The Experience
Tap into Maine's long tradition of craftsmanship and modern farmsteading through our private craft series with local lifestyle expert, Kathy Oberman. Try your hand at beeswax candle making, buoy painting, seasonal 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.
- Available beginning in April
- Inquire with Concierge | Call 207.967.2321
- Schedule private classes with Kathy
Barn Craft Experiences
- Painting Lobster Buoys – Colorful lobster buoys are a staple throughout Kennebunk—customize your own coastal keepsake with marine paints and a handmade wooden buoy.
- 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.
- Bee Haven: Build Your Own Bee House – Join us for a fun and educational Bee House Workshop, designed especially for young nature enthusiasts at White Barn. Set against the beautiful New England coastline, this hands-on experience teaches kids about the essential role of solitary bees—nature’s tiny pollinators—and how we can help protect them by building cozy, eco-friendly homes. With the guidance of our expert naturalist Kathy Oberman Tracy, children will craft and decorate their own bee houses using sustainable materials, creating a perfect garden sanctuary for gentle, non-stinging pollinators like mason and leafcutter bees.
- 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.
- Seasonal Floral Arranging – Using the bounty of the season’s greens and flowers, learn to craft your own arrangement to take home.
- Enchanted Miniature Fairy Garden Workshop – Step into a world of magic and creativity with our Miniature Fairy Garden Workshop, an enchanting hands-on experience at White Barn. This whimsical class invites guests of all ages to design and craft their own tiny, mystical garden—complete with delicate plants, charming fairy accents, and natural seaside treasures. Guided by our expert gardener Kathy Oberman Tracy, you’ll create a personalized miniature landscape using lush greenery, decorative stones, shells, and handcrafted fairy elements.
- Coastal Light: Stained Glass Suncatcher Workshop – Capture the beauty of sunlight and sea in our Stained Glass Suncatcher Workshop, a delightful hands-on experience at the White Barn. Inspired by the shimmering colors of the Maine coast, this class invites young guests of all ages to create their own vibrant suncatcher using colorful cellophane and elegant design techniques. With guidance from our skilled artisan Kathy Oberman Tracy, craft a stunning piece that mimics the beauty of stained glass, blending rich hues and seaside-inspired shapes. Whether designing a lighthouse, seashell, or abstract masterpiece, your suncatcher will transform natural light into a dazzling display of color—perfect for brightening any window.
- 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.
- Bath Rituals: Bath Salts & Bath Bombs – Craft indulgent bath salts and effervescent bath bombs infused with premium essential oils and delicate dried flowers. Guided by our expert artisan Kathy Oberman Tracy, explore the therapeutic benefits of mineral-rich salts, soothing botanicals, and aromatic oils while creating blends tailored to your personal preferences.
- The Art of Paper Flowers – Create stunning, lifelike paper flowers that capture the delicate essence of real petals while lasting a lifetime. Under the guidance of our skilled artisan Kathy Oberman Tracy, learn the art of shaping, sculpting, and assembling fine crepe and specialty papers to design exquisite floral arrangements. Whether crafting a single statement bloom or a delicate bouquet, your handmade flowers will embody both artistry and timeless beauty—perfect for home décor, special occasions, or a unique keepsake from your stay.
- 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.
- The Art of Kokedama – Immerse yourself in the meditative beauty of Kokedama, the Japanese art of moss-wrapped plant design. Inspired by the natural elegance of Maine’s seaside setting, this experience invites you to craft your own living masterpiece that brings a touch of organic luxury to any space. Guided by our expert Kathy Oberman Tracy, learn the traditional techniques of binding soil, moss, and twine to create a stunning, self-contained plant display. Perfect as a centerpiece, hanging garden accent, or a mindful décor piece, your handcrafted Kokedama will reflect the harmony of nature and refined coastal living.
- Pressed Botanicals: Herbarium Art Workshop – Capture the timeless beauty of nature by crafting your own elegant framed herbarium, which is a delicate fusion of art and botanical science. Under the guidance of our expert instructor Kathy Oberman Tracy, explore the history and techniques of pressing flowers and herbs, carefully selecting seasonal blooms and aromatic foliage to design a one-of-a-kind composition. Encased in a glass or acrylic frame, your preserved botanical artwork will serve as a cherished keepsake, bringing the tranquility of the seaside into your home.
More to Love
unforgettable activities for
