Making Class Selections

Before making your class selection(s), you must determine your skill level. Register for classes that match your ability and/or other recommendations as described in this catalogue.

The tuition fee covers a total of 36 hours of instruction, a minimum of six hours of classroom work per day for six days. For an additional fee, you may schedule an extra class, making your schedule 48 hours of instruction, a minimum of eight hours of classroom work per day. Classes are 12, 24, 36, or 48 hours long.

You may find it helpful to download the Course Selection Worksheet is to assist you in organizing your choices.

Schedule Options

You have several scheduling options, including:

  • Select one 36-hour class.
  • Select one 24-hour class and one 12-hour class.
  • Select three 12-hour classes.
If you wish to take an extra class, you have even more scheduling options, such as:

  • Select one 48-hour class.
  • Select one 36-hour class and one 12-hour class.
  • Select two 24-hour classes.
  • Select one 24-hour class and two 12-hour classes.
  • Select four 12-hour classes.

Class Sizes

Classes are kept small, and many fill quickly. Therefore, you MUST indicate your 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th choices on the registration form. If you are not assigned to your first- or second-choice class, do not despair. Openings occasionally arise prior to the school week due to cancellations or changes. If you are having a hard time choosing and will be equally pleased with a first or second choice, please note that on your selection form.

Accurate waiting lists are maintained for 48, 36 and 24 hour classes until May 1, and students are notified, in the order in which registrations were received, if openings become available in their preferred classes. After May 1, waiting lists are used only at the discretion of the school director.

Any class that does not reach a minimum of six students by February 1 will likely be cancelled. Students registered for a cancelled class have the option of selecting another class or receiving a full refund.

Class Completion

The intent of the Guild School is to assist miniaturists in developing their skills to create fine miniatures. Classes focus on teaching techniques and methods, as well as on acquainting students with various tools, materials and resources. Some classes may allow for the completion of a project and some may not. For each class description there will be an indication as to whether or not completion is likely. The term "overtime" references homework, not class time. This is meant only as a guide and will vary depending on the skill level and learning style of the student.

Descriptors to Help Determine Skill Level When Using Power Tools.

Important! Please Read before Making Class Selections!

This guide, in addition to comments from instructors, will help students better determine their skill levels when taking a woodworking or metalworking class.

If you are registering for a class that will use power tools, you are expected to be at the recommended skill level and to abide by all safety precautions and guidelines, as required by the school and instructor, when operating power tools. In addition, all students must sign a Release of Liability form and fill out and submit a medical questionnaire regarding their ability and any physical limitations.

Beginner

  • no experience at all or one or two beginning-level woodworking/metalworking classes and is willing to carefully follow the instructor’s directions
  • little or no experience with measuring or reading plans or drawings
  • can use basic hand tools, such as X-Acto knives, miter box and saw, pin vise, etc.
  • has built from kits but done very little building from scratch
  • none or very limited power tool experience; fearful of or not comfortable with power tools; does not understand the capabilities or safety precautions

Intermediate

  • has taken several woodworking or metalworking classes; has good measuring skills; owns and uses a variety of hand tools; needs to refine or expand repertoire of techniques and skills
  • familiar with basic joinery and has built things from scratch
  • has used basic power tools; feels at ease around a scroll saw, table saw, lathe, drill press, router, etc.; familiar with basic uses; aware of safety precautions; needs help in further developing skills and guidance to achieve better understanding of their uses
  • not only follows directions, but is willing and able to independently read written directions

Advanced

  • has taken many classes and works independently on a regular basis at home; able to follow written directions and understand technical drawings and terms
  • understands concepts of woodworking techniques; could design and construct a jig to accomplish any particular technique
  • can produce intricate pieces from measured drawings or an original full- scale piece without teacher involvement; interested in authenticity; has successfully completed projects using own detailed drawings
  • owns and regularly uses a variety of power and hand tools; has a thorough understanding of tools and feels at ease with them
  • skilled at using hands; quick learner looking for special techniques to advance or refine or perfect their skills

Daily Class Schedule

48-Hour Classes 8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

You cannot schedule an extra class if taking this class.

  • Craig Labenz (Full)

36-Hour Classes 8:00 a.m.-3:15 p.m.

You can schedule an extra course, choosing from the 3:30-5:30 p.m. slot.

  • Daniela Kiefhaber
  • Pat Richards (Full)
  • Troy Schmidt
  • Susan Van Tubbergen (Full)

36-Hour Classes 10:15 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

You can schedule an extra course, choosing from the 8:00-10:00 a.m. slot.

  • Marie-Louise Markhorst
  • Mark Murphy (Full)
  • Fran Sussman (Full)
  • Michael Yurkovic

24-Hour Classes 8:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

You can select a 12-hour course from the 1:15-3:15 p.m. or 3:30-5:30 p.m. slots to complete your schedule. You can take an extra course by selecting another 24-hour class from the 1:15-5:30 p.m. slot or by choosing two 12-hour classes from the 1:15-3:15 p.m. and 3:30-5:30 p.m. slots.

  • Diane Almeyda (Stained Glass Window) (Full)
  • Iulia Chin Lee
  • Christine Hannon (Full)
  • Miyuki Kobayashi
  • Pierluigi Pirovano
  • Kim Stewart
  • Bill Studebaker

24-Hour Classes 1:15 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

You can select a 12-hour course from the 8:00-10:00 a.m. or 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. slots to complete your schedule. You can take an extra course by selecting another 24-hour class from the 8:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m. slot or by choosing two 12- hour classes from the 8:00-10:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. slots.

  • Diane Almeyda (Skeleton Weathervane)
  • Pete and Pam Boorum (Full)
  • Linda den Besten (Full)
  • Beth Freeman-Kane
  • Mary Grady O’Brien (Full)
  • Phyllis Hawkes
  • Deb Mackie
  • Ree Miller

12-Hour Classes 8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.

You can select three 12-hour classes; if you wish to take an extra class, you can select four 12-hour classes.

  • Pia Becker (Autumn Arrangement)
  • Pete and Pam Boorum (Full)
  • Linda den Besten (Full)
  • Pat Hartman (Full)
  • Deb Mackie
  • Sue Veeder
  • Mariella Vitale (Mushroom Shelf)

12-Hour Classes 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

  • Pia Becker (Magnolia Branch) (Full)
  • Beth Freeman-Kane (Full)
  • Mary Grady O’Brien (Full)
  • Marcia McClain (Window Treatment) (Full)
  • Ree Miller
  • Mariella Vitale (Crocheted Tote) (Full)

12-Hour Classes 1:15 p.m.-3:15 p.m

  • Pia Becker (Sunflowers)
  • Anna Belogurova (Enameled Basket)
  • Miyuki Kobayashi (Full)
  • Marcia McClain (Chair)
  • Bill Studebaker
  • Mariella Vitale (Mushroom Lamp) (Full)

12-Hour Classes 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

You can select three 12-hour classes; if you wish to take an extra class, you can select four 12-hour classes.

  • Anna Belogurova (Enameled Basket)
  • Iulia Chin Lee (Full)
  • Annelle Ferguson (Full)
  • Christine Hannon (Full)
  • Daniela Kiefhaber (Full)
  • Marcia McClain (Sofa) (Full)
  • Pierluigi Pirovano (Full)