The colors of the bark used along with pine needles and the applied rim accent show nature's beauty at work in this project. There's no limit to what you can use this basket for! This basket is woven with birch bark harvested from Dona's trees in Vermont and lashed with waxed linen. When complete, this basket feels as soft as leather. 4" x 3" wide x 3" high
Using natural and dyed reed the 2/2 twill makes the continuous weave fast going as you shape this square basket. When you get to the rim, the braided design in natural reed adds a fancy touch. You'll find many uses for this basket! Color may vary slightly. 8.5" x 8.5" x 8.5"
This class will focus on the proper making of mortise and tenon joinery for gate and railing construction. You'll make the tooling, punches, drifts, monkey tools and more. Special tools used by professional smiths to increase consistency of dimension will be shown and made. The secret of forging angled tenons easily and accurately will also be taught.
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.
This class will focus on the proper making of mortise and tenon joinery for gate and railing construction. You'll make the tooling, punches, drifts, monkey tools and more. Special tools used by professional smiths to increase consistency of dimension will be shown and made. The secret of forging angled tenons easily and accurately will also be taught.
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.
Learning to crochet is a snap! Don't feel intimidated by the lovely creations that you see. You can learn to make them, too. Patricia will help you learn several different stitches as you make something beautiful for your home or a gift. Ages 8 and up.
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.
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!
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.
Over 100 years ago, the famous Sagamore Hotel was built as an exclusive resort on Lake George in the Adirondacks. Its luxurious and spacious accommodations attracted the millionaires of the day, and the hotel continues to bring people from around the world to its spectacular spot on the lake. Come create a bit of history as you build a Sagamore chair using patterns struck from one of the original chairs; all the forms and patterns necessary are provided. Learn how to steam bend local Adirondack Red Oak into the graceful forms of this one-of-a-kind chair that is both beautiful and comfortable. Working with a variety of hand tools, you will bend and fasten the slats, laminate frame elements, join everything together and sand, finish and complete a beautiful chair ready for a prominent spot in your camp or home. Some prior woodworking experience is helpful, but beginners are welcome too.
Take that next step in your blacksmithing journey by learning traditional joinery work. The project is a fun, simple forgiving project where students will learn several processes: traditional corners, collars, tenons, rivets, slitting/drifting, beveled scrolls, fish-tail scrolls and regular scrolls where you will also learn how to determine the lengths of steel required to achieve a finished dimension. Learning these processes will enable you to move forward to projects limited only by your imagination!
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.
Over 100 years ago, the famous Sagamore Hotel was built as an exclusive resort on Lake George in the Adirondacks. Its luxurious and spacious accommodations attracted the millionaires of the day, and the hotel continues to bring people from around the world to its spectacular spot on the lake. Come create a bit of history as you build a Sagamore chair using patterns struck from one of the original chairs; all the forms and patterns necessary are provided. Learn how to steam bend local Adirondack Red Oak into the graceful forms of this one-of-a-kind chair that is both beautiful and comfortable. Working with a variety of hand tools, you will bend and fasten the slats, laminate frame elements, join everything together and sand, finish and complete a beautiful chair ready for a prominent spot in your camp or home. Some prior woodworking experience is helpful, but beginners are welcome too.
Take that next step in your blacksmithing journey by learning traditional joinery work. The project is a fun, simple forgiving project where students will learn several processes: traditional corners, collars, tenons, rivets, slitting/drifting, beveled scrolls, fish-tail scrolls and regular scrolls where you will also learn how to determine the lengths of steel required to achieve a finished dimension. Learning these processes will enable you to move forward to projects limited only by your imagination!
This is a great class for a first-time weaver, as well as for those who would like to learn some new weave patterns to create a unique piece. A variety of techniques will be discussed, including arrow weave and four-rod wale, as well as the use of color to create pattern. Students will begin by weaving a double-bottomed twined base. As they weave up the sides with the stop-start method, students may then choose to incorporate a variety of color and pattern which interests them. The basket is finished with a pair of leather handles made during class. With a double-bottomed base, this is a very sturdy and functional basket, as well as uniquely yours. Dimensions approx. 10" diameter, 8" high.
The Art of Cheesemaking:101 is being taught by Sheila Flanagan and Sal Speight, both internationally awarded cheesemakers, known for creative semi-aged cheeses. This course will focus on all of the simplest aspects of cheesemaking and the vast variety of cheeses that can be made based on different cultures, rennets, additives and mechanical processing methods. Shelia and Sal will highlight such topics as: importance of cheese starter culture and how different cultures dictate cheesemaking steps, varieties of rennet and their pros and cons, eight steps of cheesemaking and how each affects the final product, categories of cheese from fresh to semi aged to hard cheeses and all their sub categories, what makes cheese artisan and the constant clash with regulations and food safety consideration. Students will then put their knowledge to work by making a semi-aged cow's milk cheese. Tips on how to care for your semi-aged cheese at home will end this well-rounded class taught by the cheesemakers at Nettle Meadow Farm.
This is a great class for a first-time weaver, as well as for those who would like to learn some new weave patterns to create a unique piece. A variety of techniques will be discussed, including arrow weave and four-rod wale, as well as the use of color to create pattern. Students will begin by weaving a double-bottomed twined base. As they weave up the sides with the stop-start method, students may then choose to incorporate a variety of color and pattern which interests them. The basket is finished with a pair of leather handles made during class. With a double-bottomed base, this is a very sturdy and functional basket, as well as uniquely yours. Dimensions approx. 10" diameter, 8" high.
Over 100 years ago, the famous Sagamore Hotel was built as an exclusive resort on Lake George in the Adirondacks. Its luxurious and spacious accommodations attracted the millionaires of the day, and the hotel continues to bring people from around the world to its spectacular spot on the lake. Come create a bit of history as you build a Sagamore chair using patterns struck from one of the original chairs; all the forms and patterns necessary are provided. Learn how to steam bend local Adirondack Red Oak into the graceful forms of this one-of-a-kind chair that is both beautiful and comfortable. Working with a variety of hand tools, you will bend and fasten the slats, laminate frame elements, join everything together and sand, finish and complete a beautiful chair ready for a prominent spot in your camp or home. Some prior woodworking experience is helpful, but beginners are welcome too.
Take that next step in your blacksmithing journey by learning traditional joinery work. The project is a fun, simple forgiving project where students will learn several processes: traditional corners, collars, tenons, rivets, slitting/drifting, beveled scrolls, fish-tail scrolls and regular scrolls where you will also learn how to determine the lengths of steel required to achieve a finished dimension. Learning these processes will enable you to move forward to projects limited only by your imagination!
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.
Over 100 years ago, the famous Sagamore Hotel was built as an exclusive resort on Lake George in the Adirondacks. Its luxurious and spacious accommodations attracted the millionaires of the day, and the hotel continues to bring people from around the world to its spectacular spot on the lake. Come create a bit of history as you build a Sagamore chair using patterns struck from one of the original chairs; all the forms and patterns necessary are provided. Learn how to steam bend local Adirondack Red Oak into the graceful forms of this one-of-a-kind chair that is both beautiful and comfortable. Working with a variety of hand tools, you will bend and fasten the slats, laminate frame elements, join everything together and sand, finish and complete a beautiful chair ready for a prominent spot in your camp or home. Some prior woodworking experience is helpful, but beginners are welcome too.
Forging a bar of stock into a particular shape, be it a cooking utensil, latch or other items requires two things. First, you need to know how much material is necessary to create the shape, the "set-up", and second, how to forge out that shape, the "transition", ensuring that they are both graceful and structurally sound. This class will explore traditional 18th century forging techniques with an emphasis on set-ups and transitions by forging a smiple spatula for hearth cooking as well as a more complicated key-hole spatula. Later we will explore latch making with the same emphasis. And lastly, finishing of your work by filing it to bring out its beauty and add details. Many examples of latches and hearth cooking utensils will be available for students to examine. Students should have a wrking knowledge and bility to manage a coal fire, basic hand forging knowledge and the ability to forge weld.
Forging a bar of stock into a particular shape, be it a cooking utensil, latch or other items requires two things. First, you need to know how much material is necessary to create the shape, the "set-up", and second, how to forge out that shape, the "transition", ensuring that they are both graceful and structurally sound. This class will explore traditional 18th century forging techniques with an emphasis on set-ups and transitions by forging a smiple spatula for hearth cooking as well as a more complicated key-hole spatula. Later we will explore latch making with the same emphasis. And lastly, finishing of your work by filing it to bring out its beauty and add details. Many examples of latches and hearth cooking utensils will be available for students to examine. Students should have a wrking knowledge and bility to manage a coal fire, basic hand forging knowledge and the ability to forge weld.
Students will learn to weave through instruction and hands on experience! Students will learn about equipment, terminology, and the procee of weaving, including planning, winding a warp, dressing a loom, weaving and finishing. Students will make a sampler of plain and twill weaves. No prior look experience needed.
Forging a bar of stock into a particular shape, be it a cooking utensil, latch or other items requires two things. First, you need to know how much material is necessary to create the shape, the "set-up", and second, how to forge out that shape, the "transition", ensuring that they are both graceful and structurally sound. This class will explore traditional 18th century forging techniques with an emphasis on set-ups and transitions by forging a smiple spatula for hearth cooking as well as a more complicated key-hole spatula. Later we will explore latch making with the same emphasis. And lastly, finishing of your work by filing it to bring out its beauty and add details. Many examples of latches and hearth cooking utensils will be available for students to examine. Students should have a wrking knowledge and bility to manage a coal fire, basic hand forging knowledge and the ability to forge weld.
Students will learn to weave through instruction and hands on experience! Students will learn about equipment, terminology, and the procee of weaving, including planning, winding a warp, dressing a loom, weaving and finishing. Students will make a sampler of plain and twill weaves. No prior look experience needed.
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.
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).
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".
Forging a bar of stock into a particular shape, be it a cooking utensil, latch or other items requires two things. First, you need to know how much material is necessary to create the shape, the "set-up", and second, how to forge out that shape, the "transition", ensuring that they are both graceful and structurally sound. This class will explore traditional 18th century forging techniques with an emphasis on set-ups and transitions by forging a smiple spatula for hearth cooking as well as a more complicated key-hole spatula. Later we will explore latch making with the same emphasis. And lastly, finishing of your work by filing it to bring out its beauty and add details. Many examples of latches and hearth cooking utensils will be available for students to examine. Students should have a wrking knowledge and bility to manage a coal fire, basic hand forging knowledge and the ability to forge weld.
Students will learn to weave through instruction and hands on experience! Students will learn about equipment, terminology, and the procee of weaving, including planning, winding a warp, dressing a loom, weaving and finishing. Students will make a sampler of plain and twill weaves. No prior look experience needed.
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!
Join Marjolaine in a 1-day class to create an eco print silk scarf. During this workshop you will explore the technique of eco printing, a method of transferring the pigment within leaves and other plant matter to silk fabric via steaming or boiling. It is a technique for printing on fabric with the natural dye color present in plants.
Forging a bar of stock into a particular shape, be it a cooking utensil, latch or other items requires two things. First, you need to know how much material is necessary to create the shape, the "set-up", and second, how to forge out that shape, the "transition", ensuring that they are both graceful and structurally sound. This class will explore traditional 18th century forging techniques with an emphasis on set-ups and transitions by forging a smiple spatula for hearth cooking as well as a more complicated key-hole spatula. Later we will explore latch making with the same emphasis. And lastly, finishing of your work by filing it to bring out its beauty and add details. Many examples of latches and hearth cooking utensils will be available for students to examine. Students should have a wrking knowledge and bility to manage a coal fire, basic hand forging knowledge and the ability to forge weld.
Students will learn to weave through instruction and hands on experience! Students will learn about equipment, terminology, and the procee of weaving, including planning, winding a warp, dressing a loom, weaving and finishing. Students will make a sampler of plain and twill weaves. No prior look experience needed.
This basket is based on a forerunner of the Nantucket Lightship basket, c. 1850. Woven on a round oak base, the spokes are inserted into a groove which holds them firmly in place. This basket employs a continuous chase weave to build the sides, using two weavers at once. The basket is hand-shaped, not woven on a mold, and students will be challenged and excited to watch their creations grow with two weavers. A hand-carved oak handle is incorporated into the rim, which finishes this rustically graceful and functional basket. It is woven on a 6" oak base which grows into a 12" diameter basket. Dimensions are approx. 10" high at sides, 16" high at handle.
Anyone can learn to make a rustic birdhouse in just a few hours. A birdhouse is a simple structure with seven basic parts: two sides, a front and back, a bottom, and two pieces for the top. Power tools are not necessary to cut the wood; it can be done with a handsaw. Using rough-cut lumber, you will construct a rustic birdhouse that can be functional and/or decorative. Choose from several birdhouse designs. There will be a short discussion about nesting birds, feeding birds and suitable houses for area birds. Participants are encouraged to bring objects (such as old drawer pulls, doorknobs, hardware, etc.) from home. Adults and teens welcome; children ages 10-14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Photograph the late afternoon, sunset and evening light along with the magical wonder and beauty of night skies in the southern Adirondacks with Carl Heilman as your guide and instructor. After meeting briefly at the Folk School for an introduction to night photography and some time for Q & A, the group will travel to nearby photo destinations along the roadways, lakes and waterways. After the sun sets at 7:55, we'll photograph in the twilight as the stars come out. There will be potential Milky Way photo ops before the moon rises at 9:20 PM, which will offer yet another dimension to photographing the nighttime Adirondack landscape.
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.
Learn how to make your very own personal hiking stick. Begin by selecting the perfect stick collected by the instructor. Then you will learn how to shave and carve your hiking stick. Once you are happy with your creation, the sticks will be completed by drilling a hole in them and adding a lanyard. Once finished, put your stick to good use on the trail running right by our school!
This basket is based on a forerunner of the Nantucket Lightship basket, c. 1850. Woven on a round oak base, the spokes are inserted into a groove which holds them firmly in place. This basket employs a continuous chase weave to build the sides, using two weavers at once. The basket is hand-shaped, not woven on a mold, and students will be challenged and excited to watch their creations grow with two weavers. A hand-carved oak handle is incorporated into the rim, which finishes this rustically graceful and functional basket. It is woven on a 6" oak base which grows into a 12" diameter basket. Dimensions are approx. 10" high at sides, 16" high at handle.
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!
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.
This class is an introduction to the cold process method of soap making. Students will get a lesson in lye safety and will participate in the making of a basic soap. Students will leave with a loaf of soap that will yield about eight bars. Finally, while this is an introductory class, there will be discussion about ways to acquire further knowledge/skills.
Create soap just like Grandma, but better! Join Chrissey for an enjoyable Sunday afternoon as you learn how to make soap that not only smells good but is all-natural and feels great on your skin. This fun class will teach you how to create soap using the cold-process and natural/organic ingredients. You will learn all about the basic process, oils, and the difference between fragrances and essential oils. You will create soap from a recipe while learning how to handle lye safely. Finally, you'll take home your hand-made soap. So, say good-bye to store-bought soap and start using soap you made yourself!
This class is an introduction to the cold process method of soap making. Students will get a lesson in lye safety and will participate in the making of a basic soap. Students will leave with a loaf of soap that will yield about eight bars. Finally, while this is an introductory class, there will be discussion about ways to acquire further knowledge/skills.
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.
