INSTRUCTOR: Pia Becker, Fellow
COURSE: Flower Making and Polymer Clay
PROJECT: Autumn Arrangement
Autumn is an amazing time! Harvesting and changing colors! In this class we will make an arrangement of different autumnal pieces. Some decorative Chinese lanterns and fallen leaves will be made from paper but we won't stop there! We will also sculpt gourds, apples and edible physalis from Fimo and Beesputty clay. Lots of different techniques — one more fun than the other! In the end we will arrange everything nicely on a provided plate and vase.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: Advanced. Good eyesight (or magnification) and steady hands are required.
MATERIALS FEE: $35 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Pia Becker, Fellow
COURSE: Flower Making
PROJECT: Magnolia Branch
Spring time is magnolia time! In this class we will make a delicate magnolia branch from scratch. This includes customizing punched pieces, modeling the branch and buds and using different kinds of materials and techniques to achieve the desired effects. Many of these techniques can be transferred to make other flowers. In the end we will arrange the branch in a provided vase.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate. Good eyesight (or magnification) and steady hands are required.
MATERIALS FEE: $25 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Pia Becker, Fellow
COURSE: Flower making
PROJECT: Sunflowers
What's not to like about sunflowers? They do make everyone happy, don't they? So why not treat your dollhouse to a gorgeous sunflower bouquet? In this class we will be combining different techniques of flower making to make these amazing flowers. This includes hand cutting parts, using floral tape, sculpting with Fimo and mold making. Lots of different techniques that can be transferred to make other flowers! To finish the project, we will arrange them nicely in a provided jug.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate. Good eyesight (or magnification) and steady hands are required.
MATERIALS FEE: $30 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Anna Belogurova, Artisan
COURSE: Metalwork, Enamel
PROJECT: Enameled Brass Basket
In this class, students will be asked to choose one basket to work on from five options: a small round egg basket, a square kitchen basket, an oval flower basket, a large harvest basket, or a classic household basket for laundry or firewood. Each model has its own traditional use.
The basket models were chosen with great care, as realism and the history of an object is so important to collectors. All patterns are identical to real vintage baskets. The instructor has drawn a replica and scaled each of them and will prepare for each student an individual conductor with which to assemble the model.
The class consists of a theoretical part (learning the basics and rules of working with a soldering iron, solder, acids and low-temperature enamel, principles of choosing materials for soldering, and cleaning) and a practical part, where we will use the pre-prepared conductors to solder brass wire with a jewelry soldering iron. After assembly we will carry out surface cleaning of the sample. Finally, if desired, we will cover the baskets with cold enamel. Students will have a choice of 30 shades of enamel. After the coating, the basket can be aged. After taking this class, students will have a fine, realistic miniature and will be able to apply all the skills they have learned to create their own miniature projects at home. If students want to make several basket shapes, there will be kits available to prepare on their own at home.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: Soldering iron, moto tool
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
MATERIALS FEE: $45 to be collected at school. There will be the option of purchasing extra kits for $25.
INSTRUCTOR: Pete & Pam Boorum, Artisans
COURSE: Metal and Wood Working
PROJECT: Woodworking Tools
Long before miniatures, Pete’s hobby was period furniture making in full scale. From what we have in the shop we have chosen a collection of classic tools which we will teach in a 12 hour class. This class will offer an assortment of hand tools for your shop. You will make a back saw with a miter box, a panel saw, a keyhole saw and a coping saw. In addition, there is a jointer plane, a square, a mallet and a chisel. Students may not complete all these items, but they will have the opportunity to make many in a comfortable, relaxed setting. Tools used include the jeweler’s saw, the duplicator lathe, the table saw, hand saws and the drill press. A metal shear and other hand tools for bending and shaping metal will be employed. Paint and aging techniques will be used as well.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: Lathe, table saw, drill press
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
MATERIALS FEE: $40 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Iulia Chin Lee, Artisan
COURSE: Woodturning
PROJECT: Birdfeeder
These bird feeders are ideal for an outdoor setting, either hanging in the garden or on the patio. The hint of birds coming to the feeders adds interest to scenes. The construction of the bird feeder is a turned box with fitted lid. The main techniques to be taught are:
This course is a lovely introduction to the basic techniques of lathe turning. The students will gain an understanding and familiarity with turning tools and their proper use. They will learn how to create different contours and shapes. Through practice, the students will be able to develop these skills, enabling them to create artistic pieces. The students will be turning a great variety of woods, including some exotic wood.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: Lathe, table saw
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner. Students should have steady hands.
MATERIALS FEE: $55 to be collected at school. Students need to have their own micro turning tools in class. The Sorby Micro Turning Tool Set (HS45) is recommended by the instructor. On request, the instructor will purchase and regrind the tools to the suitable shapes for miniature woodturning. $150 includes tool set, regrinding and tools brought to the Guild school.
INSTRUCTOR: Linda den Besten, Artisan
COURSE: Silversmithing
PROJECT: Silver Box with Bird Finial
This small silver box looks good on every table — just add some cookies!
We will be using sterling silver plate and strip to make the box and the lid.
With calipers and a jeweler’s saw, the shape of the box and the lid will be measured and cut. Students will then learn how to solder and texture the silver.
A cast of a silver bird on a branch will be provided by the instructor, and students will learn how to prepare it before soldering.
Finally, we will use a flex shaft and buffing machine with polishing wheels of various shapes to create a beautiful finish.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: Drill press, flex shaft, buffing machine
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner and intermediate. Some experience with soldering is helpful.
MATERIALS FEE: $90 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Annelle Ferguson, Fellow
COURSE: Needlework
PROJECT: 18th Century Needlepoint Panel
Embroidery is defined as the art of decorating material, primarily fabric, by means of a needle and thread. For the early American woman, embroidery was an acceptable outlet for creative expression and perhaps her most meaningful contribution to the decorative arts.
During most of the 18th century, embroiderers turned their attention to canvas work. Needlepoint on canvas became a favored technique used for furnishings. An embroidery frame was usually used to stretch out the ground fabric to be embroidered.
The focus of this class will be designing and needlepointing a panel for an embroidery stand, which will emphasize a work in progress. Referring to pictures/ copies of actual 18th century needle worked panels for inspiration, students will design and chart their pattern, followed by needlepointing that design on #48 silk gauze. If they wish, students may opt for #58 silk gauze. Partial charts to be worked on either #48 or #58 will be available for those not wanting to design their own panel.
As an option, the completed panel may be attached to a 1/12 scale replica of a c. 1730 English frame that had metal ratchets to adjust the angle of the work. A frame has been made especially for this class by Mark Murphy, with brass adjustment wheels made by Dr G’s Brasshole
Class discussions will include the essentials for setting up the project, the selection of colors, adapting antique designs to 1/12 scale and the application of the finished panel to an embroidery frame.
Students should be experienced with basic needlepoint and feel comfortable working on either #48 or #58 silk gauze.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is unlikely. However, students will have the materials and techniques to complete the project at home.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate and advanced
MATERIALS FEE: $25 to be collected in advance of school. There will be the option of purchasing the embroidery stand for $180.
INSTRUCTOR: Beth Freeman-Kane, Fellow
COURSE: Mixed Media
PROJECT: Bird House Intruder
This is a somewhat comical scene, which happens in nature where squirrels and birds compete for rightful ownership of nesting places such as birdhouses or hollow trees. As a 1/12th stand-alone piece it can be placed in your own dollhouse scene according to your own liking.
The castings of the original sculptures of the bird and squirrels will be provided, and acrylic painting techniques will be taught to bring them to life. We will also be learning a furring technique to add a fluffy tail to the squirrel on the left. This will be done using brushed cotton fiber. In addition, we will be making the wooden birdhouse from scratch using strip wood. This will be a fun, relaxed class…come and enjoy!
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: Moto tool
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner and Intermediate
MATERIALS FEE: $35 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Mary Grady O’Brien, Fellow
COURSE: Folk Art Painting
PROJECT: Folk Art Boxes with Birds
For years birds have been a popular subject in folk art expression.
This class is designed for students to learn in a relaxed manner while absorbing the techniques and history of this fascinating subject. As they learn, it is the instructor’s hope that the student will become encouraged to think about their own future folk-art creations
Students will have three distinct boxes to decorate. Each will vary in shape and size, but all will share the bird theme. Two will be unique, for the top will be completed with a porcelain bird that will be painted and perched on the lid. The result promises to be charming and unique for each student. This is folk art at its most fun.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: All levels
MATERIALS FEE: $100 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Christine Hannon, Artisan
COURSE: Painting with Acrylics
PROJECT: The Artist’s Garden
The Artist's Garden in Argenteuil (A Corner of the Garden with Dahlias) was painted in 1873 by Claude Monet of his rented home outside of Paris. His variety of colors and textures are realized by small dabs of loosely rendered paint, indicative of the impressionistic style. Backlit clouds, dahlias and hollyhocks in shadow, and two figures near a fence are all captured in this charming french scene. Impressionism is perfect for miniature painting and the student will learn how to apply what they learn in class to future landscape paintings. Students will create a 1/12th scale reproduction of this painting using soft body acrylics. Skills learned will include surface prep, image transfer, impressionistic brushwork, color mixing and value observation. Optional prep work and a historical overview will be sent via email in early spring. The finished 3.5" x 2.5" work will be framed. Students will receive a John Hodgson gilt frame, a set of 12 professional grade, soft body acrylics, 3 miniature brushes and a stepby- step booklet of each demonstration.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate. Students should have an understanding of the color wheel and handling a paintbrush.
MATERIALS FEE: $100 to be collected at school.
INSTRUCTOR: Pat Hartman, Fellow
COURSE: Needlework
PROJECT: French Knotted Rug
Hooked material has been found in Egypt since the 5th century. Skills were brought to America from Europe, but the craft is now considered a distinctly North American folk art. The creative peak of rug hooking was in the early 19th century in New England and the Canadian Maritime provinces. This technique was used mainly to make area rugs, stair runners and bed covers, often using material from clothing that was no longer serviceable, following the old saying “use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.”
The class project was found on an antiques site where it was described as “a beautifully designed 19th c. hooked rug in vibrant color and in excellent condition. American 3rd quarter 19th c.”
The primary focus of this class will be to learn and/or perfect the French Knot stitch, so they are uniform in size. This stitch gives a very good scale “hooked rug” look.
All class supplies will be provided.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is unlikely. However, students will have the materials and techniques to complete the project at home.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: All levels
MATERIALS FEE: $25 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Daniela Kiefhaber, Artisan
COURSE: Needlework
PROJECT: Embroidered Elizabethan Gloves
Starting as early as the Medieval era, gloves were an indicator of a person's social and economic status, so nothing but the best quality would do. The fashion gloves worn by the upper classes were crafted of finer leathers such as doeskin and kid (lamb). These gloves would be beautifully fringed and edged, richly embroidered and worked with gold thread or colorful silk threads, and some were even adorned with precious stones. By the end of the 17th century gloves were considered a necessary part of one’s attire. Silk, thin leather, lace, pearls, jewelry and golden buttons were used to make gloves, and both men and women wore them. Gloves with sumptuously embroidered gauntlets were an ideal and much appreciated complement to the flamboyant dress of the early-17th century. Both visually appealing and symbolically significant, they were presented as precious gifts to distinguished visitors, patrons or friends on festive occasions.
Students will create their own choice of gloves. First, they will choose their design, and then work on the less or more elaborate embroidery on silk or directly on the leather. After finishing the embroidery, the leather parts will be cut out and put together in the way a real glove is constructed. After that the glove will receive some decoration with laces, ribbons and beads. If the embroidery is very elaborate, students might have to work overtime or finish at home, with only one glove fully finished in school.
TIME: 12 Hours. Completion is likely
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
MATERIALS FEE: $35 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Miyuki Kobayashi, Artisan
COURSE: Clay Sculpting
PROJECT: Goldfish with Lotus in Stone Bowl
Stone bowls such as this one were formerly used in Japanese gardens to wash hands before entering a tea arbor. Recently, they are enjoyed as a vessel containing fish and flowers in home gardens to promote a feeling of well-being.
This particular Chouzubachi combines goldfish and lotus flowers. If students wish, they can also be taught how to make koi instead. Students will learn how to make the stone bowl, flowers and fish using air-dry and stone powder clays. Many sculpting techniques will be taught in this class, and the result will be a gorgeous, finished piece perfect for many miniature settings and scenes.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: none
SKILL LEVEL: All levels
MATERIALS FEE: $35 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Deb Mackie, Artisan
COURSE: Leather Crafting
PROJECT: Tooled Leather Panels for the Lincoln Rocker
This is a fun, laid-back and easy class, for all skill levels. No leather experience necessary! Students will learn to craft tooled leather panels for the seat and back of the Lincoln Rocker. The rocker can be built in Bill Studebaker’s 12-hour class, or students may purchase a finished chair made by Bill for an additional fee. Students can follow the supplied leather tooling pattern or design their own using the provided collection of leather stamps. Various techniques will be taught, such as tooling, embossing and skiving (thinning the leather). They can then choose from several colors of leather dye to complete their own customized chair panels.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: none
SKILL LEVEL: All levels
MATERIALS FEE: $35 to be collected at school. If you wish to purchase the rocker that these panels are intended for, there is a fee of $90. (The actual retail price is $150)
INSTRUCTOR: Marcia McClain, Artisan
COURSE: Upholstery
PROJECT: Window Treatment
The student will learn how to make a realistic window treatment in 1/12 scale. We will be using a Pretty Pleater as a tool for beautiful even pleats on the side hangings and swag. The jabots will be formed by hand. Trims on the edges will be applied and a tassel made. With a different choice of fabrics, the treatment will adapt to different time periods. Fabric choice will be made with the instructor prior to school.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
MATERIALS FEE: $50 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Marcia McClain, Artisan
COURSE: Upholstery
PROJECT: Designer Sofa
This sofa is a scale replica of a designer sofa once made by the Henredon Furniture Company. It has a simple yet classic design that showcases beautiful fabrics. It would be wonderful displayed against a wall of books and other accessories. It has a small footprint great for small rooms.
Fabrics of all types work well on this design; geometric patterns, plaids and stripes are particularly well suited, but don’t discount how wonderful it would be in a solid silk. Fabric choice will be made with the instructor prior to school.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
MATERIALS FEE: $50 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Marcia McClain, Artisan
COURSE: Upholstery
PROJECT: Petal Skirt Chair
Students will make this lovely chair featuring a decorative Petal Skirt. Contrasting fabrics highlight its unusual shape. If a student wants a traditional skirt instead, that can be done as well. The chair design takes on different looks depending on one’s choice of fabrics — it can be very formal, quite casual or very feminine. A simple throw adds a feeling of cozy comfort. Fabric choice will be made with the instructor prior to school.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
MATERIALS FEE: $50 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Ree Miller, Artisan
COURSE: Paper Florals
PROJECT: African Violets
This class is designed to offer low-key, relaxed-pace instruction that will enable the students to create some easy-to-make, realistic miniature flowers. These small plants can be scattered about a scene to add a touch of color and life. The techniques used have been specifically tailored to suit both beginners and more advanced students of the floral arts. The number of completed pieces they take home is entirely up to the individual. They will have the opportunity to make several small flowering plants using the provided supplies. Students will be invited to choose from a variety of containers or to bring their own pieces to use as pots for their plants. The class will work with a variety of materials to create realistic African violets for their chosen containers. Techniques for coloring, cutting, and shaping a range of materials from laser cut sheets and several specialty papers will be taught. The use of fabric stiffeners, modeling pastes, and a range of coloring options will also be covered. Students will have the time to complete several plants to create groupings or to use as individual decor.
TIME: 12 Hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
MATERIALS FEE: $40 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Pierluigi Pirovano, Artisan
COURSE: Metalworking
PROJECT: Metal Lanterns
These lanterns are used for decoration both inside homes and in gardens. Students will make two 1:12 scale metal lanterns with light inside. After soldering the parts, the lanterns will be finished with a flex shaft and painted with different acrylic colors for metal and finally aged using weathering techniques. Students will learn how to light the lanterns with LEDs or small light bulbs, powered by batteries or transformers. The instructor will explain all the techniques for electrifying miniatures.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: Flex shaft, drill press, soldering iron
SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate — students should be familiar with using power tools
MATERIALS FEE: $45 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Bill Studebaker, Artisan
COURSE: Woodwork
PROJECT: Lincoln Rocking Chair
This style of chair is so named because Abraham Lincoln owned one at the time of his death. The most notable feature is its characteristic lumbar support. While intended to be upholstered we will only focus on building the chair frame: instructions for upholstering at home will be included. Note: This may also be a companion to Deb Mackie’s leather tooling class where panels for upholstery may be produced.
Starting with flat cherry stock, we will transfer patterns and cut them out using a jeweler’s saw and refine them with files and sandpaper. The characteristic back support will be produced using a drill press, the frame assembled and refined and finished. A cursory carving on the crest rail may be expanded on and period-appropriate ornamentations and their execution will be discussed.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: Drill press
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
MATERIALS FEE: $20 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Sue Veeder, Fellow
COURSE: Painting
PROJECT: Sunset on Balsam Lake
Nothing beats a beautiful sunset, and this one is gorgeous. You will learn many techniques in this class, such as canvas prep in miniature scale, color blending, various brush strokes, how to paint water and sky and especially how to paint reflections. We will use acrylic paints for their ease and quick drying time. Your painting will be famed in class to take home and use in any miniature setting.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
MATERIALS FEE: $65 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Mariella Vitale, Fellow
COURSE: Crochet
PROJECT: Tote Bag
A tote bag is an incredibly useful and versatile accessory. It is one of the very few bags which manage to combine practicality with style.
This is a class that goes from “zero to hero". If you have never crocheted in your life, you can learn it in this class and go home with a beautiful, finished piece! Students will learn how to crochet a chain, make a single crochet and have straight edges. There will be different colors and sizes of thread to choose from to personalize your project. If you already know how to crochet you can make a bag with a more elaborate design, working in spiral with a seamless finish. By end of the week, you’ll have a lovely tote bag which can be used in a multitude of miniature settings.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
MATERIALS FEE: $30 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Mariella Vitale, Fellow
COURSE: Cold Porcelain
PROJECT: Fairy Mushroom Shelf
This shelf is a magical display of whimsy and wonder—a little piece from the enchanted world of fairies. Next to the dripping candles there are pots of mushrooms, their caps ranging from rich, earthy browns to vibrant reds with white spots. Some are small and delicate, growing in a pot, while others are bigger and sprouting from a wood log. Among these treasures are fairy letters, carefully folded and tied, sealed with tiny leaves. They hide secret messages and ancient tales, waiting to be discovered by those who believe in the magic of fairies.
Students will be given a little shelf to paint and decorate with all the fairy items. They will learn how to work with cold porcelain, and how to paint, stain and age it.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
MATERIALS FEE: $45 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Mariella Vitale, Fellow
COURSE: Cold Porcelain
PROJECT: Mushroom Lamp
This mushroom lamp is a whimsical piece of functional art, blending enchantment with practicality. The cap is a vibrant red with white spots, evoking the classic toadstool image from fairy tales. It is slightly translucent, allowing the light within to glow softly through the surface. Thanks to a small switch the lamp comes to life with a gentle touch, and the light that filters through the cap creates a soothing atmosphere. When turned off, the mushroom lamp remains a charming decorative piece, adding a touch of whimsy to any space.
In this class students will learn how to work with cold porcelain and how to wire the lamp with a micro-LED.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
MATERIALS FEE: $40 to be collected at school