Learn to build old-time traditional cross-country skis and preserve a piece of North Country history. You will cut, plane and bend using a variety of woodworking techniques to complete a set of wood skis. Imagine the fulfillment of skiing the beautiful Adirondack trails and woods on hand-made skis. Uncle Sven would be proud.
The Log Cabin weave pattern incorporates different colored threads in both the warp and weft to produce a log cabin look. You will learn "tricks of the trade" to make this process easier to master, both in winding the warp and in weaving with two shuttles, as you make a table runner.
The Log Cabin weave pattern incorporates different colored threads in both the warp and weft to produce a log cabin look. You will learn "tricks of the trade" to make this process easier to master, both in winding the warp and in weaving with two shuttles, as you make a table runner.
Historically, wherever there was wool and fabric, there has been embroidery, and the Adirondacks are no exception. In this class, students will learn the fundamentals of crewelwork embroidery. Students will use a variety of stitches to create a decorative crewelwork embroidery design step by step.
Learn basic 19th Century American tinsmithing from a master tinsmith. This class will introduce you to and teach you about all the tools, forming stakes, swedges and hand-operated machines used in a well-equipped 19th-Century tin shop. You will be shown how to do basic layout work, cutting, forming, assembly and soldering. Complete both a finger candle stick and a wall sconce by the end of class. You will be amazed at what you've accomplished.
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.
Drawing from over 30 years of fine instrument making, Martin Macica will share his knowledge of the principles and practice of dulcimer making, leading participants through the process of making their own dulcimer from scratch using hand tools. This intensive course will cover every aspect of dulcimer making, including the carving of the scroll. Participants will leave with a working knowledge of dulcimer making, and a handcrafted instrument ready for a lifetime of making music.
Drawing from over 30 years of fine instrument making, Martin Macica will share his knowledge of the principles and practice of dulcimer making, leading participants through the process of making their own dulcimer from scratch using hand tools. This intensive course will cover every aspect of dulcimer making, including the carving of the scroll. Participants will leave with a working knowledge of dulcimer making, and a handcrafted instrument ready for a lifetime of making music.
Drawing from over 30 years of fine instrument making, Martin Macica will share his knowledge of the principles and practice of dulcimer making, leading participants through the process of making their own dulcimer from scratch using hand tools. This intensive course will cover every aspect of dulcimer making, including the carving of the scroll. Participants will leave with a working knowledge of dulcimer making, and a handcrafted instrument ready for a lifetime of making music.
Drawing from over 30 years of fine instrument making, Martin Macica will share his knowledge of the principles and practice of dulcimer making, leading participants through the process of making their own dulcimer from scratch using hand tools. This intensive course will cover every aspect of dulcimer making, including the carving of the scroll. Participants will leave with a working knowledge of dulcimer making, and a handcrafted instrument ready for a lifetime of making music.
You dont have to be an artist to create wood burned art. This introduction to wood burning, also known as pyrography, will teach you how to create your own unique artwork. We will cover all the basics: safety, burners, tips, transferring images, wood species, adding color and protective finishes. Resources will also be shared for continued learning after class completion. In class, students will try out various tips to see what each is capable of. Students will then have the opportunity to work on up to three projects of nature or Adirondack inspired images.
Chairs with four intact rails can accept several different types of woven seats, including splint seats woven in various patterns. In this class you'll learn to weave a herringbone pattern splint seat onto a chair using flat reed. Please bring a chair that is in sound condition with the old seat removed. Any refinishing you wish to do should be completed prior to the class
'Tis the season to start thinking about holiday ornaments! Come create your own whimsical free-form ornaments. We will also work with color and decoration. You'll be amazed by your own creations - and how lovely they'll look hung in your home. A wonderful class for beginning turners.
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).
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!
This is a fun and relaxing art that helps keep fingers nimble and creative ideas flowing. This class will help beginners learn to place materials on a fishing hook and intermediate students to continue to hone their skills. Flies to be tied will be determined by individual skill. Materials will be natural and synthetic. The instructor will provide fly tying tools, but students may bring their own if they wish.
Christmas time in the Adirondacks is a magical time of year. In this tinsmithing class you will make multiple festive holiday ornaments in a variety of designs including icicles, spirals, snowflakes and angels, in addition to your own unique designs! No previous tinsmithing experience is necessary in this class. Perfect for students 12 and older, this is a great class for the whole family!
Many of our "Founding Feathers" were indeed from turkeys! We will learn how to cut and letter with our own turkey quill pen using ink made from black walnut husks. Black Letter (Gothic) and Roman letter styles will be demonstrated and students will have an opportunity to practice using simple homemade markers.
Many of our "Founding Feathers" were indeed from turkeys! We will learn how to cut and letter with our own turkey quill pen using ink made from black walnut husks. Black Letter (Gothic) and Roman letter styles will be demonstrated and students will have an opportunity to practice using simple homemade markers.
It is good to remind ourselves of the importance of PEACE in our lives. In this session, each student will receive two basswood boards, each 4 in. wide, 12 in. long and 3/8 in. thick. One board will have the word PEACE written on it, and a second board will say SHALOM. On each board the word will be bordered by a leaf design. A blank board may be available for students who want to write and carve PEACE in a language of their own choosing.
'Tis the season to start thinking about holiday ornaments! Come create your own whimsical free-form ornaments. We will also work with color and decoration. You'll be amazed by your own creations - and how lovely they'll look hung in your home. A wonderful class for beginning turners.
It is good to remind ourselves of the importance of PEACE in our lives. In this session, each student will receive two basswood boards, each 4 in. wide, 12 in. long and 3/8 in. thick. One board will have the word PEACE written on it, and a second board will say SHALOM. On each board the word will be bordered by a leaf design. A blank board may be available for students who want to write and carve PEACE in a language of their own choosing.
