Explore Our Classes
August 2019
Create a Barn/Hex Sign
- Sold out!
Barn signs or ‘hex signs’ are mostly known today for their decorative purposes, but some believe they were painted by Pennsylvania Dutch farmers to ward off evil spirits or storms, or to bestow blessings and protections on the farm family. Using bright colors and often incorporating a star pattern, these beautiful designs were originally found primarily in southern Pennsylvania, a region settled by farmers from the Rhineland area of Germany. Create a unique handmade gift for friend or family, or…
Find out more »September 2019
Soap Making
Learn to make all-natural soap with John Hanson, owner/maker of the Longfellow Soap Company. Due to the use of lye (used as it has been for over 5,000 years in soap making), the soap portion of the class will primarily be a demonstration. Students will leave the class fully prepared to make their own soap and will receive a manual that includes equipment lists, sources for ingredients and where to buy locally, and John’s ‘secret recipe.’ Each student will take…
Find out more »Introduction to Power Tools for Women and Girls
Designed by Anna for students who identify as women and girls, and who want to become more proficient at using power tools. This class will increase your comfort in using basic power tools such as a cordless drill, random orbital sander, reciprocating saw and jigsaw. Participants are also encouraged to bring their own power tools that they want to learn to use properly and safely. The intent of the class is to gain familiarity and confidence with the tools, as…
Find out more »Book Binding – Leather Wrap Long Stitch
Create a beautiful leather book in the medieval tradition, without the use of any adhesives. Long-stitch book binding is one of the oldest methods of book binding and is still employed by book artists today. In this workshop you will produce a 4.5 x 6 x 1" journal which although simple, will be beautiful and robust. Each one-of-a-kind journal becomes a piece of art, incorporating design decisions regarding paper, cover color, and finishing touches. Students will then be able to…
Find out more »Introduction to Outdoor Painting in Oils
Take your oil paints outside and learn how to paint en plein air. This half-day class, held at William O’Brien State Park, will provide a hands-on introduction to outdoor painting. Nature is complex and light is fleeting. This class will help you gain a little control. You’ll learn to articulate why a scene is begging you to paint it. Then you’ll learn and practice a few skills and approaches that will help you organize the painting to capture the essence…
Find out more »Herbal Remedies for Good Health
Join local herbalist Heather Mashuga on a leisurely walk through lovely Wilder Forest, noticing and admiring the multitudes of wildflowers and plants. Discover how to learn to use these plant allies to provide nourishment and healing. Herbal medicine focuses on herbs to prevent and treat illness and promote health and has been used for centuries by diverse cultures such as Native Americans, China, India, and Nepal. A plant walk will highlight different plants depending upon time of year, growth and the…
Find out more »Modern Tapestry Weaving for Beginners
Many cultures have used woven tapestry to record their histories, from China to Europe to American indigenous cultures. Begin to create your own history, or create something more abstract, the choice is yours! In this beginning class, you’ll learn the essential skills needed to create a weaving on a wooden frame loom. Students will learn all aspects of beginning weaving, including how to warp a loom, what to consider when choosing the correct yarns for a project and 3 weaving…
Find out more »Block Printing on Fabric
One of the oldest forms of art, block printing is both historical and accessible, as it involves simply creating a block, using ink or paint, and then transferring the image on to the receiving material. In this class, students will use nature or cultural heritage or other sources for inspiration, creating beautiful designs on fabric. Join Karen Rognsvoog, experienced folk school teacher, for an introduction to block printing on fabric, using ‘heat set’ fabric paint. Learn how to carve your…
Find out more »Writing: The Power of Place
As described by writer Mark Doty: “The inner life happens in the body, and the body is always somewhere. For me, it’s the vehicles the world provides, what Whitman called the ‘dumb beautiful ministers’ that allow us to see the soul. What’s the self in an empty room? Breath and memory. I’m interested in being connected, engaged, in place…” Plan on exploring this broad concept of place in this multi-genre workshop. With readings and writing exercises in verse and story,…
Find out more »Wild Edible & Medicinal Plants: An Introduction to Foraging
Have you ever thought about foraging in nearby woods, fields, or trails, but haven’t had the knowledge or confidence to do so on your own? Tanna Worrell, the Friendly Forager, is based locally and has been sharing her enthusiasm for, and knowledge of, foraging for many years. Join Tanna as the growing season begins in May, hunting for spring wild edible and medicinal plants. Participants will learn about how to ethically forage and how to identify some early spring plants. …
Find out more »October 2019
Intergenerational: Sourdough Bread Baking
Slow down, get your hands messy, have some fun and learn the benefits of sourdough baking. The class will feature all steps of the sourdough baking process: sourdough culture maintenance and levain (starter) preparation, dough handling and shaping, as well as the final proof and how to bake in a home oven. You will leave with a better understanding of sourdough, a bit of starter, a couple loaves of bread and dough to bake at home. Intergenerational Age 10+: Adults…
Find out more »Punch Needle Rug Hooking
Punch needle rug hooking is quick and easy to learn, and once you know the basics, the possibilities of what you can make with this new fiber skill are endless! Remember hooked rugs from your great-grandmother’s era? While rug hooking used a small needle that was used to pull ‘hooks’ of yarn, the development of the ‘punch needle’ tool allowed users to push yarn and create rugs or other items more quickly and easily. There has been a rebirth of…
Find out more »Saami Inspired Scandinavian Bracelet
The dramatic landscape of northern Scandinavia is that of the midnight sun, northern lights, and the Sámi, a nomadic tribal group that follows the migration of the reindeer. Traditional Sámi jewelry incorporates elements of their northern landscape – softened reindeer leather, braided pewter wire, and sculpted antler. Discover this unique tradition with veteran instructor Liz Bucheit and create a beautiful bracelet in one day. Students will explore the traditional jewelry techniques of triple braiding, coiled pewter wire, and sewing the finished…
Find out more »Viking “Knit” Chain Bracelet
We are so happy Liz Bucheit is back for another Viking knit class! Come explore the ancient tradition of chain making. You’ll use “Viking Knitting,” a centuries-old looping technique, to create a beautiful silver bracelet with a variety of unusual clasps. Historically, this unique method of weaving resembles “nalbinding” knitting and was used to fabricate everything from sweaters to netting for catching fish! You’ll have the opportunity to complete a bracelet in a single day – no previous experience required…
Find out more »Soap Making
Learn to make all natural soap with John Hanson, owner/maker of the Longfellow Soap Company. Due to the use of lye (used as it has been for over 5,000 years in soap making), the soap portion of the class will primarily be a demonstration. Students will leave the class fully prepared to make their own soap and will receive a manual that includes equipment lists, sources for ingredients and where to buy locally, and John’s ‘secret recipe.’ Each student will…
Find out more »Intergenerational: Relax…Breathe…Weave: Exploring Weaving on a Rigid Heddle Loom
Whether you are a beginner or experienced weaver, you will enjoy learning how to weave on the versatile Schacht “Cricket” Rigid Heddle Loom. You will complete a table runner or set of coasters, learning how to create patterns using color, fiber texture and a few simple techniques. Looms will be pre-warped for all weavers. You’ll create a weaving that your heart and your fingers desire. Come and experience the joy of weaving! Students should bring: - fibers from home to…
Find out more »Hand-Sewing Leather: Everyday Goods
This entry-level class is designed to introduce the classic techniques of hand-sewing with leather. Students can choose from a mix of projects that demonstrate the basics of working with leather including cutting, punching, hand sewing, riveting, snap setting, finishing and care. Students will be guided through the process from hide to finished product – leaving the class with their very own, handmade, leather product. Students who have previous experience hand-sewing may opt for a larger project such as a tote…
Find out more »1-Year Anniversary Celebration – Community picnic/Open House
Marine Mills Folk School is 1 year old and we're throwing a party for the entire community! Please join us for a day of celebration! All are invited to stop in and visit! Meet a few of our instructors and tour our new location at Marine Elementary School. Families are encouraged to bring kids. We will have live music, a bouncy house, games, hot dogs, watermelon, lemonade, and treats! No need to register or RSVP - just bring your smiling…
Find out more »The Art of Winemaking: A Tasteful Tour
In this first class of the 3-part Wine Series with Spillery Creative, increase your 'wine cred' as you learn the history of winemaking plus sample a delicious wine flight that exemplifies the vast array of winemaking techniques and styles. Make it an evening with friends, or come on your own to meet others interested in wine. We'll cover how wine is made, a brief history of winemaking, and discuss vessels used to ferment and age wine, from the ancient use…
Find out more »Beaded Snowflake Mitten Ornament
It's not too early to start creating for the next snowy season! Using small size 11 seed beads, needle, and thread you will construct a 1¼-inch delicate yet easy to make beaded snowflake by hand. Then attach the snowflake to a 3½-inch by 3-inch felted wool mitten ornament. Snowflakes can be made in several sizes, and designed in many ways as in nature every snowflake is unique! Finish off the mitten by binding the wool layers together with an easy…
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