INSTRUCTOR: Diane Almeyda, Artisan
COURSE: Enamel/Metal/Wirework
PROJECT: 2" Round Cathedral-Style Rose Window
Students will learn many jeweler’s skills which will transfer to miniature work very easily. They will learn to form fine wire, solder it together, and then enamel with real glass and finish their window ready for hanging or installation. This could be appropriate in 1", ½" and even ¼" scale.
Learn the secrets of creating miniature stained glass with the enameling technique known as plique-a-jour. This art was popular in the late 1800’s and early 1900s and was used extensively in the exquisite jewelry of Rene Lalique. Since that time, it is rarely seen and practiced by few. Often referred to as the “tour de force” of enameling, it is the perfect way to create or replicate impressive and beautiful pieces of miniature stained glass.
The process begins with the forming of fine ribbons of silver wire and then soldering them together to make a framework for the glass. Ground glass is then applied to the openings and melted in a kiln. This technique lends itself to designs resembling smaller versions of the wonderful cathedral windows of earlier times.
In addition to learning silver soldering that jewelers employ (high temperature using a torch), students will also learn how to prepare and apply enamels, as well as learn finishing techniques to complete the resulting enamel work of art.
Good vision and hand dexterity are necessary for success.
TIME: 36 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: Flex shaft, jeweler’s torch and kiln
SKILL LEVEL: All levels
MATERIALS FEE: $160 to be collected in advance
INSTRUCTOR: Anna Belogurova, Artisan
COURSE: Metalwork
PROJECT: Vintage Baker's Rack
You will create an exact replica of an antique French bakery rack in 1:12th scale, made entirely of metal, while mastering the basic techniques of soldering and working with brass. The finished product has a little secret—a nod to the traditions of years gone by.
The baking rack appeared in France in the 19th century—it was used in bakeries to cool freshly baked bread and pies before the advent of refrigerators. Later, in the 1950s, it became a popular part of American interiors, from kitchens to living rooms, and today it is an atmospheric, decorative element that preserves the connection with the craftsmanship of the past.
While building a miniature version of a historical object, you will develop soldering and metalworking skills that will come in handy in other projects. These skills will give you control over your designs: you won't be dependent on glue, purchased elements, or “almost suitable” parts.
You will learn to master soft and hard soldering (you will feel the difference in practice), how to process and finish brass, how to work with brass rods, wire, twisted decorations, and structural balancing, how to safely handle equipment, and how to plan and assemble complex but stable miniature objects.
Before the class, participants will receive a complete guide to tools and preparation. Please be sure to study it; your preliminary preparation will make the work much more enjoyable and improve the result. Don't forget to bring magnification, extra light and your favorite fine tools for miniatures.
TIME: 36 hours. It is likely that your project will be finished during school. If it is not completed, you will have the information needed to complete the project at home.
POWER TOOLS: Dremel or other rotary tool with a flex shaft, soldering iron, and torch
SKILL LEVEL: All levels
MATERIALS FEE: $190 to be collected in advance
OPTIONAL FEE: Finishing kit $5—1 color of enamel or patina
Multicolored enamel set $15—6 colors (3g each)
INSTRUCTOR: Tom Boytim, Artisan
COURSE: Furniture Construction
PROJECT: Windsor Desk/Chair with Philadelphia Turnings
This class is FULL.
The Comb Back Windsor Chair is a popular design that goes back to colonial times and is replicated today by many Artisan furniture makers, such as Joseph DeLuca of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The Comb Back Chair with Writing Desk selected for replication in 1:12th scale is on the cover of Charles Santore’s book, The Windsor Style in America. The class is designed to teach Windsor chair construction. There are a plethora of Windsor Chair and Settee designs that can be made utilizing the construction methods employed in the creation of this chair.
The main techniques the student will learn are turning legs and spindles on a lathe. The seat will be contoured as is classically done, using files and sanding. A jeweler’s saw will be utilized in the cutting of the seat outline, crest rail and arm rails. The chair will be made of basswood, pine, birch and maple, in the way the originals were made of numerous woods.
Upon completion, the chair will be painted with a green or red undercoat, covered by a black coat that will then be distressed to allow some of the undercoat to show. Due to the drying time between paint applications, the final finishing aspects may need to be done at home.
TIME: 36 hours.
POWER TOOLS: Table saw, lathe, drill press
SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate
MATERIALS FEE: $40 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Beth Freeman-Kane, Fellow
COURSE: Mixed Media
PROJECT: Wood Ducks
This class is FULL.
This is a box framed composition featuring a pair of magnificent Wood Ducks in their natural habitat, showing both above and below the water environments. This is a multi-media and multi process project where students will learn a variety of skills! Most notable being acrylic painting of objects in the round (the ducks). Surprisingly this is quite a different skill from flat 2D painting. Although this is a sculptural scene, the actual sculpting of the ducks will not be taught; these will be provided as resin castings of the instructor's original sculptures. Other skills taught will be landscaping, foliage and the creation of smaller creatures (frog, crab and dragonfly.) Most importantly you will learn to use clear resin to create water.
This will be a highly detailed and intense class; however, fun and satisfaction are guaranteed! The end product will be professionally framed and ready to hang on your wall. The size of the frame is 7" x 6" (the scene is 1:12th scale).
TIME: 36 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate
MATERIALS FEE: $75 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Hiroyuki & Kyoko Kimura, Fellows
COURSE: Structure
PROJECT: Tokonoma
This class is FULL.
Tokonoma is a decorative space in a Japanese-style room, one level higher than the surrounding tatami mats, where hanging scrolls and ornaments are displayed. It is considered the most formal place in the house and is used as a seat for entertaining guests.
The Togu-do at Jisho-ji Temple contains a room called the Dojinsai which is considered to be the oldest existing example of shoin-zukuri style architecture. We are replicating only the tokonoma area of this famous room.
Traditional Japanese architecture has strict rules regarding the spacing of pillars, the size of fittings, etc., and requires minute adjustments during construction
For this reason, we will provide many pre-cut materials this time. However, for the most important parts, you will have the opportunity to actually experience the work, and those parts will be replaced with finished parts provided by us.
This course will also explain the architectural rules of traditional Japanese houses and the tokonoma alcove (shoin-zukuri style), so those with an interest in Japanese culture will be able to spend an even more meaningful time here.
TIME: 36 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: Table saw
SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate
MATERIALS FEE: $110 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Jeanne Rullie, Artisan
COURSE: Character Doll/Polymer Clay
PROJECT: Mermaid of Castine
This little Enchanter of the Sea is calling you to Castine!
Doll making is just a series of steps and not to be feared. Even beginners can have success in this class.
Students will start by making “studies” of the lips, nose and ears to use for examples while sculpting their doll. Students will then make a polymer clay impression using one of the instructor’s molds. The mold is of a basic face with upper torso and is used to keep all dolls in scale. The instructor will discuss with students creating character and personality during this sculpting phase. Each doll will be unique and one of a kind.
Eyes will be inserted before the first cure. Arms and hands will be freely sculpted and attached to the torso. Techniques for knuckles and veining of the hands will also be taught.
There will be multiple curing times to complete the upper body after which all dolls will be hand painted using heat set polymer paints.
Tails will be shaped from air-dry foam clay and attached to the polymer clay torso. Once dry, mermaid “scales,” hair and decorations will be applied to complete the doll.
Beach chair kits will be provided but students are welcome to bring any 1:12th scale chair they like.
The instructor will make “scales” from latex and glitter in advance of class and share this technique with students.
*If you have a latex allergy the instructor can provide a fabric option.
The Mermaid of Castine leaves a little sparkle wherever she goes…
TIME: 36 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: Beginners and all skill levels are welcome. Some experience with polymer clays would be helpful.
MATERIALS FEE: $70 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Troy Schmidt, Fellow
COURSE: Wheel Thrown Pottery
PROJECT: Ceramic Containers for Flowers
and Plants
This hands-on experience will guide students through the fundamentals of throwing ceramic miniatures on a potter’s wheel while creating multiple traditional and contemporary vessels. Our theme will be containers that can hold flower arrangements, cut flowers, succulents, potted plants and bonsai. The process of forming clay on the potter’s wheel is both enjoyable and rewarding, and students are encouraged to experiment and try new things while having fun and practicing the fundamental process.
Students will also learn the basics of glazing their work using dozens of provided glazes in a range of colors; pieces will then be fired in an electric kiln to melt the glaze and make the clay durable and permanent. For those students interested in learning to fire their work themselves, they may be as involved as they like in the firing process with further in-depth discussions regarding a range of firing techniques and practices. Attendees will also examine different methods to salvage fired pots that didn’t come out as expected, such as fixing glaze runs and re-firing.
Whether you are a first-time beginner or have some experience, this class is perfect for anyone looking to explore the art of miniature pottery in a friendly, supportive environment. First-time students will learn the fundamentals of throwing miniature pottery on a small potter’s wheel, while those students with experience will advance their abilities to create more intricate and sophisticated forms (thinner walls, greater refinement, more controlled glazing).
TIME: 36 hours. Completion is likely
POWER TOOLS: Mini potter’s wheel
SKILL LEVEL: All skill levels welcome. Appropriate for beginners and first-year students
MATERIALS FEE: $40 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Bill Studebaker, Artisan
COURSE: Furniture Construction
PROJECT: “Acme” Kitchen Cabinet
This class is FULL.
As the Industrial Revolution progressed we began to see large manufacturing concerns designing and marketing their products to an increasing customer base. No longer interested in building furniture for individuals, the trend moved towards adding features to make products appealing to as many buyers as possible.
At just 4' wide, this work center would fit nearly every kitchen of the late Victorian era, from the grandest mansion to the tiniest tenement. On a sturdy base of turned legs with crossed stretchers, the tabletop would be able to withstand the rigors of chopping and kneading. With copper-clad bins below, the baker could choose from two different flour or meal options, while twin drawers hold nearly every utensil imaginable at the ready. Two separate pull-out cutting boards provide the luxury of having one for meats and one for baked goods exclusively! To make cleanup easier a convenient shelf holds the soap box above the tabletop, while a row of brass hooks provides ready access to beaters, sifter and spoons. Glass doors above give ready viewing to food storage so Cook knows at a glance what is at hand and what is wanting. An open top shelf gives storage for those items unaffected by air.
Beginning with a cut list, students will build this cabinet in sections. The lower assembly is the table with drawers, bins and cutting boards. Using a duplicating lathe the student will turn their legs and join them to the frame with mortise and tenon joints. Table saws will be employed to cut parts to size from prepared wood to make the various drawer parts and the structures they fit into. The upper case has two enclosed shelves and a crown molding, along with two glass paneled rail and stile doors. The assembled piece will receive a painted finish and wear simulated to reflect its age and use over the years.
TIME: 36 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: Duplicator lathe, milling machine, scroll saw, drill press and table saw
SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate and advanced
MATERIALS FEE: $20 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Fran Sussman, Artisan
COURSE: Small Scale Structure/Mixed Media
PROJECT: Silver and China Shop in 1:144 Scale
This class is FULL.
In this class, students will build and fully decorate a twostory 1:144 scale shop selling silver, china, and glassware. The building exterior, with its shingled roof, large open storefront, and corner quoins, is reminiscent of buildings found on main streets in many older small towns in the United States. Small architectural features—such as trim, pillars, corbels, and metal window railings—add visual interest and realism.
The interior holds many fine details, including moldings and trim, faux silver, plates, and glassware, and multiple display shelves and tables.
Each step in building and furnishing the structure will develop students’ skills: carving and painting the sidewalk, cutting and painting the quoins, shingling and weathering the roof, and layering the the delicate storefront from precut pieces. Students will build furniture from wood veneer, plastic, and laser-cut and 3D printed components. They will learn not only how to assemble and paint these items for a realistic result, but also what glues or paints to use for each. Each student will receive a fireplace designed and hand-cast by the instructor, and will choose and imprint the name of the shop, using press-on letters.
The pace will be relaxed, with each student able to work at their own speed. Both the beginner and the seasoned miniaturist will find something fun and new in this class!
The base is 2 ½" by 2 ¼". The building height is approximately 2 ½" above the base. Note that this is not a full-sized dollhouse but a dollhouse built for inside a dollhouse.
TIME: 36 hours. Completion is likely, although students may wish to complete and install some of the furnishings when they return home.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: Students will succeed if they have patience and good eyesight (or appropriate magnification and lighting). Students should be reasonably comfortable reading an imperial (1/32", 1/16" etc.) ruler.
MATERIALS FEE: $130 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Susan Van Tubbergen, Fellow
COURSE: Wheel Throwing/Raku Firing Techniques
PROJECT: The Creative Magic of Raku
This class is FULL.
Raku firing is an ancient Japanese ceramic technique that creates a very unique finish on pottery wares. The original Japanese raku style is an outgrowth of Buddhist influences; raku literally translates as “happiness in the accident.”
Raku firing is an alternative fast firing process where pieces are removed from the kiln while red hot and placed in a reduction chamber filled with carbon-based materials. This technique is used to starve the piece of oxygen. The results are unpredictable and difficult to control, making it an exciting, dynamic process that creates a myriad of colors within the glaze.
This class will not only explore traditional raku methods, but students will also have the opportunity to learn about naked raku, including the use of mica infused clay slip and sodium silicate. We’ll also be using hair and feathers to make incredible carbon markings on red hot pottery. Students can try a variety of combustibles like sawdust, hay, or newspaper.
You are invited to explore the traditional practice of raku firing, as well as several alternate methods. Students will learn how to throw, trim and glaze using the instructor’s special blend of porcelain raku clay to make one-of-a-kind, striking pottery. The workshop will consist of throwing and trimming sessions, a glazing session and then a special raku firing event.
TIME: 36 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: Mini pottery wheel
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner and intermediate
MATERIALS FEE: $40 to be collected at school