Craft

An Adirondack-style Pack Basket is a truly functional piece of basketry: a treasure you will use for years! Join us in this all-levels class for an excellent introduction to weaving. On the first day, students will weave the basket, experimenting with naturally-dyed rattan, and on the second day, the group will finish the rim and attach the straps. You will leave with a gorgeous, sturdy pack basket, ideal for harvesting, hiking, and camping! 

In this sculptural basketry class, we will explore structural design and plaited weaving techniques to create unique, large baskets. Students will have the opportunity to integrate both color and woven patterns into their basket using naturally dyed reed and multiple reed widths. Instruction will be focused on step by step methodology to plan and build woven structures that can function both as sculptural vessels, as well as functional containers, ideal for everyday uses. First-time weavers and intermediate weavers are both welcome. 

Whatever your craft is, it probably needs a bone tool. Bone is a resilient material that can be carved and shaped to make functional yet beautiful tools. Crochet hooks, knitting needles, folders, spatulas, spoons, buttons, and burnishers are all possibilities in this class. We will learn how to source, prepare, and select bones, and learn about the different qualities bone can have for specific tool functions.

As the original blueprinting process, the Cyanotype medium has a rich & unique history of recording visual information. This workshop focuses on relationship between Cyanotype, photography and botanical artwork. Students will be encouraged to collect and experiment with various objects from the studio, as well as foraged flowers, leaves, mosses and minerals from around the studio grounds: creating a portrait of a season, or abstract composition. Through its simplicity, flexibility, and immediacy, the Cyanotype medium is a perfect way to introduce individuals of all levels to a method of making that allows them to playfully produce ideas quickly, and to further emphasize the process-product investment cycle. There will be a strong emphasis on experimentation in all aspects of this medium - acquiring, processing, and printing photo/object-based images. Students can expect to leave with a bounty of frame-worthy cyanotype prints ready to adorn their home! 

Learn how to grind and prepare natural pigments and plant materials for ink-making. We will discuss many different types of solid pigments and plant-derived substances that can be cooked, ground, and mixed with different mediums to create inks for painting, drawing, and calligraphy. We also will learn to make traditional and functional drawing tools such as cut feather quills and animal hair brushes. Students will leave with several shades of inks, and some mark-making tools. 

Create your own weaving tools from select hardwoods in this 1-day workshop focusing on tapestry beaters/combs, shuttles and bobbins. Furniture designer and Architect Tim Fouch will lead the group through basic woodworking techniques using hand carving & machine tools and finishings.
Beginners welcome.

Painters! Are you curious about harvesing your own minerals to create uniquely colored paints?

Potters! Interested in digging your own clay and collecting minerals to create your own glazes?

This two day mineral exploration will be a journey into the ancient landscape of Central Oregon, around the John Day Fossil Beds, searching for the colorful paleosols (fossil soils) formed over the course of millions of years. The expedition will focus on identifying and harvesting materials that can be used as pigments for making paint or as clay sand glaze for pottery. The trip will include camping under the stars, along the John Day River. During the day we will explore the surrounding landscapes learning about the history of the geological formations and collecting various colors of soil. The workshop will focus on how to sustainably collect minerals that also respects the places from which they originate.  We will emphasize the importance of our ecological footprint in the landscape and in our art studios while embracing the philosophy of "leave no trace".  In the evening, the group will learn how to process harvested minerals into pigments, and begin the process of sifting and separating soils & clays into workable materials.

This workshop is ideal for people who love to be outside, are adventurous and healthy. We will be outside for 2 entire days, in very remote locations. Participants must be able to hike, and be in the sun for long periods of time. Please plan to pack accordingly for the elements, including very hot days, and potentially cold evenings. A detailed packing list will be provided to those registered prior to the trip. Students will be responsible for all camping gear, as well as his/her meals, excepting dinner. Dinner will be provided on Saturday and Sunday evening. Please plan on carpooling: single-car drivers will not be allowed in the caravan. 

Learn to make traditional footwear of the Desert Southwest and Central America, with primitive skills master, Jeremy Thomas.

Each student will make a custom pair of simple, functional huarache sandals, using a design that has been tried and tested for thousands of years. Students will explore form and fit, customizing a shape and design to his/her own feet, while learning basic leather-working skills.

This one-day class will introduce beginning leather craft techniques. Students will learn to make a simple leather pouch from start to finish, and in the process, gain an understanding of construction, hardware, and finishes. 

Learn the art of traditional oil & egg tempera paint-making, using natural minerals and pigments collected by Scott Sutton during his explorations in Oregon and Washington. Participants will have hands-on experience in grinding minerals into pigments, as well as mixing them with a range of oils and binders. An ideal workshop for oil & tempera painters looking for greater control over their materials or those interested in exploring regional color.  Students will leave with paint samples, as well as recipes to make at home.

PLEASE NOTE: This workshop is hosted at our Portland Studio

Transform earth colors into beautiful watercolor paints in this 1-day workshop! Class will begin with a look at the various types of minerals and pigments that have been collected by Scott Sutton during his explorations in Oregon and Washington. Participants will have hands-on experience in grinding minerals into pigments, as well as mixing them with specific binders to make watercolor paints. Students will leave with paint samples, as well as recipes to make at home.

Make a Scandinavian knife with knife maker Jeremy Thomas, owner of Sasha Wilderness Living Tools. We will be shaping and fitting handles to razor sharp knife blades, then forming and stitching a leather sheath in a traditional style to keep you and your knife safe. This two-day class will involve intensive wood carving and leatherwork.

During this workshop we will look at the various types of mineral materials that have been collected by Scott Sutton during his explorations in Oregon and Washington. Participants will have hands-on experience in processing minerals into pigments, as well as mixing them with various types of binders to make paint. Students will leave with paint samples, as well as recipes to make at home.

In this hands-on workshop, students will learn the basic process and technique of wicker basketry. We will be weaving with colorful, locally grown willows and will discuss material selection, cultivation, wild harvesting, and material preparation. Each student will make a gathering basket approximately 8" in diameter and 12" high. This class is suitable for folks with previous weaving experience, or complete beginners. 

Students will learn how to select an ideal wood for carving, how to use simple hand-carving tools to create a handsome and useful spoon, and how to employ appropriate finishing and curing techniques to dress-up and preserve their craftworks. This workshop requires no previous carving experience, and it will provide an excellent foundation for aspiring carve-masters. Each student will leave with a unique, hand-hewn spoon, ready for the dinner table!

Students will learn how to select an ideal wood for carving, how to use simple hand-carving tools to create a handsome and useful spoon, and how to employ appropriate finishing and curing techniques to dress-up and preserve their craftworks. This workshop requires no previous carving experience, and it will provide an excellent foundation for aspiring carve-masters. Each student will leave with a unique, hand-hewn spoon, ready for the dinner table!