Adirondack Folk School

Welcome to Blacksmithing
2023-05-02 09:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, 12846, United States
Experience the journey of learning blacksmithing basics. Discover how to build and manage a coal fire and how to use that heat to create several useful and decorative basic items, all while learning and practicing seven of the basic blacksmithing processes. Students of all levels of strength and experience welcome.

Make Your Own Adirondack Chair
2023-05-01 09:00 - 16:00, 2023-04-30 09:00 - 16:00 | Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, 12846, United States
In 1903, the first Adirondack chair was built in the town of Westport, N.Y. and has since taken the world by storm. Its contoured seat and back, along with its wide arms make it the perfect chair for lounging in after a hard day’s work. You will start with surfaced pine, cut the pieces, shape them on a router table, sand them and then assemble your own Adirondack chair.

Spring Lakes and Waterways Photo Tour
2023-04-30 13:00 - 21:00 | Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, 12846, United States
A gorgeous sunset awaits you in this one-day nature photography tour, designed for those who are already comfortable with camera basics such as the relationship between aperture, shutter and ISO settings. Start this eight-hour day with a very brief introduction and discussion, then take the rest of the day to play with photo techniques in the field at beautiful nearby Adirondack lakes and waterways. A great class for those who wish to receive mentoring while in the field.

Barn Quilt
2023-04-30 09:00 - 16:00, 2023-04-29 09:00 - 12:00 | NY
Barn quilts are all the rage these days! Come and create your own wooden “quilt” to adorn your house, barn or cottage. In this one and a half day class you will choose a pattern and paint a stunning “quilt” to hang outdoors. No quilting experience necessary.

Arrowhead Latch
2023-04-30 09:00 - 16:00, 2023-04-29 09:00 - 16:00 | Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, 12846, United States
Arrowhead latches are some of the earliest forms of forged latches in America and they come in many variations. In this class we will forge, punch, and chisel out the parts for a fairly standard arrowhead latch that can then be customized with decorative file work. A good class for the beginner and intermediate smith.

Fairy Lore, Houses and Gratitude Stakes
2023-04-29 13:00 - 16:00 | Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, 12846, United States
Let the everyday slip away on this imaginative walk along the River Trail of the Adirondack Folk School. Drawing from Celtic lore, we’ll weave a tale about Fairies, while connecting the dots between the Faerie folk of Ireland and the Adirondacks. We’ll start with creating a house out of natural objects, both provided and found, for the Fairies of the Forest and end with sitting around the fire listening to the stories of the Fairy Tree Trail of Ardgillan Castle in Ireland, the Cottingley Fairies of England, and an Adirondack Poem or two on the Faerie realm. Enchanted tea and Fairy Bread will be served.

Perfect Pictures Every Time
2023-04-29 10:00 - 18:00 | Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, 12846, United States
Understanding photography basics is the key to taking control of your camera and knowing you got the shot when you were taking it. If you would like to take your skill level from shooting in Auto to having full control over your camera, this intensive class is for you! A step-by-step PowerPoint presentation helps teach the basic principles of photography including: camera options and set-up, peripheral equipment, image exposure and histograms, and will touch on shooting for HDR and working with motion, depth of field, and composition. The class is paced to allow time for questions and interaction, with about half of the day in the classroom experimenting with the cameras, and the other half spent in the field, practicing camera techniques and shooting options. A comprehensive handout will include all the major points covered in the presentation. While the class instruction is mostly landscape based, these techniques and principles can be applied to all photographic situations.

Scroll Saw Puzzle Making
2023-04-28 09:00 - 16:00 | Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, 12846, United States
Wooden puzzles are a great project whether you are a beginner or experienced woodworker. In this class students will learn the basics of the safe operation of a scroll saw, proper blade selection and installation, pattern transfer, proper cutting techniques and proper body positioning at the saw table. Each student will progress from learning to make moderate curves to tight curves using the scroll saw by producing, first, a wood maple leaf and progressing through more difficult patterns to a final puzzle which will require attention to detail and care in cutting. Come learn the secret tricks to ensure your puzzle is a success. It can make the perfect gift, too.

Beginning Bluegrass Banjo
2023-04-23 13:00 - 16:00 | Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, 12846, United States
Bluegrass banjo is the familiar sound that drove such favorites as the Beverly Hillbillies Theme Song, Rocky Top and Foggy Mountain Breakdown. In this class you will learn enough about the banjo so that you can use a variety of available instructional aids from your home and progress with learning Bluegrass banjo at your own pace. You will be exposed to the basics of playing 5-string Bluegrass banjo, including tunings, left hand chord shapes, right hand rolls, vamping, hammer-ons, pull-offs, chokes, chimes and how to read tablatures. We’ll also look at online sites about banjo practice and instruction. Bring a playable 5-string banjo, two metal finger picks and a thumb pick. Although there will be several handouts, an audio recorder is a good idea.

Twill Bread Tray
2023-04-23 09:00 - 15:00 | NY
Make a statement with this decorative basket tray. Using a twill design of over 2 under 2 on the base and sides can be a little challenge at first, then moves on quickly with great results. Class will be using dyed and natural colored reed; some different choices will be available. Basket weavers of all levels are welcome, but some basket experience is helpful. Dimensions: 9″ wide x 15″ long x 2 ½” high.

Introduction to Woodturning
2023-04-23 09:00 - 12:00 | Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, 12846, United States
To every season turn, turn, turn! This course is for people who have an interest in learning how to turn. The emphasis will be on learning how to use the lathe and tools safely and correctly. In this class you will learn the basics of creating spindle-based objects. Then you will use your new-found skills to create a candlestick and a wooden pen. Friends and family will be truly impressed! You’ll need to take this class before moving on to the more advanced turning classes.

Solar Photography
2023-04-22 13:00 - 17:00 | Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, 12846, United States
On the afternoon of April 8, 2024, about 95% of the Adirondack Park will be shadowed in the totality of a solar eclipse as the path of totality darkens a swath of the Earth from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic, from Mexico to Newfoundland. Having experienced and photographed the August 21, 2017 total eclipse in Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, I thought I’d share tips and techniques that could help others photograph the 2024 eclipse. Standing in the dusky darkness of totality, and looking up to the dark side of the moon, surrounded by the eerie glow of the sun’s corona is a lifetime experience you will not want to miss. Having the right equipment and practicing photo techniques ahead of time will allow you to capture stunning eclipse photos, and also be relaxed enough to enjoy this unique experience. The suggested equipment and information will help you photograph the sun at any time, capturing sunspots and other solar features with additional equipment, as well as offer settings for photographing the sun during the eclipse. This is the last total solar eclipse to traverse the continental United States until August 12, 2045.

Sharpening and Honing Blades
2023-04-22 09:00 - 16:00 | Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, 12846, United States
Sharpening and honing of blades is a mystery to most people these days although our ancestors knew the skill intimately. Technology of honing has definitely improved over the past 100 years and there are many technologies to choose from. Howard will demystify the sharpening process and you will leave the workshop with the skills to sharpen your own blades. Students should bring one or two blades to hone for the class.

Create Your Own Roasting Fork
2023-04-22 09:00 - 16:00 | Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, 12846, United States
Always a popular class, Create Your Own Roasting Fork is geared towards the novice blacksmith. Blacksmith Steve Gurzler will teach basic blacksmithing skills while the students work to create a roasting fork for marshmallows or maybe even bratwurst. Bring something to roast at the end of the day with your finished product!

My Daily Bread Basket
2023-04-22 09:00 - 15:00 | NY
This is the perfect size basket for all your bread needs, in fact this will be one of your overall favorite baskets to use throughout the house. Made with natural and dyed reed. Learn how to make your own handles, and how color choice can change the basket entirely. This versatile pattern is a handy size for gift giving as well. This basket is appropriate for all level basket makers. Dimensions: 6″ x 11″ x 3 ½” high.

Fly Fishing - Casting Basics
2023-04-22 09:00 - 13:00 | Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, 12846, United States
The goal of this class is to help you get started in fly fishing or better your casting. We will go over different types of fly rods and when to use them. The proper way of lining a fly rod will be taught. You will be doing the over hand cast, roll cast and side arm cast, for a few examples. You will need to bring a hat and a pair of glasses or sunglasses. If you have a fly rod please bring it, otherwise one will be provided. To end, students will get a chance to try different fly rods.

Introduction to Clay/Ceramics - Hand Building
2023-04-22 09:00 - 12:00 | NY
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.

Copper Embossing
2023-04-21 09:00 - 12:00 | Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, 12846, United States
Learn the discipline of Metal Working known as Embossing. Students will transfer an image of their choosing from a paper template to a sheet of copper by using various sizes of stylus and other hand tools to create a textured picture. Students will find that copper is a very workable material. Your finished piece will fit in with any Adirondack decor or even in a rustic birch frame! This piece is 8″ x 8″.

Open Forge Night
2023-04-19 18:30 - 20:00, 2023-04-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, 12846, 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).

Japanese Chef Knife
2023-04-17 09:00 - 16:00, 2023-04-16 09:00 - 16:00, 2023-04-15 09:00 - 16:00 | Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, 12846, United States
Students will forge their own chef knife in the style of either a Gyuto, Santoku, or Petty style, up to 9″ long. Starting with W-2 steel, smiths will forge to shape, heat treat and harden high carbon steel, and use a belt grinder. On the final day, students will learn the details of traditional Japanese handles, known as Wa style handles, and will be able to choose from a variety of handle materials to finish their knife. The result will be a fantastic kitchen tool that will last for generations.

Introduction to Chip Carving
2023-04-16 09:00 - 16:00, 2023-04-15 09:00 - 16:00 | NY
This course will introduce students to the traditional craft of chip carving – a type of woodcarving in which a small knife is used to incise decorative floral and geometric designs into basswood or butternut. The design is created by the removal of small pieces (chips) of the wood. Chip carving is an ancient, traditional craft. Chip carved plates, jewelry and keepsake boxes, trays, breadboards, furniture and other items can make wonderful gifts and also decorate the home with traditional motifs. Some previous carving experience is helpful, but not necessary. Students will learn to carve a variety of practice designs already drawn on a board and may complete a round ornament as well.

Diamonds in Twill
2023-04-16 09:00 - 16:00, 2023-04-15 09:00 - 16:00 | Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, 12846, United States
This bushel-style basket is woven on a Shaker Cathead base. Eight diamonds are revealed in the twill pattern. The basket is woven in a stop-start method, where each row is woven individually to build the pattern. Two side handles make this substantial basket functional as well as eye-catching. The basket is woven with natural and hand-dyed reed.
