SummerCraft Workshops

Over the course of this intensive, students will learn:

• Traditional log splitting techniques and material preparation
• Skillful use of hand tools including the shaving horse, drawknife, spokeshave, hand plane, bit and brace, reamer, tenon cutter, hand saw, bevel gauge, and carving knife
• Time-tested techniques for ensuring proper geometry and ergonomics
• Decorative carving techniques to add contemporary or traditional designs
• How to apply a milk paint finish, an ancient method for adhering pigment to any surface
• Layout and marking techniques for precise joint alignment
• Proper sizing and proportions for strong, lasting joints
• Traditional methods for drilling and tapering mortises and tenons
• Using sighting lines and bevel gauges to tune the perfect angle for the chair legs raking and splaying from the seat to the ground
• Understanding wood movement and its impact on joint design
• How to measure and test green versus dry wood, and how to use different wood at different moisture levels to build the strongest joint
• Traditional wedging techniques for permanent assembly

Important Notes:

• This is an ambitious and physically demanding workshop
• Participants should be prepared for hands-on work throughout all four days
• No prior woodworking experience required, but enthusiasm and stamina are essential
• All tools and materials provided
• While it is possible to “dry fit” your bench at camp so you can flat pack the components to take home, it is a good idea to plan the bench’s transport home. Glued up and finished, the bench will be approximately 40 inches long, 16 inches wide, and up to 35 inches tall.

Are you curious about the art of stained glass? Maybe you’ve already taken a class and are ready for a deep dive? This comprehensive 4-day intensive, led by Kristin Culotta, welcomes both ambitious beginners and intermediate students interested in creating unique stained glass panels perfect for home installation. Participants will explore the intricate process of designing and crafting stunning stained glass panels that bring color, light, and personal artistic expression into interior spaces.

Workshop Highlights:

• Comprehensive design techniques for creating elegant glass compositions
• Glass cutting mastery: proper tool handling, scoring techniques, and breaking methods for straight lines and curves
• Expert grinding instruction: smoothing edges, achieving precise fits, and surface preparation
• Professional foiling techniques: proper copper foil application, managing corners and curves, ensuring consistent overlap
• Advanced soldering skills: temperature control, creating strong joints, building proper beads, and achieving smooth seams
• Color theory and light interaction principles
• Creative approach to personal artistic expression
• Techniques for precision and craftsmanship in glass art

Each day blends engaging theoretical instruction with hands-on studio practice. Participants will master essential techniques while working toward completing a large stained glass panel, up to 14"x16", sized for home windows. Individual guidance ensures proper form and safety at each step of the process.All skill levels welcome, with instruction tailored to individual learning needs.

Dive into the art of traditional willow basketry with this comprehensive hands-on class. Participants will create two (possibly three) distinct basket projects, learning fundamental techniques through progressive skill-building. 

Over the course of 4 days, students will learn foundational and intermediate willow basketry techniques including:

• Pairing: Two willow rods woven together, creating a strong, textured base
• 4-Rod Base Wale: A foundational technique using four rods to create a sturdy basket base, providing enhanced strength and stability
• 3-Rod Wale: An essential weave in willow basketry used at the bottom and top of most baskets for strength.
• Randing: English and French randing for basket sides will be demonstrated and students will use the appropriate choice for their project.
• Border: Students will learn a traditional rod border that can be used on most willow baskets. Additional types of borders will be discussed and may be used on some projects.
• Handles: Traditional handle ties will be shown and students will add a handle to at least one of their baskets.

By the end of the workshop students will have practiced round and oval base construction and will be confident with pairing and waling techniques. Each student will create a small, round basket and versatile larger basket with a cross handle, both finished with traditional willow borders. Experienced or faster weavers will be able to explore more advanced techniques and additional projects as time allows.

All levels welcome. Some willow or other basketry experience is helpful, particularly in pairing/twining. Hand strength is essential when working with willow.

Tools: tools will be available to use during class, it is not necessary to purchase any tools prior to class. If you already have basketry tools you’d like to bring along, we’ll be using a large awl (or bodkin), curved bodkin, fixed or locking blade knife, rapping iron, secateurs (or side cutters), ruler and weight.

Materials: all the willow for this class is grown by Katherine and husband Steve Lospalluto at their Skagit Valley farm, Dunbar Gardens. Several varieties of willow will be included in the class materials, and we’ll have time to discuss the differences between the varieties and which are better used for what part of a basket.

“As a boy, I remember sitting under my father’s loom as he wove. At first, I began working on the fringes of his weavings, tying the threads one at a time. Then as my passion for weaving grew, he would sit with me at his loom, and show me the rhythm and beauty of weaving.” 

—Francisco Bautista, Fourth Generation Master Weaver

Immerse yourself in the rich textile traditions of Teotitlán del Valle, a Zapotec village in Oaxaca, Mexico, where ancient dyeing and weaving practices have been practiced for over a millennium. In this special 4-day intensive, master artisans Francisco & Laura Bautista share their deep knowledge of natural dyeing and traditional Zapotec weaving techniques.

Days 1–2 will focus on the art and craft of natural dying, with lessons and demonstrations on how to extract vibrant colors from insects and plants native to Oaxaca. Working with traditional materials such as cochineal, pericón, pomegranate, English walnut and marigold, students will explore:

• Traditional fiber preparation and cleaning techniques
• Specific mordanting methods for lasting color
• Processing and extraction methods for various dye materials
• Color modification techniques
• Historical and cultural context of these ancient practices

Days 3-4 offer students lessons on Zapotec weaving, beginning with foundational weaving techniques utilizing rigid heddle table-top looms. Students will learn:

• Proper warping techniques
• Creation of geometric and pictorial motifs
• Traditional Zapotec design elements and pattern planning
• Traditional finishing methods
• Cultural significance of various patterns and designs

What You’ll Create:

• A comprehensive collection of color samples from all dye materials used
• Skeins of naturally dyed yarn
• A completed wall hanging incorporating traditional Zapotec designs

Materials Provided:

• Raw wool fiber for dyeing
• All natural dye materials
• Mordants and dyeing equipment
• Rigid heddle looms for use during class
• Naturally dyed wool for weaving
• All necessary tools and materials

This intensive is ideal for fiber artists, weavers, and anyone interested in traditional textile arts. While some weaving experience is helpful, the instructors will guide students through each step of both processes. Class size is limited to ensure individual attention.