Blacksmiths have always made their own tools and it's a skill every smith should know. This class will work with carbon steel to make a punch or chisel that will be hardened at the working end and soft at the striking end. Each student will leave with a usable tool and the understanding of how to create more. The details of metallurgy and hardening will be discussed in depth.
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!
Chairs with four intact rails can accept several different types of woven seats, including splint seats woven in various patterns. In this class you'll learn to weave a herringbone pattern splint seat onto a chair using flat reed. Please bring a chair that is in sound condition with the old seat removed. Any refinishing you wish to do should be completed prior to the class
Students will weave these striking snowflakes from hardwood maple and cherry wood splint. Several patterns may be woven, depending on the chosen splint. Students will weave one large 10" diameter snowflake, and two smaller 7" snowflakes, which make a beautiful grouping hung together on a tree or in a window. Additional kits will be available for sale.
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).
Spend a few days learning how to cane your own chair during which you'll learn how to weave the traditional 7-step caning pattern. Bring along a chair in good condition in need of a new caned seat. Ideally, the chair seat will be square or rectangular in shape and have fewer than 85 holes drilled into the seat frame. Any repairs and refinishing should be completed before the class begins. Please bring a chair in sound condition, with the old cane removed, if possible.
The beauty of the light shining through these shades is magical. You will create two lampshades using pressed botanicals ... hidden when the lamp is off, admired when the lamp is on. In addition, you will create two-night lights.
Spend a few days learning how to cane your own chair during which you'll learn how to weave the traditional 7-step caning pattern. Bring along a chair in good condition in need of a new caned seat. Ideally, the chair seat will be square or rectangular in shape and have fewer than 85 holes drilled into the seat frame. Any repairs and refinishing should be completed before the class begins. Please bring a chair in sound condition, with the old cane removed, if possible.
Learn basic 19th Century American tinsmithing from a master tinsmith. This class will introduce you to and teach you about all the tools, forming stakes, swedges and hand-operated machines used in a well-equipped 19th-Century tin shop. You will be shown how to do basic layout work, cutting, forming, assembly and soldering. Complete both a finger candle stick and a wall sconce by the end of class. You will be amazed at what you've accomplished.
The beauty of the light shining through these shades is magical. You will create two lampshades using pressed botanicals ... hidden when the lamp is off, admired when the lamp is on. In addition, you will create two-night lights.
Spend a few days learning how to cane your own chair during which you'll learn how to weave the traditional 7-step caning pattern. Bring along a chair in good condition in need of a new caned seat. Ideally, the chair seat will be square or rectangular in shape and have fewer than 85 holes drilled into the seat frame. Any repairs and refinishing should be completed before the class begins. Please bring a chair in sound condition, with the old cane removed, if possible.
Get an early start on holiday gift giving. Make pinecone flowers, use natural mosses and twigs to decorate a small keepsake box and one small frame. Add your own photo for a special gift or family keepsake.
