THE LIVING TOOLS
Collections
The Living Tools supports the diversification of our craft. We believe that the shared love of handwork is a unifier and that people can find connection through a desire to live a life in craft. The Living Tools fosters a community that welcomes and respects everyone while not discriminating based on our differences in age, ability, ethnicity, race, religion, philosophical or political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, nationality, geographic origin, and socioeconomic status. We work to provide an environment that centers the needs of historically excluded crafts people and encourage all interested applicants to apply.
THE PAOLI COLLECTION
Applications Open until May 31st
An entire chairmaking shop complete with hand tools, patterns, jigs, and parts. It is offered in its ENTIRETY and available for PICKUP ONLY by June 30, 2026 in Paoli, PA (45 minutes west of Philadelphia).
PAST COLLECTIONS
The Winchester Collection
A great giveaway for chairmakers and cabinetmakers alike. Teachers will appreciate the duplicate tools with quality steel, including planes and drawknives.
NANCY HILLER: HAND TOOLS COLLECTION
A small collection of essential hand tools donated by life-long a sculptor and woodworker. This collection is small but mighty and undoubtedly contains some magic.
PEGGY PAGE: CARVING
COLLECTION
Lifelong craftswoman Peggy Page has generously donated her fantastic kit of detailing tools and her wish was that these tools go to a woman-identifying carver — an opportunity to receive her numerous speciality gouges, finger planes, and honing equipment. During her career, Peggy carved incredibly lifelike duck decoys and she used the tools in this collection to master this demanding form.
While chairmaking is democratic and creative, specialized tools can be a barrier to entry—this collection removes it.
Jeff Lefkowitz has made chairs for over 20 years and taught for more than 10, passing on lessons from great U.S. chairmakers to students and new teachers alike. This kit reflects his breadth as a maker and instructor: high-quality, well-tuned tools for those entering the craft, going deeper, or teaching others.
The Jeff Lefkowitz’s Chairmaker’s Donation
WADE LOWE: VIOLIN STUDIO
An incredible collection of tools curated from the shop of master luthier Wade Lowe. These tools represent 40 years of curiosity, commitment and skill. Wade’s family wants to make sure that future generations have the opportunity to pursue a life in craft and for that reason they made this incredible donation to The Living Tools project.
WILLOWBROOK: HAND TOOLS COLLECTION
This tidy collection of hand tools is a great foundational set of tools for joinery and general craft. The donor hopes to support an aspiring craftsperson in a traditionally underrepresented population.
