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Build a Wee Lassie Canoe

The original Wee Lassie was a lapstrake-built open cedar canoe made in 1863 by J. Henry Rushton of Canton, NY. Rushton was one of the most famous canoe builders of his era. George Washington Sears, who wrote of his adventures under his pen name of Nessmuk as he recorded his paddling adventures throughout the Adirondacks, popularized these small, finely crafted canoes. Come spend 11 wonderful days with master instructor Larry Benjamin building your own Wee Lassie. You will be guided through every step of the building process. Leave with a beautiful, lightweight canoe that handles well in the water. Open to all level of student.

Build a Wee Lassie Canoe

The original Wee Lassie was a lapstrake-built open cedar canoe made in 1863 by J. Henry Rushton of Canton, NY. Rushton was one of the most famous canoe builders of his era. George Washington Sears, who wrote of his adventures under his pen name of Nessmuk as he recorded his paddling adventures throughout the Adirondacks, popularized these small, finely crafted canoes. Come spend 11 wonderful days with master instructor Larry Benjamin building your own Wee Lassie. You will be guided through every step of the building process. Leave with a beautiful, lightweight canoe that handles well in the water. Open to all level of student.

Introduction to Clay/Ceramics – Hand Building

Adirondack Folk School 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, United States

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.

Basic Electric Welding for Blacksmiths

Adirondack Folk School 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, United States

There are times when a blacksmith needs to assemble parts or make a tool when traditional joinery is inefficient. In this class we'll cover the basics of MIG and Stick Welding while fabricating a simple "Smoosh-O-Matic Guillotine Tool with one or 2 sets of dies. This guillotine tool works well to complete the ABANA Level 1 and 2 tenoned joint requirements.

Pick Up the Pace

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.

Berry Baskets

Adirondack Folk School 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, United States

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.

Leather & Cowhide Valet Tray

Adirondack Folk School 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, United States

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"

Cobweb Chaser Broom

Adirondack Folk School 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, United States

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.

Whisk Broom

Adirondack Folk School 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, United States

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.

Sagamore Chair

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.

Introduction to Chip Carving

Adirondack Folk School 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, United States

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.

Sagamore Chair

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.

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.