Property Expectations

The Property

1

This is a working family home and professional craft studio. The house is off limits at all times unless you receive an explicit, specific invitation. When in doubt, you have not been invited.

All water on the property is potable — hose, spigot, or sharpening sink. No open fires without authorization. Fire pits are available. Burn barrel is fine.

Be On Time

2

The work day runs 8:00am to 5:30pm. We meet briefly in the shop or work zone at 8:00 and get to work — that means you are ready at 8:00, not arriving. Personal needs, sharpening, and prep happen before 8, not after.

Daily breaks:

  • 10:00am — 10-minute break

  • 12:00pm — 45-minute lunch

  • 3:00pm — 15-minute break

These are breath-and-reset breaks, not extended downtime.

Class days run 8:30am to 5:00pm on the same break schedule. Helpers arrive at 8:00 for setup.

The shop is open 6:00am to 8:00pm weekdays. It is closed on weekends unless something has been specifically arranged — ask, don't assume. During classes, shop hours will be announced and may fluctuate depending on what's happening that day.

If Jason is unavailable at the start of the day, default to your previous task or general cleaning until direction is given.

Sacred Space

3

This property is a place of craft and intention. Move through it accordingly.

  • Doors close like you are leaving a room where someone is sleeping

  • Nothing requires more force than closing a door, if it does, stop and think

  • Nothing is thrown or tossed when it can be set down

  • Don't awkwardly carry two things when you can safely carry one

  • Noise is intentional, not random

  • Material is sacred, do not sit, lean, or step on lumber, finished work, or sawhorses

  • Sawhorses are not chairs or benches

  • No food or drinks in the shop

A Place for Everything

4

Put every tool back where it came from. If you borrow a tool, either ask first or tell someone you have it, someone else may be looking for it and will waste time searching.

Always Be Knolling

5

Scan your surroundings constantly — is there trash, scrap, weeds, unused tools, trip hazards? Do something about it. A little, consistently, adds up.

Before you leave:

  • Broom sweep the shop floor

  • Clean up any personal mess

  • Return all tools to their place

  • Bring anything left outside in

Don't leave materials, tools, or equipment outside overnight — weather is one reason, but not the only one. The shop you leave at 5:30 is the shop someone walks into at 8:00.

Time to Lean, Time to Clean

6

There is always something to do. Standing tasks when no direction is available:

  • Yard cleanup

  • Firewood stacking and splitting

  • Machinery painting

  • Sweeping and organizing

Do not default to personal projects unless specifically instructed.

If you are quietly productive at something mundane, you may find yourself handed something interesting. If you are standing around, you will be asked to do something mundane.

Work Hard, Play Hard

7

Are we working or playing? Know which one it is. When we are working, we are working — focused, present, and serious. Chit-chat, socializing, and downtime have their place, and that place is not the shop spaces during work hours.

  • No alcohol during work hours, ever

  • No food or drinks in the shop

After hours, leave the work behind fully. If you want to socialize, do it in a social area — not a work area. Some people may be using the shop quietly after hours and don't want to be interrupted. Instructors and staff are not on call after hours. Respect that.

Communication

8

Your phone doesn't need its ringer on, but during work hours you are expected to be reachable. If someone calls you, it's important — we know we're interrupting you and won't do it casually. Texts are less time-critical. Phones are fine for photos and timers. Read the room.

Own It

9

Don't justify or defend your actions — own them. Report mistakes, broken tools, and injuries immediately. Don't hide anything, don't let things fester. You are responsible.

  • Never assume — ask for clarification before starting a task

  • Confirm instructions by repeating them back

  • Accept feedback as an investment in your growth, not a critique of your worth

  • Course corrections happen at a weekly sit-down — not in the moment, not publicly

  • If something feels immoral, illegal, or unethical, you are expected to say so — otherwise, follow instructions without debate

Class Student Specifics

10

Facilities

The house is off limits. Necessities are provided on the property — porta-potty, potable well water at the spigots and sharpening sink, and outdoor shower. Come prepared for a working day outdoors in Maine. If you have special dietary needs or require snacks, that is your responsibility to manage.

Meals

During classes, we eat together and clean up together. On larger classes there will be a rotating kitchen list to keep things from getting crowded.

Apprentices & Work-Study Specifics

11

Facilities & Living

Current on-property accommodations are rustic and functional: camper, tent camping, or commuting depending on your arrangement. Available facilities include:

  • Outdoor shower and hot tub

  • Portable Toilets

  • Potable well water

  • Small kitchen setup — mini fridge, coffee maker, hot water

  • Laundry at the laundromat in town

Keep your living space clean. Keep your footprint small. You are a guest on a working property.

Meals

Breakfast and mornings are your own responsibility. Shared lunches and group dinners will happen — the expectation and structure will develop over the season. We are working toward more apprentice independence including a food stipend. For now, plan for a mix of managing your own meals and eating together. During classes, all hands eat and clean up together.

Long-Term Expectations

You are here to learn and to contribute. Those two things are not in conflict. Do your work diligently, take care of this place, own your mistakes, and ask questions early. Show up ready, stay present, leave everything better than you found it.