Our library will change back to regular hours in October, so no more evening hours after Columbus Day. Here at the library, we’d like to make the most of our September evenings and host 5 fun and non-intimidating craft classes for adults in our community. Space is limited–only 10 participants per class, so sign up today at the library or call us at (518)648-5444. Please bring your sense of humor and a willingness to experiment, and wear clothes that can suffer the odd splotch or dribble. All classes are 7-9pm.
September 12th: Class number one is Adventures in Paper Marbling. We will go over the basics of marbling technique, then create some one of a kind marbleous masterpieces. After we will go over some potential ways to incorporate our marble pieces into cards and other useful craft projects.
September 14th: Class number two is Tile Painting with Alcohol Inks. Each participant will receive 2 4″x4″ tiles and a 2″x2″ tile to paint upon. The smaller tile can be made into a refrigerator magnet, while the other two tiles can be coasters or simply works of art. Alcohol inks are super fun and addictive materials to play with. We’ll go over how to safely use the inks and try several techniques for applying and manipulating them. After we will learn how to protect the finished pieces so they last.
September 19th: Class number three is Silk Scarves in the Microwave. Whaaaat? Sounds crazy, but it works. Each participant will create a beautiful, colorful, one of a kind silk scarf to wear or give as a gift. We will go other the basics of silk dying and the chemistry involved, safety tips, color mixing, and fabric manipulation for lovely textural effects. Then we will then use what we’ve learned to take turns at the microwave to bring our silk creations to life.
September 24th: Class number four is Hand Carved Block Print Dish Towels. Apparently cool dish towels are a thing. Who knew? Each participant will take home a dish town of their own design. We will first talk about block printing in general and the types of designs that lend themselves to this technique. Then we will draw out some designs, and choose one to transfer to our carving block. We will learn the basic techniques for carving a linoleum block, then we’ll get to work carving. After the carving is finished, we will print our masterpiece onto a towel.
September 26th: Our last class is the Yarn Project Mash-Up. This class will be a mix of several different techniques to manipulate that stash of yarn that may be lurking in your home…We’ll try some knitting using a simple loom technique to create cording suitable for jewelry applications. We can also try our hand at finger knitting. This class will be more an exchange of ideas and techniques, with yarn being the main ingredient. You’ll be sure to come away with an idea to expand upon at home and maybe even a cool and unique piece of art to display.
Participants are encouraged to bring in any yarn from home that isn’t earmarked for a big project. Those leftover bits of skeins will find their purpose at last!