Janet's woven items often start with unique one-of-a-kind hand spun yarns. Spend an evening and see how she starts with wool from a variety of sheep and adds some bamboo or sparkle to create a blend of fiber to spin into thick or thin single ply yarn. After spinning again, a simple yarn is created, or texture and coils can be added to create an "art yarn" that looks wonderful when used to weave or knit.
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.
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. Bring worsted weight yarn in your favorite color. Knitting needles will be provided.
Come build a Paraguayan harp. This harp is characterized by a large soundbox with a rounded base, very light weight, closely-spaced light tension strings (usually nylon), a relatively flat harmonic curve, and with the strings running up through the center of the neck, which are tuned with gear-style tuners (like a guitar). Almost all harps of this style are played with the fingernails, in very rhythmically intricate music. This is the national instrument of Paraguay, and is commonly found throughout South America, Central America and in parts of Mexico. Students will be using tools from the past and today, to fashion an instrument that will last a lifetime. After this class you may even want to learn to play your beautiful new harp!
The Adirondack Style is unique. It combines traditional furniture making with the materials found in this region: birch bark, twigs, logs and more. Found in the earliest Great Camps of our region, the skilled craftsmen who made this unique furniture were inspired by the world around them. In this class you will be guided from start to finish: from the selection of the materials and their preparation, to the joinery required, as well as the aesthetics that will help you make a fine end table suitable for your Great Camp or home.
Come build a Paraguayan harp. This harp is characterized by a large soundbox with a rounded base, very light weight, closely-spaced light tension strings (usually nylon), a relatively flat harmonic curve, and with the strings running up through the center of the neck, which are tuned with gear-style tuners (like a guitar). Almost all harps of this style are played with the fingernails, in very rhythmically intricate music. This is the national instrument of Paraguay, and is commonly found throughout South America, Central America and in parts of Mexico. Students will be using tools from the past and today, to fashion an instrument that will last a lifetime. After this class you may even want to learn to play your beautiful new harp!
The Adirondack Style is unique. It combines traditional furniture making with the materials found in this region: birch bark, twigs, logs and more. Found in the earliest Great Camps of our region, the skilled craftsmen who made this unique furniture were inspired by the world around them. In this class you will be guided from start to finish: from the selection of the materials and their preparation, to the joinery required, as well as the aesthetics that will help you make a fine end table suitable for your Great Camp or home.
Goat milk soap is excellent for people with dry, irritated or sensitive skin. It is loaded with nutrients, proteins, fat, calcium and vitamins. It is an excellent natural moisturizer that helps hydrate, nourish and revitalize skin. We will discuss natural dyes and additives which you may wish to incorporate in your soap. You will be making a pound of soap to take home.
This is another traditional block simplified by the Accuquilt cutting system. This block works well with two colors or as a scrappy quilt.
AFS UFO Studio, formerly known as Sewing Circle, is an out of this world opportunity for fiber artists to come and complete the UnFinished Objects floating around their home. UFO Studio is free to attend, and though it is non-instructional, peer-to-peer help is always available. All forms of projects are welcome ? bring your unfinished weaving, sewing, embroidery, rug hooking, knitting, crocheting, felting, or any other project that involves fiber handwork. AFS has a couple of sewing machines, small looms, and hand tools available but please feel free to bring your own!
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!
Create your own copper Lantern on a Bluestone base. You will punch and shape the copper sides and top and attach them to a stone base. The Lantern features a glass drop ,soldered into the 3 sides of the lantern. The punched holes and glass create a pleasant appearance when lit with a candle. The Lantern will be 9 ?? tall, and the base is 5 ?? by 5 ??.
