Strap Hinges are an iconic form of blacksmith-made hinge. This 2-day class will take participants through the process of forging a small set of strap hinges with wrapped eyes and decorative finials. We will also forge the hooks to mount them. Students will either be able to replicate historic examples or design their own unique styles of hinges.
Come create a simple turned bowl that still looks and feels rustic due to its live edge. This course is targeted to those who have an interest in learning how to turn. The emphasis will be on learning how to use a lathe and tools safely and correctly. In this class, you will learn the basics of creating spindle-based objects and then work at turning your bowl. Leave the class with a lovely treasure that captures the "wild" feel of the Adirondacks!
Create a beautiful, unique basket with Dona Nazarenko using dyed and natural reed. Beginning on a twined oval base, students will weave up the sides using natural reed and then add striking placements of additional weavers in various sizes and colors. The basket will then be embellished with dots to create a unique finished piece, standing about 6.5? tall and 8? wide.
Whether you can play an instrument or not, you can still write songs! Beginner or expert, in this special workshop you will learn folk song writing skills or advance your current abilities with award-winning performing songwriters Cosby Gibson and Tom Staudle. Participants of all levels will study the facets of composing and developing folk songs. Also includes live music demonstrations by the instructors, discussion, and individual guidance. Students may bring (but are not required to) instrument, recording device such as phone or handheld.
Turn two rustic pieces of wood into trivets that become gorgeous hung pieces when not in use. Students will insert spokes and weave with natural and dyed reed to create patterns and add color. This class is fun for all skill levels! Dimensions: Approx. 14? x 16?
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.
This course will cover the various methods of making a throwing axe including traditional and more modern methods. For those with some forging experience. Students will learn how to forge weld. Proper balance of axe head and haft will be stressed.
This course will cover the various methods of making a throwing axe including traditional and more modern methods. For those with some forging experience. Students will learn how to forge weld. Proper balance of axe head and haft will be stressed.
Join Janet for a day long class to create a mini barn quilt for that special mom, grandma or mother -in- law for Mother?s Day. Or perhaps to spruce up your entrance way for summer. Come and unlock your creative spirit in this daylong class.
Forestry, canoes, animal tracks, what's more classic Adirondack iconography? Students may select up to three designs and learn various basic leatherwork techniques, including but not limited to, cutting, stamping, embossing, dying, and stitching. To complete the earrings, we'll add sterling silver ear wires and silver plated findings. Longest earring size is approximately 2 1/2".
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.
Students will learn the fundamentals of leatherworking, including pattern tracing, cutting , assembly, edge-beveling, burnishing and hand-stitching. Students will apply these skills to craft their own bifold wallet.
This course will cover the various methods of making a throwing axe including traditional and more modern methods. For those with some forging experience. Students will learn how to forge weld. Proper balance of axe head and haft will be stressed.
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.
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.
Join us as we create a unique Native inspired bracelet. We will discuss Indigenous beadwork in the Adirondacks and compose a design for our bracelets. We will be hand sewing.
Students will learn the fundamentals of leatherworking, including pattern tracing, cutting , assembly, edge-beveling, burnishing and hand-stitching. Students will apply these skills to craft their own bifold wallet.
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 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.
Take your next hike or walk around the corner with a unique hand-crafted walking stick. Frank will guide you through the process of taking a piece of ironwood and transforming it into a walking stick that will last a lifetime. The inlaid compass will help ensure you don't lose your way on the trail! Makes a wonderful gift for the hikers in your life!
For this course students will get a chance to forge weld a trillium shaped trivet. This design is based on several early American examples. Students will learn basic forge welding along with traditional blacksmithing techniques. During the course there will be a discussion of early American blacksmithing and design.
This weave structure creates a light and airy scarf that is perfect for early spring through fall. It is always a wonderful accessory to add color to your wardrobe any time of year. A hem stitch will be hand sewn on the loom at the start and finish of the scarf, allowing the soft yarns to flow as a soft fringe.
In this family-friendly class, children ages 6 and up, with the help of a parent, will weave a rainbow of colored flat reed splint onto a hardwood stool. Stool and weaving materials will be provided.
This fun block is filled with movement, yet quite easy to assemble. You will create enough blocks for a 27? x 27? wall hanging or table topper. The blocks created in the block party classes will be cut using the Acuquilt cutting system. This system improves accuracy in cutting and reduces the stress on your hands often felt while cutting large amounts of small units of fabric for the quilt blocks.
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 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.
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!
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.
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".
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.
Everyone likes a good meal, but you can?t make a good meal without a good knife. The chef knife is an essential tool in any kitchen, used to slice, dice, and chop any number of different ingredients. In this class, students will forge, heat treat, grind, handle, and sharpen their own chef knives. Throughout the process, students will develop an eye for fit, finish, and symmetry. Special attention will be given to designing ergonomic knives with effective blade geometry.
In this couples class, one person will create a copper embossed plaque on 5 mill copper with Metal Arts instructor Mark Swanberry. Various templates for your design will be available or you may use your own, if applicable. Downstairs in the Woodshop, the other person will be making an Adirondack style frame with Rustic Furniture instructor Jim Schreiner, which will be built on a 12 inch by 12 inch pine backing. At the end of the classes the copper plaque will be fastened to the pine framework
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.
Everyone likes a good meal, but you can?t make a good meal without a good knife. The chef knife is an essential tool in any kitchen, used to slice, dice, and chop any number of different ingredients. In this class, students will forge, heat treat, grind, handle, and sharpen their own chef knives. Throughout the process, students will develop an eye for fit, finish, and symmetry. Special attention will be given to designing ergonomic knives with effective blade geometry.
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.
Barn quilts are all the rage these days! Come and create your own wooden "quilt" to adorn your house, barn or cottage. In this one and a half day class you will choose a pattern and paint a stunning "quilt" to hang outdoors. No quilting experience necessary.
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!
This is a variation on a Wool Drying Basket but tall and narrow -perfect for a knitting project. Students will weave in an over two under two twill pattern and learn to weave an arrow pattern using dyed reed. The hardwood handle and feet give this basket its convenient height. This is an intermediate level class. Dimensions: 12" tall x 11" across at top. 20" tall with feet and handle.
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.
Barn quilts are all the rage these days! Come and create your own wooden "quilt" to adorn your house, barn or cottage. In this one and a half day class you will choose a pattern and paint a stunning "quilt" to hang outdoors. No quilting experience necessary.
Everyone likes a good meal, but you can?t make a good meal without a good knife. The chef knife is an essential tool in any kitchen, used to slice, dice, and chop any number of different ingredients. In this class, students will forge, heat treat, grind, handle, and sharpen their own chef knives. Throughout the process, students will develop an eye for fit, finish, and symmetry. Special attention will be given to designing ergonomic knives with effective blade geometry.
This is a variation on an Adirondack Pack Basket with a cross-body strap and a smaller size. Students will learn a Shaker technique for continuous weave to create a solid base and weave and shape the sides of the basket. Shaker tape in coordinating colors will be used to create the strap. This is a challenging class with lots of hand shaping so weaving experience is helpful. Approximate finished size is 10-12? tall width varies.
In this beginner class, students will piece together a frame that has already been cut to size. After inserting a mirror, they will cut the live edge pieces to fit inside, and finally, they will put it all together to complete a piece that is sure to be a conversation starter.
In this beginner class, students will piece together a frame that has already been cut to size. After inserting a mirror, they will cut the live edge pieces to fit inside, and finally, they will put it all together to complete a piece that is sure to be a conversation starter.
The basket uses a small jelly roll pack and stiff interfacing to create a ?woven? fabric basket. You will have enough fabric to complete one basket in class and a second at home or in the UFO Studio.
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 $25 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).
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.
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.
Clay arts has historical common traditions across all cultures. It is easy to shape, sculpt and transform into ceramics. Imagine making bowls, cups, wind chimes and more.... through the use of clay medium. This two-day workshop allows for experimentation in creating various forms (2-3 pieces per student). On day one students will learn basic hand-building pottery techniques; explore pinch, coil and slab. After a drying period of three weeks, on the second day students will learn how to decorate and glaze their piece.
Doing something you love, like gardening, is even more rewarding when using tools you created yourself! In this class you will learn how to spread out metal to forge a garden trowel, and how to forge a weed puller. You'll also learn to attach handles and apply a finish to a forged item. Some basic blacksmithing experience is recommended.
We will be making valet trays from leather and hair-on cowhide. Students will learn how to use various leathercraft tools and techniques including, but not limited to, cutting, edge beveling and burnishing, grooving, setting hardware, and letter stamping. There will be two tray styles to select from, as well as leather color, cowhide pattern, and hardware finish for students to make their very own one of a kind, heirloom quality piece to hold all of their essentials. Overall finished size is 7 3/4" x 7 3/4"
