Adult Craft Classes

Craft Class Schedule Winter/Spring 2008

All classes will be held at Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa. Stop by and see samples of the painting projects and baskets! Call 518-885-4000 for more details and to pre-register.

2-Day Oil Painting Workshop with Wilson Bickford
Class fee:  $120.00, $110.00 (members)
Saturday and Sunday, March 29 & 30, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. each day

Did you ever wonder how the great classic artists got that realistic, refined look in their work?   During this weekend 2-day painting workshop, Wilson Bickford will instruct students in the “Old Masters” techniques of tonal under painting and glazing.  Students do not need to be at an advanced level——this is a great lesson for anyone serious about improving their art.  All materials are included in the class fee.

Elm Bark Basketry
Class Fee: $60.00, $55.00 (members)
Saturday,  June 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
Materials Fee:  include in class fee

Tree bark has  been harvested for many thousands of years by indigenous cultures throughout the world.  Here in New York State, elm trees were utilized for their extremely strong and beautiful skin.  Shelters were covered, storage containers, instruments and utensils were shaped.  Join Vince Walsh of the Kawing Crow Awareness Center to observe first-hand this entire process, including what types of trees to use, harvesting seasons, tools and folklore.  Participants will learn to peel, process, decorate and shape their own elm bark basket and rattle.  You will also get a personal tour of Brookside’s Elm Bark Wigwam!  Registration is limited to 10 participants so sign up early.

Braided Primitive Rug 
Class Fee: $14.00 $12.00 for members) 
Thursday, March 27, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. 
Materials:  $10.00

FOLK ART PAINTING CLASSES WITH BARBARA DEVLIN 
Introducing Barbara Devlin, a local crafter who has participated in our Holiday Shoppe for a number of years.  Barb will be teaching painting classes at the beginners and intermediate levels.  Please bring the following supplies to all classes: angled shader, flat brush (medium & large), round tip, fine liner, stipler brush, painters palette and small sea sponge. 

Count Your Blessing Plaque
Class Fee:  $28.00; $24.00 (members)
Monday, February 4 & 11, 6:30 to 8:30 each evening
Materials Fee:  $10.00
Come join us in the first in a series of folk art painting classes.  You will learn the basic techniques of painting with acrylics.  Proper wood and brush choice will be discussed, in addition to learning floating and shading techniques.  By the end of the two sessions you will have created your own decorative plaque.

Spring Decorative Plates
Class Fee:  $28.00; $24.00 (members)
Thursday, March 6 & 13, 6:30 to 8:30 each evening
Materials Fee:  $10.00
The second in a series of folk art painting classes will further enhance the techniques learned in the first class to complete a set of decorative plates with a spring theme.  Participation in the February class is not a prerequisite.

Faux Finishing
Class Fee:  $14.00, $12.00 (members)
Thursday, April 24, 6:30 to 8:30
Materials Fee:  $15.00
Faux finishing at its finest!  Learn gold leafing, crackling and sponging techniques in addition to others.  Try out the techniques on a frame and wooden box.

Mother's Day Tray
Class Fee:  $28.00; $24.00 (members)
Thursday, May 1 & 8, 6:30 to 8:30 each evening
Materials Fee:  $10.00
Mother’s Day is coming so treat yourself to a fun-filled painting class.  Complete a floral motif on a tray, using various folk art techniques, in time for your garden parties.  No  experience necessary.

Recipe Box 
Class Fee:  $28.00; $24.00 (members)
Thursday, June 5 & 12, 6:30 to 8:30 each evening 
Materials Fee:  $15.00
Combine folk art and scrapbooking in this two day project.  We will complete a recipe box highlighting you favorite recipes and your family party photos.

BASKET CLASSES WITH BARB CLARK 
Please bring the following materials to your class:  pencil, measuring tape, exacto knife, clip clothes pins, towel, bucket or dishpan, scissors, sponge, flat screw driver, and needle-nose pliers.

Heart Baskets  (Beginner)
Class Fee:  $28 ($24 for members)
Wednesday, February 13, 6:30 - 10:30 p.m. 
Materials:  $14 (lg.); $10 (sm.); $22 both
Make a large, a small or both heart baskets just in time for Valentine’s Day.  Some of you may have made the large basket, so this is your opportunity to make a small one to nest.  Small basket makers please bring your large one.
Approx. size:  9 x 8 x 3 (lg.); 6 x 5.5 x 2.5 (sm.)   

Grab and go Basket (Beginner/Intermediate)
Class Fee:  $28 ($22 for members) 
Wednesday, March 26, 6:30 - 10:30 p.m. 
Materials:  $26.00 
This basket has a wooden base and a divided handle and it is woven continuous and row on row with natural and smoked reed.
Approx. size: 11 x 4.5

Peanut Basket (Beginner/Intermediate)
Class Fee:  $28 ($18 for members)
Wednesday, April 2, 6:30—10:30 p.m. 
Materials:  $16
Weave two baskets row on row with natural and smoked reed then attach them together to form a basket to hold peanuts and peanut shells.
Approx. size:  9 x 4.5 x 4

Shoulder Strap Tote Basket (Beginner)
Class Fee:  $28 ($18 for members)
Wednesday, April 9, 6:30—10:30 p.m. 
Materials:  $26
This is a great basket to carry books, to take on a picnic, or to carry to the beach.  It is woven row on row with smoked reed accents and has a brown strap.
Approx. size:  12.5 x 5 x 11

Iris Basket (Intermediate) 
Class Fee:  $28 ($18 for members)
Wednesday, May 21, 6:30—10:30 p.m.
Materials:  $25
This is a wonderful spring basket.  It has a fancy handle and curling to form the Iris and leaves.  It is woven row on row with dyed and natural reed.
Approx. size:  11 x 5 .5 x 12 (with handle)

Make Any Basket Night
Class Fee:  $28 ($18 for members)
Wednesday, June 4 6:00—10:30 p.m.
Materials:  $26
If there is one of Barb’s baskets that  you have been wanting to make for a long time, just sign up for it no later than two week before the class date.  When registering, indicate the basket by name so the kit can be prepared.