This class follows the lessons learned in Blacksmithing 101. First students will use top tools and punches to make decorative faces. To make the bottle opener, students start with bar stock and will learn how to fuller, punch and drift, as well as work in a team with another smith.
This class is geared towards beginner to intermediate photographers who want to learn solid fundamentals and put them into practice with instruction, with an emphasis on photographing nature closeup, waterfalls, grasses, plants etc. This should allow almost anyone with a digital camera to create artistic shots without relying on waiting for animals or birds. Participants should have access to a tripod. Dave will share an intro slideshow of his work and a discussion on ethics, safety, subject knowledge and increasing success rate. There will be a handout that covers discussion points of basic camera use, lens selection, composition and more. This class will include shooting in the field at a location picked dependent on the time of year.
Hooks are one of the most useful things a new blacksmith can make. Russ started off making them as practice pieces but found that they get used wherever they end up. They are used in many projects, and this makes them an excellent stepping stone for learning how to manufacture things in bulk. We will start by making hooks by hand with just the hammer and anvil. After that, students will use various tools and jigs to speed up production. The goal is to produce 5 matching hooks. This class is intended for students who have taken a 101 class and understand the basics of forging and how to manage a coal fire.
Nature has been a source of artistic inspiration for thousands of years. Leaves have been a part of decorative blacksmithing for a long time, and there are many different types of leaves one can make. This class is intended for students who have taken a basic/beginner class and who understand the basic techniques and concepts. We will start by making leaves with just the hammer and anvil, and then begin using tools like chisels and decorative punches.
This class will focus on the proper making of mortise and tenon joinery for gate and railing construction. You'll make the tooling, punches, drifts, monkey tools and more. Special tools used by professional smiths to increase consistency of dimension will be shown and made. The secret of forging angled tenons easily and accurately will also be taught.
Learn how to cut, fold and shape from a rigid sheet of birch bark. Add pine needles or a tree branch for the rim and stitch with waxed linen. Students will make one bowl in class and leave with material to make another at home. This is a nice birch bark set to display! Low bowl: 6" x 7.5". Round bowl: 3.5" x 3.5" x 12.5" around.
The colors of the bark used along with pine needles and the applied rim accent show nature's beauty at work in this project. There's no limit to what you can use this basket for! This basket is woven with birch bark harvested from Dona's trees in Vermont and lashed with waxed linen. When complete, this basket feels as soft as leather. 4" x 3" wide x 3" high
Using natural and dyed reed the 2/2 twill makes the continuous weave fast going as you shape this square basket. When you get to the rim, the braided design in natural reed adds a fancy touch. You'll find many uses for this basket! Color may vary slightly. 8.5" x 8.5" x 8.5"
Drawing from over 30 years of fine instrument making, Martin Macica will share his knowledge of the principles and practice of dulcimer making, leading participants through the process of making their own dulcimer from scratch using hand tools. This intensive course will cover every aspect of dulcimer making, including the carving of the scroll. Participants will leave with a working knowledge of dulcimer making, and a handcrafted instrument ready for a lifetime of making music.
Learning to crochet is a snap! Don't feel intimidated by the lovely creations that you see. You can learn to make them, too. Patricia will help you learn several different stitches as you make something beautiful for your home or a gift. Ages 8 and up.
Drawing from over 30 years of fine instrument making, Martin Macica will share his knowledge of the principles and practice of dulcimer making, leading participants through the process of making their own dulcimer from scratch using hand tools. This intensive course will cover every aspect of dulcimer making, including the carving of the scroll. Participants will leave with a working knowledge of dulcimer making, and a handcrafted instrument ready for a lifetime of making music.
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!
