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Waterford Craft School



Our Classes

Quilted Fox Pillow Camp (Ages 10 - 13)

$290

with Amie Otto

Calendar Jun 24, 2024 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

Class Day/Time: Monday, June 24 - Friday, June 28; 9 am- 12 pm

Class Description: 

Children, ages 10-13, will join sewist Amie Otto to make the cutest addition to their room, a fox pillow! Amie will be using the Fancy Fox Pattern to teach campers how to construct an oversized quilt square. Campers will get to choose the colors of their fox and background, learn how to cut the pieces and assemble (max. 2 students to sewing machine) and quilt the fox. Then campers will learn how to make it into a pillow cover that will fit a standard pillow form. They’ll end the camp with their new favorite pillow plus the skills to make more! This camp is appropriate for all sewing skill levels.

Fees: $250 for camp + $40 for materials, which includes sewing machine use, fabric, thread, batting, a sewing tool kit, pattern and pillow form.

Sibling Discount: Families who enroll more than one child receive a $25 discount for each additional child. Please contact the office for the discount code BEFORE SIGNING YOUR CHILDREN UP at oldschool@waterfordfoundation.org or 540-882-3018 x 4. 

Supplies Campers Should Bring from Home: Drinking water.

Instructor Bio:

Amie Otto is a long time quilter, sewist and fiber enthusiast. Amie's journey into the world of needle and thread began at an early age when she learned to make garments with dreams of becoming a fashion designer.  Later in high school, she made her first quilt as an independent study for art class.  Since then, she has honed her sewing and quilting skills through countless classes, conferences, and seminars.

In 2021, she began teaching quilting and sewing to both adults and kids at Finch in Leesburg VA.  She continued teaching sewing, quilting, bag making, and kid’s camps and classes till their closure in November 2023.  In September of 2023, she founded Red Fox Stitchery where she teaches classes and has a small online boutique of handmade goods.

In addition to her role as an instructor, Amie is an active member of several quilting and textile art communities. She frequently participates in classes, conferences, sew alongs and workshops, staying abreast of the latest trends while respecting the timeless traditions of the craft.

Amie’s teaching philosophy revolves around creating a supportive, fun and inspiring environment for her students. Her classes are not just about mastering techniques; they are a celebration of creativity and self-expression. Through patient guidance and hands-on demonstrations, she empowers her students to turn fabric into masterpieces, fostering a sense of accomplishment, confidence and pride in each creation.

You can see more of Amie’s work on Instagram @quiltnest and @redfoxstitchery

Payment plan available: $150 deposit plus 2 payments of $70.00, paid every four weeks.

Survival Adventure (Ages 10-13)

$270

with Laura Handley

Calendar Jun 24, 2024 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

Class Day/Time: Monday, June 24 - Friday, June 28; 9 am - 12 pm

Class Description: Have you ever wondered what it's like to live in the woods? Come try it out! In this five-day camp, students ages 10-13 will learn the basics of wilderness survival, including shelter building, finding water, fire making, camp cooking, and wilderness safety. Packed with hands-on practice and outdoor games, this fun camp will prepare budding adventurers for all sorts of excursions.

Fees: $250 for camp + $20 materials. Students will receive to take home a fixed blade knife and a fire-safe metal cup. 

Sibling Discount: Families who enroll more than one child receive a $25 discount for each additional child. Please contact the office for the discount code BEFORE SIGNING YOUR CHILDREN UP at oldschool@waterfordfoundation.org or 540-882-3018 x 4. 

Supplies campers should bring from home: 
A minimum of 1 L of drinking water for each day
Long-sleeved shirt
Sun hat
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Gardening/work gloves

Campers should wear long pants and closed-toe shoes

Instructor Bio: 

Laura Handley has been an avid observer of the natural world since childhood. Driven by insatiable curiosity about what there is to see and how it all fits together, Laura has traveled widely to observe and study natural areas and the plants, birds, and other creatures living within them.

Laura is also a Virginia Master Naturalist and does volunteer work in habitat restoration, invasive plant removal, and nature education for children and adults.

Payment plan available: $150 deposit plus 2 payments of $60.00, paid every four weeks.

Will run

Naturalist Adventure (Ages 7-10)

$260

with Laura Handley

Calendar Jun 24, 2024 at 1 pm, runs for 1 week

Class Day/Time: Monday, June 24 - Friday, June 28; 1 pm - 4 pm

Class Description: Have you ever wondered what's living in your backyard, or in the park down the road? Come find out in this five-day camp! We'll explore the fields, forests, and stream in the village of Waterford and observe their wild inhabitants: plants, animals, fungi, even the geology and weather.

Kids ages 7-10 will learn to observe with all their senses, take notes on their observations, use field guides and identification apps, and be a good steward of natural spaces. We'll also have fun with nature-inspired games and crafts.

Fees: $250 for camp + $10 materials. Students will receive to take home a magnifying glass and field notebook. 

Sibling Discount: Families who enroll more than one child receive a $25 discount for each additional child. Please contact the office for the discount code BEFORE SIGNING YOUR CHILDREN UP at oldschool@waterfordfoundation.org or 540-882-3018 x 4. 

Supplies campers should bring from home: 
A minimum of 1 L of drinking water for each day
Long-sleeved shirt
Sun hat
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Gardening/work gloves
Optional: binoculars and/or camera

Campers should wear long pants and closed-toe shoes

Instructor Bio: 

Laura Handley has been an avid observer of the natural world since childhood. Driven by insatiable curiosity about what there is to see and how it all fits together, Laura has traveled widely to observe and study natural areas and the plants, birds, and other creatures living within them.

Laura is also a Virginia Master Naturalist and does volunteer work in habitat restoration, invasive plant removal, and nature education for children and adults.

Payment plan available: $150 deposit plus 2 payments of $55.00, paid every four weeks.

Will run

Willfull Wildflowers: Sew Your Own Doll (Ages 8 - 12)

$300

with Amie Otto

Calendar Jul 8, 2024 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

Class Day/Time: Monday, July 8 - Friday, July 12; 9 am- 12 pm

Class Description: 

Campers will learn basic sewing techniques while making their own doll, complete with accessories like a sleeping bag and baking set. Kids will learn how to use a sewing machine, how to follow a pattern, sewing straight and curvy lines on a machine, and hand sewing.

Campers will choose which doll they want to make when registering. Please view the Doll selection image here and have your choice ready.

Fees: $250 for camp + $50 for materials, which includes sewing machine use, doll kits with accessories, and use of all necessary sewing items like thread, scissors, pins etc.

Sibling Discount: Families who enroll more than one child receive a $25 discount for each additional child. Please contact the office for the discount code BEFORE SIGNING YOUR CHILDREN UP at oldschool@waterfordfoundation.org or 540-882-3018 x 4. 

Supplies Campers Should Bring from Home: Drinking water.

Instructor Bio: 

Amie Otto is a long time quilter, sewist and fiber enthusiast. Amie's journey into the world of needle and thread began at an early age when she learned to make garments with dreams of becoming a fashion designer.  Later in high school, she made her first quilt as an independent study for art class.  Since then, she has honed her sewing and quilting skills through countless classes, conferences, and seminars.

In 2021, she began teaching quilting and sewing to both adults and kids at Finch in Leesburg VA.  She continued teaching sewing, quilting, bag making, and kid’s camps and classes till their closure in November 2023.  In September of 2023, she founded Red Fox Stitchery where she teaches classes and has a small online boutique of handmade goods.

In addition to her role as an instructor, Amie is an active member of several quilting and textile art communities. She frequently participates in classes, conferences, sew alongs and workshops, staying abreast of the latest trends while respecting the timeless traditions of the craft.

Amie’s teaching philosophy revolves around creating a supportive, fun and inspiring environment for her students. Her classes are not just about mastering techniques; they are a celebration of creativity and self-expression. Through patient guidance and hands-on demonstrations, she empowers her students to turn fabric into masterpieces, fostering a sense of accomplishment, confidence and pride in each creation.

You can see more of Amie’s work on Instagram @quiltnest and @redfoxstitchery

Payment plan available: $150 deposit plus 2 payments of $75.00, paid every four weeks.

Will run

Exploring Nature Art (Ages 7 - 12)

$260

with Carolee Stearns

Calendar Jul 15, 2024 at 1 pm, runs for 1 week

Class Day/Time: Monday, July 15 - Friday, July 19; 1 pm-4 pm

Class Description: 

Half science, half art, all fun (plus some secret math thrown in here and there - don't tell the kids)! We will explore the colors, patterns, and textures of the natural world and use natural materials to create works of art. A wide range of art techniques will be taught through hands-on projects including drawing, painting, printing, sculpting, and collages.

Fees: $250 for camp + $10 for materials

Sibling Discount: Families who enroll more than one child receive a $25 discount for each additional child. Please contact the office for the discount code BEFORE SIGNING YOUR CHILDREN UP at oldschool@waterfordfoundation.org or 540-882-3018 x 4. 

Supplies Campers Should Bring from Home: Art is messy, campers should where comfortable shoes and clothes that they do not mind getting dirty. Please bring a minimum of 1 L of drinking water for each day and a simple snack (nut-free).

Instructor Bio: Carolee is a science teacher and ceramic artist who loves combining her passions for nature, art, and teaching. With a degree in Biology and Middle School Education, Carolee has 25 years of experience teaching science, math, art, and ceramics to preschoolers through adults in private schools, public schools, community centers, homeschool co-ops, ceramics studios, and Girl Scout camps. She was a Girl Scout troop leader for several years and is currently facilitating two Girls Who Code clubs.

Carolee harnesses her contagious enthusiasm to engage and inspire her students’ sense of wonder and creativity. Hands-on, project-based learning has always been a hallmark of her classes, along with adaptations and accommodations for various students’ interests, learning styles, and neurodiversity.

Payment plan available: $150 deposit plus 2 payments of $55.00, paid every four weeks.

Fiber Arts Fun Camp (Ages 8-13)

$295

with Susan Withnell

Calendar Jul 22, 2024 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

Class Day/Time: Monday, July 22 - Friday, July 26; 9 am - 12 pm

Class Description: Explore the world of fiber arts. Learn a different fiber art each day, enjoy stories, games, folk songs, and more. Skills covered: drop spindle spinning, weaving, wet felting, knitting, and cross stitch. There will be an opportunity to meet some fiber-producing animals (sheep & angora rabbit) and a working sheepdog! Come learn why Mrs. Withnell's students give her camp a "10 out of 5 stars!"

Fees: $250 for camp + $45 materials. Materials fee includes: wool roving, drop spindle, weaving yarn, felting supplies, knitting loom and yarn, and a cross stitch kit. Peg looms will be used in class only.

Sibling Discount: Families who enroll more than one child receive a $25 discount for each additional child. Please contact the office for the discount code BEFORE SIGNING YOUR CHILDREN UP at oldschool@waterfordfoundation.org or 540-882-3018 x 4. 

Instructor Bio: Susan Withnell is a hand spinner and weaver, operating her fiber arts business, ‘Ewes-Ful Fiber Arts’ for over 20 years. She raises high percentage Wensleydale sheep (known for their excellent spinning fleeces) on her Maryland Farm. She uses these fibers in the hand spun and hand dyed yarns she sells at fiber art and craft shows. Susan has been a juried, demonstrating artisan at the Waterford Fair for over 10 years, earning the distinction of ‘2020 Waterford Artisan of the Year’ for her commitment to the Waterford Foundation and her excellence as a Fair demonstrating artisan.

Susan is also a retired elementary school teacher, who created and led a fiber arts club for her students. She enthusiastically continues to share her knowledge with the public, teaching hand spinning on drop spindles and spinning wheels to adults, and summer Fiber Arts Craft Camps here in Waterford for young people ages 8 – 13. She also has demonstrated hand spinning at the Great Yorkshire Agricultural Show in Harrogate, England. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from this engaging artisan!

Payment plan available: $150 deposit plus 2 payments of $48.33, paid every four weeks. Final payment of $48.34.

Exploring Nature Art (Ages 7 - 12)

$260

with Carolee Stearns

Calendar Jul 29, 2024 at 1 pm, runs for 1 week

Class Day/Time: Monday, July 29 - Friday, August 2; 1 pm-4 pm

Class Description: 

Half science, half art, all fun (plus some secret math thrown in here and there - don't tell the kids)! We will explore the colors, patterns, and textures of the natural world and use natural materials to create works of art. A wide range of art techniques will be taught through hands-on projects including drawing, painting, printing, sculpting, and collages.

Fees: $250 for camp + $10 for materials

Sibling Discount: Families who enroll more than one child receive a $25 discount for each additional child. Please contact the office for the discount code BEFORE SIGNING YOUR CHILDREN UP at oldschool@waterfordfoundation.org or 540-882-3018 x 4. 

Supplies Campers Should Bring from Home: Art is messy, campers should where comfortable shoes and clothes that they do not mind getting dirty. Please bring a minimum of 1 L of drinking water for each day and a simple snack (nut-free).

Instructor Bio: Carolee is a science teacher and ceramic artist who loves combining her passions for nature, art, and teaching. With a degree in Biology and Middle School Education, Carolee has 25 years of experience teaching science, math, art, and ceramics to preschoolers through adults in private schools, public schools, community centers, homeschool co-ops, ceramics studios, and Girl Scout camps. She was a Girl Scout troop leader for several years and is currently facilitating two Girls Who Code clubs.

Carolee harnesses her contagious enthusiasm to engage and inspire her students’ sense of wonder and creativity. Hands-on, project-based learning has always been a hallmark of her classes, along with adaptations and accommodations for various students’ interests, learning styles, and neurodiversity.

Payment plan available: $150 deposit plus 2 payments of $36.66, paid every four weeks. Final payment of $36.68.




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