This lobster buoy birdhouse is copied from a lobster buoy that was part of a collection of old wooden buoys that were given to me many years ago by friends in Buck's Harbor, Maine.
First used around 1850, the lobster buoy is important in lobster fishing. It marks the place where a fisherman has set a trap and comes attached by a line or rope to a triple, pair or single group of lobster traps on the ocean’s bottom. Originally, lobster buoys were created out of wood, mostly black cedar or spruce. To identify a particular lobsterman’s traps, the buoys were painted using a number of colors unique to each lobsterman. Many lobsterman derived a lot of pleasure from creating perfectly shaped, painted and whimsical lobster buoys which made them pieces of unique art.  In fact, the color patterns are so unique that lobstermen have maintained the patterns for decades of fishing for the crustacean across New England’s waters.

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Lobster Buoy Bird House

Lobster Buoy Bird House


Saturday
March 27th
9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.
Tuition: $60
Materials: $15
​Click on the above photo to register.
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​Made of decay resistant cedar, our lobster buoy bird house measures 5” x 5” and is 24” tall. The 1-1/4” diameter hole will attract nuthatches, wrens, chickadees and other small birds. Don't miss this chance to add this unique bird house to your yard. You will not only benefit native bird species, you will also have the opportunity to monitor and enjoy birds.

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Bottom slides open for cleaning

The lines of this dory window box were drawn from scaled plans of the "Centennial". The "Centennial" is the oldest surviving example of an American fishing dory. In 1876, to celebrate the United States' first centennial, Alfred Johnson made the first lone crossing of the North Atlantic. He left Gloucester on June 15 in a small customized dory he named the "Centennial", after 66 days, he docked at Liverpool, his destination. The "Centennial" is now part of the maritime collection at the Cape Ann Museum.

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"Centennial" Dory Window Box

​Dory Window Box
Saturday
June 26th
8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Tuition: $120
Materials: $55
​Click on the above photo to register. 
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Build this dory window box planter and learn the fundamentals of boat building!
In this one day class, you will shape and install the cypress lumber backboard, stem and transom. The three marine plywood planks will then be hand planed to fit and fastened with copper nails and stainless steel screws. Lastly, the gunwale will be installed the screw holes plugged. After a thorough sanding, your dory will be ready for painting.
Length: 44" Height: 9" Width: 7"

Completed Dory - Painted with George Kirby's White & Cream Enamel