Guild Study Program at Old Salem / MESDA

Sugar Chest, Unknown Maker, Tennessee

Pete and Pam Boorum, IGMA Artisans

In bygone days, sugar was a valuable commodity. It was imported from the Caribbean and made its way to the consumer by riverboat or long overland journey. A household would often purchase an annual supply at one time. And, once purchased, it was kept under lock and key, because everyone in the household would likely have a sweet tooth.

Our sugar chest was from an “unknown maker” in Tennessee. We will replicate it, making extensive use of quarter-sawn cherry lumber and the table saw. The upper and lower units could be separated, with a removable insert in the upper unit, and interior dividers in the drawer of the lower unit. Finger joints will be employed, legs will be tapered, the top will have finger joints, and the custom-made moldings on the lid and waist will be mitered. You will learn to install hinges and the necessary key plates. Please join us!

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Materials Fee: $40.00

Drop Leaf Table, John Shearer, West Virginia

Bob Hurd, IGMA Artisan

Drop leaf tables were found mostly in England where they date to the late sixteenth century. The table has a fixed section in the center and a hinged section (leaf) that can be folded down (dropped) and supported by a leg or bracket when folded up. This type of table has many uses and the usual reason to have a drop leaf table is to save space.

The inspiration for this class project is a table made by John Shearer in Martinsburg, West Virginia, in 1798. The table has a serpentine front apron, four spade-foot legs and a single leaf that can be folded up to increase the overall size of the top. A wooden bracket will be used to support the drop leaf. The size of the table will be about 2-3/8” high x 3-3/4” wide x 2-3/4” deep (open) and 1-1/2” (closed).

Power tools and hand tools will be used to construct the piece. Power tools will include the table saw and drill press. The instructor will provide a list of tools for the students to bring.

Skill Level: Intermediate

Materials Fee: $40.00

Leather Bound Natural History Books, Mark Catesby, London

Deb Mackie, IGMA Artisan

Naturalist Mark Catesby’s “Natural History of Carolina, Florida, and the Bahama Islands” first volume appeared in 1731; the second volume in 1743. Catesby traveled extensively in Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Caribbean collecting specimens for his work. Catesby’s Natural History is a pioneering work in scientific illustration, and until the time of Audubon a hundred years later, was the best illustrative treatment of the flora and fauna of North America.

In this class, we will create a bound, miniature two-volume set based on the volumes in the MESDA collection. The leather cover will be embossed and foiled with similar designs. If time allows, we will create a leather-covered slipcase to compliment the books. Students will learn to bind a book block, then dye, foil, stamp and skive (thin) leather for the cover.

Skill Level: Intermediate. Leather experience is not necessary, but students should be familiar with using sharp tools, and precision-cutting and fitting tiny pieces. Manual dexterity is required.

Materials Fee: $65.00

Moravian Slipware, Workshop of Aust, North Carolina

Mary Grady O’Brien, IGMA Fellow

“The Moravian potters were masterful in their application of slip… Most of the slip-decorated dishes associated with Aust and his successors have naturalistic plants in their centers, making them analogous to flower paintings in clay. Possible sources for the motifs used by Moravian potters range from Islamic pottery, and its European derivatives, to seventeenth- and eighteenth-century botanical woodcuts and prints.” (Taken from MESDA’s Art in Clay Gallery Guide)

This focus of this class will be to replicate classic Moravian patterns on red and black porcelain clay plates ready to receive decoration. There will be ample opportunity to explore a number of patterns working with mixed media, ending the weekend with several charming examples of rural folk art. Your creation will be a lovely addition to a wall shelf or country hutch. All supplies will be provided.

Skill Level: All skill levels welcome.

Materials Fee: $65.00