Drawing from over 30 years of fine instrument making, Martin Macica will lead participants through the process of making their own Ukulele from scratch using hand tools. This class will cover every aspect of making a Ukulele and participants will leave with the knowledge of this skill as well as a handcrafted instrument ready for a lifetime of making music.
Drawing from over 30 years of fine instrument making, Martin Macica will lead participants through the process of making their own Ukulele from scratch using hand tools. This class will cover every aspect of making a Ukulele and participants will leave with the knowledge of this skill as well as a handcrafted instrument ready for a lifetime of making music.
In the winter of 2023-24 Bob Goldberg came to AFS with an idea. While receiving treatment for cancer, he couldn’t help but think of others in those treatment rooms who didn’t have the same kind of support he did. He proposed a program to create “comfort birds” to donate to local hospitals to provide a little bit of care to those who need it most. Created by woodworker Frank Foust in 1982, comfort birds are small enough to fit in the palm of the hand and sanded to a silky-smooth finish to serve as a touchstone during hard times. In honor of the man who inspired them, we’ve renamed our iteration of the project “Bob’s Birds.” In this workshop, create your own comfort bird to gift to a loved one or to keep as a touchstone for yourself!
Drawing from over 30 years of fine instrument making, Martin Macica will lead participants through the process of making their own Ukulele from scratch using hand tools. This class will cover every aspect of making a Ukulele and participants will leave with the knowledge of this skill as well as a handcrafted instrument ready for a lifetime of making music.
There are times when a blacksmith needs to assemble parts or make a tool when traditional joinery is inefficient. In this class we will cover the basics of MIG and Stick Welding, equipment recommendations, making crack repairs, and fabricating a simple tool or jig. Bring your own welding mask and gloves if you have them. You?ll have time to practice what you?ve learned and receive coaching from a professional welder.
It's recycling and repurposing at its best! Search your closets or consignment shops and gather up 30-40 neck ties. Grab a chair that has 4 seat rails, and you'll be ready to go. You'll weave the neck ties onto the seat rails, creating a unique weaving and functional chair. Please bring a collection of 30 - 40 neck ties and a chair with 4 seat rungs needing a new chair seat. The chair should have the old seating material removed, with any repairs and refinishing completed prior to class. There will be a limited number of chairs available for a nominal fee if you are in need of one.
Participants will dye a range of natural colors using plants found locally in the Adirondack region. We'll talk about fiber selection and preparation, dyeing techniques, and how to sustainably gather plant materials for natural dyeing. This is a great foundation for future natural dye classes. Beginners will get a strong foundation in the fundamentals of natural dyeing, while participants with some experience with dye will gain a deeper experience with local materials. Participants have the option to select quilting cotton, DK weight wool yarn, or cotton mending thread. No experience necessary.
Join us for in introduction to the art of traditional rug hooking with this 9” x 9” quail. In this beginner-friendly, one-day class, you’ll learn the basics of this timeless textile craft. All materials-including backing, wool strips, hook and frame-will be provided, and no prior experience is necessary. Colors may vary. Class registration closes one month before the class in order to leave time to prepare materials.
In this class we will make our own unique collection of small brushes and brooms from Tampico. Tampico is a stiff plant fiber from the Agave or Yucca plant. The fiber is biodegradable and is resistant to wear and tear. The Tampico will be natural and dyed.
Using broomcorn and a variety of twines, we will tie a fancy turkey wing broom in the Appalachian style. The turkey wing makes an efficient whisk or fireplace tool in addition to having an attractive design. The broomcorn will be natural or dyed.
This basic class will give you the foundation needed to start out on your journey of blacksmithing. You'll learn fire management, hammering methods, drawing out, upsetting, cutting, splitting, twisting, and convenience bending along with a demo of forge welding. Make punches and chisels and learn to harden and temper them. Heating material and heat management will be taught and much more.
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.
