INSTRUCTOR: Alexandra Cantatore, Artisan
COURSE: Mixed Media
PROJECT: Painter’s Shelf
This class is FULL.
Every artist needs different kinds of brushes, palettes, thinners, paints and containers to make their creations. Hence this shelf project: recreating in a small space the essentials for starting and completing an artist’s studio or artisan workshop.
This course aims to teach the techniques essential for creating different brushes and containers. The instructor’s techniques will give each student the opportunity to personalize and make their miniatures unique by applying different ways of aging.
In order to have enough time to do all of this, the students will be given the shelf pieces ready to be assembled.
Depending on their experience, students can choose whether to use an electric/cordless or manual drill for the holes needed to complete the project.
At the end of this course, students will be able to make different types of brushes, containers, but above all, they will know how to give their miniatures the charm of a “patina of time.”
This class is suitable for beginners with minimal experience in the use of hand tools.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: All levels. Good eyesight (or magnification), patience and steady hands are helpful
MATERIALS FEE: $50 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Linda den Besten, Artisan
COURSE: Silversmithing
PROJECT: Silver Shaving Stand, with Bowl, Shaving
Brush and Razor
This class is FULL.
No beards or moustaches allowed! This is a beautiful little silver shaving stand, but it is as difficult to make as it is small! You will need good eyesight (or magnification) and a steady hand to complete the tiny little parts. Yes, tiny, but they are so much fun to make! And the shaving stand has an adjustable frame and (plastic) mirror.
This silver shaving stand will fit in all interiors, classical or contemporary. No bathroom (box) yet? Just build one around it!
Since time is limited in this class, a silver bowl will be provided by the teacher. You will learn how to prepare the cast bowl for polishing. The students will make their own shaving brush and razor, as well as the stand with a rotatable mirror.
Students will use a variety of techniques, like measuring with a caliper, sawing and soldering the base, learning to stretch wire, precise tube filing, drilling, shaping, (sweat) soldering, using a blowtorch, sanding and polishing silver. There are a lot of techniques in this tiny piece! However, all of those techniques can be used at home to do more metalwork.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: Flex shaft, drill press, polishing machine, tumbling device.
SKILL LEVEL: All levels. Some soldering and especially sawing experience is helpful. Good eyesight (or good magnification) and steady hand/eye coordination is a must.
MATERIALS FEE: $95 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Giovanna Guerrero Reyes, Fellow
COURSE: Needlework/Crochet
PROJECT: Crocheted Potholders
A potholder is used to grip and move hot surfaces without burning your hands. In miniature, it adds a special touch to the kitchen, where you can combine colors and designs to match your style.
You will learn to make different shapes of potholders. We will cover crocheting in rows and in circles, making edges, and changing colors. You will learn how to add embroidered designs to your crocheted creations. We will talk about some helpful tips and tricks for crocheting in miniature, including which thread to use. By the end of this class, you will be able to read crochet charts, follow written directions, and create your own potholder designs.
You don't need to have experience working with miniature crochet; however, to get the most out of this class, it is necessary to know the basics of crocheting, including holding the hook, maintaining thread tension and executing basic stitches (chains, single and double crochet).
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: All levels (basic knowledge of crochet is necessary)
MATERIALS FEE: $20 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Christine Hannon, Artisan
COURSE: Acrylic Painting
PROJECT: Cake Window by Wayne Thiebaud
1970–76
In this class, students will use artist grade acrylics and gouache to recreate Thiebaud’s iconic cake painting. Using the direct painting method over a toned surface, students will focus on capturing Thiebaud’s painting style and vibrant California color palette. Art history, textured brushwork, color theory and mixing, surface prep, design transfer and appropriate framing will all be covered. The student will be able to apply skills learned to continue as a miniature painter outside of the classroom. Students may choose 1:12th scale (5" x 6") or 1:24th scale (2.5" x 3"). The finished painting will be framed.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate. Must have color mixing and painting experience.
MATERIALS FEE: $120 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Christine Hannon, Artisan
COURSE: Acrylic Painting
PROJECT: Captain Upton’s House by Edward
Hopper 1927
This class is FULL.
In this class, students will use artist grade acrylics and glazing mediums to recreate the lighthouse at Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Using a simple plein air underpainting technique of 4 values, students will focus on capturing this 20th century painting style and Hopper’s color palette. Art history, brushwork, color mixing, surface prep, design transfer and appropriate framing will all be covered. The student will be able to apply skills learned to continue as a miniature painter outside of the classroom. The finished 2.5" x 3" painting will be framed.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate. Must have color mixing and painting experience.
MATERIALS FEE: $120 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Daniela Kiefhaber, Artisan
COURSE: Textiles/Embroidery
PROJECT: Embroidered Elizabethan Bedcover
This class is FULL.
During the Elizabethan eras, embroidery flourished as a highly prized domestic and courtly art form. Richly embroidered bedcovers, cushions and hangings adorned the homes of the nobility and gentry, showcasing status, artistry and devotion to fine needlework. These textiles often featured elaborate floral and fauna motifs, mythological creatures and symbolic elements drawn from nature and heraldry—all stitched in vibrant silks and wool.
In this class students will recreate a traditional Elizabethan bedcover in miniature, drawing inspiration from historical sources such as the Oxburgh Hangings and surviving 16th century domestic embroideries. Designed for 1:12th scale, the project will capture the texture, color and intricate detail of the original full size works using fine threads and period-appropriate stitches.
Techniques and topics covered include historical context and the designing process, surface embroidery techniques, color selection, design transfer and finishing. This class offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich legacy of Elizabethan needlework— one stitch at a time.
All materials will be provided including the fine silk fabric, fine silk threads and period-inspired design templates (or students might choose to design their own).
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is unlikely, however students will have all the information and materials necessary to complete the project on their own.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner to intermediate with some experience in full scale embroidery
MATERIALS FEE: $30 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Daniela Kiefhaber, Artisan
COURSE: Textiles/Embroidery
PROJECT: Goldwork Embroidery in Miniature
Goldwork embroidery, a luxurious needlework tradition dating back over a thousand years, has long been used to adorn ecclesiastical vestments, royal garments and ceremonial textiles. Originating in ancient Asia and reaching Artistic heights in Medieval and Renaissance Europe, goldwork is characterized by its use of metal treads to create raised, shimmering designs that catch and reflect the light.
In this class students will explore the history and the adaptation of this opulent art form in a miniature scale—perfect for dollhouse textiles, historic costuming or fine art miniature display. We will work on a smallscale sampler (or project piece) that teaches the fundaments of goldwork technique, scaled down for precision and realism.
Students will learn and practice the following techniques: couching, chipping, padding, and raised Embroidery, the application of metal threads, design transfer and scaling, along with finishing techniques.
Whether you are an experienced embroiderer or a miniature artisan looking to expand your skill set, this class will provide a unique opportunity to explore one of the most dazzling and historic forms of needlework
All materials will be provided, including a curated selection of fine threads, metals and fabrics.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner to intermediate
MATERIALS FEE: $40 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Daniela Kiefhaber, Artisan
COURSE: Textile/Costuming/Needlework
PROJECT: Embroidered Jacobean Jacket in
Miniature Scale
This class is FULL.
In the early 17th century, during the reign of James I, embroidered jackets were fashionable garments for wealthy women and a canvas for some of the most elaborate domestic embroidery ever produced. The iconic Margaret Layton jacket, now housed in the V&A Museum in London, is a stunning example of Jacobean embroidery—featuring intricate scrolling vines, fantastical flowers and delicate insects stitched in vibrant silks and gleaming metal threads.
In this class, students will create a miniature scale version of this exquisite embroidered jacket, designed for 1:12th scale. The focus will be on capturing the rich detail, bold colors and elegant curves of Jacobean design in fine miniature embroidery suitable for doll house clothing, museum displays or historical miniature collections.
Students will learn the following: historical overview of Jacobean embroidery motifs, pattern transfer and color planning, using chain stitch to create the elements of the embroidery, use of metallic and silk threads, miniature garment embellishment and the final assembly.
This class is perfect for needle workers interested in historical textiles, miniature costuming or those who want to dive into the world of 17th century embroidery with a focus on beauty and a love for fine detail.
All materials will be provided, including silk fabrics, silk and metallic threads and reference images.
TIME: 12 hours. It is unlikely that the project will be completed by the end of the school however the student will have all the information and materials needed to finish on their own.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner to intermediate, students should have knowledge of chain stitch
MATERIALS FEE: $35 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Hiroyuki & Kyoko Kimura, Fellows
COURSE: Plant Making
PROJECT: Chocolate Vine (Akebi)
This class is FULL.
Students will create a chocolate vine and the board it rests on. They will learn techniques to make the plant with a vine and a “wooden” board from clay. The leaves are made from resin clay which is pressed very thin and then cut into the leaf form using scissors. The berry is also made from resin clay. Stems and vines are made from a plastic rod which is heated and then stretched.
Students will make the board from stone powder clay, a new medium at school; first forming the board, then once the board is dry, polishing it with sandpaper. With acrylic paint, they will draw the faux wood grain, add oil stain, and finish with varnish. These techniques are a little difficult, but very useful. The pot by Hiroyuki is included to present a finished product.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely if students work overtime on their own outside of the classroom.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: All levels
MATERIALS FEE: $35 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Miyuki Kobayashi, Artisan
COURSE: Clay Sculpting
PROJECT: Goldfish in a Glass Bowl
This class is FULL.
The glass bowl with goldfish is very cute and easily fits any type of dollhouse or display. You will be soothed by just putting it in one of your rooms.
In this class students will make 2 glass bowls. I will prepare some different types of bowls so you can choose two that you like.
Sculpting the tiny goldfish from clay is a little bit difficult the first time. The shape of the glass bowl makes all fish look a little bit bigger once the resin has been added, so the fish have to be made very tiny. Don’t worry though because we have enough time to practice and I will teach the best and easiest way to make your goldfish. There are also enough prepared stock fish that need coloring so that you can use them if you choose. Because of this option, even beginners are able to take this class.
Every student will enjoy and make their own pretty glass bowl goldfish.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: All levels
MATERIALS FEE: $32 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Miyuki Kobayashi, Artisan
COURSE: Clay Sculpting
PROJECT: Goldfish Aquarium
This class is FULL.
In this class, students will make an aquarium with goldfish (35 mm W x 20 mm D x 25 mm H). Students will learn how to sculpt the goldfish, how to color them and how to pour the acrylic resin without bubbles.
To sculpt the goldfish figure from the clay is a little bit difficult at first, but the instructor will teach students the easiest method so that students will enjoy making them. The size and shape can be widely variable. Many kinds of goldfish previously sculpted but not colored, will be available to students so if it is impossible to craft all the fish in time, students can color premade ones and use them.
The instructor will also have a larger tank size (50 mm W x 25 mm D x 30 mm H) for easier placement so even beginners are able to take this class.
Students may do some overtime work until Thursday but the resin must be poured on Thursday for the drying to be complete. Friday everyone will be able to have special relaxing time with a completed aquarium.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: All levels
MATERIALS FEE: $32 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Miyuki Kobayashi, Artisan
COURSE: Clay Sculpting
PROJECT: Jellyfish Aquarium
This class is FULL.
With their clear bodies, slowly swaying tentacles, and very calm movements, jellyfish can be soothing for our daily stress. They have existed for approximately 600 million to 1 billion years and it is the superior creature who lives while adapting itself to various environmental changes on earth to date.
To make the jellyfish we will use a special clay which is sticky so you may find it a little bit difficult to work with, but I have some good techniques for using it and there is almost no need for coloring.
You also learn how to make various corals. At first glance there doesn’t seem to be much coral in the jellyfish tank but placing the coral in the tank allows you to enjoy the contrast of clear jellyfish and colorful corals.
The jellyfish class always has a problem with time because we have to pour the resin on Thursday. However, students should be able to create a wonderful aquarium if you do each step, each day. The reward is a relaxed period on Friday.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: All levels
MATERIALS FEE: $34 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Iulia Chin Lee, Artisan
COURSE: Turning Wooden Bowls with Gilding
PROJECT: Gilded Bowl
This class is FULL.
This course is a lovely introduction to the basic techniques of lathe turning. Students will gain an understanding of wood turning and familiarity with turning tools and their proper use. They will also learn how to create and hollow bowls. Through practice, the students will be able to develop these skills, which will enable them to create beautiful, artistic pieces.
After students have learned how to create bowls, we will then focus on gilding. The gilding process includes preparation of the surface and application of the gilding sizing and gold leaves.
All students will receive individual coaching and instruction on the basics of wood turning. Students will be turning a variety of woods, mainly ones with small pores.
The main techniques learned involve: turning basic cylindrical shapes with variations. Beginners will turn bowls while intermediate students can turn bowls with more complicated shapes. Hollowing turned objects on a lathe. Final finishing, applying finish on lathe, and preparing surface for gilding. Applying gold leaf gilding.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: Lathe
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner and intermediate
MATERIALS FEE: $50 to be collected at school. Students need to have their own micro turning tools in class.
INSTRUCTOR: Marie-Louise Markhorst, Artisan
COURSE: Metalwork
PROJECT: Copper Coffee Pot
This class is FULL.
Students will use copper sheet to make a coffee pot. They will learn how to saw the basic form of the pot from the metal, how to form it into a cone and solder it. With the body complete, you will cut, shape and attach the spout and the handle, then form a lid from copper sheet and solder. If wanted, you can polish your coffee pot.
Students should have experience using a jeweler's saw and be comfortable using it.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: Drill press
SKILL LEVEL: All levels, you need to be able to use a jeweler’s saw
MATERIALS FEE: $40 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Marcia McClain, Artisan
COURSE: Upholstery
PROJECT: Knole Sofa
The first known Knole sofa is a piece of furniture found at the Knole House in Sevenoake, Kent, England, the home of Charles Sackville, 6th Earl of Dorset and Lord Chamberlain to the Stuart family. The Knole sofa there dates to 1640 and is the most prized furniture possession in a vast collection of furniture once used by the royal family. The sofa’s design of ratcheted arms has been modified over the years but remains as an influential design element for important homes.
This sofa has become a popular home decorating item in the last few years, having been photographed repeatedly in design magazines. The instructor will make a large number of fabrics available to the students, giving them the ability to make either a sofa that is very traditional or has a new and up-to-date look. You will choose a fabric with the instructor’s assistance, prior to your arrival at Guild School.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
MATERIALS FEE: $50 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Mary Grady O’Brien, Fellow
COURSE: Folk Art Painting
PROJECT: Shadow Box with Decorated Tinware
This class is FULL.
This class has been inspired by a stamp issued over 20 years ago by the U.S. Post Office. It was to honor Folk Art in America and the colorfully decorated tinware made so popular by the traveling peddlers.
The student will be provided with an assembled painted shadow box and two pieces of black tinware, a tea caddy and gooseneck coffee pot. Both will be ready to be decorated. Appropriate patterns will be recommended for each object. The student will have a choice between a simple design or one with more detail. Your decision will depend on your taste and comfort level.
We will be taking time to become familiar with and practice the basic brush strokes so useful in country painting. This will be helpful in achieving better brush control and lead to many decorative touches for your projects—present and future.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: All levels
MATERIALS FEE: $100 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Brooke Rothshank, Fellow
COURSE: Acrylic Painting
PROJECT: Pet Portrait Pin
This class will be dedicated to creating a beautiful and finely detailed acrylic painting of a beloved pet! Each student will learn painting basics and end their week with a finished portrait set in a decorative pin. Students are asked to provide several photo images for reference.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: All levels
MATERIALS FEE: $65 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Brooke Rothshank, Fellow
COURSE: Acrylic Painting
PROJECT: Orchid Portrait
This class is perfect for new painters with a love of orchids! Each student will learn basic painting skills while painting a tiny phalaenopsis orchid using Golden Brand Open Acrylic paints. Each painting will be set in a table top frame and encased in resin.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: All levels
MATERIALS FEE: $65 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Brooke Rothshank, Fellow
COURSE: Acrylic Painting
PROJECT: Penny Painting
This class will be dedicated to painting a beautiful and finely detailed acrylic painting of a rabbit on an enameled penny! We will learn the basics of enamel for the penny foundation as well as fundamentals of painting and framing for the finished piece.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: All levels
MATERIALS FEE: $65 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Mariella Vitale, Fellow
COURSE: Cold Porcelain
PROJECT: Fantasy Cabinet of Curiosities
Once upon a time, long before museums existed, curious minds collected their treasures in cabinets: small wooden shelves filled with strange and marvelous objects: rare shells, dried flowers, tiny bones, mythical creatures, and magical relics. These were called cabinets of curiosities, or Wunderkammern (“Wonder Rooms”), and they told stories of wonder, nature, and imagination.
and they told stories of wonder, nature, and imagination. In this class, students will create a miniature version of one of these mysterious cabinets, with a touch of fantasy and a glowing candle to light it with magic.
Each compartment of your cabinet will tell a little story. Whether it’s the tiniest gnome in a glass globe or a sleepy pumpkin spirit, your creation will become a unique piece full of wonder and imagination. Students will assemble, paint and age the cabinet, will sculpt tiny magical items using cold porcelain and learn how to wire a candle with a micro LED.
The class is beginner-friendly, and everything is designed to spark joy and creativity—no experience needed, just a love for tiny worlds and quiet magic.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
MATERIALS FEE: $45 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Mariella Vitale, Fellow
COURSE: Cold Porcelain
PROJECT: Decorative Pumpkin with Succulents
This class is FULL.
Celebrate the cozy elegance of fall with a tiny handcrafted treasure: a miniature white pumpkin overflowing with succulents, a perfect mix of botanical beauty and miniature artistry.
Pumpkin centerpieces have long been a seasonal favorite, from rustic harvest displays to elegant autumn tablescapes. In more recent years, white pumpkins have become the icon of chic fall décor, often used as sophisticated alternatives to traditional orange in floral arrangements and wedding styling. Paired with succulents, they strike the perfect balance between natural texture and refined design.
In this whimsical and relaxing class, students will sculpt the pumpkins and the succulents with cold porcelain and then assemble them into a perfectly balanced miniature composition.
This is a relaxing class where students will learn how to sculpt the pumpkins and a selection of tiny succulents—such as Echeveria, Sedum, String of Pearls, and even miniature Lithops, also known as “living stones.” They will also learn how to combine colors, shapes, and how to assemble the arrangement with attention to proportion and flow to have a perfectly balanced composition!
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
MATERIALS FEE: $35 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Mariella Vitale, Fellow
COURSE: Crochet
PROJECT: Boho Chic Wall Hanging
Discover the charm of Boho Chic style in miniature form!
In this creative and relaxing class, students will crochet a tiny wall hanging inspired by the Boho aesthetic, a style known for its free-spirited mix of natural textures, earthy tones, handmade details, and a touch of whimsy. Wall hangings are traditionally used as decorative textile art; often found in cozy, eclectic spaces. In this class, students will create a miniature version small enough to fit in the palm of the hand!
This is a class that goes from “zero to hero.” If you have never crocheted in your life, you can learn it in this class and go home with a beautiful finished wall hanging that will be a perfect tiny treasure for a dollhouse, a fairy nook, or simply a sweet little accent to brighten your space.
Students will learn how to crochet a chain, make a single crochet and have straight edges. They will learn how to attach a fringe and how to shape and finish a crochet project
There will be different colors and sizes of threads and hooks to make the project your very own, and if you already know how to crochet, come and join the fun!
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
MATERIALS FEE: $35 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Anna Wybranowska, Artisan
COURSE: Polymer Clay
PROJECT: Cheese and Fruit Arrangement
This class is FULL.
Students are going to make a miniature fruit and cheese arrangement in 1:12th scale.
Students will learn how to prepare a fig cane, and to make halves of fruit. We will focus on fruit texture and juiciness. Students will prepare three different types of cheese; we will work on the texture of hard cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano) and the softness of Camembert and Brie. Students will also learn two different polymer clay mixing techniques for green and black grapes
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: All levels
MATERIALS FEE: $30 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Anna Wybranowska, Artisan
COURSE: Polymer Clay
PROJECT: Fruit Arrangement
This class is FULL.
Students are going to make a Miniature Fruit Arrangement with peaches and grapes in 1:12th scale.
Students will learn polymer clay mixing techniques for both whole and halved fruit. We will focus on the suede skin of peaches, as well as texturing the inside of the fruit and its pit. Students will prepare grape bunches and learn about different approaches to sculpting leaves. Different techniques will be presented for coloring, shading and finishing fruit and leaves. We will create an artistic fruit arrangement on a ceramic stand (ooak ceramic stand will be provided by Instructor).
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: All levels
MATERIALS FEE: $35 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Anna Wybranowska, Artisan
COURSE: Polymer Clay
PROJECT: Sliced Naked Cake and Peaches
This class is FULL.
Students are going to make a sliced naked cake, peach preserves and a small branch with fruit, all in 1:12th scale.
Students will learn how to mix polymer clay to achieve a realistic look of sponge cake and cream. Students will also practice texturing and shading techniques. We will make halves of peaches in syrup, using UV resin, and prepare quarters of fruit to decorate the cake (there will be a lot of texturing too!). At the end students will create a branch full of leaves and fruit.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate and advanced
MATERIALS FEE: $35 to be collected at school