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Fee: $180.00
Instructor: Lara Tukarski
Student Age: 16+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 12
Seats Available: 5
Dates: 4/29/2025 - 5/6/2025
Times: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Days: Tu Sessions: 2
 Join us for this 2-part introductory series to learn about scrimshaw, a unique maritime art which encompasses the engraving of bone or ivory. Explore the origins and rich history of scrimshaw as a folk art with an emphasis on the materials and tools traditionally used. Discover the techniques by which contemporary scrimshaw is created, to include preparing the engraving surface, design work, and the engraving process. All materials used are legally sourced.
This class is suitable for the complete beginner. All levels of experience are welcome and all supplies will be provided. Aprons and clothes that can get dirty are recommended. Participants will leave with a finished pocket knife, engraving tools and ink, and practice materials to continue creating unique works of scrimshaw art at home.
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Fee: $50.00
Instructor: Gale Hemmann
Student Age: Age 14+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 10
Seats Available: 10
Dates: 4/30/2025 - 4/30/2025
Times: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Days: W Sessions: 1
 A poem is something that takes its joy in sound. Take time out of the moment and come to a place where you can play with language. In our all-level poetry class, we'll explore sound in poems as a place to explore, heal, and figure out what we always meant to say. Watch the language take shape as you play with different topics. We'll read work by others to inspire us, free up our pens through exercises, and even have a chance to share our work.
Poetry is a great way to see, feel and connect to the community all around us in new ways. All are welcome and there are no requirements to attend. Please bring questions, a notepad, and a topic you've always wanted to say more about! Join us and build your "house of poetry."
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Fee: $290.00
Instructor: Jeff Salazar
Student Age: 12+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 6
Seats Available: 3
Dates: 5/10/2025 - 5/11/2025
Times: 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Days: Su Sa Sessions: 2
 This is a 12-hour workshop on the fundamentals of hardcover bookbinding using traditional case-binding methods and sewn signatures/booklets. Each student will learn how to bind books using equipment that is readily available and easy to replicate at home, while making an approximately 6" x 9" personal journal. At the end of the course, students will have a Bookbinder's Essential Toolkit and the ability to bind books at home!
No prior knowledge is required. All materials will be provided, and you are encouraged to bring an apron and wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Please bring snacks and a water bottle.
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Fee: $95.00
Instructor: Allie Robins (she/her)
Student Age: 14+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 9
Seats Available: 8
Dates: 5/22/2025 - 5/22/2025
Times: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Days: Th Sessions: 1
 Are you in your woodcrafting era? Join Swiftie woodworking instructor Allie Robins for this enchanting night of learning to make your own simple wooden bracelet holder in our woodshop, and making friendship bracelets in the company of other Swifties! Zero skills or experience required, and you don’t need to bring anything.
Long story short, we’ll learn how to use a hand saw, drill, tape measure, and sandpaper to make the wood bracelet holder, all skills that apply to other wood projects you might tackle in the future. Then learn how to make friendship bracelets with a variety of colored beads, letters, and invisible string.
All supplies, tools, instruction, and background music will be provided. Bring snacks or packed dinner and a water bottle as needed. Feel free to bring your bracelet ideas and (if desired) any additional beads/charms you want to use or share!
Welcome to Swiftie Bracelet Night, it’s been waiting for you!
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Fee: $95.00
Instructor: William Reichle
Student Age: 18+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 16
Seats Available: 8
Dates: 5/23/2025 - 5/23/2025
Times: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Days: F Sessions: 1
 Make your own stained-glass planter with pre-cut and ground leaves to create your own unique arrangement of beauty to capture and refract light. Gain guided experience with soldering technique, learn how to frame with lead came, how to attach tinned copper wire, and how to properly clean and polish stained glass. All materials are included. At the beginning of class, we cover best safety practices working with stained glass, and briefly cover the tools and materials before diving in. Everyone is welcome and no prior knowledge is needed to attend this class.
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Class Full. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
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Fee: $115.00
Instructor: William Reichle
Student Age: 18+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 16
Seats Available: -5
Dates: 5/24/2025 - 5/24/2025
Times: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Days: Sa Sessions: 1
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In this 5-hour class, you will make your own stained glass suncatcher. You will learn best practices for working with stained glass safely, learn to use the tiffany method of foiling, gain guided experience with soldering technique, learn how to frame with lead came, how to attach O-Rings, and how to properly clean and polish stained glass. Each student will receive a pre-cut and ground glass kit of the design pictured. This design, created by the instructor, is entitled "Color Theory."
Everyone is welcome and no prior knowledge is needed to attend this class. Please plan to bring a lunch or light snack and a water bottle.
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Class Full. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
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Fee: $50.00
Instructor: Ryan Johnson (he/him)
Student Age: 18+ (Ages 12+ with registered adult)
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 7
Seats Available: -3
Dates: 5/28/2025 - 5/28/2025
Times: 6:00 PM - 8:15 PM
Days: W Sessions: 1
 Learn the fundamentals of sharpening knives and tools!
In this one-session workshop, join Woodworker and Survival Skills Instructor Ryan Johnson for a tutorial on sharpening your knives and tools by hand. We’ll discuss the principles of sharpening and get hands-on practice using free-hand techniques.
Please wear closed toe shoes and bring 2-3 knives or tools from your arsenal to practice on. If you don’t have any knives or don’t know what to bring, contact Ryan and he can bring extras for you. No prior knowledge is required to attend this class and all skill levels are welcome!
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Fee: $120.00
Instructor: Cate Frazier-Neely
Student Age: 16+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 25
Seats Available: 25
Dates: 6/2/2025 - 6/30/2025
Times: 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Days: M Sessions: 5
 Circle Singing is group singing that incorporates body/mouth percussion and both repetitive and improvised phrases. It's a community-based tradition that can be done with beginners or those that are shy about singing in public. The circle is led by someone who teaches people the basic elements of circle singing and then creates parts to be sung by sections within the circle. Elements from world music traditions are pulled together to create community, foster relationships, and stimulate health and wellness benefits. Singers of all levels are welcome in the same circle.
Students should bring a water bottle and wear comfortable clothing. No prior singing or musical experience is required for this class and singers of all skill levels are welcome.
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Fee: $180.00
Instructor: Kuen Kuen Spichiger (she/her)
Student Age: 15+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 15
Seats Available: 13
Dates: 6/7/2025 - 6/8/2025
Times: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Days: Su Sa Sessions: 2
Please note: this course takes place Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 9am-12pm.
 Create your own intricate batik scroll using traditional Guizhou-region batik techniques. You will create your own design and use wax knives, beeswax, cloth, and indigo dye to create your scroll.
Appropriate for Beginner skill levels. Previous students are also welcome to register if they would like to continue practicing and advancing their batik skills.
All necessary materials will be provided. Please wear old clothing that can get dirty as you will be using wax and dyes. An old towel would be useful as well.
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Fee: $290.00
Instructor: Jeff Salazar
Student Age: 12+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 6
Seats Available: 5
Dates: 6/14/2025 - 6/15/2025
Times: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Days: Su Sa Sessions: 2
This is a 12-hour workshop on the fundamentals of hardcover bookbinding using traditional case-binding methods and sewn signatures/booklets. Each student will learn how to bind books using equipment that is readily available and easy to replicate at home, while making an approximately 6" x 9" personal journal. At the end of the course, students will have a Bookbinder's Essential Toolkit and the ability to bind books at home!
No prior knowledge is required. All materials will be provided, and you are encouraged to bring an apron and wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Please bring snacks and a water bottle.
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Fee: $145.00
Instructor: Davey Stevenson
Student Age: 14+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 10
Seats Available: 9
Dates: 6/19/2025 - 6/26/2025
Times: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Days: Th Sessions: 2
In this two day course, students will create a small leather bag perfect for carrying pencils, makeup, or other treasures. Students will be introduced to a range of basic leatherworking techniques: working with a pattern, cutting, punching holes, and stitching. Students will also learn about choosing leather, what additional tools are useful in getting started, and finishing techniques for improving basic projects.
The final product will be approximately 4" tall, with a base that measures 7 x 3.25". No prior knowledge is required. All materials are provided and students receive a basic kit of leatherworking tools to take home!
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 Since ancient times, a simple square cloth has been used in Japan to protect the most valuable of treasures and to transport items across short and long distance. Traveling merchants would use large cloths to bundle and carry their goods as they traveled from town to town to sell their wares. The prominent use of these wrapping cloths in association with Japanese bathing culture resulted in the common name used today by combining the words for “bath” (furo) and “to spread” (shiki) to form the word furoshiki. At first only reserved for nobility and the warrior class, bathhouses became accessible to the general public and a normal part of daily life in Japan. Clothes and personal items were carried to and from the bathhouse in a furoshiki, which could also be used as a floor mat while changing clothes.
Using furoshiki became commonplace in everyday life until plastic bags were introduced and caused a steep decline. Recently, with a greater awareness of the environment and the importance of recycling and sustainable practices, the furoshiki is making a strong comeback. Recently, a whole new generation of people not only in Japan but around the world are re-discovering an appreciation for the limitless uses and the visual appeal of the furoshiki. It is a perfect combination of form and function. New twists on ancient wrapping techniques are ensuring the return of the furoshiki as it once again is incorporated back into daily life.
In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the basic knots and techniques needed for gift wrapping and for carrying items of varying sizes and shapes. You will be amazed at how a single piece of cloth has endless possibilities! Note: The presenter will provide furoshiki and props for the participants to borrow during this workshop.
Free to attend. This event is generously presented at no cost thanks to the Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle.
Seats available for 25 participants, first come, first served. Ages 10 and up.
Instructor: Lynn Miyauchi
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E., Olympia, WA 98506
Date: Friday, 6/27/2025, 2:00-3:30pm
Cost: Free
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Fee: $50.00
Instructor: Ryan Johnson (he/him)
Student Age: 18+ (Ages 12+ with registered adult)
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 7
Seats Available: 6
Dates: 6/29/2025 - 6/29/2025
Times: 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Days: Su Sessions: 1
Learn the fundamentals of sharpening knives and tools!
In this one-session workshop, join Woodworker and Survival Skills Instructor Ryan Johnson for a tutorial on sharpening your knives and tools by hand. We’ll discuss the principles of sharpening and get hands-on practice using free-hand techniques.
Please wear closed toe shoes and bring 2-3 knives or tools from your arsenal to practice on. If you don’t have any knives or don’t know what to bring, contact Ryan and he can bring extras for you. No prior knowledge is required to attend this class and all skill levels are welcome!
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