Relief Carved Door Toppers
Relief Carved Door Toppers
Carve a decorative door topper for your interior or exterior door. Learn to design, lay out, and carve, a scenic design or welcome sign for the top of your door.
Carve a decorative door topper for your interior or exterior door. Learn to design, lay out, and carve, a scenic design or welcome sign for the top of your door.
The Bowie Knife conjures thoughts of legend and history. In this class students will create their own version of this iconic American knife. Students will begin by forging the blades to shape from high carbon steel bar stock, followed by grinding and heat treating the blade. Once the blades are finished the class will turn to the handles fabricating a guard, bolster and wood handle for their knives.
This class will focus on several key techniques in knifemaking: fitting a guard, as well as shaping and designing hidden tang wooden handles.
The use of plants for wellness, nutrition and balance has been practiced for thousands of years in the Adirondacks and cultures around the globe. Join Margo for an exploration of Basic Principles of Herbal Medicine through the lens of intimately getting to know 6 easy to identify plants from our local region who may be growing right under your own feet! (And in your own garden!)
In this class you will have an opportunity to gain intimate knowledge of plants and traditional methods of working with them, while building your wild skill set in identification and transforming raw (plant) material into beneficial preparations through hands-on experiences. Your work in the classroom will continue at home. In each class you will receive a rooted specimen of the plant we work with, along with the earthwork of establishing your own medicinal herb garden.
This class is recommended for those who are: curious, herbalists, gardeners and/or plant lovers, ages 13 and up, beginner or experienced.
Students will start with a mild steel cutout of a Halloween bat, which they can decorate using punches, chisels and other hot and cold techniques. Then, students will learn how to bend and curve sheets of metal. The final result is a 3-D hand forged decoration, perfect for Halloween.
The goal of this class is to produce a blade ready for quenching with minimal use of a grinder. The focus will be on the tanto, the dagger carried by samurai. Students will start with a piece of high carbon stock. This class will follow historic processes as closely as possible. Students will forge their bar into a blank of precise dimensions, before hand forging bevels and relevant blade geometry. Then, hand files will be used to finish the blade. Blades that are ready will be quenched at the end of the 2nd day. This class includes an in depth discussion of heat treating, and blades will be clay coated when quenched for a hamon. The third day will start at the forge to make a basic fitting, the habaki, from copper. After that, the class will turn to the wood shop, where students will use hand tools to make a wooden handle and sheath using traditional methods. This class is for intermediate smiths.
Create your own floorcloth in either a traditional pattern or Arts & Crafts style using environmentally-safe water-based paints and finishes. The use of painted canvas floor coverings, also known as oil cloths, dates as far back as the 14th century in Europe. People coming to this country were looking for ways to reproduce some of the furnishings they were used to back home. Since resources were limited, worn sails from ships provided them with a base to paint and cover their floors. Over time floorcloths proved themselves to be one of the most durable forms of floor covering used. Centuries old pieces still remain intact with the pattern clearly visible. Come create your own artful and durable floorcloth that will last for generations.
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. You'll need to take this class before moving on to the more advanced turning classes.
In this workshop we will complete a small Tiffany style suncatcher, ornament, or flower. Students will be able to choose a pre-drawn pattern from a variety of designs and be guided as they learn to cut the glass (chosen from a variety of types and colors), smooth the glass pieces with a grinder, apply copper foil tape, solder the pieces together into the final piece using lead-free solder, and add jump rings or a copper wire stem. The patterns available will offer a variety of levels of difficulty so students may choose what best suits them.
Once you've learned the basics of the weaving process, it's time for your first project! Each student will wind a warp, dress a loom and weave a Tencel scarf. Multiple color choices will be available. The weave structors is based on plain weave, making this s great first project.
Create your own floorcloth in either a traditional pattern or Arts & Crafts style using environmentally-safe water-based paints and finishes. The use of painted canvas floor coverings, also known as oil cloths, dates as far back as the 14th century in Europe. People coming to this country were looking for ways to reproduce some of the furnishings they were used to back home. Since resources were limited, worn sails from ships provided them with a base to paint and cover their floors. Over time floorcloths proved themselves to be one of the most durable forms of floor covering used. Centuries old pieces still remain intact with the pattern clearly visible. Come create your own artful and durable floorcloth that will last for generations.
The goal of this class is to produce a blade ready for quenching with minimal use of a grinder. The focus will be on the tanto, the dagger carried by samurai. Students will start with a piece of high carbon stock. This class will follow historic processes as closely as possible. Students will forge their bar into a blank of precise dimensions, before hand forging bevels and relevant blade geometry. Then, hand files will be used to finish the blade. Blades that are ready will be quenched at the end of the 2nd day. This class includes an in depth discussion of heat treating, and blades will be clay coated when quenched for a hamon. The third day will start at the forge to make a basic fitting, the habaki, from copper. After that, the class will turn to the wood shop, where students will use hand tools to make a wooden handle and sheath using traditional methods. This class is for intermediate smiths.
The Green Man is an ancient symbol of the union of man and nature; a human face is surrounded by floral forms. Each student will receive a basswood plank with the bark on one edge and, separately, a few Green Man designs. After selecting the design of choice, the student will apply the design to the plank and carve the face into the wood.
Once you've learned the basics of the weaving process, it's time for your first project! Each student will wind a warp, dress a loom and weave a Tencel scarf. Multiple color choices will be available. The weave structors is based on plain weave, making this s great first project.
The Green Man is an ancient symbol of the union of man and nature; a human face is surrounded by floral forms. Each student will receive a basswood plank with the bark on one edge and, separately, a few Green Man designs. After selecting the design of choice, the student will apply the design to the plank and carve the face into the wood.
The goal of this class is to produce a blade ready for quenching with minimal use of a grinder. The focus will be on the tanto, the dagger carried by samurai. Students will start with a piece of high carbon stock. This class will follow historic processes as closely as possible. Students will forge their bar into a blank of precise dimensions, before hand forging bevels and relevant blade geometry. Then, hand files will be used to finish the blade. Blades that are ready will be quenched at the end of the 2nd day. This class includes an in depth discussion of heat treating, and blades will be clay coated when quenched for a hamon. The third day will start at the forge to make a basic fitting, the habaki, from copper. After that, the class will turn to the wood shop, where students will use hand tools to make a wooden handle and sheath using traditional methods. This class is for intermediate smiths.
This class is designed for both the beginning and experienced scroll saw user with patterns of increasing difficulty to be used during the day. The first pattern to be completed by the student will have all exterior cuts of varying tightness of curvature. The second pattern will have both interior and exterior cuts requiring the student to become accustomed to frequently resetting the scroll saw blade. The final pattern will require the student to make numerous intricate interior cuts to complete. The patterns shown in the photo are only representative of possible trivet patterns to be used. The owl is the most difficult and should only be attempted by a daring student.
In this class you will be introduced to the wonderful art of pyrography (wood burning). You will learn all the basics of wood burning, from the different tips of your wood burning tool, to how to transfer your design onto the wood.
In this course, local and common non-local medicinal mushrooms will be discussed and identified. Students will learn the medicinal properties of each mushroom, how to make a double extraction tincture and how to grow oyster mushrooms at home. Students will leave with a tincture (in process that they will complete at home) and an oyster mushroom kit that will produce mushrooms after about 3 weeks.
Once you've learned the basics of the weaving process, it's time for your first project! Each student will wind a warp, dress a loom and weave a Tencel scarf. Multiple color choices will be available. The weave structors is based on plain weave, making this s great first project.
Every smith needs a good hacksaw, so why not make your own frame? Students will make a simple, yet sturdy, hacksaw frame with room for individualization and decorative file work. Handles will be turned as part of the class.
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.
Once you've learned the basics of the weaving process, it's time for your first project! Each student will wind a warp, dress a loom and weave a Tencel scarf. Multiple color choices will be available. The weave structors is based on plain weave, making this s great first project.
Here's your chance to grab gorgeous sunrise shots. In this one-day nature photography tour you will travel to several destinations that are all within a reasonable distance of each other. You'll spend 90% of the day shooting pictures at beautiful nearby Adirondack lakes and waterways. This nature photography tour is 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 discussion, then take the rest of the day to play with photo techniques in the field at nearby photo locations. A great class for those who wish to receive mentoring while in the field.
Every smith needs a good hacksaw, so why not make your own frame? Students will make a simple, yet sturdy, hacksaw frame with room for individualization and decorative file work. Handles will be turned as part of the class.
The Adirondack Pack Basket is one of the most recognized objects associated with the Adirondacks. Create your own pack basket patterned from the traditional Adirondack Pack Baskets. Adults and children can wear this pack.
Students weave a plain weave base with the pre-cut spokes. Then learn to continuous weave the sides of the basket, pack tight on the first day. The second day pack again, level the top, weave false rim, cut and tuck, insert the hand carved hardwood handle, fit the rim and lash on basket. Lastly, add an adjustable webbing or leather harness secured with skids.
This class will be fun for all weavers. This is a great intro size pack to making pack baskets. Linda will demonstrate, teach you weaving techniques and guide you while you weave your basket. Students will be using a drawknife and other sharp tools.
Leather harness is dark brown. Webbing harness color choices are red, olive green, black and dark brown.
Instructor will bring all materials to make the basket and tools students will need during class.
Students should wear comfortable clothing.
Baskets will not be stained during class. Dimensions are 6" x 9" x 14" high.
No weaving experience is necessary! The looms are dressed and ready to go, all you need to do is bring your creative spirit and to leave with a finished one-of-a-kind rug. Students will have a choice of making a traditional Rag Rug using recycled fabric strips or making a Sock Rug using remnants from a sock factory. Colors and choices of fabric and remnants vary from class to class depending on availability. The rugs are 24" wide, and up to 45" long.
The Adirondack Pack Basket is one of the most recognized objects associated with the Adirondacks. Create your own pack basket patterned from the traditional Adirondack Pack Baskets. Adults and children can wear this pack.
Students weave a plain weave base with the pre-cut spokes. Then learn to continuous weave the sides of the basket, pack tight on the first day. The second day pack again, level the top, weave false rim, cut and tuck, insert the hand carved hardwood handle, fit the rim and lash on basket. Lastly, add an adjustable webbing or leather harness secured with skids.
This class will be fun for all weavers. This is a great intro size pack to making pack baskets. Linda will demonstrate, teach you weaving techniques and guide you while you weave your basket. Students will be using a drawknife and other sharp tools.
Leather harness is dark brown. Webbing harness color choices are red, olive green, black and dark brown.
Instructor will bring all materials to make the basket and tools students will need during class.
Students should wear comfortable clothing.
Baskets will not be stained during class. Dimensions are 6" x 9" x 14" high.
Calling all fiber artists! Do you have a project you're in the middle of? Want some company while you work? Sounds like AFS Sewing Circle is the place for you! Quilters, knitters, and fiber artists alike are welcome to join us every month for an afternoon of quilting and camaraderie. Bring your works in progress, and enjoy sharing your experience and the company of your fellow quilters. Pre-registration is not required. All are welcome!
If you've taken Taste of the Forge or another basic blacksmithing class at AFS, then you're ready for Taste of the Forge II! This class, taught by blacksmith Steve Gurzler, builds on the students' prior experience to bring them to the next level, pursuing more advanced skills. Like in Taste of the Forge, we will follow the Artist Blacksmiths Association of North America (ABANA) curriculum in a small class format. Students can expect to create 2 or more useful or decorative objects over the course of 3 weekday evenings.
There is nothing more important than having a good grip on a 2000 degree piece of metal and there is nothing more frustrating than when you can't. Take this class and learn how to make tongs that are strong and will properly hold your work. By making your own tongs you'll save money, time, and be working safely while getting needed hammer practice for the hobby blacksmiths.
Drawing from over 30 years of fine instrument making, Martin Macica will share his knowledge of the principles of making a ukulele, leading students through the process of making their own ukulele from scratch using hand tools. This intensive course covers every aspect of ukulele making. Participants will leave with a working knowledge of ukulele making, and a handcrafted instrument ready for a lifetime of making music.
In this class students will design, shape and carve a serving spoon. Skills explored include: making a template and transferring it to a blank, carving and shaping the bowl and back of the spoon, use of hand tools such as gouges, scrapers, coping saws, and spokeshaves, and sanding and finishing techniques. Students will leave class with a beautiful handcrafted hardwood spoon to use in their own kitchens or to give as a gift!
There is nothing more important than having a good grip on a 2000 degree piece of metal and there is nothing more frustrating than when you can't. Take this class and learn how to make tongs that are strong and will properly hold your work. By making your own tongs you'll save money, time, and be working safely while getting needed hammer practice for the hobby blacksmiths.
Join Marjolaine in this 1-day class to create a nuno felt scarf you can wear different ways and close with a button. During this workshop you will explore the technique of nuno felt, a wet felting process combining silk fabric and wool roving. The felting is accomplished by applying water, soap and friction. In this class you will: create a lightweight scarf made with silk fabric and merino wool roving, discover various wool layouts, create a stained glass effect, and paint with silk hankies and silk roving on wool.
Spend the morning crafting these lovely hanging hearts, sure to brighten your holiday decor or perfect for gift giving. The hearts are woven from hardwood maple splint and are hung from hand-dyed silk ribbon in various colors. Students will weave two large and two smaller hearts. These hearts can be filled with small items. Additional kits will be available for sale.
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.
Spend the morning crafting these lovely hanging hearts, sure to brighten your holiday decor or perfect for gift giving. The hearts are woven from hardwood maple splint and are hung from hand-dyed silk ribbon in various colors. Students will weave two large and two smaller hearts. These hearts can be filled with small items. Additional kits will be available for sale.
There is nothing more important than having a good grip on a 2000 degree piece of metal and there is nothing more frustrating than when you can't. Take this class and learn how to make tongs that are strong and will properly hold your work. By making your own tongs you'll save money, time, and be working safely while getting needed hammer practice for the hobby blacksmiths.
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.
Herbal infused vinegar is easy to make and wonderful to take! Learn how adding just a few simple, fresh ingredients can enhance the scientifically proven curative power of apple cider vinegar. As we chop, we'll discuss the variety of internal and external applications, the many benefits of apple cider vinegar itself and the added value of combining it with the curative plants found in "Herbs de Provence". During the July offering, you will have the opportunity to make avariety of herbal infused vinegars based on the recipe which originated in the Provence region of southern France. Created with your desired focus on wellness and immune system support throughout the year. In the October offering, learn to make Margo's tried and true "must make" Fire Cider Vinegar formula for Immune system support, and increasing circulation and heat during cold weather imbalances.
There is nothing more important than having a good grip on a 2000 degree piece of metal and there is nothing more frustrating than when you can't. Take this class and learn how to make tongs that are strong and will properly hold your work. By making your own tongs you'll save money, time, and be working safely while getting needed hammer practice for the hobby blacksmiths.
Open a new chapter in your wood working journey by making your own hand tool. Shape the wood body, harden and temper steel for the blade and make your first shavings all in one day!
This two-day workshop yields time enough to explore three styles of Shaker carriers; Fixed Handled, Swinging Handled and Divided carriers. Construction steps and hardware application will be demonstrated, and all participants will put their hands-to-work on their own carriers. These projects have a firm place in Shaker history as they were a very popular offering to "The World's People" by Shaker craftsmen.
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).
This two-day workshop yields time enough to explore three styles of Shaker carriers; Fixed Handled, Swinging Handled and Divided carriers. Construction steps and hardware application will be demonstrated, and all participants will put their hands-to-work on their own carriers. These projects have a firm place in Shaker history as they were a very popular offering to "The World's People" by Shaker craftsmen.
If you've taken Taste of the Forge or another basic blacksmithing class at AFS, then you're ready for Taste of the Forge II! This class, taught by blacksmith Steve Gurzler, builds on the students' prior experience to bring them to the next level, pursuing more advanced skills. Like in Taste of the Forge, we will follow the Artist Blacksmiths Association of North America (ABANA) curriculum in a small class format. Students can expect to create 2 or more useful or decorative objects over the course of 3 weekday evenings.
One of the most iconic items of Shaker woodworking, nesting oval boxes share elegance, simplicity and functionality equally. Using carefully prepared thin strips of wood each participant will carve the "swallowtails" of "fingers" on one end before soaking them in a hot water bath to soften for bending. Copper tacks are installed to hold the oval hoop together before top and bottom boards are fit and held by wooden pegs. Each student will construct five nesting oval boxes from cherry wood in this two-day workshop.
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 12" x 12".
Drawing from over 30 years of fine instrument making, Martin Macica will share his knowledge of the principles of making a ukulele, leading students through the process of making their own ukulele from scratch using hand tools. This intensive course covers every aspect of ukulele making. Participants will leave with a working knowledge of ukulele making, and a handcrafted instrument ready for a lifetime of making music.
In this class students will create a beautiful copper bowl from a 12" x 12" sheet of 16-gauge copper. Students will pound and hand tool the sheet into an 9" diameter, approx. 2" deep bowl. Students will also make a decorative vine with leaves from copper that will be attached to the rim of the bowl. Some soldering will be involved in this
One of the most iconic items of Shaker woodworking, nesting oval boxes share elegance, simplicity and functionality equally. Using carefully prepared thin strips of wood each participant will carve the "swallowtails" of "fingers" on one end before soaking them in a hot water bath to soften for bending. Copper tacks are installed to hold the oval hoop together before top and bottom boards are fit and held by wooden pegs. Each student will construct five nesting oval boxes from cherry wood in this two-day workshop.
This introductory class is geared toward beginner to intermediate photographers who wish to build a solid understanding of the foundations needed for improvement and success. Dave will share an intro slideshow of his work and a discussion on ethics, safety, subject knowledge and increasing your success rate. There will be a handout that covers discussion points of basic camera use, lens selection, composition and more. Discussion will also cover local shooting locations according to participants' interests along with questions from participants.
Explore the many ways that you can use silver in a metal clay formulation to create jewelry designs of your own. The newest way of working with silver is metal clay which can be shaped like clay to produce uniquely textured surfaces, resulting in durable beautiful silver jewelry. Students will learn metal clay working techniques and make pendants, earrings, charms and rings. Fresh leaves will also be used to create a silver piece of nature. The class will also cover techniques for setting and firing stones directly in metal clay. Each student will leave with at least four finished pieces of jewelry. No previous experience necessary.
This class is geared towards beginner to intermediate photographers who want to learn solid fundamentals and put them into practice with instruction. Dave will share an intro slideshow of his work and a discussion on ethics, safety, subject knowledge and increasing success rate. There will be a handout that covers discussion points of basic camera use, lens selection, composition and more. This class will include shooting in the field at a location picked dependent on the time of year. Students should keep in mind that nothing in nature in guaranteed to show up, but Dave will put you in the right place at the right time for the best chances of success.
In this class students will create one fall inspired wreath using many natural materials: feathers, corn husks, pinecones and other dried materials. Students will also make a bow for the wreath.
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.
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.
If you've taken Taste of the Forge or another basic blacksmithing class at AFS, then you're ready for Taste of the Forge II! This class, taught by blacksmith Steve Gurzler, builds on the students' prior experience to bring them to the next level, pursuing more advanced skills. Like in Taste of the Forge, we will follow the Artist Blacksmiths Association of North America (ABANA) curriculum in a small class format. Students can expect to create 2 or more useful or decorative objects over the course of 3 weekday evenings.
Drawing from over 30 years of fine instrument making, Martin Macica will share his knowledge of the principles of making a ukulele, leading students through the process of making their own ukulele from scratch using hand tools. This intensive course covers every aspect of ukulele making. Participants will leave with a working knowledge of ukulele making, and a handcrafted instrument ready for a lifetime of making music.
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.
This class is geared towards beginner to intermediate photographers who want to learn solid fundamentals and put them into practice with instruction, with an emphasis on photographing nature closeup, waterfalls, grasses, plants etc. This should allow almost anyone with a digital camera to create artistic shots without relying on waiting for animals or birds. Participants should have access to a tripod. Dave will share an intro slideshow of his work and a discussion on ethics, safety, subject knowledge and increasing success rate. There will be a handout that covers discussion points of basic camera use, lens selection, composition and more. This class will include shooting in the field at a location picked dependent on the time of year.
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!
In this class students will forge a rose that will not wither using precut steel blanks. The project will include forging details and torch work with scrolling tongs to create a custom rose.