• Make a Native American Medicine Pouch

    Adirondack Folk School 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, United States

    A Native American medicine pouch is a container for items believed to protect or give spiritual powers to its owner. The medicine bag is considered a very precious possession which represents a person's spiritual life and its contents are generally considered holy by the tribal community. The bags might be very plain or richly decorated and are meant to give guidance, good luck, good health, protection, abundance and even love to the individuals who carry them. Students will cut leather and shape their pouch as desired, then stitch with imitation sinew. A rawhide cord will be used to hang the pouch and can be attached using one of two different methods. It can then be decorated with beads, antler or feathers. Children who are 12 years of age and older are welcome.

  • Birch Bark Picture Frames and Mirrors

    Adirondack Folk School 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, United States

    Birch bark picture frames and mirrors have adorned Adirondack camps and cabins for centuries and were a favorite winter project for the guides to make. This is a great class for beginners with limited experience with woodworking and tools. You will select a frame and learn how to cut and fasten the Birch bark, twigs and other natural objects to create your own 'masterpiece'. Come see why this is one of our most popular classes. You'll be proud to hang this in your home!

  • Shaker Cat Head Basket

    Adirondack Folk School 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, United States

    The Shaker Community, founded in New York, is known for its design aesthetic, combining form and function in simply elegant ways. This class introduces students to the Cathead base, a Shaker classic. In this form, a small, square base grows into a round basket, at the diameter and height of the student's choosing. This particular technique of weaving corners produces four "feet" upon which the basket rests. This creates a raised base on the inside of the basket, allowing its contents to first fill the perimeter of the basket, and then the center. Disbursing the weight of the basket contents, first to the perimeter, serves to prevent produce from becoming bruised and protects the center of the basket from wearing out. Students will weave a two-by-two twill pattern for both the base and the sides of the basket.

  • Canvas Tote Bags

    Adirondack Folk School 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, United States

    Get a jump start on farmer's market season with your own tote bag. Use stencils to create a unique bag that will be sure to make a statement when you go to the market. Students will make 1 or 2 bags and will learn to cut stencils for use during the class. Finishing techniques will also be taught.

  • Herbal Infused Vinegar

    Adirondack Folk School 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, United States

    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.

  • Nature & Wildlife Photography: A Day of Learning & Shooting

    Adirondack Folk School 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, United States

    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.

  • Create Your Own Hardwood Cutting Board

    Adirondack Folk School 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, United States

    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.

  • Create Your Own Hardwood Cutting Board

    Adirondack Folk School 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, United States

    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.

  • Live Edge Bowl

    Adirondack Folk School 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, United States

    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!

  • Mountain Gathering Basket

    Adirondack Folk School 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, United States

    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.

  • Mountain Gathering Basket

    Adirondack Folk School 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, United States

    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.

  • Rustic Furniture: Sofa or Coffee Table

    Adirondack Folk School 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, United States

    All you need to create a true rustic living room is to complement your Rustic End Table with an Adirondack Sofa or Coffee Table. Learn traditional furniture making while using materials found in this region: Birch bark, twigs, logs and more. You will be guided from start to finish and in the process, you will learn about material selection, basic joinery and the use of hand tools including Japanese saw, wood chisels, jigs and others. This will be a fun and intensive class and you will leave with a fine sofa or coffee table suitable for your "Great Camp" or home.