Hand forge a traditional Finnish belt knife. The Puukko is a small all purpose knife used for hunting, cooking and whittling. Students will forge and heat treat the blade, perform a flat grind on the blade and attach a handle made from 2 different woods. Finally a leather sheath will be fashioned.
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 4 hour class is ideal for the beginner blacksmith with little to no experience. We’ll explore basic techniques first, then move on to forging leaves to create a decorative leaf keychain. ABANA
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.
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).
Spinning, the ancient art of twisting fibers to make yarn or thread, still thrives today, and this workshop will show you how to bring its magic into your own creative practice. In this workshop, you will learn how to spin wool using spindles and a spinning wheel and hear stories and folklore about spinning while you practice. You will learn the basics of spinning, how to work with the properties of wool, and how to ply and finish the yarn you have spun. No experience is necessary.
In this class, students will learn to turn a cylindrical box and then turn a lid for the box, all from the same piece of wood. Students will learn tricks to making a good lid and will leave the class with a nice box for all sorts of collections!
In this class we will explore recipes for rejuvenation and relaxation. Using plants and other natural ingredients, we'll make and apply an herbal treatment for face, hands, and Feet for a head-to-toe pampering experience.
In this class students will take a trip through history as they learn about how Artisan Cheese developed from the 1800s through the present day. Students will have the opportunity to taste many of the New York cheeses discussed. Specific focus will be placed on the Adirondack Crescent Region. Please note: Students will check in at the Folk School, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY. They will then travel to Nettle Meadow's Plant/Tasting Room 1256 Lake Ave., Lake Luzerne, NY for the duration of the class.
In this class students will create a beautiful copper bowl from a 12" x 12" sheet of 16-gauge copper. Students will pound and hand tool the sheet into an 9" diameter, approx. 2" deep bowl. Students will also make a decorative vine with leaves from copper that will be attached to the rim of the bowl. Some soldering will be involved in this class.
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!
In this series of classes, a new quilt block will be introduced each month along with the techniques used to cut, piece, and construct the quilt block. Color is an important component to block and quilt design. Examples will be presented for each block to help you create a quilt that is pleasing to your personal color and style. Each offering can stand on its own, so take one, a few or all five! Students should have some basic knowledge of sewing prior to taking this class.
May 14: Log Cabin Quilt Block – A nice beginner block to practice the mastery of the ¼” seam and the skill of squaring off the block as it builds in size. The technique to sandwich the quilt layers will be taught as well as completing the quilt with a bias binding. Students will use their blocks to create placemats.
June 11: Four Patch Star Quilt Block – This is a well-known traditional block with many variations. We will look at the variations and dream of future quilting possibilities. Students will learn several methods to cut and sew half square and quarter triangles; the building block for an endless variety of quilt blocks. Sewing techniques will be shared and practiced to create the points of the star. You will also learn how to complete a pillow with or without a zipper.
July 9: Traditional Basket Block – This is another traditional block that will use the skills taught in the Four Patch Star Block Party. Variations in color will often make this block a popular choice for seasonal quilts and table runners. Several examples will be shared. New sewing and quilting techniques in this class will include placing blocks on point, sashing, and adding a sleeve to make this a wall hanging.
August 13: Blazing Star- The Blazing Star Quilt Block is spectacular and will use the skills acquired in previous block parties. You will be surprised to learn that the challenge to this clock comes in organizing your pieces before you sew each block, the sewing should no longer be your challenge.
September 10: Maple Leaf Block – A traditional block that is very popular in quilts and seasonal table runners and wall hangings. Just in time for Autumn in the Adirondacks, create your own display of fall leaves in a quilted project for your home.
