Summer Workshops – Farley Boat Works
Stay tuned for 2024 workshops!
Build and take home your finished project in our incredible summer workshops. Workshops are for all ages (attendees under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to assist them in their project).
Fee: $100 per workshop. The fee includes all materials needed to build and decorate your project.
2023 Summer Workshops
Workshops run Tuesday – Friday, 9 a.m to Noon.
- June 13–16: Boat Model
- June 20–23: Tool Box
- June 27–30: Bat House
- July 11–14: Cutting Board
- July 18–21: Bird House
- July 25–28: Landing Net
- Aug 1–4: 2-ft Paddle
- Aug 8–11: Fish Print on Canvas and Frame
- Aug 15–18: Farley Fighting Chair
2023 Summer Workshop Descriptions
Boat Model
(June 13–16) This boat is a scale model of the very first 16-ft Port A Skiff that was built in Port Aransas by Doyle Marek in the late 1960s. Doyle came to the current location of Farley Boat Works in 2011 and taught volunteers how to build the skiffs we are still building today. We will take the measurements and angles straight from the full size boat and learn how to scale it down to make our model. We will learn how to use hand tools, a band saw and a chop saw. You will then have the chance to paint and decorate your boat in any way you want!
Tool Box
(June 20–23) Every builder needs their own tool box. Join us and learn how to build one. The size of the tool box is 2ft x 1ft. You can customize your tool box any way you like, whether it’s adding holders for your screwdrivers or creating a masterpiece drawing. We will learn how to operate a band saw, some hand tools, and a drum sander.
Bat House
(June 27–30) Did you know that there are more than 100 million Mexican free-tailed bats in Texas? This 12”x8” bat house can hold up to six of these tiny creatures. Come build one and offer the bats a cool place to hang!
Cutting Board
(July 11–14) Make your very own customized cutting board from mahogany and oak. Create different patterns and then shape your cutting board in any way you want. There is no limit to the shapes from which you can pick. Texas proud? Cut yours in the shape of Texas. Love marine life? Make a dolphin. In the end you will have a beautiful cutting board that will be suitable for everyday use or special occasions.
Bird House
(July 18–21) There is something special about building bird houses and seeing them become part of the environment. You will create a home for your bird of choice. Once you have decided which bird you would like to try to attract, we will do some research to determine the size of house. After it is built you will be able to get creative with it; you can use stencils, do wood burning, carve or paint your birdhouse the way you want it.
Landing Net
(July 25–28) Make your own custom landing net. This gorgeous net has a laminated frame, made with mahogany and Douglas fir. The handle can be customized to your liking. Its 3 foot length allows for a long reach, great for pulling fish into your boat!
2-ft Paddle
(Aug 1–4) Make your own one-of-a-kind set of paddles. We will learn the anatomy of the paddle and what goes into making them.
Fish Print on Canvas and Frame
(Aug 8–11) Let’s make art with nature. Gyotaku or fish printing became popular in the 1800s and was an important method used in recognition of different species. For this project we are going fishing. Each person will have the opportunity to cast a couple rods or throw a cast net. We will then cover our fish with ink and press them onto a cloth. We will also make a wooden frame for your piece of art.
Fighting Chair
(Aug 15-18) Make history with us. Our fighting chairs are modeled after many chairs used to catch tarpon in Port Aransas between 1915 and 1970. The design is meant to support your body in a firm position while you fight to reel in your catch. These beautiful chairs can be used anywhere. They are perfect for your porch, as an accent in your home, or for taking to the beach.