It’s That Time Again!

I’m just going to let these Pre-Conference Workshops speak for themselves. That’s right, they’re back and better than ever! Read through, pick your favorite and give our office a call to reserve your spot today! Please note, they sell out each year so the sooner you call our office, the more likely it is you’ll find yourself next to one of these incredible artisans come February 19th, 2015, teaching you everything you need to know about their craft. Look forward to hearing from you! We’re in the office Monday – Thursday from 11-5 EST so give us a call at (828) 628-1915.

Basic Arts & Crafts Embroidery

Fri. 8:30-3:00pm

Ann Chaves — $130 (includes materials)

Noted textile curator, collector and teacher Ann Chaves is returning to the Arts & Crafts Conference to again lead a two-part class 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.

Coppersmithing: Arts & Crafts Style

Thursday 2:00-5:00 AND Friday 8:00-11:00

Frank Glapa — $190 (includes materials)

This two part workshop led by Roycroft Renaissance Master Artisan Frank Glapa will get you started on the basics of copper repousse techniques. Your materials will be waiting for you as Frank guides you through the process of hammering and shaping your copper “tile” into an incredible piece of Arts & Crafts metalwork. Classic designs will be provided or feel free to bring your own to fit the 4×4 copper tile. At the end of the workshop, take home not only your finished copper tile but all of your materials as well so you can continue to master your metalworking skills wherever you are! Register today for what promises to be an Arts & Crafts experience of a lifetime!

Bringing Arts & Crafts Design into Your Landscape

Thurs. 2:30-5:00 OR Fri. 8:30-11:00

Paul Duchscherer — $90

So, your house is done (or maybe it isn’t), but your yard is bland and boring. Spring will be fast approaching come February, which means this is the time to start planning your yard make-over. And who could be a better instructor, mentor and friend than author Paul Duchscherer? You will arrive with snapshots of what your yard looks like now (bring several), along with a sketch of your property. Be sure to include some basic measurements and identify one feature which you would like to improve in this workshop. Paul will discuss with the class many of the various options you could incorporate into your landscape design that will bring the Arts & Crafts style outdoors, and he will work with you personally as you make your selections and begin planning your own Arts & Crafts yard. New for 2015, Paul is happily offering TWO time slots for this class since the Friday class books up. When calling to make your reservation, please note which class (Thursday or Friday) that you’d like to participate in.

Arts & Crafts Jewelrymaking

Fri. 8:30-11:00am

Ron VanOstrand — $90 (includes materials)

Join nationally known Roycroft Renaissance Master metal artisan Ron VanOstrand for a morning of Arts & Crafts jewelry design! New for 2015, 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 chasing hammer to continue your jewelry-making skills after the conference!

Arts & Crafts Printmaking

Thurs. 2:00-5:00 AND Fri. 8:00-11:00

Laura Wilder — $190 (includes take home kit)

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 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.

Using Dyes, Stains and Finishes

Thurs. 2:00-5:00 AND Fri. 9:00-11:30

Dennis Bertucci — $150 (includes frame & materials)

Frustrated in your attempt to recreate an authentic Arts & Crafts color and finish? Regardless of whether you are going to be working on a piece of new furniture, an antique, a door, or the trim in your house, master craftsman, professional restorer and columnist Dennis Bertucci can take the mystery out of stains, dyes and finishes for you. When you arrive in your jeans and work shirt, you will find everything you need: gloves, apron, brushes, tools, products — and an unfinished oak frame sized to hold the conference poster. On Thursday afternoon Dennis will teach you how to color your frame using either stains or dyes, then you’ll leave it overnight to dry. On Friday morning Dennis will show you different Arts & Crafts finishes, one of which you will then apply to your frame. After they dry, you will return to pick yours up so that you can take it home to show off your new found wood finishing skills.

Again, these Pre-Conference Workshops sell out quickly so give our office a call to reserve your spot today! (828) 628-1915 Look forward to hearing from you soon!