Crafting Your Own Collection: Part 1

We all have special talents and if one of yours happens to be crafting household items with your own two hands (or you’ve always wanted to learn how) be sure to look into our special Pre-Conference Workshops held each year at the National Arts & Crafts Conference at the historic Grove Park Inn.

Each February we offer hands-on workshops on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning before the Conference officially begins and they are always a treat for those that attend. These special workshops only have room for 12 to 20 people, depending on the subject matter and the size of the room, so advance registration is required — and they do sell out fast!

Here then is a brief description of half of the upcoming workshops for you to consider when making your plans to attend the 29th National Arts & Crafts Conference February 19-21, 2016!

Basic Arts & Crafts Embroidery – Noted textile curator, collector and teacher Ann Chaves is returning to the National Arts & Crafts Conference to again lead a workshop on Arts & Crafts embroidery and applique. This class is suited for both beginners and for individuals who have taken some of Ann’s previous classes. A kit, including all necessary materials, will be provided to each student as part of the workshop. There will be demonstrations of embroidery stitches throughout the day. As Ann’s loyal and dedicated followers will attest, this is a rare and rewarding opportunity to learn an Arts & Crafts technique that you can utilize long after you have returned home. (Friday, 8:30am-3:00pm, $130)

Block Printmaking – Students will travel back in time before ink jet printers and laptops with the latest photo editing programs even existed to learn the intricacies of linoleum cut printmaking. During this two part class with Roycroft Renaissance Master Artisan, Laura Wilder, you will carve and print two linoleum blocks, to create several of your own 3” x 5” two-color note cards. Designs will be provided, or you can bring your own sketches. The printing process itself will be done using a wooden spoon. Laura will demonstrate the steps, and as you work, she will tell stories of triumph and tragedy, using many of her own prints to illustrate. At the end of the workshop, Laura will also provide you with your own printmaking kit to take home so you can continue on your own printmaking journey long after the conference weekend has ended. (Thursday 2-5pm AND Friday 8-11:00am, $190)

Jewelry Making Basics – Join nationally known Roycroft Renaissance Master metal artisan Ron VanOstrand for a morning of Arts & Crafts jewelry design! This workshop is beneficial to both the collector who would like to know the skills used to ornament Roycroft copper and silver work, and the aspiring metalsmith that would like to build on their current skill set. Students in this workshop will be introduced to the jewelry skills of chasing, sawing, and piercing. The student has the choice of several projects including a pendant drop, earrings, or a keychain fob. Designs will be provided for students to use, or students may create designs of their own and you’ll also take home with you your own chasing hammer to continue your jewelry-making skills after the conference! (Friday 8:00-11am, $90)

Check back next week as we share the second group of Workshops!

For additional information on the National Arts & Crafts Conference, please visit www.arts-craftsconference.com!

To register, call our office at (828) 628-1915.

See you there!