Join the Lost Art Press gang, along with four score of the world’s best hand tool makers and teachers, and 5,000 or so of your closest woodworking friends for the hand tool event of the year:
Handworks 2026
Friday & Saturday Sept. 4-5
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Amana Colonies
Amana, Iowa
Admission to the event is free (though donations at the door will be much appreciated by the organizers) – but do register in advance on the Handworks website. That way, you’ll be eligible for some fabulous door prizes donated by the vendors.
On Saturday morning, Christopher Schwarz and Mike Siemsen will kick things off at 10 a.m. with what I am sure will be a slightly unhinged and thoroughly entertaining presentation. (Doors will open at 9 a.m. that morning to allow folks to find a spot.)
This is the fifth Handworks, and while I didn’t think it possible, it grows more amazing every time. It truly is a not-to-be-missed event.
How I wish I could go again, this year – 2023 was such a fantastic experience! – but alas, and alack, and utter botheration; it just won’t be possible this time. Goldurn it. I shall just have to hope there will be another one again in a few years time … and in the meantime wish all those who can make it a frabjous time in Amana!
Cheers and all best,
Mattias
Dear Christopher Schwarz,
not knowing where best to post a question, I try here: I believe that you offer woodworking related courses in Europe during the Summer months, but not sure where or when. Is there a place I can find out? Any brief link would be much appreciated!
Many thanks, Jan
(I currently live in Germany, in Karlsruhe)
Chris is teaching in Germany this summer: https://www.dictum.com/en/workshops/craft-and-specialist-workshops/woodworking/ And we’re both scheduled to teach in London in the autumn, but the dates are not yet announced (you can sign up here to be notified when the London IWF 2026 site goes live: https://londoniwf.co.uk/)
I attended the last one and will definitely be going again!
It’s apparently 1,901 miles from my house to Amana. Prolly make a side trip to see how much progress they’ve made on the Crazy Horse monument. The Missus is somewhat critical of the idea of driving all that way, especially since the Teheran fuel tax will still be in effect, but there’s nothing good on TV. And if I can find a few places en route where they have yarn on sale, I might be able to talk her into it.