• Make Some Books!

    This class is an introduction to some basic techniques for making books by hand. Participants will make 3 different book structures: a sewn pamphlet, a hard cover fold book and an Asian style "stab" binding. The workshop will start with the making of decorative paste papers to be used for covering the book models we will make in class. Investigate the crafts employed in putting the elements of a book together. These simple bindings are satisfying and useful on their own but also employ techniques that can be elaborated on for more advanced book forms and personal exploration.

  • Beginning Bluegrass Banjo

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

    Bluegrass banjo is the familiar sound that drove such favorites as the Beverly Hillbillies Theme Song, Rocky Top and Foggy Mountain Breakdown. In this class you will learn enough about the banjo so that you can use a variety of available instructional aids from your home and progress with learning Bluegrass banjo at your own pace. You will be exposed to the basics of playing 5-string Bluegrass banjo, including tunings, left hand chord shapes, right hand rolls, vamping, hammer-ons, pull-offs, chokes, chimes and how to read tablatures. We'll also look at online sites about banjo practice and instruction.

  • T-Shirt Memory Quilt

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

    In this class students will learn how to cut and stabilize t-shirts to be used in a "memory" t-shirt quilt. Some editing of materials may be necessary. Guidance for fabric choices of sashing and background colors will be given. On day 2 students will lay out and size their blocks and begin sewing. Options for quilting will be discussed. On day 3 students will finish their quilts by applying the borders, binding and label. Homework will be assigned between each class date. Students will need to bring their own t-shirt collection, a rotary cutter and cutting mat for day 1. Materials for days 2 & 3 will be discussed during class. Some knowledge of sewing/quilting is helpful.

  • Introduction to Scroll Saws

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

    The purpose of this course is to introduce the student who is interested in pursuing the hobby of working with the scroll saw to produce scroll work art for themselves. Their family, and their friends. The student will be introduced to the mechanics and the safe operation of the scroll saw. Students will be introduced to the many different saw blade types and cutting characteristics of each blade type to help in their selection of a blade for a particular piece of work. Additionally, students will receive instruction in three different methods of transferring a pattern to a piece of wood. Following this instruction, students will practice preparing the saw for safe operation followed by practicing the different movements required to successfully follow pattern lines while cutting a piece of wood. At the completion of the class, students will have completed a simple cat puzzle and a snowflake trivet using both exterior and interior cuts to remove material from the puzzle and the snowflake.

  • Framed Stained Glass Mosaics

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

    In this class students will create a stained glass mosaic in a 5" by 7" or similar frame. Students will have a choice of inspiration photographs to work with, or may bring their own if desired. The class will include instruction on how to grout the piece as homework, which is recommended but not required. This class is suitable for students of any level.

  • Blacksmithing 101: Forging Basics & Making Hooks

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

    This 4-hour class is ideal for the beginner blacksmith with little to no experience. We'll learn to use a coal forge and explore basic techniques first, then move on to forging hooks with a decorative twist. ABANA

  • Double-Bottomed Bushel Basket

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

    This basket is ideal for a beginner or someone who would like to learn additional techniques. Students will weave a sturdy, functional basket beginning with a kicked-up twined base. In weaving up the sides, multiple weaving techniques will be introduced. Students are encouraged to work with the instructor to design their own basket, applying embellishment and color consideration. Hand-dyed materials will be available to weave into the baskets. The basket is finished with a pair of leather handle. Students will leave with an understanding of multiple weaving techniques, and a unique piece of work. Dimensions: approx. 10? diameter, 8? high.

  • Leather & Cowhide Valet Tray

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

    This is an introductory class where students will learn leathercraft basics, as well as how to use various tools and techniques including, but not limited to, cutting, edge beveling and burnishing, grooving, setting hardware, and letter stamping. There will be two leather types to select from, in addition to finish/color, cowhide pattern, faux sinew color, and hardware finish. Students will complete the class with their very own one-of-a-kind, heirloom quality tray to hold all of their essentials on a desk, dresser, nightstand, or elsewhere. Overall finished tray size is 7" x 7".

  • UFO Studio

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

    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!

  • Finials & Twists

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

    Nothing shows the artistry of hand forged work more than decoratives twists or finials. Explore a variety of theses descorative elementswith Jordan Mauro in this one-day class. Prior blacksmithing experience is helpful but not required.

  • Silver Metal Clay Exploration

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

    Explore the many ways that you can use silver in a metal clay formulation to create jewelry designs of your own. The newest way of working with silver is metal clay which can be shaped like clay to produce uniquely textured surfaces, resulting in durable beautiful silver jewelry. Students will learn metal clay working techniques and make pendants, earrings, charms and rings. Fresh leaves will also be used to create a silver piece of nature. The class will also cover techniques for setting and firing stones directly in metal clay. Each student will leave with at least four finished pieces of jewelry. No previous experience necessary.

  • Introduction to Woodworking

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

    Unsure how to begin woodworking? Jim will guide you through the basics of hand and power tool safety. Students will receive group and on-on-one coaching on the use of tools and working with wood – planing, measuring, cutting, joining, assembly and finish. The class is great for beginners and those who want to take their skills to the next level.