Pierced Tin Luminary

Instructor: Michael Houser & James Kuchinick

Day & Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Tuition: $85.00

Ages: Adult (18 and Up)

All levels are welcome. No experience required.

Students Please Bring:

• Note taking materials.
• (Optional) A snack and/or water bottle. Filtered water is available in the classroom.

Participants will learn how to lay out and transfer a pattern onto tin, making a simple pierced tin luminary. Learn how to use basic tinsmithing tools and techniques to create this functional and decorative item. There will be a selection of patterns to choose from.

An additional fee for materials provided by your instructor for this workshop is estimated at $25.00 THIS FEE IS PAYABLE TO THE INSTRUCTOR at the time of the workshop. Material fees may change depending on the number of participants and price of materials at the workshop. *Payment by cash or check is required for materials fees. 

* Workshops are subject to low enrollment cancellation if the minimum number of 4 students is not reached. If you have any questions, you’re welcome to call Olive’s Porch for up-to-date enrollment information.

About Instructor: Michael Houser is a full-time metalworker who began tinsmithing at the Genesee Country Village Museum in Mumford, New York, in 1977. He later studied tinsmithing at Historic Eastfield Village in East Nassau, New York. Michael's current focus is on creating original objects in tin, galvanized metal, copper, and brass sheet metals. However, he still makes many traditional-style, pierced tin lanterns with unique custom designs. He is also an accomplished blacksmith.

About Instructor: James Kuchinick worked for three seasons in the tinshop at the Genesee Country Village Museum in Mumford, New York, the largest living history museum in New York State. He also participated in the advanced tinsmithing session at Historic Eastfield Village in East Nassau, New York. Jim has assisted in Folk School tinsmithing classes since 2017.