In this class you will make a traditional Shaker-style, tapered-leg end table using mixed hardwoods. This project offers the chance to learn basic cuts and joinery with some creative finishes.
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!
Everyone has a story to tell - what matters is how you tell it. Whether you want to write the next great American novel or simply spin a good yarn around a campfire, the elements of storytelling are the same. In this four-part, weekly two-hour class, students will focus on the basics of the "personal narrative" - a story told in first person that relates the story teller's own experience. Students will develop a five-minute story (approximately 750 words) through in class exercises and take-home assignments. You will learn how to mine your memories for story ideas, structure your thoughts for maximum effectiveness, and find the details that will bring your story to life. At the end of the course, participants will be given the opportunity to share their work in front of a small audience.
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).
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!
Have you always wanted to learn to knit but thought it was too difficult? Don't feel intimidated! Our instructor will help you through the process of learning the two basic kinds of stitches as you make at least one lovely coaster. If time permits you may make all three!! Ages 8 to adult.
There are many gardentemplates one can install, yet
none are as Earth focused,
Spiritual, and meditative as a
traditional Medicine Wheel
Garden. We’ll discuss the
basic structural elements
which create this unique
garden design and, from
there, sketch one out on paper
- influenced by our own
connection with the Earth. With the basic principles planted in
our hearts and minds, we will create and plant a permanent
Medicine Wheel Garden garden for all at AFS to enjoy!
This class follows the lessons learned in Blacksmithing 101. Students will use top tools and punches to make decorative faces, starting with skulls but other artistic work will be covered such as horses, goats, horned animals, and others. To make the faces, students start with bar stock and will learn how to fuller, punch, and drift, as well as work in a team with another smith. This class focuses on the artistic side of blacksmithing and how various tools can be used to create different effects.
This 4-hour class is ideal for the beginner blacksmith with little to no experience. We will start with the basics, and within the first hour students will be forging their own nails. From there, students will forge hooks with a decorative twist.
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!
Create your own pine branch wall hanging with vines, leaves, and pinecones. Different size pipe will be pounded and textured on an anvil to make the branches and vines. The leaves and cones will be made from sheet copper, then textured. This class will also involve some soldering. The finished piece will be approximately 25" by 17".
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!
