INSTRUCTOR: Diane Almeyda, Artisan
COURSE: Metal/Glass Enamel
PROJECT: Stained Glass Sun Catcher/Pendant
Every miniature house has a window or two that could benefit from a beautiful stained glass accent. Give this incredible technique a try and learn to make miniature stained glass using real glass and silver in this 12 hour “mini” class. You’ll learn all the skills necessary to continue on with the technique and make real miniature stained glass windows.
Skills taught will include using the jeweler’s saw, metal files, and flex shaft, preparing enamels (ground glass), and the special skill of applying enamels for the seethrough enameling technique known as “plique-a-jour.” There will be several choices of design and enamel colors.
This class is rated “E” for Everyone! The ability to see (with magnification is fine), use both hands with good dexterity, and sit for a period of time will ensure success.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: Acetylene torch, kiln, flex shaft
SKILL LEVEL: All levels
MATERIALS FEE: $70 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Morgen Bearse, Artisan
COURSE: Mixed Media
PROJECT: The Glass Terrarium
Journey to a world of whimsy and wonder! In this class, students will harness their creativity to build a 1:12 scale terrarium. Each student will receive high-end supplies and instruction in the steps to design a miniature landscape under glass. Using Japanese crepe paper, wire, and polymer clay, students will create a terrarium featuring plants, rocks, decor, and even a surprise creature or two.
Students may choose three out of six types of tropical plants to create, and will learn how to make each layer of the substrate, including soil, moss, activated charcoal, and Leca for the drainage layer. Each plant will be made using a combination of hand cutting and paper punch techniques. Students will learn how to mix color with various mediums, and will shape the leaves and plants using different types of simple tools. Once the plants are in place, students will further personalize and bring their terrarium to life by adding a fun ensemble of decorations (provided by the instructor). The class is beginner-friendly and perfect for anyone with a little patience and a steady hand who is looking to feed their imagination.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: All levels
MATERIALS FEE: $20 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Barbara Brear, Fellow
COURSE: Book Binding
PROJECT: Three Little Pigs
Books are an essential part of so many miniature settings. In this class, students will make a copy of the ORIGINAL Three Little Pigs written by James Hallwell-Philips, which is suitable for any setting after the year 1886. Be warned: in this version the first two pigs do get eaten by the Big Bad Wolf. Students will make a fully printed and sewn book with charming color illustrations. The book will be covered with super-thin silver leather, complete with a protruding piggy snout on the front cover and a curly tail on the back. (Students may alternatively choose an equally thin soft beige leather.) The end papers will be a piggy-pink marbled paper.
If time allows, students will also learn how to make an Open Book. This is a properly sewn and bound book with marbled endpapers and a leather cover, but only the center spread is printed. Students will have a choice of several titles (and center spreads). Students will learn how to arrange the pages to replicate the heavy lie of an open tome. This knowledge will allow students to continue their bookbinding endeavors after returning home.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: All levels. The ability to follow instructions is all that is required for success. A steady hand, extra light, and good eyesight (or good glasses) will make life easier.
MATERIALS FEE: $40 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Alexandra Cantatore, Artisan
COURSE: Mixed Media
PROJECT: The Old Painter’s Box
Picture an old wooden box, worn by time and use, filled with paint jars, ink bottles, boxes of pencils and wax crayons, tubes of paint, and a few forgotten paintbrushes. In this class, students will build a such a box--one that could easily find a place in a painter’s studio. Each student will fill the box with supplies that reflect the student’s own passion and sensibilities.
Students will first build a wooden box that opens and closes, fitting it with hinges, handles, and locks. Next, they will create objects to go into the box, using wood, model-making metal sheet, Polyshrink, card stock, and assorted small parts. Students will not only learn how to make a variety of small objects, but also how to transform and personalize the contents of the box. By the end of the class, each student will have a painter’s box that is unique, with contents suited to their taste and style.
The class is suitable for all levels of experience. Everything needed to build and fill the box will be provided by the instructor. The box is 50 mm wide x 15 mm deep x 9 mm high.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: Heat gun
SKILL LEVEL: All Levels. Minimal experience with wood cutting is needed. Good eyesight and steady hands will be helpful.
MATERIALS FEE: $50 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Christa Goes, Artisan
COURSE: Needlework, Knitting
PROJECT: Knitted Sweater with a
Scandinavian Design
Many beautiful sweaters employ Scandinavian designs. In this class, students will learn to design and knit a sweater inspired by the patterns and colors traditionally used in these sweaters. Using a basic sweater pattern, students will develop their own Scandinavian pattern or choose one of the instructor’s patterns.
Students will learn to knit with different colors; this technique is fun to learn and produces distinctive results. Students will practice this technique before they start knitting the actual sweater. Two different colors will be used at one time. Students will use 0.7mm needles (000- 000 US) and Venne Colcoton thread 34/2.
The instructor will also explain how to put the sweater together when the knitting is completed.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is unlikely, but the student will have the necessary information and will be given the proper instructions to complete the sweater after class.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: All levels are welcome, although students should know basic knitting stitches (knit and purl). Some miniature knitting experience will be helpful.
MATERIALS FEE:$35 to be collected at school. The fee includes 2 thread colors; additional colors will be available for an additional fee.
INSTRUCTOR: Giovanna Guerrero Reyes, Fellow
COURSE: Crochet
PROJECT: Christmas Stocking
Students will create a 1:12 scale miniature crocheted Christmas stocking featuring classic holiday details. During class, they will learn techniques for shaping, color changes, maintaining consistent tension, and reading patterns. The instructor will also cover methods for neat finishing.
Students will be able to choose from a variety of thread colors, allowing each stocking to have a unique final appearance. Instructions for the miniature teddy bear will be included in the class handout. Time permitting, students may begin the bear during class.
By the end of the class, students will have completed a beautifully detailed miniature stocking while building confidence and gaining techniques that can be applied to future miniature crochet projects.
Basic crochet experience is required. Students should be comfortable making chain, single crochet, and double crochet stitches before class. No previous miniature crochet experience is necessary. Because of the small scale of the project, magnification is highly recommended for a comfortable learning experience.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner to intermediate. Basic crochet experience is required. Good hand dexterity, magnification, and patience are important for success.
MATERIALS FEE: $30 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Giovanna Guerrero Reyes, Fellow
COURSE: Crochet
PROJECT: Drawstring Pouch
In this class, students will create a 1:12 scale miniature crocheted drawstring pouch featuring a colorful textured stitch pattern. During class, they will learn techniques for working in the round, shaping, maintaining consistent tension, and adding a drawstring cord. The instructor will also cover methods for neat finishing.
Students may choose from two pouch sizes, allowing crocheters with different working speeds to complete a project during class. A variety of thread colors will be available so each student can personalize their pouch with a unique color combination.
By the end of the class, students will have completed a beautifully detailed miniature pouch while building confidence and learning techniques that can be applied to future miniature crochet projects.
Basic crochet experience is required. Students should be comfortable making chain, single crochet, and double crochet stitches before class. No previous miniature crochet experience is necessary. Because of the small scale of the project, magnification is highly recommended for a comfortable learning experience.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner to intermediate. Basic crochet experience is required. Good hand dexterity, magnification, and patience are important for success.
MATERIALS FEE: $30 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Giovanna Guerrero Reyes, Fellow
COURSE: Crochet
PROJECT: Granny Square Blanket
The granny square is one of the most recognizable and beloved crochet motifs. For generations, these colorful blankets have brought warmth, comfort, and a handmade touch to homes. In miniature, they add the same cozy feeling, transforming a dollhouse into a home.
Inspired by this timeless design, students will create a 1:12 scale miniature granny square blanket using fine crochet thread and traditional granny square techniques. Students will learn how to work with miniature thread, maintain even tension, read crochet patterns and diagrams, change colors, join motifs, and finish the blanket with a neat border.
Each student will choose their own color combinations, making every blanket unique. The techniques learned in class can be used to create blankets in a variety of sizes and color palettes, providing a foundation for future miniature crochet projects.
Basic crochet experience is required. Students should be comfortable making chain, single crochet, and double crochet stitches before class. No previous miniature crochet experience is necessary. Because of the small scale of the project, magnification is highly recommended for a comfortable learning experience.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion will depend on the size of the blanket each student chooses to make and their individual working pace. Students will gain the skills and confidence needed to complete their blanket at home, if necessary.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner to intermediate. Basic crochet experience is required. Good hand dexterity, magnification, and patience are important for success.
MATERIALS FEE: $30 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Christine Hannon, Fellow
COURSE: Acrylic Painting
PROJECT: Mt. Desert, Maine by William Trost Richards (1866)
Mt. Desert Island, Maine, the heart of Arcadia National Park, was a favored location of painters of the Hudson River School of the mid-19th century. In this class, students will use professional grade acrylics and glazing mediums to create a painting of this maritime landscape, which is located only a few miles from Guild School. Using a simple plein air underpainting technique of four values, students will follow a step-by-step process to capture this 19th century painting style and natural color palette.
Art history, materials, brushwork, color mixing and design transfer will be included, giving the student the tools to continue painting mini-masterpieces on their own. The finished 1.25" x 2" painting will be enhanced with a gilded custom wood frame.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: All levels welcome. Pre-class enrichment emails are sent in early spring for color mixing practice and art history enjoyment. A steady hand and the ability to see colors are helpful.
MATERIALS FEE: $130 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Daniela Kiefhaber, Artisan
COURSE: Textiles/Embroidery
PROJECT: Trims Galore
Learn the art of making decorative trim so that you add the perfect finishing touch to your miniature creations. In this class, students will explore a variety of traditional techniques for creating beautiful miniature-scale embellishments, including embroidery, weaving, finger loop braiding, cord making, and other braiding methods.
Students will learn how to adapt these techniques to miniature scale, creating trims that are both historically inspired and suitable for a wide range of projects. From elegant edgings and decorative borders to cords, ties, tassels, and braids, students will discover how handcrafted trims can enhance the realism and character of their work.
The trims created in class can be used to embellish miniature garments, hats, shoes, cushions, curtains, bed hangings, upholstery, and other soft furnishings. Students will experiment with a variety of fine threads, fibers, and materials, while learning techniques that can be adapted to many different periods and styles.
Whether the student’s interest centers on historical miniatures, dollhouse interiors, or artisan accessories, this class provides a collection of practical skills and creative ideas that will add an authentic, handcrafted touch to all miniature projects. Students will leave with a selection of trim samples and the knowledge to continue creating custom embellishments at home.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
MATERIALS FEE: $25 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Iulia Chin Lee, Artisan
COURSE: Wood Turning
PROJECT: Japanese Tea Cups
This class is a comprehensive introduction to the basic techniques of turning in wood and is ideal for beginners. The class will focus on two basic techniques: spindleturning and bowl hollowing. Students will learn to properly use the individual turning tools to achieve different types of cuts and profiles, and to create a hollow bowl. They will also learn how to sand and finish the turning on the lathe, and to remove the finished item. In addition to completing the turned cup, the instructor will teach various methods for preparing and applying decorative elements on the cups. Decorating the cups is optional. The students can choose to put on any design they like or to leave them in their natural state.
As always, the instructor will coach students individually to ensure that each of them has the best learning experience. In this class beginning students are expected to make a pair of tea cups; more advanced students should be able to complete multiple cups within the time frame.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: Lathe
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner and intermediate
MATERIALS FEE: $40 to be collected at school. Turning tools are necessary for the class. Turning tools are not alike. For those who do not have turning tools, the instructor recommends Sorby Micro Turning Tool Set HS45. These tools are superb and their blades remain sharp for a long time.
INSTRUCTOR: Marie-Louise Markhorst, Artisan
COURSE: Metalwork
PROJECT: Copper Water Kettle
Every kitchen needs copper ware! During this hands-on class, students will create a miniature copper water kettle entirely from scratch using copper sheet. Guided step-by- step through traditional metalworking techniques, students will learn how to shape and form the body of the kettle, craft a fitted lid, bend tubing into an elegant spout, and make a functional handle.
Along the way, students will gain practical experience with forming, shaping, and assembling copper components. They will finish the piece by soldering all parts together with a torch. The class offers an engaging introduction to classic metal craftsmanship while allowing each participant to create a unique handmade object to take home.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: Soldering torch, flex shaft, drill press
SKILL LEVEL: All levels, but experience using a jeweler’s saw is recommended. Good eyesight and steady hand/eye coordination is required.
MATERIALS FEE: $50 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Marcia McClain, Artisan
COURSE: Fabric Upholstery
PROJECT: Sofa
Sofas are a place of comfort found in most homes, beginning with crude pieces in ancient times to those very comfortable sofas found today. Some sofas may be quite formal but the one being taught can be very casual with its combination of multiple fabrics. Students may choose to use a single color to change the look. The upholstery and trim as taught by the instructor are unique to her in the miniature world, honed by years of attention to real upholstery details.
The instructor will provide upholstery fabrics after communicating with students prior to school.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
MATERIALS FEE: $60 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Mary Grady O’Brien
COURSE: Folk Art Painting
PROJECT: Pennsylvania Painted Tinware
Over the years miniature objects in tinware have become hard to find, and are often limited to simple objects, such as assorted trays and tea caddies. Even when available, these objects are often expensive. Now, thanks to the magic of 3D printing and a talented tech artist, students can focus on painting and finishing some of the more exciting examples of the creative talent of early tinsmiths.
In this class, students will use oil paint to decorate a graceful gooseneck coffee pot, a tea canister with removable lid, and an oval tea pot. All these items can be displayed on an attractive shelf with the famous red Pennsylvania background, a perfect complement to these authentic tinware designs.
Folk art is forgiving and innocent and helps us find our own sense of beauty. In class students will receive instruction in basic brush strokes, building skills that will lead to better techniques and increase students’ confidence. All pieces reflect the Mahantango motifs that are so distinctly Pennsylvanian. The instructor has selected specific patterns with the expectation that class time will allow for completion.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: All levels
MATERIALS FEE: $115 to be collected at school, and includes all supplies and materials needed. There will be no tool list for this class.
INSTRUCTOR: Annie Ogg, Artisan
COURSE: Wood Turning
PROJECT: 18th and 19th Century Wooden
Lidded Vessels
This class is for any level of wood-turning experience, from the beginner to advanced turner.
Treen means “of the tree” and is a word used to describe many of the functional wooden items found in a kitchen. We will begin by choosing antique treen from a handout to replicate in 1:12 scale with a focus on selecting lidded vessels. Colonial Americans used woods such as cherry and maple to store sugar, tobacco, tea, and other consumables.
Students will begin by learning, or for the advanced turner, practicing, beads and coves using the spindle gouge, parting tool, and skew. Once confident, students will learn how to turn a basic lidded vessel along with hollowing techniques. Once this skill is achieved, the students will advance to more complex shapes. If there is time, students will learn how to create a jam chuck for the lathe to finish the bottom of the vessel.
In this class, students will also learn about the importance of grain direction in wood-turning and common finishes used in Colonial America.
The instructor will provide all tools for turning and finishes.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: Lathe, buffer
SKILL LEVEL: All levels
MATERIALS FEE: $25 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Bill Studebaker, Artisan
COURSE: Furniture Construction
PROJECT: Early American Bench
In this class students will construct an early American bench, inspired by an illustration found in an older catalog of Early American Furniture. Described in the catalog as a pine settle and dating to the first half of the 18th century, the bench’s paneled back would have been an indication of excellence. The original design has been altered slightly for this class to make it fit more readily into a miniature setting.
Suitable for beginners as well as more advanced students, the piece will be constructed from cherry lumber. The primary tools that students will employ are the jeweler’s saw and the table saw. Students will use a special jig to create the raised panels. A simple lacquer finish is planned but other options may be discussed.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: Table saw
SKILL LEVEL: All levels
MATERIALS FEE: $20 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Mariella Vitale, Fellow
COURSE: Cold Porcelain
PROJECT: The Faeries’ Mushroom Table
Deep within an enchanted woodland, hidden beneath ancient trees, stands a tiny mushroom table belonging to the forest faeries. By day, it appears to be an ordinary gathering place filled with magical books, tiny postcards, spell cards, candles, mushrooms, and woodland treasures. But as twilight falls…a delicate wand awakens the crystal ball, filling it with a soft magical glow. (Note that the crystal sphere can be replaced with a tiny bottle of “Magic Dust,” which glows in the dark.)
In this class students will build a mushroom table with cold porcelain. Throughout the class they will learn a variety of techniques, including working with cold porcelain, painting and aging surfaces, creating realistic textures, assembling tiny accessories, and designing a harmonious composition.
Whether new to miniatures or an experienced maker, each student will leave with a unique and imaginative project perfect for the home of a woodland faerie.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: All levels
MATERIALS FEE: $45 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Mariella Vitale, Fellow
COURSE: Cold Porcelain
PROJECT: Teddy’s Keepsake Shelf
What treasures would a little teddy keep on an old painted shelf after a lifetime of woodland adventures? A pine cone from the day he climbed Pine Hill. A tiny pumpkin gathered on an autumn afternoon. Letters from woodland friends, carefully folded and tied with string. Little mushrooms picked during rainy walks. A pressed oak leaf from his favorite season. While each object is ordinary on its own, it tells part of the teddy’s story, allowing students to create a unique display full of warmth, character, and imagination.
During this class, students will assemble a beautifully detailed shelf decorated with vintage-style printed ephemera. They will learn a variety of miniature techniques including sculpting with cold porcelain, jointing a teddy bear, painting, aging, and finishing.
This class is perfect for anyone who loves miniatures, storytelling, and handcrafted details. Whether new to cold porcelain or already experienced, students will leave with new skills, plenty of inspiration, and a finished miniature that looks as though it came straight from a fairytale book.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: All levels
MATERIALS FEE: $35 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Mariella Vitale, Fellow
COURSE: Cold Porcelain
PROJECT: The Witch’s Chair
A woodland witch returns home. She isn’t a witch found in frightening tales. Rather, she spends her days gathering herbs, helping lost woodland creatures find their way, and brewing remedies for anyone in need. As she steps inside her cottage, she pauses beside her favorite old chair. One of its legs broke long ago, so she has balanced it on a stack of her oldest spell books. They’re far too worn to read, yet far too precious to throw away. Melted candles rest on the books, filling the room with a warm glow. She places her hat, decorated with tiny leaves and woodland treasures collected during the day, on the seat, and leans her broom beside it.
In this class, students will build and decorate a beautifully aged wooden chair. Students will learn a variety of miniature techniques as they transform the chair into a whimsical display. Students will create realistic stacked books (which are NOT bound), sculpt tiny pumpkins and flowers from cold porcelain, and make a classic witch’s hat and a rustic broom. Along the way, students will discover painting, weathering, and finishing techniques that give miniatures character and a sense of history. Students will take home a charming one-of-a-kind miniature that looks as though it belongs in the corner of a witch’s cottage.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: None
SKILL LEVEL: All levels
MATERIALS FEE: $40 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Anna Wybranowska, Artisan
COURSE: Polymer Clay
PROJECT: Cherry Cake
Chocolate and cherries make a perfect combination of flavors. Delicious, moist sponge cake, rich chocolate cream, and fresh fruit. Plus, chocolate icing and sprinkles. Simply heavenly!
In this class, students will make a sliced cake using various types of modeling clay, including pre-baked and hard clay, as well as standard, soft, and liquid clays. Students will learn techniques for mixing, texturing, and rolling. The instructor will explore with students the secrets of three different types of transparent modeling clay and their uses in cakes, fruit, and leaves. Students will also prepare a bowl of cherries and several branches to decorate the arrangement.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: Toaster oven
SKILL LEVEL: All levels
MATERIALS FEE: $55 to be collected at school
INSTRUCTOR: Anna Wybranowska, Artisan
COURSE: Polymer Clay
PROJECT: Crêpes and Strawberries
Crêpes (pancakes) with berries and whipped cream are a favorite of children everywhere. In this class, students will learn how to prepare the perfect modeling clay mixtures for batter and fruit. They will also learn about a special medium for creating whipped cream and the tools for shaping it. Students will spend much of the time learning and practicing techniques for making blueberries and strawberries. Students will learn techniques for mixing, texturing, punching, and shading the polymer clay.
TIME: 12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS: Toaster oven
SKILL LEVEL: All levels
MATERIALS FEE: $45 to be collected at school