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.
In this two-day workshop, learn to forge functional and decorative cooking utensils great for the barbecue or the kitchen! We will explore both two piece construction and one piece forgings. Each student will create multiple utensils while learning simple hand forging techniques, material isolation, sheet metal forming, and simple food safe finishes.
Come and create your own willow leaf shaped, traditional cherry wood canoe paddle or make a native double kayak/sit in the bottom canoe paddle. After some history and an explanation of the shapes, you will pick your blank and get started using only hand tools to create your paddle! The process will be demonstrated from beginning to end to ensure that you come away with a perfect paddle. Two different sizes will be available for canoe paddles - standard (29" shaft) and long (32" shaft). Kayak paddles are one size fits all (54" shaft). This one-day class will give you a sense of accomplishment as you complete a paddle that will accompany you on the water.
In this series of classes, a new quilt block will be introduced each month along with the techniques used to cut, piece, and construct the quilt block. Color is an important component to block and quilt design. Examples will be presented for each block to help you create a quilt that is pleasing to your personal color and style. Each offering can stand on its own, so take one, a few or all five! Students should have some basic knowledge of sewing prior to taking this class.
May 14: Log Cabin Quilt Block – A nice beginner block to practice the mastery of the ¼” seam and the skill of squaring off the block as it builds in size. The technique to sandwich the quilt layers will be taught as well as completing the quilt with a bias binding. Students will use their blocks to create placemats.
June 11: Four Patch Star Quilt Block – This is a well-known traditional block with many variations. We will look at the variations and dream of future quilting possibilities. Students will learn several methods to cut and sew half square and quarter triangles; the building block for an endless variety of quilt blocks. Sewing techniques will be shared and practiced to create the points of the star. You will also learn how to complete a pillow with or without a zipper.
July 9: Traditional Basket Block – This is another traditional block that will use the skills taught in the Four Patch Star Block Party. Variations in color will often make this block a popular choice for seasonal quilts and table runners. Several examples will be shared. New sewing and quilting techniques in this class will include placing blocks on point, sashing, and adding a sleeve to make this a wall hanging.
August 13: Blazing Star- The Blazing Star Quilt Block is spectacular and will use the skills acquired in previous block parties. You will be surprised to learn that the challenge to this clock comes in organizing your pieces before you sew each block, the sewing should no longer be your challenge.
September 10: Maple Leaf Block – A traditional block that is very popular in quilts and seasonal table runners and wall hangings. Just in time for Autumn in the Adirondacks, create your own display of fall leaves in a quilted project for your home.
Everyone has a story to tell – what matters is how you tell it. In this four-part class, students will focus on the basics of the personal narrative – a story told in first person that relates the story teller’s own experience. Students will develop a five-minute (750-word) story from start to finish through in-class exercises and take-home assignments. They will learn how to mine their memories for story ideas, structure their thoughts for maximum effectiveness, and find the details that will bring their stories to life. At the conclusion of the course, students will be offered the opportunity to share their work in front of a live audience on a date to be determined by the class as a whole.
Create your own pine branch wall hanging with vines, leaves, and pinecones. Different size pipe will be pounded and textured on an anvil to make the branches and vines. The leaves and cones will be made from sheet copper, then textured. This class will also involve some soldering. The finished piece will be approximately 25" by 17".
Calling all fiber artists! Do you have a project you're in the middle of? Want some company while you work? Sounds like AFS Sewing Circle is the place for you! Quilters, knitters, and fiber artists alike are welcome to join us every month for an afternoon of quilting and camaraderie. Bring your works in progress, and enjoy sharing your experience and the company of your fellow quilters. Pre-registration is not required. All are welcome!
Clay arts has historical common traditions across all cultures. It is easy to shape, sculpt and transform into ceramics. Imagine making bowls, cups, wind chimes and more.... through the use of clay medium. This two-day workshop allows for experimentation in creating various forms (2-3 pieces per student). On day one students will learn basic hand-building pottery techniques; explore pinch, coil and slab. After a drying period of three weeks, on the second day students will learn how to decorate and glaze their piece.
After weaving using natural reed, you will add your ribbon and insert the swing handle to this nice size and smart looking market basket for which you will find many uses. Tips will be shared on bases and shaping up the sides to make weaving easier for you! Some different ribbon choices will be available. 11" long x 5.5" wide x 12.5" high.
Take your next hike or walk around the corner with a unique hand-crafted walking stick. Frank will guide you through the process of taking a piece of ironwood and transforming it into a walking stick that will last a lifetime. The inlaid compass will help ensure you don't lose your way on the trail! Makes a wonderful gift for the hikers in your life!
A symbol of Americana. This counter basket is popular every day of the year for storage and organization. Woven in a plain weave using natural reed, you will shape this heart basket for its functionality, usage, and fashion all in one. All height sizes will vary. Dimensions: 12” long x 8” wide x varied height. Intermediate weaving level, hand strength needed.
Goat milk soap is excellent for people with dry, irritated or sensitive skin. It is loaded with nutrients, proteins, fat, calcium and vitamins. It is an excellent natural moisturizer that helps hydrate, nourish and revitalize skin. We will discuss natural dyes and additives which you may wish to incorporate in your soap. You will be making a pound of soap to take home.
Brian McCormack is well known as a traditional skills artist in the field of both his Native Mohawk Indigenous culture and European settlers of the 1700’s. Brian will take students through the culture and traditions of wampum and each student will learn not only how it used to be made but will also create their own bracelet on a wooden bracelet frame and made in the traditional style with traditional materials of tubular glass and sinew.
Everyone has a story to tell – what matters is how you tell it. In this four-part class, students will focus on the basics of the personal narrative – a story told in first person that relates the story teller’s own experience. Students will develop a five-minute (750-word) story from start to finish through in-class exercises and take-home assignments. They will learn how to mine their memories for story ideas, structure their thoughts for maximum effectiveness, and find the details that will bring their stories to life. At the conclusion of the course, students will be offered the opportunity to share their work in front of a live audience on a date to be determined by the class as a whole.
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 $20 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).
Barn quilts are all the rage these days! Come and create your own wooden "quilt" to adorn your house, barn or cottage. In this one and a half day class you will choose a pattern and paint a stunning "quilt" to hang outdoors. No quilting experience necessary.
Barn quilts are all the rage these days! Come and create your own wooden "quilt" to adorn your house, barn or cottage. In this one and a half day class you will choose a pattern and paint a stunning "quilt" to hang outdoors. No quilting experience necessary.
In this class, students with a basic class or a bit of experience behind them will learn to forge hooks and eyes, make a basic forge-weld, and create an attractive, functional Gate Latch. ABANA
No weaving experience is necessary! The looms are dressed and ready to go, all you need to do is bring your creative spirit and to leave with a finished one-of-a-kind rug. Students will have a choice of making a traditional Rag Rug using recycled fabric strips or making a Sock Rug using remnants from a sock factory. Colors and choices of fabric and remnants vary from class to class depending on availability. The rugs are 24" wide, and up to 45" long.
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!
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!
Everyone has a story to tell – what matters is how you tell it. In this four-part class, students will focus on the basics of the personal narrative – a story told in first person that relates the story teller’s own experience. Students will develop a five-minute (750-word) story from start to finish through in-class exercises and take-home assignments. They will learn how to mine their memories for story ideas, structure their thoughts for maximum effectiveness, and find the details that will bring their stories to life. At the conclusion of the course, students will be offered the opportunity to share their work in front of a live audience on a date to be determined by the class as a whole.
Create your own copper Lantern on a Bluestone base. You will punch and shape the copper sides and top and attach them to a stone base. The Lantern features a glass drop ,soldered into the 3 sides of the lantern. The punched holes and glass create a pleasant appearance when lit with a candle. The Lantern will be 9 ½" tall, and the base is 5 ½" by 5 ½".
Learn the discipline of Metal Working known as Embossing. Students will transfer an image of their choosing from a paper template to a sheet of copper by using various sizes of stylus and other hand tools to create a textured picture. Students will find that copper is a very workable material. Your finished piece will fit in with any Adirondack decor or even in a rustic birch frame! This piece is 8" x 8".
In this class students will design, shape and carve a serving spoon. Skills explored include: making a template and transferring it to a blank, carving and shaping the bowl and back of the spoon, use of hand tools such as gouges, scrapers, coping saws, and spokeshaves, and sanding and finishing techniques. Students will leave class with a beautiful handcrafted hardwood spoon to use in their own kitchens or to give as a gift!
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.
In this workshop we will complete a small Tiffany style suncatcher, ornament, or flower. Students will be able to choose a pre-drawn pattern from a variety of designs and be guided as they learn to cut the glass (chosen from a variety of types and colors), smooth the glass pieces with a grinder, apply copper foil tape, solder the pieces together into the final piece using lead-free solder, and add jump rings or a copper wire stem. The patterns available will offer a variety of levels of difficulty so students may choose what best suits them.
Students will launch by metal canoes decorated in a traditional manner, each with a Thunderhawk Guide steering and help paddle to the overnight site. Once the guests have arrived at the site and stowed the canoes they will learn how to set their Native Fly or wedge tent which they will sleep in, collect the correct wood, start a fire using traditional methods of flint and steel (steels supplied by us & also available for students to purchase), cook traditional foods of the 1700’s such as stuffed clams, bannock, vegetables and or steaks over the coals. The meal will be followed by downtime stories, history time and drumming. Students must remain in the camp area regardless of whether they choose not to attend evening activities unless accompanied by a Guide. Day two: Breakfast will be prepared followed by morning classes: Learning how to build traditional survival shelters used by trappers in the 1700's, tracking and understanding the animals, and learning how to make and use a traditional fishing trap. Leaflets will be given to each student to take home with them. Lunch will be cooked in the traditional way prepared by one of the instructors. After lunch Students will have 1 ½ hours of personal downtime and then the entire group will canoe back to the launch site late afternoon. Students will walk away with knowledge of how life was in the 1700’s for indigenous peoples during the French and Indian wars accompanied with a fantastic memory of an overnight adventure and skills that will help keep them safe in an outdoor survival situation.
In this two-day workshop you will learn how to forge high-carbon steel into a utility-style knife. Blades will then be ground, heat treated, sharpened, and a cord wrap applied.
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.
The plants are whispering beckoning us to gather in the wild. This class is for those who would like to answer that call. To work with the plants at their peak in the location in which they thrive! Using techniques from various earth-based traditions, discover the many benefits of wild foraging including: approaching the plants with an open and receptive heart, working intuitively, setting intentions for the exchange, asking permission as a way of giving respect, giving thanks, wild plant identification, and making herbal preparations on the spot!
Students will launch by metal canoes decorated in a traditional manner, each with a Thunderhawk Guide steering and help paddle to the overnight site. Once the guests have arrived at the site and stowed the canoes they will learn how to set their Native Fly or wedge tent which they will sleep in, collect the correct wood, start a fire using traditional methods of flint and steel (steels supplied by us & also available for students to purchase), cook traditional foods of the 1700’s such as stuffed clams, bannock, vegetables and or steaks over the coals. The meal will be followed by downtime stories, history time and drumming. Students must remain in the camp area regardless of whether they choose not to attend evening activities unless accompanied by a Guide. Day two: Breakfast will be prepared followed by morning classes: Learning how to build traditional survival shelters used by trappers in the 1700's, tracking and understanding the animals, and learning how to make and use a traditional fishing trap. Leaflets will be given to each student to take home with them. Lunch will be cooked in the traditional way prepared by one of the instructors. After lunch Students will have 1 ½ hours of personal downtime and then the entire group will canoe back to the launch site late afternoon. Students will walk away with knowledge of how life was in the 1700’s for indigenous peoples during the French and Indian wars accompanied with a fantastic memory of an overnight adventure and skills that will help keep them safe in an outdoor survival situation.
Munchkin is a small decorative version of a traditional Adirondack Pack basket. This is a great size for a gift or mail basket. Multiple techniques used to include plain weave, continuous weave, scarfing weaver, and tapering the weaver. Linda will guide you with shaping as you weave to form the belly in the front while maintaining a straight back and sides. Complete with a hardwood handle, fitting the rim to fit the basket and lashing. The finishing touch; a webbing or leather harness made by Linda. Instructor will bring all materials to make the basket. Students should wear comfortable clothing. Baskets will not be stained during class. Approx. Dimensions: 5” x 6.5” x 8” high.
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.
In this two-day workshop you will learn how to forge high-carbon steel into a utility-style knife. Blades will then be ground, heat treated, sharpened, and a cord wrap applied.
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.
Students will have a set of 4 clear globes. Learn to loop stitch with waxed linen over the globes creating a lacy looking ornament. The globes can be filled with glitter or a little treasure making each one unique. Students should be able to complete anywhere from one to all four globes during class. Globes are 2" in diameter.
Everyone has a story to tell – what matters is how you tell it. In this four-part class, students will focus on the basics of the personal narrative – a story told in first person that relates the story teller’s own experience. Students will develop a five-minute (750-word) story from start to finish through in-class exercises and take-home assignments. They will learn how to mine their memories for story ideas, structure their thoughts for maximum effectiveness, and find the details that will bring their stories to life. At the conclusion of the course, students will be offered the opportunity to share their work in front of a live audience on a date to be determined by the class as a whole.
Calling all fiber artists! Do you have a project you're in the middle of? Want some company while you work? Sounds like AFS Sewing Circle is the place for you! Quilters, knitters, and fiber artists alike are welcome to join us every month for an afternoon of quilting and camaraderie. Bring your works in progress, and enjoy sharing your experience and the company of your fellow quilters. Pre-registration is not required. All are welcome!
Learn to forge your own tongs ! In this class you'll be taught how to make simple flat jaw, box jaw and sheet jaw tongs or request a style of tong you've always wanted to own. There is nothing more frustrating or dangerous than a pair of tongs that won't properly hold stock. Take this class to end the frustration and work safely. Students should have basic experience in forging and fire management.
Learn to forge your own tongs ! In this class you'll be taught how to make simple flat jaw, box jaw and sheet jaw tongs or request a style of tong you've always wanted to own. There is nothing more frustrating or dangerous than a pair of tongs that won't properly hold stock. Take this class to end the frustration and work safely. Students should have basic experience in forging and fire management.
Saori Weaving is a freestyle form of weaving. A weaving technique known as clasp weft will be used. The selection of yarns and color is the main attraction with this scarf, which will be completed with twisted fringe. The looms will be warped and ready to go. Hand spun art yarn created by the instructor is included in the material cost, as well as a selection of commercially spun yarn to balance the structure. If you knit or crochet there’s a chance you have a stash of yarn that isn’t enough for a project than you just can’t part with. Bring it along to use or add to the collection of choices. This is a perfect stash busting project! The summer session will use yarns suitable for warmer weather.
Clay arts has historical common traditions across all cultures. It is easy to shape, sculpt and transform into ceramics. Imagine making bowls, cups, wind chimes and more.... through the use of clay medium. This two-day workshop allows for experimentation in creating various forms (2-3 pieces per student). On day one students will learn basic hand-building pottery techniques; explore pinch, coil and slab. After a drying period of three weeks, on the second day students will learn how to decorate and glaze their piece.
Much like Beatrix Potter, Leah enjoys creating characters from the natural environment of the Adirondacks. In this needle felting class you will make a mouse that could be found in one of Beatrix Potter’s stories. You will first learn how to make a complete armature of a four legged animal using wire. This will allow the mouse to be posable as well as present the steps needed to make other four legged animals. You will then use wool roving to create the appropriate body shapes and colors. Even though this project is at an intermediate level, the instructor will demonstrate wrapping and sculpting techniques and assist at each step. All necessary supplies will be provided in the materials packet.
Photograph the late afternoon, sunset and evening light along with the magical wonder and beauty of night skies in the southern Adirondacks with Carl Heilman as your guide and instructor. After meeting briefly at the Folk School for an introduction to night photography and some time for Q & A, the group will travel to nearby photo destinations along the roadways, lakes and waterways. After the sun sets at 7:55, we'll photograph in the twilight as the stars come out. There will be potential Milky Way photo ops before the moon rises at 9:20 PM, which will offer yet another dimension to photographing the nighttime Adirondack landscape.
