Summer and Fall Classes 2012 Will Be Posted Soon.

2011 Classes & Workshops

CHS Workshop Descriptions

Rufus Porter Style Wall Murals - Sandy Howe
Wed, Thurs, & Fri, July 27, 28, & 29, 9AM-4PM – Materials Fee: $40 – Member Reg. Fee $300.00 Non-member $325.00
Students will study the history of New England decorative wall painting in the style of Rufus Porter.  Participants will visit the museum to study Porter style wall murals in detail in addition to demonstrations and written materials. Students will practice by painting a small scale piece, then a full size portion of a landscape mural utilizing eco-friendly materials, historic techniques of line, design, and color. Improving upon basic painting skills, students will go home with the skills to embellish furniture or other small surfaces or decorate an entire room with Porter inspired wall murals.
 
Floorcloth Painting – Lisa Mair - www.canvasworksfloocloths.com
Wed. July 27 1:00PM- 4:00PM, Thursday July 28 9AM- 4PM– Materials Fee: $50 – Member Reg. Fee $150.00 Non-member $165.00
Have you ever wanted your own painted floor cloth for your front hall, or living space? Lisa Mair will teach students how to utilize such effects as shading, composition, and colors often seen in Rufus Porter wall murals. Lisa will supply a pre-hemmed floorcloth, paints, and brushes.  Bring your own favorite brushes if you wish.

Early American Brush Stroke Wall Decoration – Hugh Luck  - www.pinestreetstudiosnj.com 
Thursday, July 28, 9AM – 4PM– Materials Fee: $35 – Member Reg. Fee: $100.00 Non-member $110.00
This wall method of wall painting employs templates to create wallpaper and stencil-like effects. Hugh will demonstrate the use of brushes, strokes, and provide examples of pattern development. Using brush techniques, students will paint borders and other patterns freehand directly on walls. The carefully planned results appear to be free flowing. 

Antique Wall Finishes for the Home – Hugh Luck -  www.pinestreetstudiosnj.com 
Friday, July 29, 9AM-4PM–Materials  Fee: $35 – Member Reg. Fee: $100 Non-member $110.00
Although many think of antiquing as only a physically beat up and deteriorating finish,  antique finishes were employed throughout historic interiors (most often Continental) to give depth and grace to walls,primarily for woodwork and trim, furniture, etc..  This class relies primarily on the use of paint to mimic physical distressing.  Techniques include wiping off of paint glazes, dry brushing, applying paint over waxed surfaces, crackle and some actual physical distressing. Often antiquing is applied over prior painted finishes.  A slide presentation will highlight antique finishes in historical settings as well as preview methods learned in class.

Traditional Stroke Painting – Mary Scattergood – www.kleinbergstudio.com
Fri & Sat, July 29 & 30, 9AM-4PM– Materials Fee: $45 – Member Reg. Fee: $200.00 Non-member $225.00
Using modern materials, students will learn strokes and methods to recreate beautiful traditional designs on a decorative tin piece.  Mary will share the history of stroke painting techniques and demonstrate a variety of design options. Each student will complete a decorative coffee pot during the class.

Theorem Painting – Deb Gideon
Saturday, July 30, 9AM – 4PM Materials Fee: $25 –Member Reg. Fee: 100.00 Non-memebers $110.00
Theorems were an early American art form taught to school girls in the eighteenth century to perfect their artistic talents.  Many examples still exist and are valued for their charm.  Most often accomplished on paper or white velvet, they are a lovely addition to your traditional home. You'll complete an authentic theorem pattern (photo attached, 13"x15") and go home with your own ready-to-frame painting, a stencil kit and the knowledge to complete more projects. Some prior experience working with oil paint would be helpful.

Rufus Porter Style Painting – Martha Stevenson  - www.marthasfolkart.com
Fri& Sat, Sept. 16 & 17, 9AM – 4PM– Materials Fee: $15 – Member Reg. Fee $200.00 Non-members $225.00
In addition to learning about Rufus Porter and his accomplishments as painter and inventor, students will go home with a completed 16”X20” painting! The class will learn a variety of painting techniques, both traditional and nontraditional. Various patterns for transferring to create your own painting are provided. Acrylic paints and mediums are used throughout, from surface preparation through finishing. Unfinished frames will be available for purchase.

Vinegar Graining– Martha Kinney
Saturday, September 17, 9AM-4PM– Materials Fee: $50 – Member Reg. Fee: $100.00 Non-members $110.00
Learn the history and uses of this technique of country graining.  A variety of methods of vinegar grain effects were often used to decorate furniture, accessories, and interiors.  Students will experiment with these methods and discover the magic of vinegar graining. Turn an ordinary wood item into an extraordinary heirloom.

FIBER ARTS
Lucet Braiding – Sue Black
Tuesday, July 26, 9AM – 12Noon– Materials Fee: $10–Member Reg. Fee $50.00 Non-members Non-memebers $60.00
The Lucet is a simple fork-shaped tool used to make a square knotted cord with low stretch and good strength. The earliest lucets date back more than 1000 years to the Viking era. This technique is very easy to learn and no experience is needed to enjoy this workshop. The Swedish word for lucet is Snoddgaffel which translated roughly to “string fork.”  Before the advent of machine made cords in the 1830’s, lucets were in common use. There was a revival in the mid 19th century and again in the Edwardian era when the lucet was referred to a chain fork, or Lyre.
 
Rigid Heddle Weaving – Melodi  Hacket - www.portlandfibergallery.com
Tuesday & Thursday, July 26 & 28, 1PM-4PM – Materials Fee: $50–Member Reg. Fee $100.00 Non-members $110.00
Rigid Heddle looms are great for using up yarn stashes. You can weave a scarf or table runner in as little as 3 hours. In this workshop you will weave a small scarf or table mat on the loom we will provide.  We will guide you through setting up the loom and weave your project then we will show you how to finish off your project in the second class.  We will have yarn available or you can bring yarn (not bulky wt.) from your stash. 

Learn to Spin – Melodi Hacket - www.portlandfibergallery.com
Tuesday & Thursday, July 26 &28, 9AM-12Noon – Materials Fee: $35– Member Reg. Fee $100.00 Non-members $110.00
Home spun yarn has the most wonderful and unique characteristics when knitted or woven. Over the two half day sessions, participants will learn to take clean washed wool and transform it into usable yarn.  Different techniques of wool preparation will be used to spin “singles” which will then be plied into a balanced yarn. Fiber and spinning wheels will be available, but bring your own if you wish.

Inkle Weaving – Dawn Forde - www.SleytheDent.com
Friday, July 29, 9AM – 4PM – Materials Fee: $5– Member Reg. Fee $100.00 Non-member $110.00
Inkle weaving is a fun and portable way to weave a narrow tape, ribbon, or strap. Students will learn to set up and weave on an inkle loom. They will learn to design and weave their own patterns. Advanced techniques will be demonstrated and tried out as time allows.

Felted Paintings – Susan Perrine - www.susanperrine.com
Wednesday, July 27, 1PM-4PM –Materials Fee: $20– Member Reg. Fee $50.00 Non-member $55.00
Bring your own photos and drawings for inspiration, or bring an image that you like to create a small (10”x10”) felted image. Experiment with wet felting, layering textures and colors to create imagery by blending Maine wool and silk fibers. Blend dyed and natural colored fibers together. The results of these processes are surprising due to the nature of the techniques. Stitch decorative surface elements to add dimension to the design.
 
Hawaiian Quilting – Diane Hoppe -  www.rufusportermuseum.org
Wednesday, July 28, 9AM– 12Noon –Materials Fee: $15– Reg. Fee $50.00 $55.00
Hawaiian appliqué reflects the beauty of the tropical environment. Exotic flowers and wildlife
Inspire designs of bright and contrasting colors. Quilting techniques used by Hawaiian women
were adapted from 1820’s New England fashion. You will learn about the history of Hawaiian
quilting, using original patterns, begin a 22” square block. Students should have a basic
knowledge of hand sewing.

Beginning Tatting – Elaine O’Donal - www.tattedwebs.com
Wed& Thurs, July 27 & 28, 9AM – 12Noon – Materials Fee: $10 – Member Reg. Fee $100.00 Non-member $110.00
Tatting is a technique for handcrafting a lovely and durable lace by constructing a series of knots and loops. Tatting is often used in lace edging, doilies, collars, and other decorative pieces. Learn the basic stitch and progress from a chain to a ring. Students will follow basic patterns to finish their pieces.

Intermediate Tatting – Elaine O’Donal - www.tattedwebs.com
Thursday, July 28, 1PM-4PM– Materials Fee: $20– Member Reg. Fee $100.00 Non-member $110.00
If you have already learned the basics of tatting, you might want to expand your skills with more advanced patterns and techniques. Students will learn how to combine stitches to make more elaborate decorative and three dimensional pieces.

Beginning Primitive Rug Hooking – Jacqueline Hansen - www.rughookersnetwork.com/jacqueline-designs/index.htm
Saturday, July 30 – 9AM-4PM Materials Fee: $75– Member Reg. Fee $100.00 Non-member $110.00
This is an excellent beginning project for new hookers. Students will learn Primitive, or wide cut methods of directional rug hooking in this class. Each student will begin a 14”x16” footstool cover or pillow. Materials include all wool, pattern, color plan and finishing instructions. Bring your own scissors, rug hook, and hoop (if you have them.) Let Jacqueline know in advance if you need these supplies.

TRADITIONAL CRAFTS
Stained Glass – Diane Gosselin - www.prismworksmaine.com
Tuesday & Wednesday, July 26 & 27, 9 AM – 4PM– Fee: $50– Member Reg. Fee $200.00 Non-member $225.00
Have you always admired sparkling stained glass designs and wanted to make your own?  Here is your opportunity to complete two charming stained glass projects during this workshop. Beginning with an overview of safety procedures, students will learn the tools of the trade. The first project will be a crystal suncatcher. Students will choose a mirror, picture frame, beveled panel, or another simple design for a second project.

Colonial Tin Piercing – Martha Kinney
Wednesday, July 27, 1PM – 4PM – Materials Fee: $40 – Member Reg. Fee $ 50.00 Non-member $55.00
Tim became extremely popular in the American colonies because it was inexpensive, lightweight, durable, and easy to clean. It was referred to the “poor man’s’ silver.” Tinsmiths decorated the metal pieces with piercing or punching which allowed light to emanate from lanterns and such.  Students will create a 10” X14” pierced panel.

Earth Friendly Paper Making
Donna Albino
Friday, July 29, 1PM-4PM Materials Fee: $10 Member Reg. Fee $50.00 Non-member $55.00
Learn to make beautiful paper from junk mail!  We will make writing paper, gift wrap, and paper cast bowls using paper rescued from the trash. Students will need to bring a large bath or beach towel and a Rubbermaid dishpan; all other supplies are included.

Quilling
Marianne Fassett
Friday, July 29, 1PM – 5PM Materials Fee: $30 Member Reg. Fee $50. – NonMem: $55.
Quilling is an art of tiny paper roll decoration. It gained popularity in the 1500’s when nuns used torn edges from their gilt edged bibles and goose feather quills to decorate religious articles. The use of goose feathers gave the craft its name of quilling. Since then, the craft has been used for a variety of decorative household items. Students will learn basic rolled coils, scrolls, and fringed flower techniques. Perfect for beginner or experience alike! www.quillingbymarianne.com

Basketry – Kathryn Polletto
Thursday, July 28, 9AM – 4PM– Materials Fee: $15 - Member Reg. Fee $100.00 Non-member $110.00
Students will learn to weave a market basket with reed splint.  Beginning basket skills will be taught in the class. Skills taught include weaving a tucked bottom with a premade handle, “upsetting” the sides of the basket, learning to make color choices that will be woven into the basket, and how to finish off and rim a basket. Finished basket size will be 6”x12”x10” (including handle).

Cheesemaking – Mary Belding - Due to circumstance beyond our control, this class has been cancelled.

Mini-Wattle Hut Building – Susan Perrine - www.susanperrine.com
Saturday, July 30, 1PM – 4PM– Fee: $10– Member Reg. Fee $50.00 Non-member $55.00
Build a mini twig structure using local maple, birch, and ash. Utilizing fundamental methods and techniques used since prehistoric times, students will each create a miniature wattle twig structure during this class. Your miniature pre-historic dwelling will be fixed to a wooden board which provides a sturdy base. Using a scale of 1” to 1’, your final product will be approximately 10”x10”x12”. You can use the skills developed in this class to build a full sized structure at home!

PRESERVATION ARTS
Regional Museums Field Trip
Tour Guide: Bob Boggs
Tues& Wed, July 26 & 27, 9AM – 4PM
Member Reg. Fee $50.00– NonMem: 65.00

Friday & Saturday, September 16 & 17
Join Rufus Porter Museum Education Director Bob Boggs on an in-depth and behind the scenes tour of local museums. Unique access situations will delight those of historical, artistic, and artisanal regional interests. The culture of western Maine is presented via an array of perspectives. Fine and folk, unique and universal, many experiences await the mobile participants of this wide-ranging tour.
www.rufusportermuseum.org      

Historic Gardening:  Growing Lavender in New England
Instructor: Betsey Ann Golon
Wednesday, July 27, 9AM – 4PM Materials Fee: $10 Member Reg. Fee $100. – NonMem: $110.
Class members will travel to the gardens at the Shaker Community in New Gloucester, where Betsey-Ann (Betz) is herbalist.  The Shakers have grown lavender here for over 200 years.  There will be a private tour of the gardens, herb rooms and drying area.  A brief history on Colonial uses of lavender, extensive instructions on growing, recipes for using and then a hands on lavender project will complete the day.  Students will leave with a completed project.  A box lunch will be provided at the Shaker Community.
www.commonfolkfarmherbs.com

Gravestone Preservation
Instructor: Kai Nalenz Saturday, July 30, 9AM - 4PM  Member Reg. Fee: $100. – NonMem: $110.

This workshop is for individuals with little or no experience in conservation procedures. Participants will gain knowledge and experience in the following: Simple assessment and basic documentation of gravestones and monuments, cleaning materials and techniques, resetting stones, and mortaring into a base.
Conservation procedures will be demonstrated and practiced in small teams. Please wear clothing suited for outdoor work, including boots and leather work gloves, sunscreen and bug repellant. Each participant will receive a conservation starter kit to keep. www.GravestoneServices.com

Understanding Antique Homes
Instructor: Linda Griffin
Saturday, July 30, 9AM – 4PM
Materials Fee: $0 Member Reg. Fee $100. – NonMem: $110.
When people purchase an antique home, they often have many questions.  Most often, homeowners want to know what they can do themselves to renovate their homes without destroying its character.  Other questions arise regarding expenses, contractors, preservation regulations, and so many more. Linda will not only address these, but also cover related issues. Bring photos and questions about your home, and as a group, we not only discuss likely answers, but review how others have responded to similar issues.
www.LindaGriffinHomes.com

Crafty Ways to Solve Genealogical Problems
Instructor: Carol P. McCoy Ph.D
Saturday, July 30, 9AM to 4PM or  September 17, 9AM - 4PM– Fee: $15– Member Reg. Fee $100.00 Non- members $110.00

Have you hit the proverbial brick wall in your genealogical research?  Is an ancestor or two eluding you? This hands-on workshop will help you learn crafty ways to succeed in finding new evidence and avoid common pitfalls.  Learn some solid strategies and ways to take a fresh look at what you’ve tried and what else you can do to find those hidden ancestors. Please bring your laptop computer, if possible,  as we’ll utilize internet resources.
www.find-your-roots.com

Dry Stone Wall Building Instructor: Chris Tanguay Friday, September 16, 9AM  4PM  Member Reg. Fee $100.00 Non-member $110.00
Join Chris Tanguay, certified Master Craftsman for a hands-on workshop at the Rufus Porter Museum’s new Main St. location. Learn the traditional craft of building a dry laid stone wall that will be admired and appreciated by museum visitors for years to come.
www.mainedrystone.com