Vermont Handworks is a multidisciplinary craft and art education space in Charlotte, Vermont. The rural, intimate workshop, is 15 minutes outside of Burlington on the remnants of an old dairy farm, which is being repurposed to cultivate basketry willow.
Despite a typically unquestioned pursuit of convenience, handmade, a term conjuring up images of slow, contemplative work, is universally understood to describe value. A society drenched in digital technology can leave little room for these tactile creative experiences. Vermont Handworks offers year-round workshops in metalworking, woodworking, enameling, and basketry. Our mission is to provide a welcoming and relaxed learning environment to empower people of all experience levels to realize their creative goals.
Woodworking And Natural Materials
Our woodworking workshops emphasize traditional tools and techniques and include chairmaking, spoon carving, and pitchfork making, in addition to related crafts like broom tying and basketry. Workshops range anywhere from a few hours in a single day to muti-week full-time intensives. Beginners are welcome in any class, and all tools are provided.
Metalworking And Enameling
Vermont Handworks offers beginning, intermediate, and advanced classes in enameling and metalworking, rooted in traditional processes and alongside experimental workshops shaped by Jolynn’s studio practice. Classes emphasize thoughtful making, material exploration, and a spirit of curiosity.
How It Started
After several years developing a shared teaching space and building community around their shop in Charlotte, VT, Jolynn Santiago and Eric Cannizzaro combined their teaching practices and launched Vermont Handworks in 2026.
Teaching Philosophy
Whether you arrive with a clear creative idea or simply want to make something with your hands, you’re welcome here. You don’t need experience, specific goals, or a background in art or craft—an interest and willingness to try are enough.
What you make becomes an expression of your individual character—shaped by attention, practice, and the discoveries you make along the way. We don’t believe in failure; every attempt builds skill and expands possibility.