Learn how to make your own birch bark basket. We will take the time in class to learn about the traditional crafting techniques and create our own piece of art. We will go over how to identify and collect birch bark, the materials that will be used are natural and commonly used materials. We will go over tools to use for collection and for creating a basket. There are many designs and ways you can create a birch bark basket. We will go over a few different types and allow the students to be creative in making their own basket. All basket material must be prepared, and we will go through that process. We will also go over how to stitch and lash the bark together using sinew and discuss using spruce roots as well. This is a great opportunity to create something beautiful with natural resources. The course fee will cover all material, use of tools, and instruction.

In this 4-week class you will create a felted patch of Maine's other state bird, the American Crow, perched on the branch of a flowering apple tree. The first week we'll cut out the pattern, felt the pieces together and add roving. Then in the second week we'll add embroidery for details. Registration fee includes all materials.

This class welcomes all levels of students wanting to experience watercolor painting. The weekly exercises are designed to build confidence through step by step instructions. Techniques such as wet on wet, dry brush, blotting etc. are integrated into each watercolor painting. Color theory and mixing is covered along with how to create a successful composition. Many students have returned each year remarking how much they enjoy the class. They learn something new each time they attend. Come and enjoy meeting great people who love to paint and have fun! The supply list available on our website or by calling the adult ed office.

You will create an enchanted home called an Aerarium for the air plant known as a Tillandsia, so that you can enjoy it year-round in your house. There are plants, like vegetables, that require moist, nutrient-rich soil. Others, like your pet cactus, prefer dry rocky soil, and there are others that grow in mud or water, like the lotus flower. But have you ever seen a plant that grows with NO soil whatsoever? That's the Tillandsia - or "Air Plant", and this class will teach you how to care for this magical plant. Similar to building a terrarium, you will go home with a container, your new plant, and some decorative items to highlight your plant. You will also learn all about Tillandsia and how to care for them! Materials fee includes plant, container, and decorations for one Aerarium.

This workshop will identify and teach the complex embroidery stitches, and their innovative variations, found on Crazy Quilts -- including Feather, Herringbone, Wheat Sheaf, Chain, Stem, French Knot and Satin stitch. The course will provide information on the history of American Crazy Quilts and needlework , and resource information for embroidery materials, for textile museums and archives. This course was inspired by an historic crazy quilt circa 1856 shared by student Deb Doherty, the quilt will be brought to each class so everyone can see the wonderful stitches.

This course is a good refresher for those who haven't sewn for years or for those new at sewing with some basic experience. We will start out with a zippered pouch, a simple tote, and finish with a project of your choice from a pattern. Sandy will provide materials to complete the zippered pouch so there is no need to bring fabric to the first class. You may bring your sewing machine and favorite sewing notions, if you wish. There are machines in the sewing room that may be used as well. A $10 materials fee is included. 

Making a pack basket can be a fun and rewarding project and a perfect gift! A pack basket is a traditional type of backpack used for carrying items while hiking, hunting, or for general outdoor activities. Pack baskets have a long history dating back centuries and have been used by various cultures around the world. Here in Maine our Maine Guides walked the woods with these packs to transport supplies and game through rugged terrain. In this course, we will weave a 10-12” tall basket with premium reed. We will go over the history of pack baskets and what materials have been used. Jessica will go through the process of making the basket step-by-step ensuring all will walk away with a finished basket. The baskets will have a base and feet along with pack straps. There will also be a variety of color straps and even color reeds to add a little color to your basket. You will walk away with a pack basket and the knowledge for life! All level weavers are welcome EVEN if you have never weaved! The course fee will cover all material, use of tools, and instruction.

NO REFUNDS UNLESS THE CLASS IS CANCELLED OR RESCHEDULED.

Learn to sew! In this class you will learn both machine sewing and hand sewing techniques. The class will be divided into two groups, one group will start the day working on a sewing machine while the second group will work on hand-sewing projects. After a break the two groups will switch. In machine sewing you will learn how to make a small envelope pillow with inserts, how to personalize slippers, make a key fob, and possibly also a small pouch with elastic closure. Along the way you will also learn safety and sewing basics such as how to use and care for the machine, measuring and cutting fabric, and sewing tools. In hand sewing you will learn how to sew on a button, use fabric paint, and learn the whipstitch and ladder stitch. If there is time and interest, the group may make a small hand-sewn teddy bear. Speed-control sewing machines will be supplied to make machine time easy and stress-free. Class is suitable for ages 10-13.