You may bring drums, rattles, and dress appropriately
for an outdoor event (weather permitting--ceremony will take place indoors
in the case of rain). Drums will also be available for use or purchase.
This class will cover a brief history of encaustic, supplies
and where to buy them, setting up, basic encaustic painting including
fusing, embedding objects, and creating texture, as well as cleaning
up, and caring for your paintings. Participants will complete 2-3 small
paintings. No painting experience necessary. Open to ages 15 and up.
$70, all supplies included. Feel free to bring along objects
to incorporate (dried natural objects, paper, and photographs on plain
paper work well)
Bring your own digital camera (and user's manual if you
have one).
While moving through her days on this earth, Joy is constantly
impressed by the stories that light tells of the objects it rests on.
She enjoys trying to capture these stories like fireflies in a jar.
You may bring drums, rattles, and dress appropriately for an outdoor
event (in the case of rain the ceremony will take place indoors).
Drums will also be available for use or purchase.
Gelatin Plate Printmaking
This
method of printmaking was developed in the 1970s by Francis Merritt,
who was co-founder and the first director of the Haystack Mountain
School of Crafts in Deer Isle. The process replaces other traditional
printing plates with gelatin; ink is painted or rolled directly onto
the gelatin and prints are pressed and pulled by hand. 
Because
there is no special equipment needed to press or pull prints, and
gelatin and natural materials are readily available, this is an easy
"take home" class- a method that is easy for students to
learn and then experiment more on their own.
The class will cover a short history of the craft, the
making of the gelatin and gathering of other materials, the printing
process including basics and experimenting with found objects, storing
and/or disposing of your gelatin plate, and different crafts you can
do with this process. All materials will be provided in the supply
fee.
Instructor: Grace Kendall, Litchfield, ME
Grace is currently a stay-at-home mom and works from home as a
printmaker and crafter. She sells printed paper goods on Etsy (cozink.etsy.com)
as well as in selected stores in Maine. Grace currently has work hanging
at Captive Elements Art House in Lewiston as part of their June show.
She learned the gelatin plate printmaking method when she was a teenager
and attended a workshop at Haystack. She's been printmaking for about
7 years.
Intermediate Encaustic Painting &
Techniques
If
you're fairly comfortable with using encaustic then take the next
step and learn some new techniques! In this class, we'll cover the
following:
*Monoprints: Using the hot plate to create a
unique encaustic print on paper
*Photo Transfers: Transfer images onto your encaustic painting
*Texture: Create exciting textural elements & imprints
*Line work: Use a tjaunting pen to obtain fine lines and added
depth
These techniques and more will be demoed and you'll
be given time to experiment with them all and create a finished painting
and multiple monoprints. You can also utilize this class as studio
time since all the materials and equipment will be provided. Open
to ages 15 and up. (private classes for younger students available
upon request)
Instructor: Jamie Ribisi-Braley, Manchester, ME
Jamie is passionate about creating art and about sharing her techniques
and knowledge. She loves to learn how the old masters created their
supplies and how they used them. Jamie believes that once you have
the foundations of a medium, you’ll know how to make it work
for your voice.
Jamie is co-owner of Sweetland Retreat and received her BFA in Painting
from Boston University. http://jamieribisi.com
Watercolor- Don't Be Afraid
To Jump In!
After
a brief time of exploring what watercolor can/cannot do, we will "dive
in" to an easy, pre-drawn (by Melissa) still life, finding the
darkest darks and learning to leave lots of white paper.
Perfect as a beginner or refresher course...don't be
afraid to jump in!
Required supplies: Watercolor paint--either tubes or
paintbox style--can be quite simple and inexpensive, a medium size
"round" brush, and a small detail brush.
Instructor: Melissa Post van der Burg, Augusta, ME
Melissa works in both water color and oil. There is a “dryness”
about watercolor that she likes very much—that is, after applying
washes and letting them dry, she can go back and work over an area
with drybrush, and the result will be a more finished look. She uses
lots of pigment, thereby “pushing” the medium into value
areas that are not traditionally associated with watercolor.
Melissa
has always thought of painting as a form of prayer—not in a religious
sense, but in the process itself: finding a quiet place to work, carving
out the time needed, going deeper into her own awareness of what it
means to be living.
Melissa has won numerous awards for her
intimate watercolors and oils.
See more of her work here: http://www.mpostvanderburg.com/
Natural Body Scrub Workshop
Create
an assortment of all natural body scrubs - great for yourself or for
gift-giving. You will leave the workshop with 3 finished 8oz containers
of your own mixtures of body scrubs (more containers may be purchased
at the class). Scrubs will be made from a base of sugar or salt and
feature your choice of ingredients including: pumpkin, coffee, almond
& orange extracts, lemon balm, essential oils, and much more.
All ages are welcome- make this a family event!
Instructor: Joy Ribisi, Manchester, ME
Joy M. Ribisi originally hails from Long Island, NY and now lives
in Manchester, Maine where she's living out her dreams of running
an artists' retreat in her 1860s farmhouse. Joy is co-owner of Sweetland
Retreat.
Some of the plant ingredients used in this workshop
were grown right here at Sweetland Retreat!
The Grind: Making Oil Paint by
Hand - FREE hands-on demo!
Ever
wonder what goes into making a tube of oil paint? Come and participate
in a hands-on demonstration where you will learn how to make your
own oil paint from scratch! Discuss the different properties of various
oils and what would work best for you as an artist. Making your own
paint can save hundreds of dollars a year on supplies and is a technique
that is easier than you think!
Free: The event is free but please register so that
we can keep track of attendance. (If you would like to make your own
paint to take home there is a supply fee of $5 per tube made.)
Instructor: Jamie Ribisi-Braley, Manchester, ME
Jamie is passionate about creating art and about sharing her techniques
and knowledge. She loves to learn how the old masters created their
supplies and how they used them. Jamie believes that once you have
the foundations of a medium, you’ll know how to make it work
for your voice.
Jamie is co-owner of Sweetland Retreat and received her BFA in Painting
from Boston University. http://jamieribisi.com
Meditation in Motion "MAGIC
STEPS" - let's dance
From
many ancient cultures archaic dancing sequences have been handed down,
which have direct impact on our consciousness and our abilities of
perception. To practice them is a form of meditation in motion, which
opens the door to a conscious experience of the unity of body, mind,
and soul. The roots of theses magic steps are thousands of years old.
They address human archetypes which are hardly lived
anymore in our modern times, as they are so devoid of conscious rituals.
These movement sequences are quite easy to learn and
open the door to a space beyond our every day worries and the constant
struggle with our past and our future. This seminar is an invitation
to deal with your own being, physical body, and originality.
A part of the training will be accompanied by live music
and each dancer has the opportunity to work on the connection of rhythm,
voice, and dance.
Students should wear loose, comfortable clothing. Bring
a bag lunch. The workshop will take place in two sessions of two hours
each with an hour lunch break.
Instructor: Joao Carlos Bordallo, Portland, ME
Joao Carlos Bordallo is an instructor of Movement Concept and the
Brazilian martial art, Capoeira. He has trained in Capoeira for thirty-three
years and was honored with his master’s belt, achieving the title
of “Mestre,” in 1995. His work is a unique combination of
martial art, dance and meditation that blends balance, agility, strength,
music and mindfulness. Joao’s work is inspired by his training
in Sufism in Turkey and Germany, and his study of Butoh in Japan.
He has traveled as a teacher and creative instructor to Asia, Africa,
Europe and America.
Quick Card Technique
Join
Lorna and Maryanne for an evening of fun with cardmaking! You will
learn how to make 10 cards out of one 8 1/2 x 11" sheet of decorative
scrapbook paper. Additional decorative papers, including holiday themed
designs, along with ribbon, brads, stamps, and other embellishments
will be available to create your cards.
We will think 'outside the box' and you will discover
just how easy and fun this is. You will be amazed! Instructions will
be handed out at the class, examples will be provided, and door prizes
are drawn at the end of the class. This class is stress-free and the
only thing you have to do is HAVE FUN! All ages are welcome.
$15 includes all supplies
Instructor: Lorna Plourde, Gardiner, ME
Lorna retired from Central Me. Power after 36 1/2 yrs. of service.
She & her assistant Maryanne McCullough have 15+ years of stamping
experience each. "We enjoy card making and always looking for
new and unique ways to make cards. We do this as a hobby, that's why
we enjoy it so much."
Polymer Clay: Beginner's Workshop
Join
instructors Connie Pelkey of Constance Pelkey Designs & Theresa
Chioffi of Dragon Fire Designs for a day of learning about artist
grade polymer clay, a very approachable and versatile medium.
In the morning we will learn the basics of polymer clay
– conditioning, mixing colors (the Skinner blend), creating simple
canes, baking and finishing techniques, basic tool use and care, storage
options, the differences in brand names, and fun tips and tricks will
be discussed! 
After a bag lunch, you will split into groups to work
closer with the instructors and “get your hands dirty”!
Whether you have dabbled with this medium or never touched it, you
will successfully complete a small project of your choice to take
home! You are going to be working on making decorative veneer sheets
and then choose from various projects to decorate with those sheets;
Fun Shell Peeps, Plant Pot Sitters, Pens, Bangles, Mini Diffuser,
Purse Pill Tins, Barrettes, Focal Beads, etc....
Join us for a day of Fun and new Friends!
Instructor:
Connie Pelkey, Augusta, ME
Connie makes wearable art and more! This includes bags, accessories,
art beads, boxes, scarfs, functional and fun sculpture and just about
anything else she takes a fancy to! From design to construction, she
does her best work and hopes that it shows in her items. She's happy
to answer any and all questions related to her work. See more of Connie's
work here: http://constancepelkeydesigns.blogspot.com/
Falling Into Craftiness- Leaf-Printing
on Fabric
Leaf-printing
is a fun and easy printmaking method. Using fabric screen printing
ink and real leaves, students will create unique, one-of-a-kind fabric
art on tote bags, clothing, scarves, or whatever they would like to
try! We will also try leaf-printing on paper to make some unique gift
tags or cards.
There is NO experience necessary to jump right into this craft, so
NO WORRIES! It is easy and fun and yields awesome results no matter
what your printmaking experience is.
Kids welcome! This craft is suitable for ages 5 and up, but we do
need a parent/guardian there to work with their child. For each parent
who registers for the class, one child 10 and under can attend for
free.
Provided by instructor: screen printing ink, brushes, brayers,
1 small 8" x 9" tote bag to print on. Students need to
bring: Fabric to print on for additional projects- this can be
t-shirts, scarves, shawls, socks, tote bags, table runner, skirts,
etc. The fabric should be smooth (i.e. no terry cloth or knits), and
fairly light in color to allow the ink to show up well.
Instructor:
Grace Kendall, Litchfield, ME
Grace has been printmaking for about 7 years- a craft she learned
at the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts on Deer Isle, Maine. She
is currently a stay-at-home/work-at-home mom, and sells one-of-a-kind
paper goods in her Etsy store (www.cozink.etsy.com)
and at select stores in Maine and "outtah state".
Make Your Own Tie Dye
You
are never to young or old to learn to tie dye, Lizzy has done instruction
for ages 4-80! Age has no place in this adventure. There is something
special about seeing people creating their own artwork.
She will provide everything needed for the completed
project. It is a great time and students get something they have created
to take home. Each participant will be able to choose the design they
wish to make and will learn how to tie the shirt up for that design.
Each will bring home a finished product that will need to process
for 24 hours. Instructions will be sent home for the wash out and
end processing.
Instructor:
Linda "Lizzy" Kennedy aka Lizzyoos, and Kyndmamma, lives
in the woods of Maine. She has two grown sons and a granddaughter.
She is a Tie Dye professional, a music lover, promoter, Radio Dj (wmhb.org),
Homegrown Network Rep, an original Phunky Bitch. She spends her days
dying new projects, making jewelry, hula hoops, reviewing music, and
just enjoying nature. You can find her on the Maine music scene and
at many of the summer festivals vending as Lizzyoos. Check out Lizzyoos.net
Holiday Appreciation Party!.
Hosted by The Pond, A Pool of Wellness - With a special discussion
about the benefits of Juice Plus+
Enjoy making one free Natural Body Scrub with a special workshop
presented by Joy Ribisi of Sweetland Retreat.
Free smoothies, snacks, and door prizes!
This
event is off-site and will be hosted by Pat Berger at The Pond located
at 1783 Snow Pond Road in Sidney, Maine. The event is free and
we encourage you to bring friends who are interested in seeking wellness
in the new year.
Introduction to Violin
(10 sessions, 2 hours each)
Image:
Daniel St.Pierre / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
In
this course you will learn the basic foundation skills of playing
the violin. Among other things, students will be taught to identify
the parts of the violin, and the basic technique.
You will need a violin in working order along with a
bow. A limited number of violins may be available for rental from
the instructor. Please inquire at registration. Once those run out
we can suggest local music stores to rent from.
Instructor: Hannah Miller, Waldoboro, ME
Hannah has played violin for over 19 years, and has taught private
lessons during that time.
Product Photography Workshop
Whether
selling products online through Etsy, eBay, or your own website or
selling your items in print catalogs, your product photography is
one of the most important keys to success in sales.
Join
us for an exploration and discussion of what works to strengthen images
and interesting ways to enhance your photographs. Bring 5 of your
own items to photograph during the studio session of the workshop
for hands-on lessons on how to photograph your own unique products.
please provide a link to your online shop(s) when
you register. Bring your digital camera and a tripod if you have one.
Instructor: Joy Ribisi, Manchester, ME
Joy Ribisi lives in Manchester, Maine where she's living out her dreams
of running an artists' retreat in her 1860s farmhouse. Joy is CO-owner
of Sweetland Retreat. Joy studied at New England College where she
received a BFA with a concentration in Photography. She worked for
five years as a webmaster in a women's clothing store where she photographed
the store's inventory to sell on both the store's website and eBay.
She currently runs a photography and a crafting store on Etsy.
Etsy 101
Heard
of Etsy.com but have no idea where to start? Maybe you have a shop
already but you're in a funk? Then this is the class for you!
In
this workshop we will start with the basics of how to open a shop
on Etsy.com, how to accept payments, and dealing with shipping. We
will then move on to learning about writing powerful descriptions,
effective tagging, joining teams, and even venture into social networking
tips for sites like Twitter & Facebook. We'll discuss exciting
networking and marketing ideas- finding your audience & creating
a market for your work.
Perfect for both beginner and intermediate users. Think
about taking this class with the Product Photography workshop above
to add more punch to your listings!
Bring a bagged lunch if taking both classes. Please
provide a link to your online shop(s), if applicable, when you register.
Bring along a few of your items so that we can discuss personalized
ideas.
Instructor: Jamie Ribisi-Braley, Manchester, ME
"I've been addicted to Etsy since 2005 and love to buy &
sell handmade! I run a successful shop there and have made amazing
artisan friends through the Etsy
Maine Team."
Jamie is Co-owner of Sweetland Retreat. http://jamieribisi.etsy.com
Love You Much Valentine's
Class
What
better time of year is there to express your love and appreciation
to your family and friends than Valentine’s Day?
In this class you’ll create 4 love & friendship
cards, 4 3” x 3” friendship notes, and 9 tags that can be
used when packaging up Valentine’s treats for your kids, teachers,
friends, &/or co-workers. The whole collection is packaged in
this one-of-a-kind Stationery Purse.
students need to bring scissors and adhesive (double
sided tape, tape runner, tombo glue or another scrapbooking glue).
All other supplies are included.
Instructor: Carrrie Arsenault, Gardiner, ME
Carrie has been a Stampin'
Up Demonstrator for 2 years and a scrapbooker for 12 years.
Artwork © Stampin’ Up!
Beginner's PMC- Precious Metal
Clay
Have
you ever wanted to try PMC? And what is PMC anyway? PMC (Precious
Metal Clay) is a wonderful material which has revolutionized the world
of jewelry making. It is a clay consisting of microscopic silver particles
suspended in an organic binder. PMC can be worked much like any modeling
clay. It is then fired at a high temperature, burning away the binder
and leaving a pure silver piece. With very few tools and a bit of
imagination, anyone can make beautiful jewelry with PMC.
In Introduction to PMC you will learn about the different types of
PMC as well as all about the tools needed to work with it and firing
and finishing options. We will learn about using textures and you
will learn to make your own rubber stamp to use with PMC. You will
come away at the end of the class with a necklace and earrings that
you made & designed yourself, as well as the knowledge and skills
to continue working with PMC on your own.
If
you have been intrigued by PMC and have wanted to try it or if you
want to learn to make beautiful silver jewelry, then this is the class
for you! In the class you will receive a materials packet which contains
some basic tools and materials, including PMC and findings to complete
your necklace and earrings, and handouts with all the information
you will need to work with PMC, including projects you can do at home.
A tools kit specially assembled by the instructor with her favorite
tools will be available for use in class and can be purchased at the
end of class for those who wish to continue working with PMC at home.
What to bring: Everything you need for working with PMC will be provided
and you need bring nothing but your imagination. However, if you have
worked with PMC before and have some favorite tools, do feel free
to bring them. If you use magnifying or reading glasses for small
work, you should bring those. If you have any favorite rubber stamps
or interesting textures you would like to work with (lace, leaves,
buttons), feel free to bring those as well.
supplies included (see above), bring a bag lunch
Instructor: Lisa Salsbury, Ellsworth, ME
"I don’t create specifically to express myself. It is the
act of working with the beads, metal and clay, sometimes more than
the finished product, which drives me. I enjoy it more than nearly
any kind of activity and it can relax and energize me in a way nothing
else can. There is (almost) nothing more exciting to me than starting
on a new project or trying a new technique. I do not usually design
my pieces ahead of time, but let the beads or metal design for me.
I feel I work best when I go into a project without any preconceived
notions of what I would like a piece to be."
Lisa received her PMC Certification in March of 2009. See more of
her work at www.willowandme.com
Gallery Warming Party at the
Harlow
Come
show your love for the Harlow
Gallery in Hallowell! They are having an open house to celebrate
the newly renovated gallery on Valentine’s Day, 1-3pm. We are
always excited to be involved as much as possible with the Harlow
and hope that you can join us!
PARTAKE in decadently delicious cupcakes donated by
Sweetland Retreat and enjoy fine coffee from Slate's
Bakery.
CELEBRATE your passion for art and your affection the
Harlow & make new friends!
CONGRATULATE their amazing crew of volunteer radical
renovators!
BE INSPIRED by virgin walls.
Ribbon cutting ceremony for the new space is at 1:30
pm
Gallery warming gifts optional, but most welcome, wish
list on their facebook page here.
Address: 160 Water St, Hallowell, Maine
Knit a Cable Hat in the Round
Learn
how to read a cable chart, how to knit cables and design applications
for them, and pick up some other knitting skills like knitting in
the round.
You go home with a great hat and new knitting confidence!
Skills required: Must be comfortable with knit and purl
basic knitting.
A printed pattern will be provided. Students must
supply one skein of worsted yarn, size 8 or 9 circular needle 16 inches
long, and a set of double pointed needles of same size.
Instructor: Diane Walins, Vassalboro, ME
Diane taught herself to knit and crochet as a child, and needlework
has been her passion ever since. As former owner of Wooly Mama’s
yarn shop in Augusta, she has taught a range of knitting skills and
techniques, and also teaches evening knitting courses for Winslow’s
continuing education program.
Pysanky Ukranian Eggs
Spend
a Saturday afternoon exploring the fascinating method of Pysanky egg
dying. Use a stylus to draw melted wax onto the egg after each dip
in the dye. The entire egg is warmed over a candle flame to remove
the wax and reveal the layers of colors. Each participant will receive
their own eggs, stylus, beeswax and a small assortment of dye packets
to take home. Afternoon tea and cake are included.
Would make a great craft outing for Easter Weekend!
Open to ages 16 and up.
all materials will be provided.
Instructor: Heidi Boyd, Brunswick, ME
Heidi Boyd is the author of ten craft books with North Light Books,
most notably the Simply Beautiful series. She crafts at the dining
room table where she can keep an eye on the family and dash out the
door for the next carpool. Her goal is to make sophisticated design
approachable for and easy for all. She has a fine art degree and got
her start in professional crafting as a contributor to Better Homes
and Gardens books and magazines. Heidi and her husband Jon and their
three children actively enjoy the natural beauty of their midcoast
Maine home.
Beginner's Machine Sewing Workshop
– the Basics
This
is a basic beginner machine sewing class – no experience required.
In this class you will become familiar with the basic operation of
a sewing machine and learn tips and tricks for developing good sewing
habits through hands on application.
You will learn:
-basic machine operation
-basic sewing principles
-different stitching techniques (through hands on practice)
-how to use a basic sewing pattern
By the end of the class you will have completed a table runner project!
Materials required: Straight stitch sewing machine in
good working order, Operators manual, Surge protector extension cord,
Sewing machine needles (bring a couple extras, just in case), Empty
bobbins, Sewing pins, Seam ripper, Sharp sewing shears, 1 yard of
44/45” wide cotton fabric, 1 spool of matching or contrasting
sewing thread. (Optional additional materials: Small sewing clippers
or scissors, Fabric marking pencil or chalk.)
Open to ages 12 and up. Space is limited – register
today!
Includes Pattern
Instructor: Holly Stanger, Lisbon, ME
Holly Stanger is a fiber artist and designer and has been sewing
since the age of 10. She currently enjoys amateur photography and
exploring the sites of her home state of Maine whenever possible.
As the owner of FloDo Designs, she teaches basic sewing to individuals
and conducts project workshops on both sewing and embroidery machines.
FloDo Designs currently offers Maine themed, embroidered baby and
children’s items through
flododesigns.etsy.com.
Make a Nature-Inspired Pendant
with PMC
Make
a pure silver nature inspired pendant using PMC (Precious Metal Clay)
and your choice of leaves, flowers or other items found in nature.
PMC (Precious Metal Clay) is a wonderful material which
has revolutionized the world of jewelry making. It is a clay consisting
of microscopic silver particles suspended in an organic binder. PMC
can be worked much like any modeling clay. It is then fired at a high
temperature, burning away the binder and leaving a pure silver piece.
With very few tools and a bit of imagination, anyone can make beautiful
jewelry with PMC.
This is a fast moving class for people wanting to make
a really cool pendant of their own design. Each step will be explained
and demonstrated. While there will be time for questions, we will
be covering only the basics of working with PMC.
All supplies and tools will be provided by the instructor
including PMC, necklace for wearing the pendant, and tools. Students
may bring a leaf, flower or other natural item they would like to
incorporate into their pendant.
Instructor: Lisa Salsbury, Ellsworth, ME
"I don’t create specifically to express myself. It is the
act of working with the beads, metal and clay, sometimes more than
the finished product, which drives me. I enjoy it more than nearly
any kind of activity and it can relax and energize me in a way nothing
else can. There is (almost) nothing more exciting to me than starting
on a new project or trying a new technique. I do not usually design
my pieces ahead of time, but let the beads or metal design for me.
I feel I work best when I go into a project without any preconceived
notions of what I would like a piece to be."
Lisa received her PMC Certification in March of 2009. See more of
her work at www.willowandme.com
Interested
in being an instructor? Click here
