Discover the art of wire wrapping and create your own handcrafted jewelry in this beginner-friendly class. Students will learn essential techniques such as making loops, coils, decorative wraps, and securely setting stones without soldering. With step-by-step guidance, you’ll design and complete at least one finished piece— a pendant as below and cords/chains if you want to change it into a necklace. All materials are included, such as copper wire, jewelry pliers, natural gem stones or beads, findings, and polishing cloths. No prior experience is required—just bring your creativity! By the end of the class, you will leave with new skills, confidence in basic wire-working techniques, and a beautiful handmade piece of jewelry to take home.

Are you ready to take your pet portrait skills to the next level? This class begins with a pre-sketched pencil drawing, which you will then enhance with appropriate shading techniques. Next, you will create your own custom color palette to ensure a precise match for your pet's unique characteristics. Throughout the class we will focus on capturing the subtleties of real fur texture and expressive eyes, with the goal of producing a remarkably detailed and realistic portrait of your pet. Five clear photos of your pet must be emailed in before class to Shirl.art5050@gmail.com. Canvas and paints are supplied.

Ottoman Edition! This hands-on workshop introduces students to some of the foundational skills of upholstery. Over the course of three classes, students will learn to transform a plain, wooden frame into a beautiful, custom ottoman. Through guided instruction, students will become familiar with a variety of upholstery tools and techniques. Students will also learn how to measure and cut cushioning materials, and properly assemble a finished ottoman. If you're looking to gain a new skill, this course provides a brief introduction to the art of upholstery. Course Highlights: + Learn how to transform a plain, wooden frame into usable furniture. + Hands-on practice with a variety of upholstery tools: pneumatic staple gun, rubber and wooden mallets, staple remover, pliers, and more. + Guidance on fabric selection, estimating, and manipulation. + Basic padding, assembly, and finishing. + Safety procedures and proper tool usage. Materials: Students will need to provide their own fabric. All other materials, including the ottoman frame, will be provided. Recommendations on where to purchase fabric can be found on my website: khgupholstery.com. Feel free to reach out should you prefer to discuss fabric options prior to purchasing. *Upholstery weight fabrics preferred.* All tools will be provided for use during the class. What to Bring: 2 yards of fabric *Be sure to have your fabric on hand for the first class* For additional comfort, feel free to bring a pair of gloves, safety glasses, and/or mask to wear while upholstering.

Session 1: February 25, 26, and March 4

Session 2: March 5, 11, and 12

Session 3: May 6, 7, and 13

Session 4: May 14, 20, and 21

In this class, open to all levels, students will learn to paint rocks as expressive elements within a landscape. We’ll explore structure, texture, light, and shadow to capture their weight and character. Open to all paint mediums. Upon registration a simple list of materials will be sent out.

Learn the vital art of mending: that is, essentially, darning, hemming and patching. We'll study cross-hatch hole-mending, then employ a few simple stitches to create a functional cloth patch. Bring your holy garments! An assortment of yarns and fabrics will be provided for you to use. (If you will need some very unique fabric or thread, then you should bring it.) We will repair as much as we can. Price includes all required tools and materials.

Bring a sketchbook and pencil and join us for an afternoon of drawing in one of Maine's fabulous museums. Forge an intimate connection with museum collections, while improving your own work by studying the techniques of the masters. Guidance and critical feedback are provided as needed. At the end of our visit, we will meet up to share our results with the group. Museum admission is included in fee. Participants will meet at the museum.

Create your own meaningful jewelry in this hands-on charm-making class! Choose from a variety of sterling silver charm shapes and sizes. You'll be guided step-by-step through custom stamping, texturizing, and polishing techniques to design two unique charms.Perfect for sentimental initials, special dates, or meaningful symbols—these personalized charms make beautiful keepsakes or thoughtful gifts. A selection of chains will also be available for purchase to complete your necklace. No experience necessary—just bring your creativity!

*This is a two-day weekend workshop: Saturday & Sunday May 9-10.

Have you ever wanted to try tapestry weaving, but didn’t know where to begin? Perhaps you’ve tried it on your own and are ready for some help. In this intensive, two day workshop you’ll learn some of the fundamentals of tapestry weaving. You’ll be guided step-by-step through various techniques while exploring the creative possibilities.

Beginner and intermediate levels are welcome, but no previous weaving experience is necessary. Even an experienced weaver can benefit from a refresher and Barbara’s artistry offers something for everyone. There is a maximum of ten students to allow for plenty of individual attention. 

Participants will be guided step by step through the process of warping a loom as well as weaving a design that practices a mix of skills. You’ll create a tapestry sampler that will be a reference for the future.

Cost includes use of a loom and tapestry bobbins during class as well as all necessary yarns and extensive handouts. Please feel free to bring additional yarns for weft if you'd like. A materials fee of $20 is due to the instructor on the first day of the workshop. 

Please bring lunch each day as we'll take a 30 minute break to recharge! *We have a fridge that can be used to store perishable items.

Instructor, Barbara Burns, studied tapestry at West Dean College in Sussex, England as well as here in the US, most notably with Archie Brennan and Susan Martin Maffei. She has taught private students and workshops in New England, Ireland and England. Barbara has exhibited and won numerous awards for her tapestries both nationally and internationally.