First, we will learn how to prepare walnut ink from the husks of local black walnuts. The black walnut tree (Juglans nigra) is one of North America's most valuable and beautiful native trees. We will then learn how to temper and cut a turkey's wing feather into a fine writing tool that we can use with the velvety smooth walnut ink to create calligraphy (beautiful writing!). For the calligraphy classes we will use a chisel-shaped felt pen and learn two letter styles - Gothic, or blackletter, and the Foundational Hand, also using our black walnut ink. Other materials and uses will be demonstrated as well.

Chasing the sharpest edge possible has consumed Howard's time and efforts for the past 22 years. He started making knives in 1973 and has worked diligently to get blades of all types as sharp as possible with a repeatable process that can be replicated by other people. Over the years Howard has studied whetstones in museums around the world and amassed a huge study collection of rocks which have been used for various purposes by craftsmen around the world throughout time. All of Howard's sharpening work is done under magnification and he has invented tools and processes for sharpening quickly and to a keen edge. At the end of this presentation, students will have an understanding and hands on knowledge of: edge geometry, types of steel, heat treating, natural and manmade sharpening stones and options, and a better way to understand the intersection of blade steel, heat treatment,blade geometry, stone type and technology, and how it all works together.

Come and create a beautiful hall runner floorcloth (5" long) to enhance your home. You will learn to cut stencils or refresh your cutting skills if you have done it before. There are many techniques to learn that can be used along with stenciling to enhance your final creation. In the end you will have a unique and functional piece of art that is one-of-a-kind! Please wear old clothes. Janet will provide glue guns, but if you have your own you are welcome to bring it and she will provide the glue sticks.

This class expands on what is learned in our basic Sharpening and Honing Blades course and through individual efforts at the bench. It is more project oriented, while expanding on types of steels, testing, technique, edge geometry, stones and other sharpening tools. At the end of this workshop, you will have a deeper understanding and hands on knowledge of types of steel, edge geometry, heat treating, natural and manmade sharpening stones and options, and a greater depth of understanding of the intersection of blade steel, heat treatment, blade geometry, stone type and technology, and how it all works together. It is recommended that students have taken Sharpening and Honing Blades prior to this course.