In this exciting AFS class students will learn the basics of carving stone. You'll learn about the three basic types of chisel: point, tooth and flat. If time allows, finishing techniques will also be taught, and used to create a 3D shape in marble. All under the expert guidance of Charles Austin, stone mason and carver. Students should come with a simple idea of what they would like to create.
In this course each student will get a chance to forge their own set of dividers based on 18th century designs. These tools would have traditionally been used to trace and chart out patterns as well as calculate size or distance. This is a helpful tool for any traditional wood or metal worker and would be an excellent additional to any tool chest. This class will involve forge welding and hand filing. It is recommended that students taking this course have some basic working knowledge of blacksmithing (how to operate a forge, using hand tools, etc.). Prior forge welding experience is not required.
Birch bark picture frames and mirrors have adorned Adirondack camps and cabins for centuries and were a favorite winter project for the guides to make. This is a great class for beginners with limited experience with woodworking and tools. You will select a frame and learn how to cut and fasten the Birch bark, twigs and other natural objects to create your own 'masterpiece'. Come see why this is one of our most popular classes. You'll be proud to hang this in your home!
If you have taken one or more classes using silver metal clay and are interested in discovering more about the many uses for metal clay, this may be the class for you! The class is focused on learning techniques typically not covered in introductory classes but are useful to metal clay jewelry makers. We will focus on the topics listed of greatest interest to those enrolled. Additional topics may be included with advance notice and time available. Potential Topics: How to make and use molds, how to set different shaped stones that can be fired in place, the basics of torch firing small metal clay pieces, various bail designs, how to make simple scatter pins, more information about Art Clay Silver.
Dye a rainbow with all-natural plant material! This workshop is a great intro to natural dyeing and participants will create a wearable rainbow with the colors of the Adirondacks. Children 8 sand up can participate with a parent, or 15 and up with parent permission.
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. Students should be high school age or older. Parents must accompany children under the age of 18.
Birch bark picture frames and mirrors have adorned Adirondack camps and cabins for centuries and were a favorite winter project for the guides to make. This is a great class for beginners with limited experience with woodworking and tools. You will select a frame and learn how to cut and fasten the Birch bark, twigs and other natural objects to create your own 'masterpiece'. Come see why this is one of our most popular classes. You'll be proud to hang this in your home!
Are you inspired by our picturesque Adirondack lake views? Join local artist and teacher, Kate Hartley and learn the basics of watercolors in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Realism, color mixing, wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry techniques, perspective and the "tricks" of capturing light and reflections will be emphasized. Bring a photo of your own favorite lake view, at any season, or use one provided by the instructor. Whether you have some painting experience, or have always just wanted to try, this class is for you!
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.
You don't have to be an artist to create wood burned art. This introduction to wood burning, also known as pyrography, will teach you how to create your own unique artwork. We will cover all the basics: safety, burners, tips, transferring images, wood species, adding color and protective finishes. Resources will also be shared for continued learning after class completion. In class, students will try out various tips to see what each is capable of. Students will then have the opportunity to work on up to three projects of nature or Adirondack inspired images.
We all need more space to keep our gardening and craft tools. Pantry baskets were designed by Shakers to do just that - sometimes being built so large they needed two people to carry them! Students will begin with a tall oak handle, weaving with natural round and flat reed to get the basket started. The addition of a side pocket will create a truly unique basket with a little extra space for your stuff. Students will have the choice of adding color or decorating the top of their handle to customize their basket. This class is great for all experience levels.
This large storage basket is woven with natural reed and stands on tall feet. Dona will walk you through the process of weaving the basket and fitting on the rectangle hoop rim. If time allows, a smaller removable basket can also be crafted to fit inside to hold additional items. This nesting pair of baskets is great for sewing, craft needs, and a great catch all. Please note: This class is ideal for folks with prior basket weaving experience.
