Following is a list of classes offered in 2023 FOR YOUR INFORMATION ONLY.
2024 Classes will be posted in May 2024. Stay tuned!
Sculpting a Vase on A Mini Wheel
Instructor: Lynette Barker (A)
Tuesday, September 26, 8:00am – 12:00pm
Tuesday, September 26, 1:00-5:00pm
or Wednesday, September 27, 8:00am – 12:00pm
Lynette will teach you the basic skills needed to sculpt clay on a mini wheel. For this class, she will use air-dry clay, so no kiln is needed. She uses a mini wheel. The project for this class will be a large (relatively speaking) vase or bowl. Simple, elegant, and 1:12 scale. Finished projects will be about 1 inch tall. No tiny pieces are involved. Variation of style is encouraged.
Lynette will implement a sculpting method that does not use very much water, unlike standard “throwing.” This allows for very precise lines and thin edges on your finished projects. Techniques learned: centering, opening, shaping by sculpting, and finishing a piece on a mini wheel. Lynette’s unique sculpting style will be used throughout the class.
Using less water also speeds drying time and allows for possible painting and sealing of the project within the class time. It is expected that students will complete the project within the class time of 4 hours. Each will have enough clay for at least two vases/bowls.
Tools to bring:Materials supplied during class by the instructor will include a mini wheel for each student, tools needed and a small amount of air-dry clay to complete current projects.
Wheels and tools are for use during class only, they are not included in the class fee. Wheels and sets of tools are available for purchase after classes are completed for an additional charge. Wheel - $35, set of sculpting tools- $20.
Skill Level: All levels
Max. Students: 10
IGMA Members $108.00 / Non-Members $118.00
Sketching and Framing
Instructor: Mary Barrett
Thursday, September 28
9:00am – 5:00pm
Sketching is an extremely useful skill in any art endeavor. In this class, we will go over basic sketching skills, working on a sketch of a lighthouse or a flower, but probably both. We will ink the sketch and then add some watercolor. After finishing our art sketch, we will make a frame for it, either an Arts and Craft style frame or a rougher barn siding frame, or both. The scale will be 1", but we will discuss how various scales can be used for smaller scale projects.
Tools to bring: Extra lighting or magnifier if needed and your favorite very tiny paint brush.
Skill Level: Beginner
Max. Students: 10
IGMA Members $68.00 / Non-Members $78.00
Woodworking - Boxes, Plain and Fancy
Instructor: Pete and Pam Boorum (A)
Friday, September 29
8:00am – 12:00pm
We will be using the Proxxon table saw to construct two boxes. The plain box is a fruit crate, featuring finger joints. The fancy box will be made with exotic lumber. It has mite joints and a press-fit lid. Woodworking skills and safety use of the equipment will be taught.
12:1 scale, measuring 1-1/2 x 1-1/8 x ¾" high and 1-3/4 x 1 x 5/8" high
Tools to bring: Personal Magnification, Extra light would be great - Battery operated. Exacto Knife with #11 Blade if your travel plans allow this.
Skill Level: All levels
Max. Students: 10
IGMA Members $78 / Non-Members $88
Not paper, not clay...It’s Brass!!
Instructor: Linda Den Besten
Tuesday, September 26 or Friday, September 29
9:00am – 5:00pm
Always wanted to give it a try on metal,but didn’t know where to start?! How about making this beautiful brass rose in a vase! This class offers you the basics in soldering and working with brass. It’s packed and loaded with information about different ways of soldering, why and how to anneal metal, straighten wire etc. And, of course preparation for further processing like cleaning, primer and paint the brass. In the end you will not only have a beautiful rose (or multiple) in a metal vase to take home, but you will also have the basic skills to work with brass at home. How about making a fire screen, a metal bed, a fence. Imagination is the limit and practice makes perfect!
Tools to bring: Tweezers, clamp tweezer, small round nose plier, nippers or big nail clipper, small tile (to work on), small doming block (possibility to buy from teacher), doming punches or metal embossing tool, small brushes (3x0, 5x0 and 20x0), old small brush. Soldering tool- teacher will contact students about which one to bring or some will be available for purchase.
Skill Level: All levels
Max. Students: 10
IGMA Members $168 / Non-Members $178
The Basics of the Jeweler’s Saw
Instructor: Linda Den Besten
Thursday, September 28
6:30 – 10:00pm
You can make beautiful things with the jeweler’s saw. That is, if you get the basics right!
In this class you will learn all the ins and outs on how to use this magical saw the right way. There’s time for practice and once you feel a bit more confident you can start working on one of the fruitbowls.
Tools to bring: Jeweler’s saw (with tension screw if possible), Benchpin with clamp, Magnifiers (good sight is a must!), Small! Needle files: barette, round and birds tongue (possibility to buy from teacher)
Skill Level: All levels
Max. Students: 10
IGMA Members $98 / Non-Members $118
Dollhouse Wiring and Finishing 101
Instructor: John Fowler
Thursday, September 28
1:00pm – 5:00pm
Do you want to learn how to wire and finish your dollhouse? Then this workshop is for you.
This course teaches you what you need to know:
We look at how the wires are best hidden, and how we can plan grouping electrical items to make installation and trouble shooting in the future easier.
We will also delve into general building techniques, wallpapering, flooring, ceiling decoration as most of these skills go hand in hand with wiring you dollhouse.
Tools to bring: I will have enough tools for the class but if you wish to bring your own, I will be happy to help you adjust them. Throughout the class I will explain which tools I find useful and explain the different levels of complexity and quality of the tool we can use.
Skill Level: All levels
Max. Students: 15
IGMA Members $113 / Non-Members $123
Painting - Egg Basket and Baby Chicks
Instructor: Beth Freeman-Kane (F)
Friday, September 29
9:00am – 5:00pm
Create this charming tiny basket of eggs and baby chicks hatching! The basket and chick sculptures will be provided, and students will be taught acrylic painting techniques to bring it to life. Polymer clay will be used to create eggs and a tool used to hollow out the eggshells. The scale is 1/12. A really fun project with a delightful end product which can be added to any scene.
Tools to bring: Students should bring good eyesight! Magnifiers, Extra light - anything to make you see better. Scissors, craft knife, tweezers, pin vise. Paint brush, round size 000 (Preferably Windsor and Newton Cottman 000) – I can send photos to the students.
Skill Level: All levels
Max. Students: 10
IGMA Members $240 / Non-Members $250
Seashell Fantasy Flowers
Instructor: Pamela Goldman
Thursday, September 28
8:00am – 12:00pm
Learn the art of Seashell Fantasy Flowers.
Learn how to make and construct a floral arrangement out of mini seashells. Various containers and many assorted seashells provided.
All objects and supplies to complete the project will be provided by the instructor.
Tools to bring: A magnifier, pointed tweezers, lights and a steady hand...seashells and container provided.
Skill Level: All levels
Max. Students: 10
IGMA Members $108 / Non-Members $118
Seashell Fantasy Frames
Instructor: Pamela Goldman
Thursday, September 28
1:00 pm – 5:00pm
You will make 2 pieces of shell wall art.
Learn how to make and construct an arrangement out of mini seashells. Various containers and many assorted seashells provided.
All objects and supplies to complete the project will be provided by the instructor.
Tools to bring: A magnifier, pointed tweezers, lights and a steady hand...seashells and container provided.
Skill Level: All levels
Max. Students: 10
IGMA Members $108 / Non-Members $118
Miniature Crystal Parure Jewelry with Cherry Blossoms
Instructor: Sun Lemmens (F)
Thursday, September 28
9:00am – 5:00pm
1:12 scale jewelry set made from Sterling Silver, and Preciosa Crystals. Brass Flowers
Shape-Model-Paint-Glue-Adorn-Enjoy!
Tools to bring: Students should bring good eyesight! Magnifiers, Extra light- anything to make you see better. Tweezers, small scissors.
Skill Level: All levels
Max. Students: 10
IGMA Members $150 / Non-Members $160
Landscape Paint Along Party - "Ocean Sunset"
Instructor: Christine McIntyre-Hannon (A)
Tuesday, September 26
7:00pm – 10:00pm
Enjoy a beginner step-by-step Paint Along. All materials and tools will be provided, and you will leave with a framed 2.5" x 3" Bob Ross style "Ocean Sunset" acrylic painting. We will use Bob Ross Color Palette and techniques including palette knife painting.
Tools to bring: Magnifiers. Tools will be available to borrow for the class.
Skill Level: All levels
Max. Students: 10
IGMA Members $48.00 / Non-Members $58.00
Cheap to Custom - Upscaling Dated Inexpensive Mini Furniture
Instructor: Christine McIntyre-Hannon (A)
Wednesday, September 27
9:00am – 5:00pm
Artist Christine McIntyre-Hannon will teach by demonstration the process and materials needed to up-cycle dated and unfinished inexpensive furniture in 1/12th scale. Made in Taiwan, 1970’s dollhouse furniture, with its shiny varnish and fruitwood stain, will cheapen any room. Learn how the real-life pros create on-trend furnishings like rustic farmhouse, shabby chic and Swedish painted furniture. This class is tailored for beginning artists and crafters. Skills learned can be applied to wood, plastic and metal furniture. Prep, paint, stain, wax, and decorative decoupage will all be covered. Students may bring their own piece of furniture or select one from dozens in class. All supplies will be provided for class use and students will leave with a finished designer piece of furniture.
Tools to bring: Standard Tool Kit, Xacto Knifes, Files, Tweezers, Magnifiers, Hair Dryer (in hotel rooms). Tools will be available to borrow for the class.
Skill Level: All levels
Max. Students: 15
IGMA Members $102 / Non-Members $112
Landscape Paint Along Party - "Autumn Landscape"
Instructor: Christine McIntyre-Hannon (A)
Wednesday, September 27
7:00pm – 10:00pm
Enjoy a beginner step-by-step Paint Along. All materials and tools will be provided, and you will leave with a framed 2.5" x 3" Bob Ross style "Autumn Landscape" acrylic painting. We will use Bob Ross Color Palette and techniques including palette knife painting.
Tools to bring: Magnifiers. Tools will be available to borrow for the class.
Skill Level: All levels
Max. Students: 10
IGMA Members $48.00 / Non-Members $58.00
Picnic Hamper with Accessories
Instructor: Belinda McWilliams
Friday, September 29
1:00pm – 5:00pm
1/12" scale wooden picnic hamper with carry handle and opening lids packed with all you need for a comfy picnic. Materials included are wood, resin, metal, fabric so various glues are used. Tips and tricks matching glues and materials and which glues work best with materials is always useful as each work differently. The hamper base measures 40mm X 25mm. The handle is 45mm high.
All tools and materials required to complete the project are provided.
Tools to bring: Personal Magnification and an extra light would be great. Maybe some handwipes and your personal tools that you love.
Skill Level: Beginner
Max. Students: 20
IGMA Members $125.00 / Non-Members $135.00
Basket Weave Parquet Floor
Instructor: Laura Moore
Thursday, September 28
9:00am – 5:00pm
Parquet flooring can be complicated and extremely difficult to create, even in full scale. This class uses a simplified method to create a classic masterpiece without fiddling with tiny pieces. This is a true beginner class. No experience in woodworking required.
1/12" scale parquet floor approximately 10" X 10". Students will sand and pre-finish 3/16" wide bass wood strips in choices of 3 stains. Boards will be hand cut "in situ" while gluing down. The finished floor is less than 1/8" thick and ready to glue down on dollhouse or room box floor.
Tools to bring: All supplies and tools will be provided. Students are encouraged to bring extra lighting/magnification and any favorite straightedges/squares if you do not want to share. Extra supplies are available for purchase to students who may want a larger floor. Bring a tracing of your floor project if you want to go big. Completion is not likely - this is more of a technique class than a project completion class.
Skill Level: All levels.
Max. Students: 12
IGMA Members $150.00 / Non-Members $160.00
Arts and Crafts Floor
Instructor: Laura Moore
Thursday, September 28
6:00 – 10:00pm
1/12" scale Arts and Crafts floor measuring 12" X 12". Cherry veneer strips will be hand cut "in situ" while gluing down. The complex design is deceptively easy. The finished floor is approximately 1/8" thick and sturdy enough to become the base for a room box by adding walls and ceiling, using standard precut plywood squares. Instructor will have extras to purchase if you would like to turn your floor into a room box.
The warm color is natural to wood. The only finish required will be a light sanding and polishing.
Completion is possible.
Tools to bring: All supplies and tools will be provided except your favorite X-Acto knife and extra blades. Students are encouraged to bring extra lighting/magnification and any favorite straightedges/squares if you do not want to share.
Skill Level: All levels. This is a true beginner class. No experience in woodworking required.
Max. Students: 12
IGMA Members $162.00 / Non-Members $172.00
Herringbone Hallway
Instructor: Laura Moore
Friday, September 29
9:00am - 5:00pm
1/12" scale herringbone hallway floor measuring 4" X 14". Walnut hardwood pieces will be precut by the instructor. The beautiful color is natural to wood. The only finish required will be light sanding and polishing. The finished floor is less than 1/8" thick.
This is an intermediate to advanced class. Herringbone requires patience and precision to execute.
Completion is not likely.
Tools to bring: All supplies and tools will be provided except your favorite X-Acto knife and extra blades. Students are encouraged to bring extra lighting/magnification and any favorite straightedges/squares if you do not want to share.
Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced. If you have never made a miniature floor, this class is a good follow up to the Basketweave Parquet Class.
Max. Students: 12
IGMA Members $132.00 / Non-Members $142.00
Upholstery: No Sew Pillows and Cushions
Instructor: Paris Renfroe
Wednesday, September 27 or Thursday, September 28
8:00am – 12:00pm
In this class students will learn how to make different types of poufs, accessory pillows, and seat cushions. Two distinct styles will be shown and the students will practice by making several examples. The finished results can be used as accessory poufs, benches, and pillows. None of these pieces require any type of sewing skills. Students will learn how to work with templates, various glues, and which techniques to use with which materials.
The class duration will be 4 hours with a 30 minute break. Students with experience will most likely finish earlier but are encouraged to take their time and really work on the techniques.
Tools to bring: All materials will be provided, however, feel free to bring along your favorite pair of fabric scissors and an Exacto knife.
Skill Level: All levels
Max. Students: 6
IGMA Members $200.00 / Non-Members $210.00
Upholstery: Mid Century Modern Sofa
Instructor: Paris Renfroe
Wednesday, September 27 or Thursday, September 28
1:00pm – 6:30pm
Emphasis on ‘Modern.’ In this class students will learn various techniques required for no sew seams and clean corners. Each of my sofas have more than 43 pieces to them. To achieve as much realism as possible, students are taught proper fabric scaling, as well as dimensional proportions. Materials include sturdy composite frame, foam, memory foam, batting, glue and an array of fabrics and high end Italian leather hides to choose from. Throughout the class I will show various examples of techniques and explain why they are important, and show you how they look using a variety of finished upholstery pieces.
The class duration will be 5 hours with a 30 minute break. Students with experience will most likely finish earlier, but are encouraged to take their time and really work on the techniques. Each student will receive one sofa frame, options of 3 different bases, and we will spend the first 30 minutes finding the perfect fabric/leather from the selections that I bring. Extra sofa frames and base options will be available for purchase in the event you want to try a second one on your own.
Tools to bring: All materials will be provided, however, feel free to bring along your favorite pair of fabric scissors, and an Exacto knife.
Skill Level: All levels
Max. Students: 6
IGMA Members $378.00 / Non-Members $388.00
Jeanne Rullie - Doll Making in 1/12 Scale
Instructor: Jeanne Rullie (A)
2 Day Class
Thursday and Friday, September 28 & 29
9:00am – 5:00pm
Students will learn 1/12 Character Doll Sculpting and Painting using Polymer Clay. The prototype was costumed for Modesty’s sake. Time will not allow for wigging and costuming, however instruction sheets for shower cap, towel and duckie will be provided.
Tools to bring: All Supplies to be provided. Students should bring tweezers, small sharp scissors, exacto knife and any tools for sculpting of their own if they wish.
Skill Level: Beginner
Max. Students: 8
IGMA Members $504.00 / Non-Members $514.00
Chocolate Chunk Cookies in Winter Themed Tin
Instructor: Kate Santichen
Friday, September 29
8:00am – 12:00pm
Students will create and take home 1:12 scale polymer clay chocolate chunk cookies and paint and decorate a tin with the colors and theme of their choosing from provided options. Students will learn the basics of working with and baking polymer clay, coloring clay with chalk pastels and tips for scaling down full-size images for use in miniatures.
Tools to bring: Students are encouraged to bring magnification, lighting, and hand or body lotion as working with clay can dry out skin. All materials will be provided.
Skill Level: All levels
Max. Students: 14
IGMA Members $88.00 / Non-Members $98.00
Painting - Summer Skies Original Painting
Instructor: Sue Veeder (F)
Thursday, September 28
9:00am – 5:00pm
Techniques Taught, Dimensions and Scale: _Beautiful, soothing painting of sky and land, in one inch scale. Painting is approx. 2 1/4" x 3". Students will learn how to prep a canvas in the proper scale, to mix colors, and many useful brush techniques.
We will use high quality acrylic paints.
Tools to bring: Students should bring good eyesight! Magnifiers, Extra light- anything to make you see better. Bring magnification and lighting, along with a Xacto Knife, 6" ruler, cutting surface and mechanical pencil. All paints, brushes and materials are included in the class fee. If you have special tools you use regularly, you are welcome to bring them (tweezers, etc.)
Skill Level: All levels
Max. Students: 10
IGMA Members $192.00 / Non-Members $202.00