easy
1 hour
No special fitness required; suitable for all ages and abilities.
Create meaningful handmade crafts at the White Barn Inn in Kennebunk, Maine. Enjoy private, seasonal classes led by a local expert that bring traditional coastal and farmstead artistry to life.
All ages • Up to 6 people • 1 Hour • Private Experience!
1 Hour
Tap into Maine's long tradition of craftsmanship and modern farmsteading through our private seasonal craft classes with local lifestyle and food expert, Kathy Oberman Tracy. Try your hand at beeswax candle making, buoy painting, natural linen dyeing, wreath making, floral arranging and more with Kathy, a classically trained chef, food stylist, and former food tv producer for Martha Stewart. Leave the coast with a handmade gift or keepsake representative of your time in Maine.
Painting Lobster Buoys: Colorful lobster buoys are a staple throughout Kennebunk—customize your own coastal keepsake with marine paints and a handmade wooden buoy. !Description of image
Kid's Seaside Summer Wreaths: Enjoy a little bit of the summer anytime of year by making a beautiful coastal wreath using gathered seashells from the beach.
Beeswax Candles: Beeswax is one of the oldest forms of candle wax and is an eco-friendly option with a naturally sweet aroma that helps purify the air in a room. Try your hand at making your own candle with this time-honored method. !Description of image
Seasonal Floral Arranging: Using the bounty of the season’s greens and flowers, learn to craft your own arrangement to take home. !Description of image
Bath Salts: It's surprisingly easy to make your own custom bath salt blends to suit your needs (like soothing sore muscles or softening skin), then scent them with your favorite essential oils. As a finishing touch, use food coloring to make your salt blend a pretty, soothing color. !Description of image
Seashell Wreaths: Enjoy a little bit of the summer anytime of year by making a beautiful coastal wreath using gathered seashells from the beach. !Description of image
Fall Succulent Pumpkins: Take advantage of the abundance of pumpkins to create a fabulous living arrangement of colorful succulents that will last all Autumn long. They're the perfect centerpiece for Halloween and Thanksgiving. !Description of image
Fall and Holiday Wreath Making: Head outdoors to forage greens, twigs, pinecones and more. Back inside, Kathy will teach you how to create an artful holiday wreath using gathered materials.
Birch Log Candle Centerpieces: Using traditional methods, learn to make beeswax candles that can then be placed inside a decorative birch log for a natural and striking centerpiece. !Description of image
Natural Dye Linens: Learn to dye linen napkins into beautiful, natural and earthy hues using scraps and ingredients from around the house (egg shells, turmeric, onion skins, blackberries). !Description of image
One type of craft per party. Minimum of $200 for a party of one.
On property; this experience happens in our restaurants, living room, picnic tables or wine cellar, depending on party size, craft, and availability.
Guests can enjoy complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, and alcoholic beverages can be purchased a la carte.
This experience is for hotel guests only. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Reserve your craft session at least two days in advance to secure your spot and specify your chosen project.
Wear comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting a bit of paint or dye on during hands-on crafting.
The experience accommodates up to six participants, making it perfect for families or intimate gatherings.
Note that this private craft experience is exclusively for guests staying at White Barn Inn.
Kennebunk’s maritime history centers on lobster fishing and shipbuilding, inspiring many of the coastal crafts.
White Barn Inn emphasizes sustainable practices, sourcing materials locally and promoting eco-friendly crafting methods.
Protect your clothing from paint, dye, and wax during crafting.
Dress in layers to adjust to indoor temperatures and work comfortably.
Jot down techniques or inspirations during the workshop.
Capture your finished craft and the creative process to share or remember.