Folding Campaign Stool - January 18, 2025

January 18, 2025

9am-12pm

This class will consist of using hand tools, files, rasps, hand planes, and sandpaper to shape the  legs of your stool. The design of the legs will be up to the students. You will be using  two types of bolts for the folding action of the stool. It will give an understanding of the use of everyday items that are very simple and found at any hardware store. 

The seat will be made of heavy leather. You will learn about the different types of leather, the weight of leather to use depending on the project, and how to determine the weight of the  leather. The seat will be attached to the legs using screws and washers. You will also be using copper rivets with burrs to attach a leather pocket to the seat. You will leave this course with an understanding of the different types of tools used for cutting leather and other tools that are used for leather work.  

The idea of the stool is to show that it can be made using old broom handles, hockey sticks or whatever you have available. You can also attach a sling to the stool and carry it folded. With the three legs it will sit just about anyplace without wobbling. You will also learn a bit of history as you create a stool like what would have been used in the 1800s by British officers on military campaigns when all items needed to be small and practical. 

If you are planning to take this course, consider also signing up for Kerry’s Folding Campaign Bookshelf course in March!

Tuition: $55

Materials Fee: $30

This course is for adults 18+, or students 14+ with accompanying adult

Your Instructor

KERRY BECKENBACH

Kerry has been “bending wood” for about fourteen years to create snowshoes and furniture for himself, friends and family. A veteran of the US Navy and a retired law enforcement officer, early in his career Kerry worked in Cook County, MN in and around the North Shore, BWCA. During that time he made winter camping trips into the BWCA that were often too cold, with too much snow, pulling overloaded sleds with snowshoes, cross-country skis. Too many trips to count and yet in reflection, not enough.

Kerry is retired now and living in central MN with his spouse Lynn, who according to Kerry has all the talent in the family. When not bending wood and sharing his passion for creating Kerry can be found under the surface of lakes and oceans as a scuba diver and instructor. He can also be found helping Santa during the busy season.