Online International Handwork Teaching Conference
June 26, 27, & 28, 2026 in the United States
June 27, 28, & 29, 2026 in Australia, SE Asia, and the Philippines
Open to all timezones
Registration opens April 12, 2026
Regular Price: $250 USD
Early Bird Flash $200 when you register before May 1st (midnight Pacific Time)
Use coupon code ThreadBird at checkout to apply the early bird discount!
Explore the full arc of teaching handwork in grades 1 through 8.
Discover age-appropriate handwork projects designed to inspire creativity and support growth in children from grades 1–8.
Unsure how to successfully introduce new skills in each grade?
Curious about the purpose behind teaching specific skills at different stages of a child’s development?
Looking to weave meaningful connections through the curriculum across all eight grades?
Join us online in June for an overview of grades 1–8 handwork in Waldorf settings. Together we will explore the what, how, when, and why of teaching handwork in each grade.
This Year’s Conference Highlights
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All new content for 2026
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A focus on beginning-of-the-year projects that help set students up for success
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Simple and manageable projects for introducing new skills with confidence
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Practical strategies for meeting a wide range of skill levels and developmental readiness
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Guidance on how skills build progressively from grades 1–8
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Exploration of the continuous thread that weaves through the entire handwork curriculum
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Developmental insights into why specific skills are taught at particular ages
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Inspiration for creating meaningful connections across the grades and broader curriculum
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Practical teaching tips, demonstrations, and classroom-ready ideas you can immediately bring to your students
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Fresh projects in every grade — no repeats from last summer
This conference is open to anyone teaching handwork in any Waldorf-inspired setting.
If you are in the US, Australia, the Philippines, or SE Asia, the conference times will be especially convenient for you.
Please note: This conference is designed for teachers who already have basic handwork skills such as knitting, crochet, sewing, and related techniques.
Click below to view the full conference schedule
Internationally Renowned Keynote Speakers
Sven Saar
Sven Saar is an internationally respected Waldorf educator, mentor, and teacher trainer with decades of experience as a class teacher, high school teacher, and leader in teacher development and school support. His work focuses on the art of education, human relationships, identity, and mentorship, and he continues to lecture, advise schools, and support teachers throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and North America.
Penni Sparks
Penni Sparks is a veteran Waldorf educator, speaker, mentor, and author with over four decades of experience teaching across grades 1–12, leading teacher trainings, and supporting educators, parents, and schools internationally. Her work centers on inspiring confidence, kindness, and meaningful inner development in adults so they may become grounded, compassionate role models for the children in their care.
Inner and Outer Observation: The Teacher’s Presence in Practice
Students are profoundly shaped by the teacher’s presence in the classroom. How can we consciously develop this influence in ways that are both grounded and practical? How do we prepare ourselves as well as our students for the journey ahead?
In this collaborative session, we will share practical, adaptable, and sustainable teaching principles—drawn from experience and illustrated through real classroom situations. These are not “tricks,” but reliable practices that support lesson preparation, conduct, and reflection so the teacher may meet the day as a confident, upright human being capable of bringing out the best in their students.
At the heart of this work is relationship. As we strengthen our inner awareness and outer clarity, we become better equipped to meet each moment with confidence and intention—supporting every student in their journey toward independence and lifelong learning.
Led by Experienced Handwork Teachers
Shellie Smith
Shellie Smith is a lifelong educator and co-founder of Waldorf Handwork Educators, where she supports teachers internationally through online training, conferences, and individualized mentoring. With more than twenty five years of experience in Waldorf education, her work is grounded in imagination, relationship, and a deep belief in the transformative power of handwork to nurture creativity, confidence, and meaningful learning. Shellie is also the author and illustrator of A Twisted Tangled Tale: A Handwork Fairy Tale.
Elizabeth Seward
Elizabeth Seward, PhD, is a veteran Waldorf educator, teacher trainer, and co-founder of Waldorf Handwork Educators with more than 40 years of experience teaching handwork and other subjects in public, private, and homeschool settings. Her work weaves together deep experience in Waldorf education, child development, storytelling, and teacher training, with a lifelong passion for helping children and adults develop confidence, creativity, and practical skills through handwork. She is author of Teaching Through Stories: Jane and Jeremy Learn to Knit
Michelle Foxx
Michelle Foxx is a dedicated Waldorf educator with more than two decades of experience teaching woodworking, clay modeling, supporting aftercare programs, and serving in leadership roles within her school community. She is now a class teacher guiding her 4th grade class at Pasadena Waldorf School. Her work is rooted in practical creativity, child development, and a deep commitment to guiding students with care, continuity, and warmth throughout their educational journey.
Dates / Times:
We have designed this conference to accommodate as many time zones as possible!
Friday, Saturday, Sunday United States, June 26, 27, and 28, 2026
2:00 - 6:00pm Pacific Time
5:00 - 9:00pm Eastern Time
Saturday, Sunday, Monday, June 27, 28, and 29, 2026
5am - 9am Singapore, Philippines, Hong Kong, China
5am - 9am Perth, Australia
6am - 10am Japan
7am - 11am Sydney, Australia
9am - 1pm New Zealand
This conference is open to all timezones! All are welcome! The full conference will be recorded for your review if you are not able to attend "in person".
Registration
Regular Price: $250 USD
Early Bird Flash $200 when you register before May 1st (midnight Pacific Time)
Some financial aid may be available if needed and requested.
For more information on how to apply for financial aid click below.
For detailed instructions on how to apply coupons at checkout click below. Please read carefully. Coupons cannot be applied retroactively.
