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.
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.
Kumiko is the delicate, geometric latticework that is traditionally found in shoji screens. It originated in Japan during the Asuka era (600 - 700 AD). The patterns are made by carefully cutting bevels and fitting small strips of wood together without the need for glue. There are hundreds of designs that range from simple and rectangular to very complex and intricate. In this class you will learn how to make the asanoha pattern. Translated to "hemp leaf," asanoha is the most popular pattern in Japan and is connected to the idea of growth. You will start with basswood strips and go through the process of cutting accurate half lap joints to make a grid. Then, use Kumiko jigs to cut bevels and assemble the asanoha pattern.
It is a rare treat to see a Trumpeter Swan! In this class you will make your own swan with its baby, which is called a cygnet. Beginning with a simple armature you will wrap, and needle felt core wool before adding the fluffy, white layers of merino wool. The skills and techniques used to sculpt with wool will be demonstrated step by step. All necessary supplies are provided in a kit.
In this course, local and common non-local medicinal mushrooms will be discussed and identified. Students will learn the medicinal properties of each mushroom, how to make a double extraction tincture and how to grow oyster mushrooms at home. Students will leave with a tincture (in process that they will complete at home) and an oyster mushroom kit that will produce mushrooms after about 3 weeks.
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.
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!
All good blacksmiths need to be able to make tools that enable them to make beautiful pieces. This fun class is an opportunity for smiths to make these essential tools and more importantly, to learn toolmaking so you may make even more tools at your shop whenever you need them. You will make various sizes of punches and drifts, as well as chisels, and we will delve into set hammers, cut-off chisels, and bottom tooling depending on interests and time available. You will also learn how to anneal; heat treat and temper all of your new tools.
All good blacksmiths need to be able to make tools that enable them to make beautiful pieces. This fun class is an opportunity for smiths to make these essential tools and more importantly, to learn toolmaking so you may make even more tools at your shop whenever you need them. You will make various sizes of punches and drifts, as well as chisels, and we will delve into set hammers, cut-off chisels, and bottom tooling depending on interests and time available. You will also learn how to anneal; heat treat and temper all of your new tools.
The simplicity of this "catch all" has a slight graceful curve at the corners, rimmed with a hoop and lashed with cane. Woven using reed, Dona will share tips on shaping up the sides. This is a student favorite of Dona's designs. The lid allows for students to hide away their trinkets inside. This is a quick and fun project for all, with great results! This basket is appropriate for basket weavers of all levels. Dimensions 6" x 7" x 7" high.
To every season turn, turn, turn! 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. Friends and family will be truly impressed! You'll need to take this class before moving on to the more advanced turning classes.
