Classes in Crafts, Traditional skills, and Nature-Study

Choose from a variety of offerings such as natural dyeing, quilting, mending, sewing, basketry, broom making, spoon carving, woodworking, textile design, cooking, baking, bread making, butchering, fermentation, food preservation, mushroom foraging, bird watching, herbal medicine, book making, and more.

Cumberland Folk School’s craft workshops take place in the “Studio” at Sequatchie Cove Farm, nestled in the scenic Coppinger Cove of the Cumberland Plateau, within reach of Nashville and Chattanooga. Our classes not only teach you a new skill and send you home with something beautifully handmade, but offer a full experience that includes learning a new skill, community making, a farm fresh meal, and refreshing in the beauty of the farm and mountains. The farm’s Trading Post is open after classes for purchasing pasture-raised meat, eggs, vegetables, cheese, and more from Sequatchie Cove Farm.

What Our Students Say

  • “I’ve taken three different classes at Cumberland Folk school over the past few years. Each class was inspiring and peaceful. There’s always a sense of intentionality, community and connection to each other and the earth during our time together and I believe that’s how Carroll and Ashley have created the Folk School to be, which is really special in today’s typically fast-paced society. Experiences like these remind you to slow down, listen and look.”

    — Laney

  • “Highly recommend taking a Cumberland Folk School class! I have taken the Beeswax Candle-Making and Kimchi classes. I've not only learned a tremendous amount but also found connection and community in the other kindred spirits who attend. Set within beautiful Sequatchie Cove, coordinated by the kindest and most hospitable hosts, and instructed by experts, the experience is priceless!”

    — Laura-Margaret

  • “I had an amazing experience at the Shaker divided carrier class. The instructors that Cumberland Folk School gets are top notch and really know what they are doing. I learned some great skills and left the class with a wonderful shaker box that I am so proud of. I highly recommend signing up for a class here. From the food to the beautiful location, everything was perfect and worth every penny.”

    — Richard

  • "I’ve taken four classes at the folk school over the years, starting in 2021! Broom making, kudzu basket making, creative mending, and long stitch book binding. Every class has been a unique experience- challenging, fun, and creatively stimulating. The instructors, and Ashley and Carroll, all bring in a variety of perspectives and knowledge, and the company of classmates, from all over the area, add to that as well. The setting is absolutely gorgeous, and the food is always delicious."

    — Ann

  • I’ve taken 3 classes at the Cumberland Folk School and loved them all! Sequatchie Cove Farm is a beautiful backdrop to learn from accomplished artists and makers. I’ve learned to carve wooden spoons, practiced my pie making skills, and learned to make a basket from kudzu vines. And did I mention the delicious farm lunch? Highly recommend!!!

    — Caroline

Previous Classes-2025 Classes coming soon!

  • Fresh Indigo Dyeing

    Learn an easy technique to dye with fresh indigo on protein fibers to achieve light-medium blues.

  • Mushroom Foraging

    Learn essential mushroom biology and romp through the woods in search of choice edibles

  • Fall Migration Birding

    Learn bird identification by sight and sound

  • White Oak: From Tree to Basket

    Description goes here

  • Fermenting the Harvest

    Learn simple techniques to make your own kraut, kimchi, and other fermented delicacies.

  • Visible Mending

    Learn to repair clothes with creative visible mending techniques

  • Beeswax Candle-making

    Learn to make hand-dipped taper candles, a holiday tradition

  • Kudzu Basketry

    Learn to weave a basket using Kudzu vines.

  • Pastry at Home

    Pastry at Home

    Learn the basics of lamination and making croissants at home.