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Adirondack Berry Picking and Gathering Basket

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

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.

Introduction to Bladesmithing

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

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, NY, 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!

Make a Sapling Bow and Arrow

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

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, NY, United States

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.

Introduction to Bladesmithing

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

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.

Fruit Bowl Basket

After twining with a natural reed, a variety of weavings will turn this into a bowl shape then add a bit of color for a decorative touch. Double lashing on the rim will complete the project. Tips will be shared regarding bases and shaping up the sides to make weaving easier for you! 4" high x 12" across top and 38" around.

Rugs from Rags

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

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.

Traditional Soap Making

Adirondack Folk School 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, 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!

Principles of Herbal Medicine

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

Weaving 102: Next Steps to Weaving on a Floor Loom

Once you've learned the basics of the weaving process, it's time for your first project! Each student will wind a warp, dress a loom and weave a Tencel scarf. Multiple color choices will be available. The weave structors is based on plain weave, making this s great first project.

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.