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Blacksmithing 102A: Faces & Top Tools

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

This class follows the lessons learned in Blacksmithing 101. Students will use top tools and punches to make decorative faces, starting with skulls but other artistic work will be covered such as horses, goats, horned animals, and others. To make the faces, students start with bar stock and will learn how to fuller, punch, and drift, as well as work in a team with another smith. This class focuses on the artistic side of blacksmithing and how various tools can be used to create different effects.

Rectangular Colors Basket

This basket showcases the colors of the Adirondacks that we all love. The birch bark has many layers, and each show its beauty in this project. Using a red oak base, we will focus on the placement of spokes and weavers, also adding additional birch to the inside. Embellish the rim with pine needles as you stitch with waxed linen. This basket is appropriate for basket weavers of all levels. Dimensions: 8 ½" long x 2 ½" wide x 3 ¼" high. Students should bring with them a tapestry needle and a sharp awl.

Creating a Medicine Wheel Herb Garden

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

There are many gardentemplates one can install, yet
none are as Earth focused,
Spiritual, and meditative as a
traditional Medicine Wheel
Garden. We’ll discuss the
basic structural elements
which create this unique
garden design and, from
there, sketch one out on paper
- influenced by our own
connection with the Earth. With the basic principles planted in
our hearts and minds, we will create and plant a permanent
Medicine Wheel Garden garden for all at AFS to enjoy!

Hanging Birch Bark

Bring the Adirondacks into your home. There are various steps of stitching on this hanging birch bark project using waxed linen. This also includes learning how to fold it into a pouch shape without it cracking. Next you will be embellishing the attached lid and the bottom edge has additional birch and pine needles. You will attach leather to the lid, also for hanging. Students will add beads to complete. This project is appropriate for students of all levels. Dimensions: 10" high x 5 ½" wide x 16" around top. Students should bring with them a tapestry needle and a sharp awl.

Beginning Knitting – Make Coasters

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

Have you always wanted to learn to knit but thought it was too difficult? Don't feel intimidated! Our instructor will help you through the process of learning the two basic kinds of stitches as you make at least one lovely coaster. If time permits you may make all three!! Ages 8 to adult.

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!

Open Forge Night

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

Interested in blacksmithing but unsure how to start? Open Forge Night is the place for you! Every third Wednesday of the month during our blacksmithing season, come see demonstrations by expert blacksmith Steve Gurzler. Observing the demonstration is free and open to the public. If you want to try your hand at blacksmithing there is a $20 fee to cover the cost of materials. Safety precautions must be followed - including hard shoes with no open toes, long pants, goggles (supplied) and gloves (supplied).

How to Tell a Story

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

Everyone has a story to tell - what matters is how you tell it. Whether you want to write the next great American novel or simply spin a good yarn around a campfire, the elements of storytelling are the same. In this four-part, weekly two-hour class, students will focus on the basics of the "personal narrative" - a story told in first person that relates the story teller's own experience. Students will develop a five-minute story (approximately 750 words) through in class exercises and take-home assignments. You will learn how to mine your memories for story ideas, structure your thoughts for maximum effectiveness, and find the details that will bring your story to life. At the end of the course, participants will be given the opportunity to share their work in front of a small audience.

Walking Stick with Inlaid Compass

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

Take your next hike or walk around the corner with a unique hand-crafted walking stick. Frank will guide you through the process of taking a piece of ironwood and transforming it into a walking stick that will last a lifetime. The inlaid compass will help ensure you don't lose your way on the trail! Makes a wonderful gift for the hikers in your life!

Sagamore Chair

Over 100 years ago, the famous Sagamore Hotel was built as an exclusive resort on Lake George in the Adirondacks. Its luxurious and spacious accommodations attracted the millionaires of the day, and the hotel continues to bring people from around the world to its spectacular spot on the lake. Come create a bit of history as you build a Sagamore chair using patterns struck from one of the original chairs; all the forms and patterns necessary are provided. Learn how to steam bend local Adirondack Red Oak into the graceful forms of this one-of-a-kind chair that is both beautiful and comfortable. Working with a variety of hand tools, you will bend and fasten the slats, laminate frame elements, join everything together and sand, finish and complete a beautiful chair ready for a prominent spot in your camp or home. Some prior woodworking experience is helpful, but beginners are welcome too.

Shaker Side Tables

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

In this class you will make a traditional Shaker-style, tapered-leg end table using mixed hardwoods. This project offers the chance to learn basic cuts and joinery with some creative finishes.

Sagamore Chair

Over 100 years ago, the famous Sagamore Hotel was built as an exclusive resort on Lake George in the Adirondacks. Its luxurious and spacious accommodations attracted the millionaires of the day, and the hotel continues to bring people from around the world to its spectacular spot on the lake. Come create a bit of history as you build a Sagamore chair using patterns struck from one of the original chairs; all the forms and patterns necessary are provided. Learn how to steam bend local Adirondack Red Oak into the graceful forms of this one-of-a-kind chair that is both beautiful and comfortable. Working with a variety of hand tools, you will bend and fasten the slats, laminate frame elements, join everything together and sand, finish and complete a beautiful chair ready for a prominent spot in your camp or home. Some prior woodworking experience is helpful, but beginners are welcome too.

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.