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Waterford Craft School



Our Classes

Making a Floorcloth from Start to Finish (1 day workshop)

$255

with Grace Rochford

Calendar Mar 23, 2024 at 9 am

Class Description: In this one-day workshop, students will design a useful, 2’ by 3’ piece of painted canvas floorcloth--one of the earliest forms of modern floor covering! When registering, select a background color of cream or yellow-gold in the 'additional information' box. The instructor will prepare your background in advance of class. In class you will select from several different diamond patterns. A variety of paint colors will be available to choose from (black, burgundy, navy, and more!). If you prefer to bring your own, Glidden Diamond interior acrylic sample sizes are recommended (available at Home Depot). Instructor will also provide a selection of stencils but you may bring your own. Workshop fee includes all necessary supplies, including the protective polycrylic, which should be applied at home before use. Please bring a hairdryer to speed up the painting process.

Class Date and Time: This one-day workshop is hosted on Saturday, March 23rd, 2024 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Total teachable hours are 7 hours.

Materials Fee (included in total class fee): $80, covers all supplies (paint, brushes, prepared cotton material, stencils, etc) and a roll of masking tape for each student to use in class.

Items Students should bring: hair dryer, extension cord (if possible, 10"+) and a T-Square (optional, 16” or more)

Lunch: Lunch is included in the class fee. If you have any dietary restrictions, please note them when you register.

Instructor Bio: Grace Rochford discovered the art of floorcloths through her love of history. She has been making floorcloths for about 18 years and has been part of the Waterford Fair for 10 years. In addition to being a demonstrating artisan at various craft shows, Grace has also taught numerous floorcloth construction classes. You can learn more about her and her process by visiting www.designsbygrace.biz

Full Course
Metalsmith A Paperclip Silver Necklace with Beads (1 day workshop)
Registration Unavailable

Metalsmith A Paperclip Silver Necklace with Beads (1 day workshop)

$225

with Natalie Owens

Calendar Mar 23, 2024 at 9 am

Class Description: In this one-day workshop students will learn the basic techniques of metalsmithing. Students will fabricate their own silver chain necklace and adorn their chain with a variety of glass beads. Students will learn to use a butane torch, fuse rings to form a chain, and use a variety of metalsmithing tools to shape rings into links and fabricate simple clasps. In this workshop students will use Argentium Silver. Argentium is a high grade silver that contains germanium (vs sterling which contains more copper). The addition of germanium makes the silver more tarnish resistant, stronger and shinier than sterling.

Class Date and Time: This one-day workshop is hosted on Saturday, March 23rd, 2024 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Total teachable hours are 7 hours.

Materials Fee (included in total class fee): $50, covers 18 gauge argentium wire, 22 gauge argentium wire, variety of glass beads, tool use: butane torch, butane soldering block tweezer, tumbler flush cutters, files, round nose pliers, chain nose pliers, flat nose pliers, and bow opening pliers.

Items Student Should Bring: none.

Lunch: Lunch is included in the class fee. If you have any dietary restrictions, please note them when you register.

Instructor Bio: As I approached the end of my corporate career, I sought a creative outlet that would be meaningful and productive. I took my first jewelry class in Leesburg, VA in 2017 and loved everything about it. While smithing requires specific techniques and methods there is also room for creativity and coloring outside the lines. Experimenting was new to me. I'm very much a rule follower and being able to try something that isn't a proven practice is a little intimidating and I continue to struggle with that but continue to evolve.  I like extremes.  To me, a minimalist silver wire bracelet is as enticing as an organic cuff with layers of metal and stones.  I hope you enjoy my jewelry as much as I enjoy making it.

Scarves: Wet & Nuno Felting Immersion (2 day workshop)
Registration Unavailable

Scarves: Wet & Nuno Felting Immersion (2 day workshop)

$385

with Patricia Stephenson

Calendar Mar 23, 2024 at 9 am

Class Description: This class will provide a solid foundation in the art of wet and nuno felting including how to incorporate elements of needle (dry) felting into projects.

Instructor Patricia Stephenson will drill down on technique and materials science to help students thoroughly understand the basics of making cloth and how to avoid the most common mistakes people make when learning to felt. Additionally, the course will cover the history of this ancient art, the different types of wool, silk, linen and other fabrics and their best uses and applications in felt making, significant differences between wet and nuno felting that can affect the quality and success of the project, and the use of embellishments to enhance the strength and beauty of a finished piece.

Class Date and Time: This two-day workshop is hosted on Saturday, March 23rd, 2024 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm and Sunday, March 24th, 2024 at 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Total teachable hours are 12 hours.

Materials Fee (included in total class fee): $85, covers a kit to get each student started in felting that includes: (1) basic equipment (felting needles, a small felting pad, felting surface material to fit a 6 ft table, heavy plastic wrap, poly net scrubby, sheer curtain material & pool noodle); (2) Materials to make two different types of scarves (hand dyed silk scarf, hand dyed Merino wool for both projects, dyed rug yarn, embellishments); (3) handouts and list of suppliers. Students will choose between a warm and cool color palette.

Additional supplies students should bring from home: Sharp fabric scissors, several old bath towels, soft ear plugs or other type of ear protection, really comfortable shoes.

Lunch: Lunch is included in the class fee. If you have any dietary restrictions, please note them when you register.

Instructor Bio: Patricia Stephenson owns and operates Moon on the Mountain Farm and Fiber Arts LLC in Western Loudoun County Virginia. She is an artisan felt maker and shepherd to a small flock of ecologically and humanely raised (…and much loved) Merino sheep and alpacas. These lovely animals provide the fine wool Patricia uses to craft sculptural felt works and wearable art, and she takes inspiration from the beauty of the natural environment in this quiet, secluded part of Virginia.

Patricia has practiced various fiber arts most of her life but only started felt making about 10 years ago. She likes to joke that felting is a craft one can learn in 5 minutes and then take a lifetime to explore its many possibilities. She loves to work with natural colored wool but also with the vibrant colored wool and silk fibers that she hand-dyes in her studio. She sets up shop at local, juried fiber fairs and craft shows including Maryland Sheep and Wool, the Shenandoah Valley Fiber Fest, the Fall Fiber Fest at Montpelier, the Frederick Fiber Fest, the Western Loudoun Arts and Studio Tour, the Purcellville Arts Tour, the Northern Virginia Christmas Market, and the Maryland Christmas Show. She offers garments, millinery, wall hangings, sculptural felt and ornaments.

Patricia is a retired nurse and health scientist. She has a doctorate in Public Health from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and over her career, has lived and worked in 12 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, Central America, and the Middle East. She has taught in medical, nursing, and public health schools in the United States and Sweden as resident faculty and as a visiting professor. 

Shaker Mix (2 day workshop)

$360

with Karen Wychock

Calendar Mar 23, 2024 at 9 am

Class Description: The classic Shaker Cathead Basket was one of the most popular made by the Shakers. Its name derives from the fact that when it is held upside down, its shape resembles a cat’s head – the corners being the ears. Although the original design was borrowed from the Native American baskets, it was refined by the Shakers. Working over wooden molds, in the methods of the Shakers, here is your opportunity to weave a nesting set of three cathead baskets. You will be weaving the body of the baskets with reed, then finishing them off with oak handles. They measure 6”, 8”, and 10” in diameter. Students will learn to lay out the base, shape those distinctive ears, chase-weave the sides of the basket and lash a rim.

Class Date and Time: This two-day workshop is hosted on Saturday, March 23rd, 2024 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm and Sunday, March 24th, 2024 from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Total teachable hours are 12 hours.

Materials Fee (included in total class fee): $60, covers all materials need to make your baskets.

Students should bring: A towel or apron.

Lunch: Lunch is included in the class fee. If you have any dietary restrictions, please note them when you register.

Instructor Bio: Working over wooden molds, in the method of the Shakers, Karen’s baskets are traditional in shape and materials.  She weaves both Shaker reproductions in ash and traditional, utilitarian baskets of reed.  Native hardwoods such as ash and oak are used to make the rims and handles, and all of her baskets are lashed using ash.  Each basket takes on its own character as it is woven in a quatrefoil, twill or fancy lace pattern to appeal to both eye and touch. Karen was an art teacher for 22 years in the Neshaminy School District, Langhorne, PA, before becoming a middle school principal for 15 years in both the Neshaminy School District and the Central Bucks School District.

 She is a member of the Bucks County Craftsmen’s Guild, the Bucks County Hand Weaver’s Guild and the PA Guild of Craftsmen.  She sells her work at various shows and galleries throughout the northeast (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Virginia, and Ohio), and has the earned the distinction of Waterford Landmark Artisan for her commitment to the Waterford Fair and the Waterford Foundation. She is also president of the Penn-Jersey Basket Weavers Guild and teaches both children and adults.

Full Course

Weave a Backpack (2 day workshop)

$385

with Sue Muldoon

Calendar Mar 23, 2024 at 9 am

Class Description: Learn how to weave the basic shape of the Adirondack Backpack with instructor Sue Muldoon. Keep things hands-free while carrying your items in this lightweight backpack. We will make a medium-sized pack about 11” tall that is perfect for daily use, farmers markets and more. The backpack shape was established to fit in the curve of a canoe for stability and space-saving. Once you learn the basic weaving skills, you can move on with your own projects, making larger or smaller backpacks. We will have all the materials prepared, including cotton straps. As an added bonus, we'll add color and different weaving styles for a piece of unique, wearable art.

Class Date and Time: This two-day workshop is hosted on Saturday, March 23rd, 2024 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm and Sunday, March 24th, 2024 at 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Total teachable hours are 12 hours.

Materials Fee (included in total class fee): $85, covers All reed, straps, and supplies.

Students should bring: Clippers or scissors that can cut reed. Floral shears work well.

Lunch: Lunch is included in the class fee. If you have any dietary restrictions, please note them when you register.

Instructor Bio: A frequent instructor at various sheep, wool and fiber festivals, furniture schools, art retreats and folk schools, she enjoys sharing basketmaking to new crafters and artisans. 

Sue Muldoon divides her time between 3-dimensional and 2-dimensional work. She bounces back and forth between photography, web design and graphic design to seatweaving (chair caning, wicker repair, rush, splint, etc.) and basket weaving.

Basketry started as an add-on to seat weaving because there was material begging to be used in more than one format.

Sue’s career has always been creative, from wallpaper hanging and interior painting to a lengthy career in the floral industry as designer and merchandiser. Wood carving, furniture refinishing and upcycling furniture in novel ways using unique materials like leather belts, ties and alpaca wool set her apart from traditional seatweaving methods.

Will run

Working with Stained Glass (2 day workshop)

$375

with Michael Aylward

Calendar Mar 23, 2024 at 9 am

Class Description: Student will learn the history of stained glass and basics of constructing a stained glass panel. Students will design and construct a project window using colored glass, copper foil and soldering. Each student will bring home their own project for many years of enjoyment.

Class Date and Time: This two-day workshop is hosted on Saturday, March 23rd, 2024 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm and Sunday, March 24th, 2024 at 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Total teachable hours are 12 hours.

Materials fee: (included in class fee) $75, includes glass cutter, soldering iron & grinder use, copper foil, glass sheets, design materials, and framing.

Lunch: Lunch is included in the class fee. If you have any dietary restrictions, please note them when you register.

Items Students should bring: safety glasses.

Instructor Bio: I have been creating and displaying stained glass artwork for more than 25 years. Trained by craftsman in the Boston area, my work is centered on quality, detail, vibrant colors and creative patterns. Also, have been involved in numerous restoration projects for antique, ecclesiastic and architectural subjects. Have a keen interest in maintaining and showcasing the craft to the public, including teaching classes for others to learn.

Full Course

Ecoprinting in Color on Silk (1 day workshop)

$200

with Theresa Brown

Calendar Apr 27, 2024 at 9 am

Class Description: Learn how to ecoprint on silk and wool naturally! Ecoprinting (also known as botanical printing) involves collecting leaves, plants and flowers to imprint their images directly upon protein fibers using a water bath process. Students will learn techniques to create beautiful, natural designs with colors drawn directly from Nature on silk and wool. At the end of the day, students will take home their silk and wool ecoprinted samples and the knowledge to continue Ecoprinting from Nature's resources. Ecoprinting is a natural, sustainable art form. Students leave with 2 silk scarves ecoprinted naturally and in color on silk habatoi and silk noil.

Class Date and Time: This one-day workshop is hosted on Saturday, April 27th, 2024 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Total teachable hours are 7 hours.

Materials Fee (included in total class fee): $25, and covers 1 hemmed silk scarf, 1 unhemmed silk noil scarf, 1 dye blanket, all equipment use (turkey roaster, dowels, twine, baskets, scissors, paper towels, latex gloves, plastic, mordants), table coverings, access to information summary of instructions and mordant mixing.

Items Students should bring: We can collect leaves during class BUT it helps to bring leaves from your area with emphasis on high tannin leaves such as oak, maples, rose, hickory, sumac, blackberry, kudzu and interesting weeds. Fun additional plants (usually store bought) are eucalyptus and colorful “flat” flowers such as daisies. No thick plants. Students should also bring a one-gallon water jug to use as a weight (can be filled at class). Gloves are optional.

Lunch: Lunch is included in the class fee. If you have any dietary restrictions, please note them when you register.

Instructor Bio: M Theresa Brown is a professional artist whose long art career embraces many areas of the Arts. She uses natural dyes and low impact synthetic dyes and merges them into unique, beautiful designs on silk, wool, paper and leather. She turns her transformed work into artisanal clothing, accessories, and art. Her articles and designs in the fiber arts have appeared in international publications such as "No Serial Number" and "Belle Armoire".   She has a line of instructional PDF’s on ecoprinting techniques and is the first instructor to teach ecoprinting on leather in the US. She has been an instructor at many fiber art shows including Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival, Southeastern Animal Fiber Fest, Carolina Fiber Fest, Kentucky Sheep and Fiber Festival, Michigan Fiber Fest, Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival, Southeast Fiber Arts Association, John C Campbell Folk School and many upcoming new venues.

Will run

Hand Whisk Broom Making (1 day workshop)

$215

with Gabriella Hart

Calendar Apr 27, 2024 at 9 am

Class Description: Students will learn the basic steps needed to create a Turkey Wing Whisk broom from broomcorn and nylon with a plaited handle made from woven cane.

Class Date and Time: This one-day workshop is hosted on Saturday, April 27th, 2024 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Total teachable hours are 7 hours.

Materials Fee (included in total class fee): $40, covers broomcorn and other materials to make broom and a foot break pedal to take home.

Items Students should bring: none.

Lunch: Lunch is included in the class fee. If you have any dietary restrictions, please note them when you register.

Instructor Bio: I am Gabriella Hart. I am twenty-five years old and live just outside of the beautiful and historic city of Lexington, Virginia. I am a young wife and mother of one. I enjoy my simple life on our homestead and being a part of the wonderful community that surrounds me. I am passionate about the preservation of the art and history of broom making. I hope to continue to share the beauty and my love for broom making with others.

 





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