Adirondack Folk School

Barn Quilt
2022-09-10 09:00 - 16:00, 2022-09-09 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | NY
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.

Woodturned Lidded Boxes
2022-09-10 09:00 - 16:00 | Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, 12846, United States
In this class, students will learn to turn a cylindrical box and then turn a lid for the box, all from the same piece of wood. Students will learn tricks to making a good lid and will leave the class with a nice box for all sorts of collections!

Needle Felted Fall Decor
2022-09-10 09:00 - 16:00 | NY
Needle felting is a fun and addictive craft. The wool is very forgiving as it can be continually reshaped, similar to sculpting with clay. In this introductory class, we will discuss the variety of wools, tools, and techniques used to form desired shapes in creating three-dimensional objects. Students will sculpt two medium sized pumpkins or gourds, with techniques that can be transferred to unlimited ideas. Each student’s work will be different as we work with a number of choices of type of fleece and colors used. Additional kits and tools will be available for purchase.

Introduction to Chip Carving
2022-09-10 09:00 - 16:00 | Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, 12846, 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.

Blacksmithing 102C: Make Like a Tree
2022-09-10 09:00 - 13:00 | Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, 12846, United States
Nature has been a source of artistic inspiration for thousands of years. Leaves have been a part of decorative blacksmithing for a long time, and there are many different types of leaves one can make. This class is intended for students who have taken a basic/beginner class and who understand the basic techniques and concepts. We will start by making leaves with just the hammer and anvil, and then begin using tools like chisels and decorative punches.

Blacksmithing 101: Nail & Hook
2022-09-09 13:00 - 17:00 | Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, 12846, United States
This 4-hour class is ideal for the beginner blacksmith with little to no experience. We will start with the basics, and within the first hour students will be forging their own nails. From there, students will forge hooks with a decorative twist.

A Taste of the Forge
2022-09-08 18:00 - 20:30 | Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, 12846, United States
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.

Autumn Weaving - Table Runners
2022-09-08 10:00 - 14:00, 2022-09-06 10:00 - 14:00 | NY
Want to try out weaving on a floor loom? This class starts with a loom all set up and ready to go – no prior weaving experience is needed! Gather round the table with family, food, and a lovely woven (by you!) table runner. Each class will include an introduction to the loom and instructions on how to operate it. Several color choices will be available. You’ll be weaving away in no time!

AFS Sewing Circle
2022-09-08 10:00 - 14:00 | Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, 12846, United States
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!

Principles of Herbal Medicine
2022-08-29 10:00 - 16:30 | Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, 12846, United States
The use of plants for wellness, nutrition and balance has been practiced for thousands of years in the Adirondacks and cultures around the globe. Join Margo for an exploration of Basic Principles of Herbal Medicine through the lens of intimately getting to know 6 easy to identify plants from our local region who may be growing right under your own feet! (And in your own garden!)
In this class you will have an opportunity to gain intimate knowledge of plants and traditional methods of working with them, while building your wild skill set in identification and transforming raw (plant) material into beneficial preparations through hands-on experiences. Your work in the classroom will continue at home. In each class you will receive a rooted specimen of the plant we work with, along with the earthwork of establishing your own medicinal herb garden.
This class is recommended for those who are: curious, herbalists, gardeners and/or plant lovers, ages 13 and up, beginner or experienced.

Traditional Soap Making
2022-08-28 13:00 - 17:30 | Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, 12846, United States
Create soap just like Grandma, but better! Join Chrissey for an enjoyable Sunday afternoon as you learn how to make soap that not only smells good but is all-natural and feels great on your skin. This fun class will teach you how to create soap using the cold-process and natural/organic ingredients. You will learn all about the basic process, oils, and the difference between fragrances and essential oils. You will create soap from a recipe while learning how to handle lye safely. Finally, you’ll take home your hand-made soap. So, say good-bye to store-bought soap and start using soap you made yourself!

Introduction to Cold Process Soap Making
2022-08-28 13:00 - 16:00, 2022-08-27 13:00 - 16:00 | NY
This class is an introduction to the cold process method of soap making. Students will get a lesson in lye safety and will participate in the making of a basic soap. Students will leave with a loaf of soap that will yield about eight bars. Finally, while this is an introductory class, there will be discussion about ways to acquire further knowledge/skills.

Chopper
2022-08-28 09:00 - 16:00, 2022-08-27 09:00 - 16:00, 2022-08-26 09:00 - 16:00 | Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, 12846, United States
In this 3-day class students will learn how to forge a 10 chopping knife. Blades will be heat treated and sharpened, then a wood handle with a steel ferrule will be crafted and fit to the blade.

Nature & Wildlife Photography: A Day of Learning & Shooting
2022-08-27 09:00 - 17:00 | Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, 12846, United States
This class is geared towards beginner to intermediate photographers who want to learn solid fundamentals and put them into practice with instruction. Dave will share an intro slideshow of his work and a discussion on ethics, safety, subject knowledge and increasing success rate. There will be a handout that covers discussion points of basic camera use, lens selection, composition and more. This class will include shooting in the field at a location picked dependent on the time of year. Students should keep in mind that nothing in nature in guaranteed to show up, but Dave will put you in the right place at the right time for the best chances of success.

Live Edge Bowl
2022-08-27 09:00 - 16:00 | Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, 12846, United States
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!

Mountain Gathering Basket
2022-08-21 09:00 - 16:00, 2022-08-20 09:00 - 16:00 | Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, 12846, United States
This basket is based on a forerunner of the Nantucket Lightship basket, c. 1850. Woven on a round oak base, the spokes are inserted into a groove which holds them firmly in place. This basket employs a continuous chase weave to build the sides, using two weavers at once. The basket is hand-shaped, not woven on a mold, and students will be challenged and excited to watch their creations grow with two weavers. A hand-carved oak handle is incorporated into the rim, which finishes this rustically graceful and functional basket. It is woven on a 6″ oak base which grows into a 12″ diameter basket. Dimensions are approx. 10″ high at sides, 16″ high at handle.

Stained Glass for Beginners
2022-08-21 09:00 - 13:00 | NY
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.

Hiking Stick
2022-08-21 09:00 - 12:00 | Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, 12846, United States
Learn how to make your very own personal hiking stick. Begin by selecting the perfect stick collected by the instructor. Then you will learn how to shave and carve your hiking stick. Once you are happy with your creation, the sticks will be completed by drilling a hole in them and adding a lanyard. Once finished, put your stick to good use on the trail running right by our school!

Summer Landscapes, Stars, and Meteor Showers Photo Tour
2022-08-20 15:00 - 23:00 | Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, 12846, United States
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.

Build a Rustic Birdhouse
2022-08-20 09:00 - 12:00 | Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, 12846, United States
Anyone can learn to make a rustic birdhouse in just a few hours. A birdhouse is a simple structure with seven basic parts: two sides, a front and back, a bottom, and two pieces for the top. Power tools are not necessary to cut the wood; it can be done with a handsaw. Using rough-cut lumber, you will construct a rustic birdhouse that can be functional and/or decorative. Choose from several birdhouse designs. There will be a short discussion about nesting birds, feeding birds and suitable houses for area birds. Participants are encouraged to bring objects (such as old drawer pulls, doorknobs, hardware, etc.) from home. Adults and teens welcome; children ages 10-14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Weaving 101: Introduction to Weaving on a Floor Loom
2022-08-19 10:00 - 13:00 | NY
Students will learn to weave through instruction and hands on experience! Students will learn about equipment, terminology, and the procee of weaving, including planning, winding a warp, dressing a loom, weaving and finishing. Students will make a sampler of plain and twill weaves. No prior look experience needed.

Hardwood Spoon Carving
2022-08-19 09:00 - 17:00 | Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, 12846, United States
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!

Eco Print Silk Scarf
2022-08-19 09:00 - 16:00 | Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, 12846, United States
Join Marjolaine in a 1-day class to create an eco print silk scarf. During this workshop you will explore the technique of eco printing, a method of transferring the pigment within leaves and other plant matter to silk fabric via steaming or boiling. It is a technique for printing on fabric with the natural dye color present in plants.

Intermed. Blacksmithing - Forging Transitions & Set-Ups for Various Shapes
2022-08-19 09:00 - 16:00 | Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, 12846, United States
Forging a bar of stock into a particular shape, be it a cooking utensil, latch or other items requires two things. First, you need to know how much material is necessary to create the shape, the “set-up”, and second, how to forge out that shape, the “transition”, ensuring that they are both graceful and structurally sound. This class will explore traditional 18th century forging techniques with an emphasis on set-ups and transitions by forging a smiple spatula for hearth cooking as well as a more complicated key-hole spatula. Later we will explore latch making with the same emphasis. And lastly, finishing of your work by filing it to bring out its beauty and add details. Many examples of latches and hearth cooking utensils will be available for students to examine. Students should have a wrking knowledge and bility to manage a coal fire, basic hand forging knowledge and the ability to forge weld.
