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Introduction to Bladesmithing

Adirondack Folk School 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne

This class is taught by renowned instructor and the very first winner of History Channel's Forged in Fire, Matthew Parkinson. Students can expect to forge and finish one 4-6" blade antler handled hunting knife, using a gas forge. Topics covered will be working with high carbon steels, knife design, forging a blade to shape, grinding, finishing, heat treating, fitting a guard and attaching a handle. This class is intended as an introductory bladesmithing class, but some forging experience is helpful. Also covered will be the design, construction and finishing of a leather belt sheath. Students will learn how to make a pattern for the individual knife. Then they will cut out, mold, stitch, dye and finish a leather sheath. Special attention will be given to the design of the sheath for good retention of the knife as well as holding up over time.

Cottage Market Basket

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.

Live Edge Bowl

Adirondack Folk School 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne

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!

Make a Sapling Bow and Arrow

Adirondack Folk School 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne

Learn the ancient craft of creating a sapling bow and arrow with sinew, feathers and flaked stone points. Saplings, dogwood arrow shafts, imitation sinew and feathers will be provided. Children can come enjoy a few hours on a summer day learning about our Native American ancestors. This is also a perfect class for your family to experience together, or for a scout troop.

Adirondack Berry Picking and Gathering Basket

Adirondack Folk School 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne

This basket is a variation on an Adirondack Pack Basket, one of the oldest surviving traditions inside the Adirondack Park. You will use a continuous weave technique and hand shaping to create this wonderfully useful basket. Bridle leather will be used to weave the strapping and create a strap that will leave your hands free for blueberry picking or any other type of gathering. It also makes a great container to keep your yarn when knitting socks. The approximate finished size is 10" - 12" tall (width may vary). This is a challenging class with lots of hand shaping.

Join the Waiting List We are sorry, but this course is currently full. If space(s) become available, we will notify users in the order in which they requested to be added to the waiting list.