School Policies

Our teaching philosophy is simple: disciplined but fun, hands-on and in-person, practice and mistakes yield growth.

It’s OK to be uncomfortable while learning, that is where you are destroying ignorance and building new knowledge pathways. It’s not OK if you feel uncomfortable because of someone else’s poor behavior. Here’s the deal: treat each other how you want to be treated, we are all on a journey and at different points along the path. Be nice and help each other out. Come with an empty cup, if your cup is full, then nothing can be put in it! Read this page and watch the video at the bottom of it if you want a sense of the standards we try to live up to.

Prerequisites

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Classes that have prerequisites have them for a reason. You will not have fun if you do not possess the required skills and practice to learn the next topic. Contact us if you have any doubt or want to confirm if you are qualified for a particular class or workshop. If you have prior experience from a different instructor, the prerequisite requirement may be waved. For Japanese woodworking courses, allowable prior class experience includes:

  • Mokuchi Woodworks

  • Somakosha School

  • Econest Timber Framing Intensive

  • Classes by Dale Brotherton

  • Classes by Brian Holcombe

As we expand our offerings into other areas of craft we will update this list, please contact us if you have any questions.

Cancellation

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Because of the preparation of materials, workstations, and in some case tools ahead of a class or there will be no refunds or credits for a cancellation occurring with less than 15 days prior to the start of the class. You will receive a credit toward another class or workshop if cancelation occurs between 15 and 30 days prior to the start of the class. You will receive a refund for 90% of the original cost for cancellations prior to 30 days before the start of the class or workshop. For any of the “timber framing workshops” you may receive a refund of 90% of the original cost for cancellations prior to 45 days before the start of the workshop, refunds after this period are conditional on filling your spot.

If you have ordered specialty tools or a materials kit as part of your workshop registration, they will be available for pickup at the start of class. Some standard, in-stock items may be refundable prior to the workshop, depending on timing and condition. However, custom or special-order items, particularly tools made to order or shipped from Japan, cannot be returned once ordered. If you cancel your workshop registration, these custom items will likely be forfeited. If an extenuating circumstance arises, contact us directly and we will do our best to find a reasonable solution.

Missed or Late

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Because of the preparation of materials, workstations, and in some case tools ahead of a class or workshop there will be no refunds or credits for a missed class.

Lateness will not be tolerated. We expect you to be on time (which means early) for class every day, ready to learn. Should you be late for whatever reason we expect to be contacted by you indicating when you will arrive and the reason. When you do arrive you should slip silently into the flow of work and catch up where you can. You may be able to catch up during lunch and breaks, but allow everyone else, including the instructor to enjoy their lunch or break. Continued tardiness may result in you being asked to leave class.

Required Tools

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The required tools listed on the course pages are not suggestions, you will actually need your own tools, properly set up, to gain the full value out of the workshop. Do not come to class expecting there to be extras or loaners, in many cases there will not be any. Don’t expect to borrow a class mate’s tools, that takes away from both of your experiences. Please contact us well in advance if you have tool sourcing issues so we can help you. The tools you need are often available for purchase along with your workshop.

Tools and Supplies

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If you order specialty tools or bundles in connection with a workshop or festival, they may be picked up no earlier than 48 hours before the start of the event. We do not ship tools prior to the workshop or festival.

Tools are offered in limited quantities and are intended for registered students and attendees. If you are not enrolled in a workshop or registered for the festival, your order may be canceled. We sell tools specifically to support instruction and do not wish to compete with or undercut our vendors.

We will notify you if there are any supply issues or delays. In most cases, tools and bundles are non-refundable once the order is in progress.

Participation Agreement and Release of Liability

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As part of workshop, event, or festival registration, participants will be required during checkout to affirm their agreement to the terms below by checking a confirmation box. Registration and participation are contingent upon acceptance of these terms.

Waiver of Liability and Assumption of Risk

In consideration of being permitted to participate in any workshop, class, apprenticeship, residency, demonstration, festival, or related activity (collectively, “The Activities”) organized, hosted, administered, or taught by Never Stop Building LLC, The Wabi Sabi School for Japanese Craft, its fiscal sponsor The Tiny Seed Project, Inc. (501(c)(3)), and/or The Maine Japanese Woodworking Festival, including their respective owners, officers, directors, employees, contractors, instructors, volunteers, representatives, sponsors, agents, and affiliates (collectively, “Released Parties”), I agree as follows.

I release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue the Released Parties from any and all claims, demands, losses, damages, or causes of action arising out of or related to any injury, illness, death, or property loss that may occur as a result of my participation in The Activities, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Participation in traditional craft activities involves inherent risks that cannot be eliminated regardless of supervision or safety measures. These risks include, but are not limited to, cuts, punctures, splinters, burns, abrasions, eye injuries, hearing damage, and injuries resulting from the use of sharp hand tools, power tools, machinery, forging equipment, kilns, blades, chisels, hammers, saws, grinders, and other equipment. Risks may also arise from hot metal, open flame, heated materials, steam, dust, wood shavings, metal fragments, clay, silica, airborne particles, heavy materials such as timbers or anvils, lifting and moving equipment, slips, trips, falls, and impact injuries. Serious injuries may include fractures, joint or back injuries, respiratory conditions, allergic reactions, cardiovascular events, permanent disability, paralysis, or death.

I acknowledge that The Activities may take place in workshops, studios, outdoor settings, job sites, or other working environments. I knowingly and voluntarily assume full responsibility for all risks of injury, illness, death, and property damage arising out of or related to my participation.

Indemnification and Hold Harmless

I agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Released Parties from any and all claims, actions, suits, damages, costs, expenses, or liabilities, including reasonable attorney’s fees, arising from or related to my participation in The Activities, including claims brought by third parties as a result of my actions.

Governing Law and Severability

This agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted under the laws of the State of Maine. If any portion is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

Acknowledgment of Understanding

I acknowledge that I have carefully read and understand this agreement and that I am giving up substantial legal rights, including the right to bring a lawsuit against the Released Parties. I enter into this agreement freely and voluntarily and intend it to be a complete and unconditional release of liability to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Media and Photo Release

I grant permission to the Released Parties to photograph, video record, or otherwise capture my likeness during The Activities and to use such media in print, digital, web-based publications, promotional materials, fundraising efforts, advertising, and other lawful purposes without compensation.

I understand that such media becomes the property of the Released Parties and will not be returned. I authorize the Released Parties to edit, copy, publish, distribute, or otherwise use these materials and waive any right to inspect or approve the finished product. I further waive any right to royalties or other compensation arising from such use and release the Released Parties from any claims related to the use of my likeness as described above.