Handcraft is a personal expression of its maker. Color choice, texture, symbolism, or simple embellishment of folk art aesthetics all reflect the landscape, values, tastes, and whims of the person behind the object. Through conversations and presentations during this course you will explore the history of symbolism used in European folk arts and develop your own palette of personal expression. You will learn how to use many types of traditional paint like milk paint, egg tempra, and other natural pigment based finishes. See how the color interacts with surface embellishments and texture carved in your piece to emphasize the tactile satisfaction of your work. Students can choose to bring a small woodenware project of their own to complete during class or they may simply create a series of practice pieces with materials provided to allow for a wide ranging exploration of techniques. Students may also choose to register for Lathe Turning: The Wooden Bowl held prior to this course to produce woodenware suitable for embellishment.

You will need the following tools for this class:

All required tools/materials are provided by your instructor and North House and will be available once the course begins.

Feel free to bring your favorite tools and whatever materials you might feel appropriate for this course.