INSTRUCTOR: Pete Acquisto, Fellow
COURSE: Silversmithing and Machine Work
PROJECT: Sterling Silver Candle Holder
This beautiful candle holder will make a great project for the beginner to intermediate student. Students will use the lathe and various attachments to turn a pair of these candle holders using sterling silver rods. Students will learn finishing techniques using the flex shaft machine and polishing wheels of various shapes to create a beautiful finish. The final step will be to use the buffing machine with a soft polishing wheel and rouge to create a highly polished finish. Students will walk away with a pair of sterling silver candle holders.
TIME: 24 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: lathe, flex shaft, buffing machine
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner and intermediate
MATERIALS FEE: $110 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Pete Acquisto, Fellow
COURSE: Learning How to Set Up and Use the Lathe
PROJECT: Design and Turn Miniature Pieces Using Brass on the Lathe
The purpose of this class is for students to learn how to set up and operate the metal lathe. Positioning the cutter and resharpening the cutter will be taught. Included also is using the vertical and horizontal slides to make precision cuts and measuring using calipers and dial Indicators. Students will learn how to use the compound to cut curved surfaces. They will use the flex shaft machine to shape and polish in conjunction with the lathe. The medium will be brass. Different diameters of brass will be provided for students to practice on and create pieces of their own design. The goal is for students to be able to use the lathe independently after they return home.
TIME: 24 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: lathe, flex shaft, grinder
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner and intermediate
MATERIALS FEE: $110 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Diane Almeyda
COURSE: Metal Work/Enameling
PROJECT: Rectangular Stained Glass Window
Stained glass can be decorative as well as useful. Needless to say, it is also beautiful. This project will allow students to express their artistic sensibilities while creating a stained glass window, which can be used in various scales and various settings.
Students will learn basic jewelers’ skills by creating a metal framework from fine silver sheet, which will be sawn out with a jeweler’s saw. They will then learn an enameling technique called plique-a-jour by which they will fill the openings in the framework with ground glass so that each opening is spanned with real glass. This will require many firings in a kiln. Techniques employed will include using a jeweler’s saw to cut metal sheet, enameling (including preparing enamels for use), use of a kiln, and using a flex shaft with various attachments and abrasives to finely finish the work.
TIME: 24 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: flex shaft
SKILL LEVEL: All levels. Good close-up vision for small work is important. Magnification is highly recommended. Ability to use hands to grasp is also necessary.
MATERIALS FEE: $110 to be collected in advance of school or at school for non-US students
INSTRUCTOR: Pete and Pam Boorum, Artisans
COURSE: Furniture Construction
PROJECT: Martha Washington Sewing Cabinet
A sewing cabinet for implements and work in progress has been a standard item of furniture in the well-furnished household for centuries. There is always a need for a place to store the needles and thread, the scissors and the pincushions, as well as garments and other fabric projects in various stages of completion. The Martha Washington Sewing Cabinet was a popular style that was mass-produced in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. It was fondly named for Martha, but does not resemble anything actually owned by the lady herself. We have examined three different cabinets of this design. All were made of mahogany, have three drawers and beautiful reeded legs. We have been able to identify several different interior trays and embellishments.
Students will use the table saw and lathe with duplicator to make the sewing cabinet, as well as the drawer pulls. Particular skills to be addressed will include cutting and assembling the segmented side compartments, turning the legs on the duplicator, doing the reeding on the turned legs, turning the drawer pulls, as well as case and drawer construction. Staining and finishing will be included in the instruction.
TIME: 24 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: table saw, lathe, drill press
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner and intermediate
MATERIALS FEE: $40 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Beth Freeman-Kane, Fellow
COURSE: Stand-Alone Sculpture Scene
PROJECT: Garden Tap
This class is FULL.
In this class students will create a stand-alone vignette. They will be doing clay work, acrylic painting, landscaping and flower making. The bird castings will be provided but there will be time to experiment with sculpting, if students so wish. Students will also work with and learn a bit about UV resin, (different from the 12-hour class). Painting of textures will be a main feature contrasting wood, metal and feathers. The charming finished product can be placed in any garden scene or displayed on its own in your home collection.
TIME: 24 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: moto tool
SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate
MATERIALS FEE: $40 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Christine Hannon, Artisan
COURSE: Traditional Painting in Acrylics
PROJECT: 17th Century Still Life Painting
This class is FULL.
Stofuitdrukking is the Dutch and Belgian word for “indication of materials” in regards to a painting. The term does not have an English translation, but it is what makes the 17th Century Dutch still life appreciated for close to 400 years. Cornelis de Heem (1631–1695) was the son of well-respected painter Jan Davidsz de Heem and learned to paint in his father’s workshop. Stillleben met Hummer, also known as “Still Life with Lobster” (nature morte au homard) c. 1655/1656 was typical of Cornelis’ still life compositions, using expensive paint colors to display the wealth of Dutch merchants of the day.
In this class students will create a 1/12th scaled reproduction of this painting using water-based, soft body acrylics, designed for luminous glazing. A historical overview of 17th Century Dutch still life painting, materials and framing will be presented. Skills learned will include surface prep, image transfer, dead coloring (underpainting), color glazing and framing. Upon completion, the student will be able to render glass, fabric, foliage and shiny surfaces realistically, having the confidence to apply these skills in future work.
The painting will be 2 ¼" x 2 ⅝" plus framing. Students will receive a set of twelve professional grade, soft-body acrylic colors, three miniature brushes and a step by step booklet of each demonstration. A custom-made, era-appropriate wood frame is also included. Students may choose to upgrade to a John Hodgson gilt frame for an additional fee.
TIME: 24 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate. Students need good eyesight and steady eye/hand coordination. Some painting experience is expected, with a working knowledge of color theory, paint mixing and brush handling.
MATERIALS FEE: $100 to be collected at school. An upgrade to a John Hodgson gilt frame is an additional $20.
INSTRUCTOR: Phyllis Hawkes, Fellow
COURSE: Traditional Oil Painting
PROJECT: Mary Jane Smith Painting
This class is FULL.
Paint this charming folk portrait of a child, Mary Jane Smith, by Joseph Whiting Stock, a New England artist, born in Springfield, MA, in 1815. He was known for his portraits, miniatures, and landscape paintings, many of which he did on commission. When Stock was eleven years old, an oxcart fell on him and he became paraplegic for the rest of his life. After his accident, he began to study painting on the advice of his physician. One of his doctors constructed a wheelchair which enabled him to paint large canvasses and be lifted onto trains in order to travel for commissions.
In this class students will learn traditional oil painting, layering, glazing techniques, brush handling, color mixing, shading and blending with special study and demonstrations on children’s faces. A frame, as shown in the photo, is included which students will paint in faux wood grain. Our painting will be approximately 1 ⅞" x 2 ⅞" on a gessoed board. Students will approach the work in a step-by-step fashion, beginning with transferring the image and initial color blocking to adding levels of detail each day. They will be amazed at the results this technique produces, especially keeping in mind that this is folk painting and total perfection is not required.
TIME: 24 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: All levels. Some experience handling paint brushes is helpful.
MATERIALS FEE: $85 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Miyuku Kobayashi, Artisan
COURSE: Clay Sculpting
PROJECT: Japanese Garden with Goldfish,
Stone Bowl and Hydrangeas
This class is FULL.
Chouzubachi is a name of stone bowls in Japanese which were formerly put in the Japanese Garden and used to wash hands before enter the tea arbor. Recently, they are also enjoyed as a vessel containing fish, flowers and plants in our home garden and promote a feeling of healing.
In this class students will learn how to make not only goldfish, but also a stone bowl, other stones, hydrangeas and other plants. In addition, they can learn the technique of how to express the differences of each type of stones. The prototype is made on the small wood base, but if students wish to put these items in the miniature garden setting they are making, that’s okay to arrange the project as they like. Please enjoy making the original, small Japanese Garden!
TIME: 24 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: All levels
MATERIALS FEE: $48 to be collected at school. There may be optional tools or supplies offered for an additional fee.
INSTRUCTOR: Tine Krijnen, Fellow
COURSE: Bookbinding and Gold Edging
PROJECT: An Illuminated Manuscript, Psalm 23
This class is FULL.
The main goal of this workshop is learning the ins and outs of bookbinding. Students will learn to form signatures, sew the book block with the help of a sewing frame and make a leather cover with a title tooled in gold foil. New from the previous year, students will learn the technique of gold edging the book block with gold leaf—a technique for perfectionists. Of course, students will first practice on a dummy book block to get to grips with the technique.
Students can choose from three titles: The Tulip Book, Short Lessons in Bookbinding by D. de Bray or the new book Psalm 23, An IIluminated Manuscript with calligraphed text on the right side and a matching illustration on the left. The illustration will be colored by the students themselves with aquarelle (watercolor) paint and gold paint. After coloring, the bookbinding process starts. Whatever title is chosen, the students will go home with a beautiful book, and enough knowledge to make more books at home.
TIME: 24 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: All levels. Students need to know that besides the bookbinding and tooling, 24 illustrations need to be hand-colored. This takes time, very good eye-sight, a steady hand and patience. To avoid this, students could choose not to color or partially color the illustrations.
MATERIALS FEE: $50 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Iulia Chin Lee, Artisan
COURSE: Wood-Turning/Vase Hollowing/Joining
PROJECT: Artistic Vases
The class will begin with an introduction/review of basic spindle-turning to allow students to accustom themselves to the tools and materials. Once the students are comfortable with the cutting implements and the methods, they will learn how to cut the vase neck, shape the body and hollow the vase.
This class is suitable for both beginners and intermediate students. The beginners will concentrate on learning turning and hollowing, while the more advanced students will develop and fine tune the technique required to create turned mortise and tenon joints. This precise, multi-purpose application will allow students to seamlessly transform individual pieces into one beautiful final product.
Joining pieces in turning is a natural progression from the basic turning technique to a more advanced level, which will allow more intricate designs and effects. This class will focus on achieving desired shapes through the joining of different vase pieces. This will be accomplished through the utilization of turned mortise/tenon joints. Vases will be made out of mahogany, cherry, maple and exotic woods. Students will be instructed on the proper use of specialized hollowing tools, made by Harmony Water, which will be provided in the class with an option to purchase.
TIME: 24 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: lathe
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner and intermediate. This class is more towards intermediate level. Prior wood-turning experience is a plus.
MATERIALS FEE: $50 to be collected at school. Students need to have their own micro turning tools in class. Sorby Turning Tool Set is recommended. Those who do not have tools have the option of purchasing them from the instructor. Robert Sorby Micro Turning Tool Set, made in England, is $150.
INSTRUCTOR: Chris Malcomson, Artisan
COURSE: Furniture Construction/Marquetry
PROJECT: Victorian Marquetry Workbox
This class is FULL.
Students will learn the art of box-making; using dovetails and veneering using traditional methods unchanged for 300 years. They will then move on to the marquetry panels. Students will make handmade inlaid bandings for the borders. Having completed the exterior they will fit out the interior with embossed papers and build the lift-out trays with lids. The final process will be to add the handmade bronze fittings which will be supplied. This class will give students a firm grounding in all aspects of box-making at a high level and students will be able to take away some wonderful new skills.
TIME: 24 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: sanding machine
SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate
MATERIALS FEE: $50 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Mary Grady O’Brien, Fellow
COURSE: Oil and Acrylic Paint and Clay
PROJECT: Folk Art Bird Tree
The object of this class is to learn techniques for constructing a bird tree. Each student will begin with a completed perch, porcelain birds for the tree, and a container (a pickle crock crafted by IGMA Fellow, Jane Graber). Students will use acrylics for background color of the birds and for detail decoration they will use oil paint. The color and decoration of each bird will be for the student to determine. Have fun being creative.
Although students will be provided porcelain birds, to learn how to shape birds, students will work with air-dry clay to make a few birds each day. The purpose of this is to improve skills and view their progress. There is the expectation that some of their handmade birds will be decorated in class or completed at home. There are many ways to construct the perch and in class we will discuss how this can be achieved using various designs.
Hopefully, students will be inspired by the colorful history of these whimsical creations. Birds have been such a subject of interest in folk art over the years.
TIME: 24 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: All levels
MATERIALS FEE: $120 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Lidi Stroud, Artisan
COURSE: Basketry
PROJECT: Vintage French Grape Gathering Basket
This class will keep students very well occupied during the time allocated and intermediate weaving skills would be helpful though not necessary. Techniques used in making this basket will Include: laying a round base; twining/pairing weave; 4 rod wale; adding insertions to the outside of the basket; adding thread stakes to allow a border to be woven; working a simple rolled border; attaching and wrapping the required handles; and painting and aging the basket.
TIME: 24 hours. Completion is likely. This class is work-intensive as there is a lot to do to complete the basket — not much time for chit-chat.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner and intermediate
MATERIALS FEE: $$30 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Bill Studebaker, Artisan
COURSE: Furniture Construction
PROJECT: Farmhouse Kitchen Sink
This class is FULL.
As plumbing began to find its way into homes it often began with a “wet” sink. What we have grown to know as the kitchen sink once served many purposes: from laundry center to bathing fixture. What students are modeling is such a piece—still larger than what we know today and set into fitted cabinetry reflecting its more specialized functions in cooking and meal preparation. A combination of open shelves and closed storage, drawers and dish racks give us the opportunity to use several construction techniques. Mortise and tenon, dado and fingered box joints all are featured, yielding a period cabinet suitable for a late Victorian or modern farmhouse. A painted and distressed finish will be applied and appropriate aging methods will be discussed.
TIME: 24 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: table saw, scroll saw, drill press
SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate and courageous beginners!
MATERIALS FEE: $100 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Fern Vasi, Artisan
COURSE: Dressing and Wigging a Figure
PROJECT: Two Christmas Elves
These charming 1" scale hand-sculpted porcelain dolls will be carved just for the students. Perfect for a holiday setting. Their fingers are individually carved to hold their accessories. Students will learn to dress them in rich green velvet, a "fluffy" sweater and a vest in holiday cheer. Then they will learn how to curl silk viscose for their hair in a variety of colors. Students will be adding many tiny details to make them very special. Very little sewing is involved — so, this class is based on beginning techniques.
TIME: 24 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
MATERIALS FEE: $125 to be collected at school. An optional third elf is offered with the student’s choice of twelve different accessories for an additional fee of $125.