For holding berries, cherry tomatoes, or anything collectible, these great beginner baskets are satisfying and easy to repeat after instruction. Students will weave two baskets: one quart, and one pint size. Additional kits for weaving at home will be available for purchase.
With the addition of a pick up stick, your rigid heddle loom can create a more textured fabric. In this class you will use cotton yarn and create an heirloom table runner.
We will be making valet trays from leather and hair-on cowhide. Students will learn how to use various leathercraft tools and techniques including, but not limited to, cutting, edge beveling and burnishing, grooving, setting hardware, and letter stamping. There will be two tray styles to select from, as well as leather color, cowhide pattern, and hardware finish for students to make their very own one of a kind, heirloom quality piece to hold all of their essentials. Overall finished size is 7 3/4" x 7 3/4"
A practical, functional broom to chase away cobwebs. Broomcorn will be tied to a wooden handle. There will be a decorative section of plaiting (weaving) on the broom. Brooms will be finished with a leather handle for hanging.
A handled, plaited handle broom that is totally functional for sweeping. Processed and colorfully dyed broomcorn will be used. The broom will be finished with a leather handle for hanging.
Over 100 years ago, the famous Sagamore Hotel was built as an exclusive resort on Lake George in the Adirondacks. Its luxurious and spacious accommodations attracted the millionaires of the day, and the hotel continues to bring people from around the world to its spectacular spot on the lake. Come create a bit of history as you build a Sagamore chair using patterns struck from one of the original chairs; all the forms and patterns necessary are provided. Learn how to steam bend local Adirondack Red Oak into the graceful forms of this one-of-a-kind chair that is both beautiful and comfortable. Working with a variety of hand tools, you will bend and fasten the slats, laminate frame elements, join everything together and sand, finish and complete a beautiful chair ready for a prominent spot in your camp or home. Some prior woodworking experience is helpful, but beginners are welcome too.
This course will introduce students to the traditional craft of chip carving - a type of woodcarving in which a small knife is used to incise decorative floral and geometric designs into basswood or butternut. The design is created by the removal of small pieces (chips) of the wood. Chip carving is an ancient, traditional craft. Chip carved plates, jewelry and keepsake boxes, trays, breadboards, furniture and other items can make wonderful gifts and also decorate the home with traditional motifs. Some previous carving experience is helpful, but not necessary. Students will learn to carve a variety of practice designs already drawn on a board and may complete a round ornament as well.
Over 100 years ago, the famous Sagamore Hotel was built as an exclusive resort on Lake George in the Adirondacks. Its luxurious and spacious accommodations attracted the millionaires of the day, and the hotel continues to bring people from around the world to its spectacular spot on the lake. Come create a bit of history as you build a Sagamore chair using patterns struck from one of the original chairs; all the forms and patterns necessary are provided. Learn how to steam bend local Adirondack Red Oak into the graceful forms of this one-of-a-kind chair that is both beautiful and comfortable. Working with a variety of hand tools, you will bend and fasten the slats, laminate frame elements, join everything together and sand, finish and complete a beautiful chair ready for a prominent spot in your camp or home. Some prior woodworking experience is helpful, but beginners are welcome too.
This course will introduce students to the traditional craft of chip carving - a type of woodcarving in which a small knife is used to incise decorative floral and geometric designs into basswood or butternut. The design is created by the removal of small pieces (chips) of the wood. Chip carving is an ancient, traditional craft. Chip carved plates, jewelry and keepsake boxes, trays, breadboards, furniture and other items can make wonderful gifts and also decorate the home with traditional motifs. Some previous carving experience is helpful, but not necessary. Students will learn to carve a variety of practice designs already drawn on a board and may complete a round ornament as well.
Over 100 years ago, the famous Sagamore Hotel was built as an exclusive resort on Lake George in the Adirondacks. Its luxurious and spacious accommodations attracted the millionaires of the day, and the hotel continues to bring people from around the world to its spectacular spot on the lake. Come create a bit of history as you build a Sagamore chair using patterns struck from one of the original chairs; all the forms and patterns necessary are provided. Learn how to steam bend local Adirondack Red Oak into the graceful forms of this one-of-a-kind chair that is both beautiful and comfortable. Working with a variety of hand tools, you will bend and fasten the slats, laminate frame elements, join everything together and sand, finish and complete a beautiful chair ready for a prominent spot in your camp or home. Some prior woodworking experience is helpful, but beginners are welcome too.
There is something intriguing about a wooden basket made using a scroll saw. These baskets make great gifts and conversation pieces. During the course of a day the student will progress from learning the basics in the operation of a scroll saw, saw safety, pattern transfer methods, basic cutting skills to the completion of at least two different style wooden baskets. This class is appropriate for beginning woodworkers with an interest in picking up a skill that can translate into a lifetime passion.
Over 100 years ago, the famous Sagamore Hotel was built as an exclusive resort on Lake George in the Adirondacks. Its luxurious and spacious accommodations attracted the millionaires of the day, and the hotel continues to bring people from around the world to its spectacular spot on the lake. Come create a bit of history as you build a Sagamore chair using patterns struck from one of the original chairs; all the forms and patterns necessary are provided. Learn how to steam bend local Adirondack Red Oak into the graceful forms of this one-of-a-kind chair that is both beautiful and comfortable. Working with a variety of hand tools, you will bend and fasten the slats, laminate frame elements, join everything together and sand, finish and complete a beautiful chair ready for a prominent spot in your camp or home. Some prior woodworking experience is helpful, but beginners are welcome too.
This full-day class is for beginners that would like to join us in other quilting classes. In this class you will create a quilted Hot Pad and learn the basics of quilting that include designing, measuring, cutting, perfect points, creating the quilt binding, layering the layers and ideas for machine quilting. These skills will help you in future classes and completing projects at home or in the UFO Studio.
Each couple will make 2 (1 per person) custom Oak coasters with a mosaic center. On the first day of class, you will learn some woodworking skills by making a custom Oak frame/with a Plywood base for your coaster that measures about 4.5 inches by 4.5 inches. On the second day, you will create a unique mosaic pattern on your coaster using Vitreous Glass whole tiles. You may choose 2 color preferences per coaster. We will use Weld Bond as our adhesive to glue the tiles to the base. (glue needs to dry overnight) On the third day, we will grout each coaster with a natural gray grout and clean with sponges. (grout needs to dry overnight) On the fourth day, we will continue to clean off any residue left on the tile from the grout. We will finish them with an antique oil finish. These coasters will give a welcome touch of color to any room in your home as they hold your favorite mug. They make great gifts as well!
AFS UFO Studio, formerly known as Sewing Circle, is an out of this world opportunity for fiber artists to come and complete the UnFinished Objects floating around their home. UFO Studio is free to attend, and though it is non-instructional, peer-to-peer help is always available. All forms of projects are welcome ? bring your unfinished weaving, sewing, embroidery, rug hooking, knitting, crocheting, felting, or any other project that involves fiber handwork. AFS has a couple of sewing machines, small looms, and hand tools available but please feel free to bring your own!
Each couple will make 2 (1 per person) custom Oak coasters with a mosaic center. On the first day of class, you will learn some woodworking skills by making a custom Oak frame/with a Plywood base for your coaster that measures about 4.5 inches by 4.5 inches. On the second day, you will create a unique mosaic pattern on your coaster using Vitreous Glass whole tiles. You may choose 2 color preferences per coaster. We will use Weld Bond as our adhesive to glue the tiles to the base. (glue needs to dry overnight) On the third day, we will grout each coaster with a natural gray grout and clean with sponges. (grout needs to dry overnight) On the fourth day, we will continue to clean off any residue left on the tile from the grout. We will finish them with an antique oil finish. These coasters will give a welcome touch of color to any room in your home as they hold your favorite mug. They make great gifts as well!
Each couple will make 2 (1 per person) custom Oak coasters with a mosaic center. On the first day of class, you will learn some woodworking skills by making a custom Oak frame/with a Plywood base for your coaster that measures about 4.5 inches by 4.5 inches. On the second day, you will create a unique mosaic pattern on your coaster using Vitreous Glass whole tiles. You may choose 2 color preferences per coaster. We will use Weld Bond as our adhesive to glue the tiles to the base. (glue needs to dry overnight) On the third day, we will grout each coaster with a natural gray grout and clean with sponges. (grout needs to dry overnight) On the fourth day, we will continue to clean off any residue left on the tile from the grout. We will finish them with an antique oil finish. These coasters will give a welcome touch of color to any room in your home as they hold your favorite mug. They make great gifts as well!
This basic class will give you the foundation needed to start out on your journey of blacksmithing. You'll learn fire management, hammering methods, drawing out, upsetting, cutting, splitting, twisting, and convenience bending along with a demo of forge welding. Make punches and chisels and learn to harden and temper them. Heating material and heat management will be taught and much more.
Each couple will make 2 (1 per person) custom Oak coasters with a mosaic center. On the first day of class, you will learn some woodworking skills by making a custom Oak frame/with a Plywood base for your coaster that measures about 4.5 inches by 4.5 inches. On the second day, you will create a unique mosaic pattern on your coaster using Vitreous Glass whole tiles. You may choose 2 color preferences per coaster. We will use Weld Bond as our adhesive to glue the tiles to the base. (glue needs to dry overnight) On the third day, we will grout each coaster with a natural gray grout and clean with sponges. (grout needs to dry overnight) On the fourth day, we will continue to clean off any residue left on the tile from the grout. We will finish them with an antique oil finish. These coasters will give a welcome touch of color to any room in your home as they hold your favorite mug. They make great gifts as well!
The goal of this class is to help you get started in fly fishing or better your casting. We will go over different types of fly rods and when to use them. The proper way of lining a fly rod will be taught. You will be doing the over hand cast, roll cast and side arm cast, for a few examples. You will need to bring a hat and a pair of glasses or sunglasses. If you have a fly rod please bring it, otherwise one will be provided. To end, students will get a chance to try different fly rods.
This basic class will give you the foundation needed to start out on your journey of blacksmithing. You'll learn fire management, hammering methods, drawing out, upsetting, cutting, splitting, twisting, and convenience bending along with a demo of forge welding. Make punches and chisels and learn to harden and temper them. Heating material and heat management will be taught and much more.
Birch bark picture frames and mirrors have adorned Adirondack camps and cabins for centuries and were a favorite winter project for the guides to make. This is a great class for beginners with limited experience with woodworking and tools. You will select a frame and learn how to cut and fasten the Birch bark, twigs and other natural objects to create your own 'masterpiece'. Come see why this is one of our most popular classes. You'll be proud to hang this in your home!
In 1903, the first Adirondack chair was built in the town of Westport, N.Y. and has since taken the world by storm. Its contoured seat and back, along with its wide arms make it the perfect chair for lounging in after a hard day's work. You will start with surfaced pine, cut the pieces, shape them on a router table, sand them and then assemble your own Adirondack chair.
In this exciting new AFS class you will learn to carve letters in stone using a hammer and chisels. You'll develop chiseling techniques, learn about lettering design and proportion, and gain insight into letter design under the expert guidance of Charles Austin, stone mason and carver.
This course is a great place to learn the basics of field navigation. This class will take place indoors with a few outdoor activities; participants should come dressed for the weather. We will discuss map interpretation, compass use, declination, how to follow bearings to confidently traverse a landscape. No previous experience is required.
This basic class will give you the foundation needed to start out on your journey of blacksmithing. You'll learn fire management, hammering methods, drawing out, upsetting, cutting, splitting, twisting, and convenience bending along with a demo of forge welding. Make punches and chisels and learn to harden and temper them. Heating material and heat management will be taught and much more.
Birch bark picture frames and mirrors have adorned Adirondack camps and cabins for centuries and were a favorite winter project for the guides to make. This is a great class for beginners with limited experience with woodworking and tools. You will select a frame and learn how to cut and fasten the Birch bark, twigs and other natural objects to create your own 'masterpiece'. Come see why this is one of our most popular classes. You'll be proud to hang this in your home!
In 1903, the first Adirondack chair was built in the town of Westport, N.Y. and has since taken the world by storm. Its contoured seat and back, along with its wide arms make it the perfect chair for lounging in after a hard day's work. You will start with surfaced pine, cut the pieces, shape them on a router table, sand them and then assemble your own Adirondack chair.
This basic class will give you the foundation needed to start out on your journey of blacksmithing. You'll learn fire management, hammering methods, drawing out, upsetting, cutting, splitting, twisting, and convenience bending along with a demo of forge welding. Make punches and chisels and learn to harden and temper them. Heating material and heat management will be taught and much more.
If you love color, you?ll love what a fat quarter bundle has to offer. Select a bundle or create your own. We will construct this Ohio Star using traditional strip cutting techniques. The quilt top will include 12 stars and create a 36? x 46? quilt top.
If you love color, you?ll love what a fat quarter bundle has to offer. Select a bundle or create your own. We will construct this Ohio Star using traditional strip cutting techniques. The quilt top will include 12 stars and create a 36? x 46? quilt top.
Interested in blacksmithing but unsure how to start? Open Forge Night is the place for you! Every third Wednesday of the month during our blacksmithing season, come see demonstrations by expert blacksmith Steve Gurzler. Observing the demonstration is free and open to the public. If you want to try your hand at blacksmithing there is a $25 fee to cover the cost of materials. Safety precautions must be followed - including hard shoes with no open toes, long pants, goggles (supplied) and gloves (supplied).
In this class students will create a stained glass mosaic in an 8" x 10" frame. Students will have a choice of photographs to work with, or may bring their own if desired. Students will be instructed on how to grout their piece, which is recommended but not required. This class is suitable for students of any level.
Sharpening and honing of blades is a mystery to most people these days although our ancestors knew the skill intimately. Technology of honing has definitely improved over the past 100 years and there are many technologies to choose from. Howard will demystify the sharpening process and you will leave the workshop with the skills to sharpen your own blades. Students should bring one or two blades to hone for the class.
Many handwoven patterns look best with traditional hemstitching. Four styles of hemstitching will be taught in this class. A technique known as overcasting adds a classic look to towels and table runners. The techniques you learn can be used on future projects for both floor loom and rigid heddle looms.
This block shines as a two-color quilt or becomes quite playful when designed as a scrappy quilt. You will create enough blocks to construct a 40? x 40? lap quilt, wall hanging or table topper. The blocks created in the block party classes will be cut using the Acuquilt cutting system. This system improves accuracy in cutting and reduces the stress on your hands often felt while cutting large amounts of small units of fabric for the quilt blocks.
In this advanced class, experienced students will have the opportunity to work on Large Shaker Oval Boxes. Construction steps and hardware application will be demonstrated, and all participants will put their hands-to-work on their own projects. Students will become familiar with construction techniques as they complete their projects. These projects have a firm place in Shaker history as they were a very popular offering to "The World's People" by Shaker craftsmen. With Shaker inspired elegance these are sure to become instant heirlooms!
In this advanced class, experienced students will have the opportunity to work on Large Shaker Oval Boxes. Construction steps and hardware application will be demonstrated, and all participants will put their hands-to-work on their own projects. Students will become familiar with construction techniques as they complete their projects. These projects have a firm place in Shaker history as they were a very popular offering to "The World's People" by Shaker craftsmen. With Shaker inspired elegance these are sure to become instant heirlooms!
One of the most iconic items of Shaker woodworking, nesting oval boxes share elegance, simplicity and functionality equally. Using carefully prepared thin strips of wood each participant will carve the "swallowtails" of "fingers" on one end before soaking them in a hot water bath to soften for bending. Copper tacks are installed to hold the oval hoop together before top and bottom boards are fit and held by wooden pegs. Each student will construct five nesting oval boxes from cherry wood in this two-day workshop. This class is open to all experience levels, no woodworking experience required!
Whether you are an experienced weaver or just a beginner, pick-up band weaving on the inkle loom is a portable, satisfying, and surprisingly easy way to create elaborate patterns with minimal equipment. The pick-up technique is used in many weaving traditions, and the finished products can be made into bookmarks, dog leashes, instrument and purse straps, and belts. We will focus on traditional Nordic and Baltic pick-up weaving using linen and wool threads. We will begin by getting familiar with the inkle loom, practicing the basic weaving technique, and learning how to read a pattern, and then we will start working on our projects. Depending on how quickly you weave, you may create a couple of bookmarks or a longer strap that can be used for a bag, camera, or musical instrument. On the second day, we will go over warping the inkle loom so that you have the skills you need to do it on your own later.
One of the most iconic items of Shaker woodworking, nesting oval boxes share elegance, simplicity and functionality equally. Using carefully prepared thin strips of wood each participant will carve the "swallowtails" of "fingers" on one end before soaking them in a hot water bath to soften for bending. Copper tacks are installed to hold the oval hoop together before top and bottom boards are fit and held by wooden pegs. Each student will construct five nesting oval boxes from cherry wood in this two-day workshop. This class is open to all experience levels, no woodworking experience required!
Strap Hinges are an iconic form of blacksmith-made hinge. This 2-day class will take participants through the process of forging a small set of strap hinges with wrapped eyes and decorative finials. We will also forge the hooks to mount them. Students will either be able to replicate historic examples or design their own unique styles of hinges.
Whether you are an experienced weaver or just a beginner, pick-up band weaving on the inkle loom is a portable, satisfying, and surprisingly easy way to create elaborate patterns with minimal equipment. The pick-up technique is used in many weaving traditions, and the finished products can be made into bookmarks, dog leashes, instrument and purse straps, and belts. We will focus on traditional Nordic and Baltic pick-up weaving using linen and wool threads. We will begin by getting familiar with the inkle loom, practicing the basic weaving technique, and learning how to read a pattern, and then we will start working on our projects. Depending on how quickly you weave, you may create a couple of bookmarks or a longer strap that can be used for a bag, camera, or musical instrument. On the second day, we will go over warping the inkle loom so that you have the skills you need to do it on your own later.
In days gone by, it was common practice for people living in wild places to tend the land which provided them with food, medicine, and shelter. It was a daily exchange of life between human and the natural world. In this introductory series, we will explore the natural world and discover ways to more fully engage with her as she moves through each of the four seasons. In each class we will: create an outdoor (temporary) medicine wheel in order to deepen our understanding of the cyclical nature of all life: plants, people, animal/insect. We will also engage with/forage the plants which are available to us as we seasonally and learn how to transform what they have to offer into something we can use, aka beneficial preparations. This class will be balanced with time outdoors for Wild Tending and indoors for hands-on practice of preparation techniques and extraction methods. Each class stands on it's own. Together they create a synergy of seasonal attunement aligning your wild nature with the natural world around you.
Come create a simple turned bowl that still looks and feels rustic due to its live edge. This course is targeted to those who have an interest in learning how to turn. The emphasis will be on learning how to use a lathe and tools safely and correctly. In this class, you will learn the basics of creating spindle-based objects and then work at turning your bowl. Leave the class with a lovely treasure that captures the "wild" feel of the Adirondacks!
Strap Hinges are an iconic form of blacksmith-made hinge. This 2-day class will take participants through the process of forging a small set of strap hinges with wrapped eyes and decorative finials. We will also forge the hooks to mount them. Students will either be able to replicate historic examples or design their own unique styles of hinges.
Create a beautiful, unique basket with Dona Nazarenko using dyed and natural reed. Beginning on a twined oval base, students will weave up the sides using natural reed and then add striking placements of additional weavers in various sizes and colors. The basket will then be embellished with dots to create a unique finished piece, standing about 6.5? tall and 8? wide.
Whether you can play an instrument or not, you can still write songs! Beginner or expert, in this special workshop you will learn folk song writing skills or advance your current abilities with award-winning performing songwriters Cosby Gibson and Tom Staudle. Participants of all levels will study the facets of composing and developing folk songs. Also includes live music demonstrations by the instructors, discussion, and individual guidance. Students may bring (but are not required to) instrument, recording device such as phone or handheld.
Turn two rustic pieces of wood into trivets that become gorgeous hung pieces when not in use. Students will insert spokes and weave with natural and dyed reed to create patterns and add color. This class is fun for all skill levels! Dimensions: Approx. 14? x 16?
Would you like to try blacksmithing, and get a taste of the craft? Join instructor Steve Gurzler for 3 weekday evenings to learn how to operate a coal forge to bring metal to incandescent heat and shape it with hammer in hand. This class will use the Artist Blacksmiths Association of North America (ABANA) curriculum to teach the basics of blacksmithing. Students can expect to create 2 or more projects during the 3 evenings. Class size is limited to ensure all can advance at their own pace.
This course will cover the various methods of making a throwing axe including traditional and more modern methods. For those with some forging experience. Students will learn how to forge weld. Proper balance of axe head and haft will be stressed.
Join Janet for a day long class to create a mini barn quilt for that special mom, grandma or mother -in- law for Mother?s Day. Or perhaps to spruce up your entrance way for summer. Come and unlock your creative spirit in this daylong class.
This course will cover the various methods of making a throwing axe including traditional and more modern methods. For those with some forging experience. Students will learn how to forge weld. Proper balance of axe head and haft will be stressed.
Forestry, canoes, animal tracks, what's more classic Adirondack iconography? Students may select up to three designs and learn various basic leatherwork techniques, including but not limited to, cutting, stamping, embossing, dying, and stitching. To complete the earrings, we'll add sterling silver ear wires and silver plated findings. Longest earring size is approximately 2 1/2".
Understanding photography basics is the key to taking control of your camera and knowing you got the shot when you were taking it. If you would like to take your skill level from shooting in Auto to having full control over your camera, this intensive class is for you! A step-by-step PowerPoint presentation helps teach the basic principles of photography including: camera options and set-up, peripheral equipment, image exposure and histograms, and will touch on shooting for HDR and working with motion, depth of field, and composition. The class is paced to allow time for questions and interaction, with about half of the day in the classroom experimenting with the cameras, and the other half spent in the field, practicing camera techniques and shooting options. A comprehensive handout will include all the major points covered in the presentation. While the class instruction is mostly landscape based, these techniques and principles can be applied to all photographic situations.
