Over the years, many folks have come to our shop and learned the casketmaker's craft. These people have left with a working knowledge of the basic carpentry techniques employed to construct a variety of basic wooden caskets. They have constructed their first casket, our finest knotty pine and cedar casket, complete with shelves, wine racks or whatever furniture option is preferred by the student. This casket employs the most difficult techniques the student will have to master. Thus, after 4 days you leave knowing all you need to know to make any of the caskets we make.

But there is a great deal more the student must know to successfully operate a cottage industry as a casketmaker. While you are constructing your first beautiful pine and cedar box, we will discuss the law and how it applies to simple, often family orchestrated funeral ceremonies. We will discuss the laws of Montana and of other states, most specifically those of the state or states in which you will be doing your business. I will teach you how to research any laws or regulations which exist in your state so that you may obtain your own copies of the codes and regulations. You will learn how to approach and deal with public officials and law enforcement officials whom you may occasionally deal with in your new work.

As you work, I will share with you all I have learned over a 26 year career as a casketmaker about promotion and advertising techniques; those that work and those that haven't. You will leave with a long list of resource materials to help you learn more about the funeral industry and about the world of alternatives to the sham ceremony known as "the traditional American funeral". Your list will include many books and magazine articles. Some of the books will be given to you as part of your tuition. You will receive copies of all magazine or newspaper articles as part of the 3 ring binder of photos and information you will take with you when you depart on your new adventure.

At our school, you will practice proven methods for putting a finish on a casket while also learning how to genuinely help people who are grieving deeply. As a nurse I have learned that the care of the body after death is important and that the way this is done does make a difference. As a casketmaker, I've learned that meaningful, unpretentious, real funeral ceremonies can help alleviate grief and bring understanding and acceptance.

As you work we will select and make color copies of any photos you wish to have to take back to allow you to show potential customers the caskets you make. Anything I can do to help you to make your new cottage industry thrive I will do, including contacting media representatives in your area when you feel you are ready for some publicity about what you are doing.

Tuition: $1700

(For the price of tuition you will receive a copy of Critical Choices and the materials for your first casket will be provided... so when you leave you will take with you a casket worth at least $1200).