This two-day class will take participants through the entire process of making their own claw hammer. Punching, forging the hammer to shape, heat treating, and mounting it on a handle. Participants with work together in striking teams of two.
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.
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.
Would you like to try blacksmithing, and get a taste of the craft? Join instructor Steve Gurzler for 3 weekday evenings to learn how to operate a coal forge to bring metal to incandescent heat and shape it with hammer in hand. This class will use the Artist Blacksmiths Association of North America (ABANA) curriculum to teach the basics of blacksmithing. Students can expect to create 2 or more projects during the 3 evenings. Class size is limited to ensure all can advance at their own pace.
Wool is a versatile ecological material for knitting, felting, and weaving, but processing it can be a bit tricky for a beginner. In this workshop, you will learn how to work with wool starting with raw fleece straight off the sheep and ending with handspun yarn ready to be incorporated into your craft projects. We will play with wool from a variety of sheep breeds, including some rare heritage breeds, and we’ll learn how to use their different qualities to create the perfect materials for your projects. You will learn how to use different wool processing tools like hand cards, wool combs, and a drum carder. If you like starting with natural materials and seeing them through to the finished product, this is a great workshop for you!
Learn to forge a tomahawk with instructor Joe Szilaski. Students will be able to customize their design and will leave the class with a unique piece.
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.
Come create a beautiful 12"-18" hardwood cutting board during two, half-day sessions. The class will discuss the types of wood being used, such as sapele, purple heart, African cherry and hard maple. The wood will be cut to size on a table saw. Then, using a joiner, students will make sure all pieces are the same size before gluing the various pieces together and allowing them to dry overnight. On the second day, the class will use planers to ensure that all boards are level and the same thickness. Students will then use a router to create a well and handles. Finally, the boards will be sanded.
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.
Come create a beautiful 12"-18" hardwood cutting board during two, half-day sessions. The class will discuss the types of wood being used, such as sapele, purple heart, African cherry and hard maple. The wood will be cut to size on a table saw. Then, using a joiner, students will make sure all pieces are the same size before gluing the various pieces together and allowing them to dry overnight. On the second day, the class will use planers to ensure that all boards are level and the same thickness. Students will then use a router to create a well and handles. Finally, the boards will be sanded.
Learn to forge a tomahawk with instructor Joe Szilaski. Students will be able to customize their design and will leave the class with a unique piece.
Wool is a versatile ecological material for knitting, felting, and weaving, but processing it can be a bit tricky for a beginner. In this workshop, you will learn how to work with wool starting with raw fleece straight off the sheep and ending with handspun yarn ready to be incorporated into your craft projects. We will play with wool from a variety of sheep breeds, including some rare heritage breeds, and we’ll learn how to use their different qualities to create the perfect materials for your projects. You will learn how to use different wool processing tools like hand cards, wool combs, and a drum carder. If you like starting with natural materials and seeing them through to the finished product, this is a great workshop for you!
Wool is a versatile ecological material for knitting, felting, and weaving, but processing it can be a bit tricky for a beginner. In this workshop, you will learn how to work with wool starting with raw fleece straight off the sheep and ending with handspun yarn ready to be incorporated into your craft projects. We will play with wool from a variety of sheep breeds, including some rare heritage breeds, and we’ll learn how to use their different qualities to create the perfect materials for your projects. You will learn how to use different wool processing tools like hand cards, wool combs, and a drum carder. If you like starting with natural materials and seeing them through to the finished product, this is a great workshop for you!
Learn to forge a tomahawk with instructor Joe Szilaski. Students will be able to customize their design and will leave the class with a unique piece.
Create an Adirondack inspired bracelet using Garnet gemstones finished with a clasp styled to represent the mountains and the stillness of the Adirondack night sky. We will be hand sewing.
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!
Would you like to try blacksmithing, and get a taste of the craft? Join instructor Steve Gurzler for 3 weekday evenings to learn how to operate a coal forge to bring metal to incandescent heat and shape it with hammer in hand. This class will use the Artist Blacksmiths Association of North America (ABANA) curriculum to teach the basics of blacksmithing. Students can expect to create 2 or more projects during the 3 evenings. Class size is limited to ensure all can advance at their own pace.
The student will hand forge a small Viking Knife, also called a blacksmith knife. The knife is a one piece, all metal design with an integral handel. The clade will be heat treated, ground and sharpened in class. This one-day class will cover the basic theory and practice of knife making and is a good introduction for the beginner.
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 basket is woven on a pre-stained round oak base, and employs continuous chase weave to build the sides. Students will learn the process for determining the number of spokes needed for continuous weave, and be challenged and excited to watch their baskets grow with two weavers. Students make their own leather handles in class, which incorporate into the rim. This rustically graceful and functional basket is woven on a 6" base which grows into a 12" diameter basket. The basket measures 10” high at sides.
The overshot weave structure is a personal favorite of Janet’s. The instructor will share the history of the weave structure and the pattern that students will be using to create an elegant table runner.
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.
In this class, students will hand craft a beautiful pine wood box reminiscent of the Shaker craftwork. Students will begin with wood already prepared and cut to finished sizes for the project. They will work on the following skills: cutting and joining the sides/dovetail joints, gluing/planing and sanding the sides, shaping the lid and base, attaching the hardware (hinges), and finishing techniques.
In this series of classes, a new quilt block will be introduced each month along with the techniques used to cut, piece, and construct the quilt block. Color is an important component to block and quilt design. Examples will be presented for each block to help you create a quilt that is pleasing to your personal color and style. Each offering can stand on its own, so take one, a few or all five! Students should have some basic knowledge of sewing prior to taking this class.
May 14: Log Cabin Quilt Block – A nice beginner block to practice the mastery of the ¼” seam and the skill of squaring off the block as it builds in size. The technique to sandwich the quilt layers will be taught as well as completing the quilt with a bias binding. Students will use their blocks to create placemats.
June 11: Four Patch Star Quilt Block – This is a well-known traditional block with many variations. We will look at the variations and dream of future quilting possibilities. Students will learn several methods to cut and sew half square and quarter triangles; the building block for an endless variety of quilt blocks. Sewing techniques will be shared and practiced to create the points of the star. You will also learn how to complete a pillow with or without a zipper.
July 9: Traditional Basket Block – This is another traditional block that will use the skills taught in the Four Patch Star Block Party. Variations in color will often make this block a popular choice for seasonal quilts and table runners. Several examples will be shared. New sewing and quilting techniques in this class will include placing blocks on point, sashing, and adding a sleeve to make this a wall hanging.
August 13: Blazing Star- The Blazing Star Quilt Block is spectacular and will use the skills acquired in previous block parties. You will be surprised to learn that the challenge to this clock comes in organizing your pieces before you sew each block, the sewing should no longer be your challenge.
September 10: Maple Leaf Block – A traditional block that is very popular in quilts and seasonal table runners and wall hangings. Just in time for Autumn in the Adirondacks, create your own display of fall leaves in a quilted project for your home.
In this class, students will hand craft a beautiful pine wood box reminiscent of the Shaker craftwork. Students will begin with wood already prepared and cut to finished sizes for the project. They will work on the following skills: cutting and joining the sides/dovetail joints, gluing/planing and sanding the sides, shaping the lid and base, attaching the hardware (hinges), and finishing techniques.
Learn to weave on a floor loom. With instruction and hands on experience, you will perform each step of the process - winding a warp, dressing a loom, and weaving a cotton towel to take home and use for years to come.
Learn to weave on a floor loom. With instruction and hands on experience, you will perform each step of the process - winding a warp, dressing a loom, and weaving a cotton towel to take home and use for years to come.
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).
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 will weave a plain weave base with the pre-cut spokes. Then learn to continuous weave the sides of the basket, pack tight, level the top, weave a false rim, cut, and tuck, insert the wood handle, fit the rim and lash on basket. Lastly, add an adjustable webbing or leather harness secured with wood 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. Instructor will bring all materials to make the basket. Baskets will not be stained during class. Dimensions are 6"" x 9"" x 14"" high.
Learn to weave on a floor loom. With instruction and hands on experience, you will perform each step of the process - winding a warp, dressing a loom, and weaving a cotton towel to take home and use for years to come.
Would you like to try blacksmithing, and get a taste of the craft? Join instructor Steve Gurzler for 3 weekday evenings to learn how to operate a coal forge to bring metal to incandescent heat and shape it with hammer in hand. This class will use the Artist Blacksmiths Association of North America (ABANA) curriculum to teach the basics of blacksmithing. Students can expect to create 2 or more projects during the 3 evenings. Class size is limited to ensure all can advance at their own pace.
Learn to weave on a floor loom. With instruction and hands on experience, you will perform each step of the process - winding a warp, dressing a loom, and weaving a cotton towel to take home and use for years to come.
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 will weave a plain weave base with the pre-cut spokes. Then learn to continuous weave the sides of the basket, pack tight, level the top, weave a false rim, cut, and tuck, insert the wood handle, fit the rim and lash on basket. Lastly, add an adjustable webbing or leather harness secured with wood 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. Instructor will bring all materials to make the basket. Baskets will not be stained during class. Dimensions are 6"" x 9"" x 14"" high.
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 ½" tall, and the base is 5 ½" by 5 ½".
If you're a fan of birdwatching and want to create a space for the birds that call your yard home, then this is the class for you! Create your own unique "Bird Condo" with plenty of space for backyard birds to roost.
We will create a decorative arrangement of small pieces or wind bell of ceramic to be suspended from a frame such as driftwood. After it can be strung and hung so as make a tinkling sound in the breeze. Wind chimes have been used for centuries as a way to sooth us and provide us with a sense of peace and calm, associated with religious beliefs, meditation, and creating a serene environment. The symbolism of wind chimes is often tied to good luck, health, and happiness. Join us in our hand-building clay exploration. Dress to mess. Class is suited for students ages 8 - 14 w/a parent, and 15 and up on their own. Supplies include clay, tool sharing, glazing and firing. Forms made will have a drying period before firing, and then glazing. Students will need to return to pick up finished pieces or make shipping arrangements with AFS.
In this class we will paint a variety of birch trees on a canvas panel using not only a paint brush but a firm card. We will also explore additional painting techniques using objects like Q-tips, string, and paper tubes. All scenes will be different in sizes and colors.
Learn all about Square Foot gardening from a local gardening guru. Square Foot gardening is the practice of planning small but intensively planted gardens. It combines concepts from other organic gardening methods, including composting, closely planted raised beds and attention to a small, clearly defined area. It is a high-yield, space-saving and time-saving gardening technique. Come learn from a pro, watch nature do her work, and then come back during the summer to tend your garden and harvest your efforts. Though the class is geared to vegetable gardening, the techniques discussed are applicable to other types of gardening as well. A terrific class for beginning gardeners or experts alike - and a great way to get out in the sun and enjoy our Adirondacks!
If you're a fan of birdwatching and want to create a space for the birds that call your yard home, then this is the class for you! Create your own unique "Bird Condo" with plenty of space for backyard birds to roost.
A friendly view on your front door, or any place you hang this elegant basket. Woven with natural and dyed reed with an accent of a poplar strip you can personalize. This basket is tall, flat, and has a wooden handle. The top opening can accommodate seasonal dried flowers. Dimensions: 11” wide x 20” high. Intermediate weaving level, hand strength needed.
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 plants are whispering beckoning us to gather in the wild. This class is for those who would like to answer that call. To work with the plants at their peak in the location in which they thrive! Using techniques from various earth-based traditions, discover the many benefits of wild foraging including: approaching the plants with an open and receptive heart, working intuitively, setting intentions for the exchange, asking permission as a way of giving respect, giving thanks, wild plant identification, and making herbal preparations on the spot!
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.
This 4-hour class is ideal for the beginner blacksmith with little to no experience. We will start with the basics, and within the first hour students will be forging their own nails. From there, students will forge hooks with a decorative twist.
This class follows the lessons learned in Blacksmithing 101. Students will learn how to punch and drift to make a usable bottle opener.
One loom, one warp, so many possibilities! In this class the looms are warped with a natural color and several towels can be woven at the loom. Several weaving patterns and design options will be demonstrated. Select the pattern and colors and you’ll be on your way to a few hand woven towels for yourself or to share.
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.
In this class students will learn basic sheet metal forging and riveting while creating a small camper's frying pan. We'll start with a disk of heavy-gauge sheet metal and forge a frying pan suitable for campfire or stove top use with a decorative forged handle. This class is recommended for students who have taken a basic course or who have some blacksmithing experience. Quality hearing protection is recommended, along with leather gloves.
