Students will learn glass cutting and mosaic techniques while creating a beautiful land and waterscape mosaic. We will be using stained glass and slate to make a mosaic with water, island and trees.
Learn to create, shape, and finish beautifully elegant plates and platters on the lathe. Explore how to add fine detail to accentuate and reinforce balance within the overall form. Emphasis will be placed on developing fine tool control, design & form aesthetic, finesse, the nuances of sharpening, and creating fine utility finishes. We'll explore platter form in depth, and focus on creating lasting, well-designed and crafted objects to be shared with others for generations to come. Explore the unique contrasts and various benefits between burnishing, scraping and shear cutting surfaces at the lathe. Learn to understand the specific differences & advantages of each tool, and how to sharpen effectively for excellent results at the lathe. Learn to understand how lathe speed and tool usage greatly affect the final surfaces being cut. Learn to modify and apply grinds which allow the tool's function to broaden the depth of items one can turn at the lathe. Learn to recognize how grain orientation, specific tool selection, and application are vital to the process of turning fine platters at the lathe.
Round and Round you’ll go as you create weavings using colorful yarn and paper plate looms. Depending on the number of weavings you create, you’ll be able to make a hot chocolate mug coaster, a ball and or a pocket to keep your treasures in.
The wheel of the year turns again, and the heat is on! The plants of summer invite us to tap into the full potential of opening the abundance within our heart through working with our hands. Let's connect with nature and what she's offering us at this time of the year, while engaging in the traditional practice of wildcrafting plants at peak for the purpose of caring for our bodies in and out. In this course we will discuss the Celtic festival of Lughnasadh, as well as the essence & traits of this season. We will harvest and then take our bounty into the classroom for making preparations using traditional herbal practices. In this make and take experience, you can expect to go home with two herbal preparations based on what is alive, at peak, and available for harvest. While it's impossible to predict "who" will be available for us to work with, what I can share is that in past summer classes we've made: Wild Plant Medicinal Infusions, On the Spot Plant Poultices, Plant infused Oil to treat skin irritations, Salve for bug bites and stings. Please inform us ahead of time if you have any allergies.
In this class we will create a decorative arrangement of small pieces or wind bells of ceramic to be suspended from a frame or used as ornaments. Students will use basic handbuilding techniques to create their pieces. After a drying period of three weeks, on the second day students will learn how to decorate and glaze their piece. Dress to mess. This class is suited for students ages 8 - 14 w/a parent, and 15 and up on their own. Supplies include clay, tool sharing, glazing and firing. Forms made will have a drying period before firing, and then glazing. Students will need to return to pick up finished pieces or make shipping arrangements with AFS.
Come learn fundamental forging techniques while making functional cooking utensils great for the BBQ or kitchen. In this beginner workshop we will explore both one piece forgings as well as two piece riveted construction. You will learn simple hand forging techniques at the anvil and food safe metal finishes.
Students will build a keepsake box using a walnut frame and specimen wood, creating a gorgeous and distinctive piece great for gifting. Woodworking techniques such as cutting, sanding, and creating finger joints will be covered.
Come learn fundamental forging techniques while making functional cooking utensils great for the BBQ or kitchen. In this beginner workshop we will explore both one piece forgings as well as two piece riveted construction. You will learn simple hand forging techniques at the anvil and food safe metal finishes.
Students will build a keepsake box using a walnut frame and specimen wood, creating a gorgeous and distinctive piece great for gifting. Woodworking techniques such as cutting, sanding, and creating finger joints will be covered.
Learn the art of linoleum block printing while creating unique designs. We'll print on upcycled materials including old t-shirts, sheet, pillows, pillowcases and towels. Bring your old fabric items and give them new life! No experience necessary, students should bring materials to upcycle.
When is the last time you tried something for the first time? If you've wanted to try your hand at one of the many crafts offered at AFS but you couldn't decide what to try, this program is for you! This summer we are offering a four-day program for students ages 16+ that explores a new core craft each day including basketry, blacksmithing, weaving, and woodworking. Students will learn a new skill and create a new project every day! Please note: No a la carte registration for single day courses. Lodging and food is not provided. Day 1: Double Bottomed Bushel Basket with Barbara Boughton 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.
Day 2: Forged Leaf Keychain with Arnie Barsky This class is ideal for the beginner blacksmith with little to no experience. We'll explore basic techniques first then move on to forging leaves to create a decorative leaf keychain. Long pants (no nylon clothing) and closed-toe shoes are required. Leather gloves, eye and ear protection are provided; you may wish to bring your own for fit and comfort
Day 3: Woven Napkins with Janet Gallant Let's reuse and save. In this class you will complete several cloth napkins. Make them all one color or create a collection using the yarn available in class. Don't be afraid to use the napkins and to wash and dry them. Janet's first woven napkin was created 15 years ago and still looks as good as new!
Day 4: Woodturning Pens with Frank Lagace In this beginner friendly class, you will learn the basics of wood lathe operation and safety while turning a piece of raw wood into a custom pen. Each student will leave with a beautiful, handcrafted pen and the knowledge to continue woodturning confidently on their own.
When is the last time you tried something for the first time? If you've wanted to try your hand at one of the many crafts offered at AFS but you couldn't decide what to try, this program is for you! This summer we are offering a four-day program for students ages 16+ that explores a new core craft each day including basketry, blacksmithing, weaving, and woodworking. Students will learn a new skill and create a new project every day! Please note: No a la carte registration for single day courses. Lodging and food is not provided. Day 1: Double Bottomed Bushel Basket with Barbara Boughton 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.
Day 2: Forged Leaf Keychain with Arnie Barsky This class is ideal for the beginner blacksmith with little to no experience. We'll explore basic techniques first then move on to forging leaves to create a decorative leaf keychain. Long pants (no nylon clothing) and closed-toe shoes are required. Leather gloves, eye and ear protection are provided; you may wish to bring your own for fit and comfort
Day 3: Woven Napkins with Janet Gallant Let's reuse and save. In this class you will complete several cloth napkins. Make them all one color or create a collection using the yarn available in class. Don't be afraid to use the napkins and to wash and dry them. Janet's first woven napkin was created 15 years ago and still looks as good as new!
Day 4: Woodturning Pens with Frank Lagace In this beginner friendly class, you will learn the basics of wood lathe operation and safety while turning a piece of raw wood into a custom pen. Each student will leave with a beautiful, handcrafted pen and the knowledge to continue woodturning confidently on their own.
