Courses

This course provides an opportunity for in-depth exploration of two interesting techniques, bead embroidery and needle felting. With time, space, and abundant materials, each participant will create their own unique works of art. The goal is to review and then move beyond the basics of materials and processes. Working with…

Discover the magic of “painting with beads” through your choice of seven different signature beaded lapel pin projects. In a reflection of the art and craft of bead embroidery, artist Jo Wood will lead you through your choice of one or two bead-embroidered projects, time permitting. The birch tree pin…

Drawing inspiration from opulent hand-embroidered Victorian Crazy quilts; learn how to construct a traditional 14-inch Crazy quilt block using the stitch and flip sewing method on a muslin base. Traditional Crazy quilts were not constructed for warmth or for the bed; instead they showcased the maker’s needlework skills. The hand-beading…

Brightly-colored seed beads have been used to embellish clothing and homegoods for centuries. Learn to make a beaded doily in this short class and experiment with color and pattern repetition to create a unique piece. Beadwork artist Marcie McIntire will provide instruction and materials for creating these lovely decorative forms…

Learn basic leather sewing and beadwork by making a drawstring shoulder bag. This three day introductory course will work with soft deerskin leather, and teach several different stitches and embellishment techniques. The finished bag will measure 9” x 5 ½”.

Autumn brings a riot of color to the landscape of the North Shore. This workshop is your opportunity to capture a bit of the season with beads. Each participant will bring an autumn image to inspire their design. From your image you will create a unique “bead painting” embroidered on…

Join us to create the perfect sock yarn and the perfect socks!  There is nothing like hand-spun, hand-knit socks to give your feet a hug and to keep you snuggy warm and feeling good! The first day of this workshop will be spent spinning for your socks.  We will discuss…

In this class we are going to focus on working with silk and wool together to make a durable, yet flexible piece of fabric that can be a lovely table runner for your home. We will begin by working on our designs and creating templates, then learn how to make…

Have you made felt before and found yourself frustrated with the design?  The colors became muted and soft, the easily identifiable bird became a cloud?  This is a class for those who have made felt and want to focus on the details of design.  We will begin by studying a…

Warm up winter by making your own woolen slippers or short boot liners. Using the ancient no-knitting wet felting technique, you will make a cozy, warm pair of slippers or boot liners. The craft hasn’t changed in centuries except we now use soap instead of ash or urine. It’s a…

This course is an introduction to the ancient textile fiber: flax; and the cloth made from it: linen. Students will explore all aspects of this traditional material, from seed selection, planting and cultivation, through harvesting, retting, hand processing, spinning, and weaving. We discuss flax’s place in traditional hand textile production,…

The three-strand wool braided rug is reminiscent of an era when rag rugs were considered an affordable way to reuse worn clothing and blankets to create a rug for the home.  Early American immigrants and rural pioneers handcrafted the rag rug and created a fiber tradition that has been passed…

Inkle looms are a great way to get started with weaving: they require little additional equipment, are easy to use and to understand, and are easily stored. Specially designed to be used for making strong, patterned bands, inkle looms are used for weaving belts, laces, bookmarks, guitar and other instrument…

Many of the plants which we now consider invasive species were brought to this country for a purpose. This workshop explores several invasive plants which can be used as natural dyes. There's no guilt about peeling off the bark or pulling up the whole plant to make these dye baths!…

The simple three-stranded braid most of us learn in childhood is only a glimpse of the deep historical and cultural roots of traditional braids. In this one day workshop, you’ll focus on technique that reaches back centuries, but can be used as a vehicle for very modern beaded jewelry. After…