Craft Enrichment

3 Week Class

Students will receive instruction on how to become a beekeeper in the High Country. Topics will include honeybee anatomy, hive construction and placement, types of honeybees, beekeeping tools, how to obtain and install bees, pests and diseases, hive management, and honey production. Students will have an opportunity to visit an apiary.

Weekend Workshop

In this workshop, students will receive information about the essential aspects of keeping bees before deciding upon enrolling in a longer class or making a long term time and financial commitment that beekeeping requires.

The Biodiesel Production Workshop is established to extend the benefits and learning opportunities of the ASU Biodiesel Research and Education Facility to the community at large. The workshop will enhance the ability of local people to make and use their own fuel safely, learning proper fuel production and chemical handling procedures from local experts in the field. The fuel will be made from locally sourced recycled vegetable oil, keeping more of our energy dollars circulating within the High Country and promoting the concept of local energy independence as more people are empowered to make their own fuel. Partners in the enterprise include the High Country Biodiesel Co-op, Foothills Bioenergy and Blue Ridge Biofuels.

Consumables will be provided as well as safety equipment and clothing, and ongoing upkeep and maintenance of the facility. In addition, the facility for producing biodiesel will be available for all participants. The fee will also cover the cost of fuel produced so that workshop participants will get $35 worth of free fuel based on the price of $1/gallon. If more than 35 gallons of fuel is desired, the fuel can be purchased by participants for $1/gallon, payment of which will go into the workshop fund. In addition to the instructor Daniel Meehan, an ASU staff member will be present at all workshop meetings. Each meeting will involve stages in the actual production of fuel.

Creating a collage is a wonderful way to play. To allow yourself to be moved by color, texture, shape and design. Learn techniques for creating papers as well how to include discarded lace, ribbons, concert tickets, canceled checks, onion bags, wrapping paper, boxtops and labels...anything that represents life. Allow yourself to be surprised as images emerge through the layering of materials.

Participants will learn a different craft each week for four weeks and will take most of their projects home the same day they make them. The crafts topics change depending on the instructors but some that have been taught in the past are alcohol inks, fused and slumped glass, stained glass, and a piece of silver-wire-wrapped jewelry. Each project, like a stained glass sun catcher or an alcohol ink painting, is designed to be a 3-hour introduction to a craft that could become a hobby in itself. Some other project examples include: a stained glass sun catcher, silver-wire-wrapped jewelry, a mini felt landscape, and a leather pouch.

This class is designed to give beginning and intermediate students a hands-on learning experience. Each session will focus on one meat, and students will eat/take home samples. In addition to cooking, the course covers types of grills, fuels, seasonings, sauces, recipes, presentation, etc.

These courses introduce drawing with various media and in different styles, teaching students about light and shading, texture, perspective, personal expression, drawing from "life," and how to create beautiful renderings from your favorite photos. Students will learn to create the illusion of three-dimensional objects on a flat piece of paper. Skills apply to all types of drawing (with graphite, charcoal, pencil, ink, colored pencil and mixed media) and to still life, portraits, landscapes, florals, animals (including pet portraits) and abstract expression.

Specific topics vary depending on the individual instructor.

Arduino is an open-source electronics platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software. It's intended for anyone building interactive electronic projects like robots and electronic musical instruments. This class will introduce students to programming, setup, and use of the Arduino microcontrollers. Students will write simple programs that measure digital and analog inputs and control simple electronic devices. Basic breadboarding, soldering and electronics skills will also be covered. Students may use the provided Arduino kits or bring their own, available at http://www.adafruit.com/products/193.

Students will learn introductory techniques to tie flies that imitate major aquatic insect orders (the mayflies, stoneflies, and caddisflies) as well as how to select materials and tools for fly tying. We will briefly discuss how to fish different insect groups and how understanding aquatic insect ecology and biology improves angler catch rate. Registration fee includes most materials.

Cold Working - Stained Glass

Using the copper foil method, participants in stained glass classes will be introduced to the basic techniques necessary to create a piece in stained glass: scoring and breaking, grinding, wrapping glass pieces in copper foil and soldering the pieces together. BEGINNING STAINED GLASS uses the copper foil method. This class is for beginning stained glass enthusiasts or those who want to refresh their stained glass skills while creating new projects. Participants will be introduced to basic stained glass terminology and skills: glass safety, project pattern preparation, scoring and breaking of stained glass, grinding cut glass pieces to fit the pattern and removal of sharp edges, cleaning and wrapping glass pieces in copper foil, soldering the pieces together, and cleaning/polishing and framing your project.

The ADVANCED STAINED GLASS class suits the needs of more experienced students ready to progress with new techniques. Students will refresh their knowledge from the beginning stained glass course before moving on to more complex creations. Skills such as soldering will be honed to make the piece look more attractive when it is finished. More difficult patterns will be available to choose from, or students may provide their own.

Most participants will complete several small projects by the end of the class, depending on the size of the chosen artwork. Project supplies are included, and the instructor will provide patterns for class teaching projects or will work with you to choose your own. This workshop provides an opportunity for fun, fellowship, and creativity.

Warm Glass - Glass Fusing and Slumping

For glass fusing and slumping, the piece is fired at 1450 to 1550 degrees to fuse the pieces that make up the design. At that point, the project may be complete, or it can be fired again to slump it into or over a mold. The process can be used to create pendants, bowls, plates, sun catchers, vases, and other decorative and functional pieces. Learn the basics of glass fusing and slumping while making beautiful bowls, plates, jewelry and decorative objects. We'll discuss glass types, compatibility, cutting, and firing schedules. Come experience one of the easiest ways to work with glass and take home some unique objects. Most supplies provided.

Flame Working - Bead Making

Glass beads have been treasured and traded for centuries and this class will explore the process of the ancient craft using moretti on mandrels. "Lampworking" is the technical term for the art of melting and forming raw glass into shapes by using a special high-temperature torch. We will cover torch safety, types of glass, scientific properties, proper annealing, dots, stringers, latticino, encasement, texturing and much more. By the last class students will feel confident in their ability to make the glass flow.
Class fee covers the glass and supplies needed for class teaching projects. Discuss your glass needs with your instructor prior to beginning the project because there may be a fee for the additional glass, hanging materials or special items such as bevels.

Participants will learn basic and advanced techniques to produce rings, pendants and other items in sterling silver, copper and brass. More experienced participants may work on projects of their own design such as lost wax casting, cuttlebone casting, etc. Participants will have the opportunity to create several finished pieces in the course of the class.

Beginning Jewelry

Participants in this beginning jewelry class will learn the basic techniques necessary to produce rings, pendants and other items in sterling silver, copper and brass. The goal is for each participant to create a finished piece by the end of every second class.

Advanced Jewelry

Participants in this advanced jewelry class will learn the additional techniques necessary to produce rings, pendants and other items in sterling silver, copper and brass. Participants may choose from a variety of intermediate and advanced projects of their own design such as bezels, rivets, etc. In Advanced Jewelry, students choose their own projects. Contact Jim Rice or Judy Goodwin for availability of specific projects.

Bead Weaving

Students will learn a variety of bead weaving stitches that will serve as a good base to learn other stitches and to combine those used in different patterns. As part of the class fee, kits will be provided that include all materials, written instructions and tools needed to complete each project. If participants have a small pair of sharp snipping scissors, please bring them. Participants will be asked to choose the color and metallic complement for their projects shortly before the start of the class. In past classes, participants have made a pair of earrings, a bracelet and a pendant.

Are you interested in having the beautiful landscape that you have always dreamed of, but you are not quite sure how to make it happen? Learn the basic principles of creating a successful home landscape starting from the ground up. Class will address issues ranging from soil testing, soil amending, determining types of fertilizer needed, to how to start new plants, how to divide the ones you have, and how to properly plant and prune them. You will learn how to choose the most well-suited native and non-native plants for our region, as well as design principles needed to place them aesthetically in the landscape. Classes will include hands-on activities and demonstrations.

Explore the craft and the art of mosaic in this non-traditional approach to an ancient art form. This magical art form reveals its mystery as we explore together over the course. While exploring the craft of pique assiette, students will learn a direct application method of mosaic, breaking parts and resurrecting them in a new way. The class fee includes all necessary materials for completion of at least one project. Bring a pair of tile nippers (the smallest ones you can find), protective eyewear (glasses are fine), and any ceramic shards, tile, glass, or found items that speak to you. Enjoy resurrecting those old ceramic vessels, shards, or found items into a new work of art.

Craft Enrichment painting classes provide instruction in a variety of media – oils, acrylics, watercolor, and East Asian brush painting, depending on the semester. Topics apply to any subject matter, abstract or realistic, and include composition, perspective, proportion, lighting, texture, and color harmony. Skills are applicable to landscapes, still life, florals, portraits, animal paintings (including pet portraits) and abstract expression. Each class description will include whether supplies are or are not included.

Classes

• Acrylic - Adventures, Creative Edge
• Chinese Brush - Gong-bi Japanese Sumi-e, East meets West
• Oil - Everyone
• Watercolor - Beginning, Explore Nature, Landscape, Sunrise/Sunset, E
• Printmaking
• Visual Journaling

Start an imaginative journey and learn to find and express your unique painting personality. Emphasis will be on understanding good composition and color harmony that relates to any subject matter, whether abstract or realistic. We will explore new techniques and ways to achieve various textures and interesting effects, and most importantly enjoy the journey! This class is for those who have never painted before as well as for those with some experience. Explore new techniques, texture, patterns, layering and other surprises. Using not only brushes but rollers, and other improvised tools to more creatively depict landscapes, figures, animals, or abstracts. Begin with foundational understanding of composition and color harmony and then follow your heart and get as wild as your dreams!

Learn about the art of Japanese Sumi-e. The Zen Buddhist monks first introduced the Northern Sung style of painting to Japan during the 14th century. During the 15th century they brought the newer Southern style of painting. At this time the Shogunate system of government prevailed and arts of all kinds flourished and became more refined and elegant.

In this class, beginning oil painters will gain an understanding of the basic principles of oil painting from choice of paints and brushes to composition, values, colors, and shapes described by light and color. In addition to demonstrations for the class, there will be plenty of time for painting and individual attention. Students will work on several pieces during the course.

Reinterpreting traditional methods of printmaking, this class presents creative, affordable, and accessible techniques for mixed-media artists and printmakers of all experience levels looking to incorporate printed images onto paper, wood, canvas or fabric. From linocuts to collagraphs to image transfers, we will create a variety of stamps, print blocks, and mixed media pieces. A variety of projects will be demonstrated to incorporate a range of possibilities - such as books, wall-art collages, greeting cards, and more!

Mixed media is such a broad, all-encompassing topic that involves a lot of experimenting. During Introduction to Mixed Media, we will take the mystery out of mixed media and help you get started making art. Molly will cover all the basics and teach you how to lay out a mixed media art piece, step-by-step and item-by-item. You'll learn about common materials and how each media within the piece works and interacts with the others. You'll learn a variety of media and processes, including: collage base on canvas, creating stamps and using printmaking materials, stencils to build texture and/or imagery, add texture with gesso and gel mediums, and transfer images to work.

Different types of water based paints and inks will be discussed - covering how they work, and how they react when incorporated to a piece. Altering photos to enhance your work will also be explored as well as how to balance the fundamentals of art with abstract designs. You will learn which materials work well together and get lots of tips you can use when creating pieces in the future.

Students who have taken the class before will have the opportunity to elaborate on previous skills learned.

A visual journal is a creative combination of diary, doodle pad, to-do list, sketchbook, and scrapbook. Visual journaling is deeply personal and meaningful, and requires no artistic training--only a playful willingness to experiment! Visual journaling also requires very few art supplies, making it a wonderfully democratic, all-access method of creative expression. In this hands-on class, participants will learn and practice the techniques of visual journaling, including creating backgrounds, transferring images, layering and mixing in ephemera, and engaging in reflective writing and drawing. Videos will demonstrate techniques and discuss the ways in which those in the teaching and caring professions use visual journaling. Participants will also gain access to identified resources and inspiration for continuing development and discovery. By the end of the five-week course, participants will have explored resources and practiced techniques for making visual journaling a personal practice, as well as identified inspiration and resources for how to incorporate visual journaling in one's own work setting.

If you are inspired to paint the exceptional High Country scenery that surrounds us or a view you photographed while travelling, join JoAnn Pippin to learn watercolor tips and techniques especially focused on landscapes. You will learn to plan compelling compositions using your reference photos, choose colors to create mood, and use both brush and non-brush techniques to create a satisfying watercolor painting. This class is for students who have watercolor paints and want to paint a watercolor they will be proud of.

Classes

• Digital Photography
• Mobile Phone Photography

The Photography courses introduce various hardware and software tools. Students learn how to operate their digital cameras in Manual Mode to get proper exposures and process images in Lightroom software. Topics that may be covered include the "Exposure Triangle" - (Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO), composition, file formats, lenses, cataloging photos, workflow practices, image editing and preparing files for social media and printing. We will discuss various photography genres, however the emphasis will be on Nature, Landscape, and Portraiture photography. There will be some outside and in-class demos by the instructor during this evening class. Your camera's manual will be the textbook and Macintosh computers are used during class. Basic computer navigation experience is a must.

Craft Enrichment pottery classes draw on the individual technical and aesthetic interests of each instructor. Through group instruction, hands-on experiences and individual help, both beginning and advanced ceramics students will expand their knowledge of throwing on the potter's wheel, hand building, surface decoration, glaze application, glaze formulation, and pottery design. A variety of clays and glazes are available for Cone 6 oxidation firing. For an additional fee, Cone 10 reduction firing is available. Classes are held in Katherine Harper Hall - W. Kerr Scott Hall on the campus of Appalachian State University in Boone, NC.

A range of classes are typically offered each semester from Beginner to Advanced Open Studio. 

Learn the basic techniques, over-under, twining, chasing and Japanese weave. Make a square to round, ribbed, and round basket. Also experiment with sculptural and freeform basket making, using basketry reed, paper, sticks, beads, and buttons to create various designs, sizes and shapes of baskets. Materials are supplied; however, students are welcome to bring other supplies to experiment with their baskets. Be creative and come ready to have fun and explore three dimensional weaving.

Batik originated in Indonesia and utilizes a wax resist and dye process that allows multiple layers of pattern and design to emerge on textiles. In this class, we will dive in and explore the art, history, technique and personal experience of the batik craft. New students will gain a basic knowledge of overdye batik using beeswax, brushes and tjanting tools. Returning students will have the opportunity to further develop their wax and design skills. Participants will be able to make two items of clothing or housewares (that they provide) and two wall hangings (included in registration fee).

Beginning

Create wet felted items using animal fibers, warm/slightly soapy water and friction to tangle and bind fibers together to make a non-woven fabric. Learn felt making techniques while you create small items for yourself or gifts for friends!

We'll begin our day by discussing the magic of felt making, how a piece of fluffy fiber can become a solid piece of fabric, and more. Using different types of wools, water, soap and friction we'll make solid forms for dryer balls, cat toys or ornaments. You will get the feel of different fibers and how each works and get an understanding of the best uses for them. We will make different types of beads, some that will be combined with wet felted ropes to make necklaces and bracelets.

Soaps covered with wool make wonderful scrubbies, soap and loofah combos, and a great gift. Flowers can be used as pins, gift toppers, ornaments, or combined with a felted rope to make a lariat necklace or belt. Bowls or vases will be made around a flat foam resist. Depending on how light or heavy the wool is laid on can determine the use of the piece. Light layers of wool make nice candle holders (battery operated), Heavier layers can stand alone as an art piece.

Materials and tools provided. Working with felt requires standing for long periods of time so wear comfortable shoes. Please bring an apron if concerned about clothes getting wet. Each person should bring a few hand or bath towels.

Intermediate

This is an intermediate class, but anyone with some fiber experience is welcome! Textile handicrafts play an important part of our cultural history in the High Country. Handmade felt is made by layering animal fibers, adding warm, slightly soapy water and friction (rubbing and rolling, sometimes throwing) to tangle and bind the fibers together to make fabric.

Learn to apply and add to your felting skills making beautiful two and three-dimensional works of art that you can wear from head to toe! We will begin our first 2 sessions making wet and nuno felted scarves. (Nuno felt uses a light layer of wool fibers and sheer silk or cotton fabric to make a lightweight scarf that drapes well). Other sessions include items to compliment your scarf while learning additional skills, including a bag/purse using flat resist, handles, and additional resists for interior or exterior pockets/design elements. We will also create a hat (beret, or folded or rolled brim hat) using each person's measurements for a perfect fit. We will finish our sessions by making a gift for our feet—felted slippers—just the thing to slip into after a long day of work or play.

Felt making involves working on tables at counter height standing most of the time, so wearing comfortable shoes and clothes is recommended. Bring a waterproof apron if you are concerned about getting your clothes damp.

Materials and tools will be provided, but each person needs to bring a few towels to each session. Yarns, fabrics, silk waste materials (noil, throwsters..) will be available for embellishments in all the sessions.

Quilting

In the class, students will learn the skills required to make a variety of quilted projects, from tote bags and placements to table runners. Most supplies for learning projects are furnished, but students are welcome to bring fabrics of their choice. Sewing machines will be available for 6 participants. Basic sewing knowledge is necessary.

Sewing

This class is designed to introduce the sewing novice to the fundamentals that will contribute to using your own sewing machine with confidence. These skills include how to operate a sewing machine, create different stitches, make gathers, attach a zipper, insert elastic or drawstring, make a button hole, and create an applique. Students will practice these skills while making three class projects: an aromatherapy eye pillow, an applique wall hanging, and a small "up-cycled" backpack. Sewing machines will be provided. Anyone 16 years old or older is welcome.

Hand spinning is one of the traditional crafts of the Appalachian Mountain Region. It was one of the first steps to creating cloth whether that fabric is knit, crocheted or woven.

Students will learn the parts of the spinning wheel along with drafting and spinning the fiber on the bobbin of the wheel. They will spin two bobbins, learn to ply the yarn and measure the spun yarn onto a niddy noddy.

In this introduction to the 4-shaft loom, students will learn basic weaving techniques using floor and table looms. Most materials are included in the class fee, although personal favorite fibers or cloth strips may be included in a project. Students will discuss the relationship of both warp and weft textures along with color selection. They will learn to warp and operate the loom and to explore several finishing techniques for their project. Selected loom-controlled patterns will allow for the creation of a sampler, scarf, placemat, or a small rag rug. Students will weave and create at their own pace, so more than one item may be possible. Looms are available for students' independent use anytime the building is open.

Class projects in this course will focus largely on welding and other techniques for joining metals. Steel will be the primary focus, but opportunities to explore aluminum, stainless steel, and other metals will be offered. In addition to gaining an understanding of welding safety and theory, and practice time, students will learn how to select welding equipment appropriate to their needs. If time allows, steel for personal projects will be sold by the foot at additional cost.

Beginning Woodturning

During this class different species of woods, sources for wood and equipment, wood turning tools, lathes, and techniques of the wood turning craft will be explored with beginner students. Students will have the opportunity to use fine lathes and a variety of woodturning equipment. Each student will create a candlestick holder or a wine bottle stopper and a wood bowl. Supplies for these projects are included in the tuition. After these projects are complete, students can bring in their own supplies for that special wood turning project they have always wanted to create. The final night of class students will have a chance to "show" their work created during the course to other students. Projects are first rough cut to a circle on the Band Saw. Followed by shaping the wood on the lathe using the tools provided. Finally students can add a finish to seal the wood. See images below for an idea of the process. Each student is to provide their own safety glasses or shield and earplugs.

Advanced Woodturning

This course will continue the art, science, and techniques needed to turn a block of wood into functional sculpture. We will explore some rough-edge and green-wood spindle turning, wood curing, selection, and tool sharpening. You may never look at a pile of firewood the same again! It is recommended for each student to provide their own safety glasses or shield and earplugs. Below is a Bowl Series by a past student. 

Chip Carving

Chip Carving, or kerbschnitzen in German, is a type of decorative wood carving that has been used for centuries around the globe.  It is a different type of wood carving in that it is applied to an existing wooden object and is not used to create the object.  Small chips (not shaving or whittling) of exact shape and dimension are excised from the wood to create interesting decorative patterns that are used to enhance the appearance of the object being carved.  These simple chips can be combined to create very simple or elaborate designs. These patterns were used by peasants to decorate their furniture, plates, and other household items making them more attractive.  It involves the use of one carving knife and one embellishing knife to excise the small chips of wood that combine to create intricate geometric patterns.  The beauty of this type of carving is that you do not need a large number of tools, just the two knives and 2 sharpening stones.