Introduction to Watercolor

Dates (please note the different times and days of the week for the 3 class times):
Wednesday, June 5 - 1P-4P
Saturday, June 8 - 10A-1P
Wednesday, June 12 - 1P-4P
Cost: $79
Instructor: Elizabeth Bayer

This three lesson course is designed for those with little or no experience in watercolor painting.

Using a basic color palette, we will focus on basic watercolor painting techniques and tools while having fun!

The first session will cover traditional techniques which include mixing colors and understanding paper, water and brushes. In session 2, we will play with both wet and dry techniques and learn more about color as well as hard and soft edges. In session 3, we will together move step-by-step through the entire painting process. 

Students will receive a suggested tools list before the class to purchase and bring to the first class. Space is limited allowing each student the most individual attention. 

About your instructor: Elizabeth Bayer first picked up a paint brush in 2011 and has been playing with water and color ever since. She believes watercolor is a life-long journey and the single greatest lesson in watercolor painting is to embrace the beginner's playful curiosity while enjoying the process.

Create A Woven Backpack
Instructors: Diane Nelson and Sue Flanders
June 6, 13 and 20
2 Sessions: 1:30-4:30P OR 5:30-8:30
Cost: $139 + $50-60 materials fee (due the day of class payable to instructor)

Class will have 3 class periods:

Period #1 will concentrate on weaving the fabric in the students chosen colors.

The following 2 periods will be spent working on the construction of the backpack.

Students will work with leather punches, strap cutters and hole punches to create the leather base, straps and flap for the backpack. The saddle stitch is used to sew the leather pieces together and to the woven bag. Some machine sewing will also be used to finish the backpack.

This is a class for experienced weavers - being able to dress your own loom is required.

Diane Nelson, an artist and gifted weaver as well as the director of the Heart of the Lakes Weaving program, and Sue Flanders, an artist, potter and regular teacher at AATC are joining forces to teach this new advanced class.

Join in the fun as part of the growing cohort of weavers at AATC.

Introduction to the Ancient Craft of Nalbinding
Date: Saturday, June 22, 2024
Time: 10A-2P
Cost: $60 + $15 materials fee 

The Ancient Craft of Nalbinding          
This ancient yarn technique was used by people across the world, from Egypt and Peru, to the Vikings in Scandinavia. It predates knitting and crochet, and has recently been considered an endangered heritage craft. 

This class covers a short introduction of the craft and its history. Students will learn a basic nalbinding stitch and basic shaping skills needed to create simple items like hats. 

This is a beginner level class for adults. Knitting and/or crochet skills are not necessary, but can be helpful.     

MATERIAL FEES TO BE PAID TO INSTRUCTOR DAY OF CLASS:
Material fee of $15 - includes 2- 50 gm skeins of wool yarn with a plastic yarn needle and stitch marker. A limited supply of wooden nalbinding needles may also be available for separate purchase.   

Teacher Biography         
Kasha Linn, owner of Kasha's Knits and fiber artist based in Saint Cloud, MN., has been knitting and crocheting since she was a kid. She learned to spin and dye yarn as a young adult, and continues collecting new yarn and needle hobbies! The most recent being dance costume design with bead and sequin embroidery. She lives in a small century old farmhouse with her husband, 2 daughters and black lab. 

An Introduction to the Mysteries and Surprises of Alcohol Ink
Date: Saturday, August 10th, 2024 
Time: 9:30A-12P 
Cost: $49 dollars + a materials fee of $25 (due the day of class payable to the instructor)

(Materials include: White Plastic Poster Boards (2); 1 piece of Yupo Paper, a few straws, small spray bottle for alcohol, use of an air squeezer, 2 different colors of alcohol ink, 2 small drip bottles for alcohol, one plain ceramic tile, a standard paintbrush, 92% isopropyl alcohol, and disposable nitrate gloves. If you are allergic to latex, please bring your own gloves. All materials can be taken home including the alcohol left in your spray and drip containers, which we will fill at the end of class.) 

It is recommended you wear clothes you don’t mind getting ink on because alcohol inks stain.

**Also, Alcohol inks can be a concern for people with scent sensitivities due to the isopropyl alcohol used and possibly the inks too. If you are concerned about this, please contact the instructor before the class begins.**      

Class Description: 

This hands-on class is an introduction to how to add Alcohol Inks to your creative toolbox. You’ll learn what alcohol inks are and the infinite possibilities of what they can do for you. Alcohol inks are always fun and full of surprises. 

You’ll have the opportunity to use alcohol inks with various surfaces and work with some of the unconventional tools used by alcohol ink artists. You’ll be able to share different alcohol ink colors with your classmates. The only limit in this workshop will be your own creativity. 

You’ll go home with some finished products to share with your friends. Come and play on May 18th. 

Jim Gambone, the artist instructor, has worked with alcohol inks for six years and will share some of his portfolio with the class. 

Jim will be joined by Ruth Carlson, Lake Sylvia resident and artist, who introduced Jim to alcohol inks 6 yrs ago.