introductory level class, no experience necessary. Fee: $160, $144 for Hancock Shaker Village members. **NEW!** Introduction to Sharpening Hand Tools February 1 9:00 AM - 12:00 noon, Instructors: Catharine Kennedy This half-day class is designed for wood workers who want to increase their knowledge and skill in the care of traditional bench tools. Participants learn how to sharpen their hand tools. Bring your own planes, chisels, and sharpening equipment for some personalized instruction. All phases of sharpening are covered including how to use oilstones, water stones, and abrasive paper. Introductory level class, no experience necessary. Fee $40, $36 Hancock Shaker Village Members. Blacksmithing I February 8 & 9, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Instructor: William Senseney This two-day class is the beginning of the introductory level blacksmithing series. Participants learn the basics of the art of blacksmithing including hammering and shaping hot iron, working a coal fire and a propane forge, tapering, cutting, twisting, punching and forge welding, a s well as other techniques. Discussion and demonstration include an introduction to blacksmith tools and equipment along with shop layout and safety. Projects include: hook assortment, toasting fork, plant hanger, and a fireplace poker. Skills taught include: forging a taper (square, octagonal, and round), cutting, splitting, punching, bending and scrolling, twisting, fire building and maintenance, forge welding (faggot weld), introduction to the anvil, forge, hammer and blacksmith leg vise, propane. Participants are encouraged to take Blacksmithing I, II, and III as an introductory level series. Bring leather gloves and safety goggles. Fee: $200, $180 Hancock Shaker Village members. Berkshire Tote Basket (Reed) February 9, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Instructors: Isabel Krebs, Lisa Tuckerman This reed basket makes an attractive carrier, useful for people on the go. The Shaker chair tape handle is long enough to carry the basket over the shoulder. Approximate size is 6" x 12" x 9". The basket's design can be personalized by incorporating colored Reed to coordinate with the color of the tape handle. Introductory level class, no experience necessary. Fee: $50, $45, Hancock Shaker Village members. Spinning For Beginners March 1, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Instructors: Isabel Krebs, Elizabeth Linzey Spend the day learning to spin wool on a spinning wheel. Also included are instructions on how to skirt and wash a fleece, a portion of which you may take home to use on your own. (you may return to practice spinning on March 8 and 15 anytime between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, when the instructors will be teaching another workshop). Introductory level class, no experience necessary. Spinning wheels, wool from the Hancock Shaker Village sheep flock provided. Fee: $70, $63 Hancock Shaker Village members. **NEW!** Beverage Bottle Basket (Reed) March 2, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Instructors: Isabel Krebs, Wanda Halten Bring your favorite traveling beverage bottle and make a reed basket to carry it in. our models approximate size is 4" x 10" and fits an average sports bottle. Slight adjustments can be made to the size of your basket to fit your bottle. The finished basket features a Shaker chair tape handle for over the shoulder convenience. Introductory level class, no experience necessary. Fee: $40, $36 Hancock Shaker Village members. Weaving a Shaker Rag Rug Runner March 8, 15 (two consecutive Saturdays) 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Instructors: Isabel Krebs, Elizabeth Linzey In this two-day class, held on two consecutive Saturdays, weave a Shaker rag rug runner, approximate size 12" x 18", on a pre-warped loom. Choose your color scheme from the materials provided, and bring your own yearn and fabric to incorporate into the runner if desired. Introductory level class, no experience necessary. Fee: $80, $72 Hancock Shaker Village members. Basic Shaker Oval Box Construction March 8 & 9, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Instructor: Steve Grasselli In this two-day class, participants learn the basic of Shaker oval box making, using mostly hand tools. They learn the cutting of swallowtails, bending and tacking the bands, and fitting the tops and bottoms. Boxes to be constructed are based on original artifacts in the Hancock Shaker Village collection. Everyone goes home with a nest of up to three completed boxes, depending on individual skill level. In addition, some time is devoted to a discussion of oval box history and design, and to demonstrate intermediate and advanced level box making techniques. Introductory level class; no experience necessary. Fee: $180, $162 Hancock Shaker Village members. Business Card Basket (Ash) March 22, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Instructors: Isabel Krebs, Lisa Tuckerman Suitable for holding standard business cards, this ash basket can be used for many other items, such as jewelry, car keys, or any other small item which needs a home. Approximate size is 2" x 4" x 3". Introductory level class, no experience necessary. Fee: $50, $45 Hancock Shaker Village members. **NEW!** Taghkanic Swing Handle Basket (Reed) March 29, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Instructors: Isabel Krebs, Wanda Halten Wanda Halten Taghkanic baskets are a traditional upstate New York design. This one is round in shape, made of reed, with a swing handle. Approximate size is 8" diameter. Sometimes spelled Taconic, and often mistaken for Shaker baskets, Taghkanic baskets differ in the wilder splints and rims, and the type of ear used to fasten the swing handle. Introductory level class, no experience necessary. Fee: $60, $54 Hancock Shaker Village members. Blacksmithing II March 29 & 30, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Instructor: William Senseney This two-day class is a continuation of the introductory level blacksmithing workshop series; Blacksmithing I and permission of the instructor is required. Projects and skills taught build and enhance those learned in blacksmithing I with the primary focus on increasing hammer control, speed, and accuracy. Discussion and demonstration include an introduction to the use of the mandrel, riveting, preparation and execution of a lap weld. Projects include: hook and eye system, tripod food trivet, forge tongs or reed lamp, flux spoon. Skills taught include: punching, riveting, forming with a mandrel, upsetting, shouldering, lateral fullering with a cross peen hammer, double striking, forge weld (scarfing and lap weld), decorative twist (the reverse twist pattern). Participants are encouraged to take blacksmithing I, II, and III as an introductory level series. Bring leather gloves and safety goggles. Fee: $200, $180 Hancock Shaker Village members. **NEW!** Your Cross-Stitch Heirloom: Shaker Herb Garden April 5, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Instructor: Mary Kate Jordan In this half-day class, stitch some orderly beds of beautiful herbs while you anticipate the start of the Berkshire growing season, inspired by the herbs in the Hancock Shaker Village gardens, this sample-style cross-stitch pattern was developed specifically for this class. Introductory level class, no experience necessary. Bring a pair of scissors. Fee: $50, $45 Hancock Shaker Village members. **NEW!** Your Cross-Stitch Heirloom: Shaker Bird April 5, 1:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Instructor: Mary Kate Jordan Even April showers do not dim this cheery creature's enthusiasm. Inspired by an image in a shaker gift drawing (now in the collection of Hancock Shaker Village) by Sister Polly Jane Reed, this pattern was developed specifically for this half-day class. Introductory level class, no experience necessary. Bring a pair of scissors. Fee: $50, $45 Hancock Shaker Village members. Blacksmithing: Colonial Hardware April 5 & 6, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Instructor: William Senseney This two-day class is a continuation of the introductory blacksmithing workshop series; Blacksmithing I and II and permission of the instructor is required. Projects and skills taught build and enhance those learned in Blacksmithing I and II. This course covers the reproduction and history of Colonial Period hardware. Students learn to reproduce a working door latch system. Demonstration and discussion includes various period styles such as Shaker, English, Dutch, French, and Southwestern hardware. Participants are encouraged to take Blacksmithing I, II, and III as an introductory level series. Bring leather gloves and safety goggles. Fee: $200, $180 Hancock Shaker Village members. **NEW!** Intermediate Shaker Oval Box Construction April 12 & 13, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Instructor: Steve Grasselli In this two-day class, participants learn and refine their Shaker oval box making skills on an intermediate level, using mostly hand tools. They learn and refine the cutting of swallowtails, bending, and tackling the bands, and fitting the tops and bottoms. Boxes to be constructed are based on original artifacts in the Hancock Shaker Village collection. Everyone goes home wit up to three completed boxes of differing sizes, depending on individual skill level. In addition, some time will be devoted to a discussion of oval box history and design, and to demonstrate advanced level box making techniques. Intermediate level class; the basic level oval box construction class is recommended but not necessary. Fee: $180, $162 Hancock Shaker Village members. **NEW!** introduction to 19th century American Tinsmithing April 26, repeated on April 27 (participants sign up for one day), 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Instructor: Walter Fleming This one-day class is a basic introduction to this early American trade. Instruction includes an overview and hands-on off all the hand tools, forming stakes, and hand-operated machines used in a well-equipped 19th century tin shop. Each student learns how to do basic layout work, cutting, forming, assembly, and soldering. Each student makes a finger candleholder and a wall sconce. Introductory level class, no experience necessary. Tools and materials provided. Bring your favorite tin smithing tools if you have any; also bring any tin ware you would like to share with the class. Fee: $100, $90 Hancock shaker Village member.

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Friday Front Porch Feature: A Charming House Like New

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
06:57PM / Friday, December 19, 2025

The home prior to renovations.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Are you looking for a newly renovated home with great space? Then this might be the perfect fit for you!

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 100 Autumn Drive.

This three-bedroom, two-bathroom split level was built in 1965 and is 1,396 square feet on 0.32 acres.

The house was completely renovated recently. It includes a one-car garage, and comes with appliances including a dishwasher and stove/oven, and other major appliances.

The house is listed for $359,500.

We spoke with owners Michael Zeppieri and Chris Andrews, who did the renovations. Zeppieri is an agent with Alton and Westall Real Estate Agency.

What was your first impression when you walked into the home?

Zeppieri: I purchased this home to do a full renovation flip and saw tremendous potential in this mid-century split level home that had not been updated since it was built in the 1960s, in a great North Adams neighborhood.

Andrews: The house was a much different house when we first purchased it in 2022 (photo attached is from about 2010.) The interior was painted all in dark colors and we brightened it up with neutral colors. The transformation makes you feel like you are in a totally different house.

What were the recent renovations, any standout design features?

Zeppieri: The house has had a complete reconfiguration including new kitchen with high-end appliances, ceramic tiled baths, hardwood floors, new windows and roof ... just to name a few. All a buyer has to do is move in and enjoy.

Andrews: Yes, we renovated the entire house. New windows, new roof, all new custom black gutter system, new blacktop driveway, hardwood floors were installed through out the house. New kitchen and bathrooms as well as painting the exterior and interior of the house. New paver patio in the back yard.

What kind of buyer would this home be ideal for?

Zeppieri: The buyer for this home could be a first-time homebuyer or a retiree ... the location is close to attractions in North Adams ... and the property is located in Autumn Heights, which is a very small residential development with several long-term owners.

Andrews: This home is truly ideal for a variety of buyers. Whether a first-time homebuyer, a small family or even someone looking to downsize from a larger home.

What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?

Zeppieri: The location, price and move-in condition of this home make it a true market leader in the North Adams Market.

Andrews: This house is completely renovated and in a desirable location of North Adams. The natural light in the home really makes the interior pop. And with all the upgrades the home stays quite cool in the summer months.

Do you know any unique stories about the home or its history?

Zeppieri: This home was built for the Gould family in 1969 and they lived there till 2010. It was always a family home during that time in which the Goulds had two children ... and Virgina Gould managed Mohawk Forest Apartments and was a very active resident of North Adams.

Andrews: Built in about 1965.

What do the current owners love about this home?

Zeppieri: As the current owner it was a fun project to transform this home and get it ready for its next adventure with a new family to enjoy for many years.

Andrews: No one has lived in the house since we purchased the home. The new owners would be the first to live in the house since the renovations have been completed.

What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?

Andrews: I would suggest seeing the house either on a sunny day or at twilight to really get a vision of how special the home feels.

You can find out more about this house on its listing here.

*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.

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