|
|
|
|
Class Full. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
-
-
Fee: $49.00
Instructor: Allie Robins (she/her)
Student Age: 15+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 7
Seats Available: -2
Dates: 6/11/2025 - 6/11/2025
Times: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Days: W Sessions: 1
 Do you want to begin woodworking, but don't know where to start? This 3-hour beginner's course will give you an overview of the tools, materials, and knowledge needed to make a project with wood, covering the basics and providing resources for more in-depth skill-building. With a small class size, some of the course content will be tailored to the students' specific interests, such as your goal project(s), tools you already have or are considering, resources for building new skills, and other specific questions.
Topics covered:
- Tool overview: Which power tools, hand tools, and materials you may need (and don't need!) to get started
- Basic shop setup and considerations
- Quick overview of tool use (tailored to specific student interests)
- Planning a project: What to consider; limitations and risks
- Where and how to buy and select wood
- Basics of working with wood (hardness, movement, moisture, grain)
- Measuring and cutting basics
- Brief overview of joinery options (wood joints, fasteners, glues, dowels/biscuits, etc.) and how to choose
- Sanding basics
- Brief overview of finishing products and methods (stains, protective coats, etc.)
Appropriate for all skill levels. All necessary materials will be provided. Students are encouraged to bring a notebook/pen, and all your woodworking questions! You may also bring any small items or photos that you have questions about for projects you are considering. Please wear closed-toe shoes.
|
|
|
|
-
-
Fee: $300.00
Instructor: Larry Miller (he/him)
Student Age: 13+
Location: Larry Miller's Shop
Max Class Size: 4
Seats Available: 3
Dates: 6/13/2025 - 6/14/2025
Times: 6:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Days: F Sa Sessions: 2
Note that the course runs at different times on two consecutive days: Friday from 6-8:30pm and Saturday from 8:30am-4:30pm.
 In this 10 hour course spread over an evening and a full day, students will complete a spindle project (a wooden carving mallet, stirring spurtle, or garden dibble - student’s choice) and a small bowl, both of which they’ll take home after the class.
Friday evening will be devoted to safety, and lathe and tool orientation, followed by completion of the student’s choice of a spindle project. Saturday will be devoted to completing Friday’s project if needed, and completion of a small bowl, including finishing. For students interested in acquiring their own lathe or tools, the instructor will provide a catalog and go over different lathe options and tips on how to acquire equipment and tools at reduced cost.
Appropriate for all skill levels. All materials are included. A few days in advance of the class, the instructor will send an e-mail to all students containing a document on woodturning safety and techniques, directions to his shop, what to expect in the class, and what is appropriate attire for safety.
|
|
|
|
|
Class Full. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
-
-
Fee: $200.00
Instructor: Kelly Rigg
Student Age: 15+
Location: Blacksmith Studio
Max Class Size: 4
Seats Available: -5
Dates: 6/14/2025 - 6/14/2025
Times: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Days: Sa Sessions: 1
 This is a six-hour course designed to expose students to basic blacksmithing techniques. Students will begin the day by making nails. Nails are a great exercise as they require several different forging techniques: drawing a taper, using a hot cut hardy, and upsetting. In making the nails students will also gain confidence in swinging a hammer, hitting accurately and with vigor, managing hot steel in the forge and comfortably working at the anvil.
The second exercise will be to make decorative leaves. Leaves are a great next step as they use several of the techniques learned in making the nails plus a few new techniques are introduced, such as the use of a chisel on hot steel, spreading metal to make the lobes of the leaf and sinking the leaf form into a stump. The piece of steel with a leaf on one end can then become many different things, a simple hook, a fire poker, a BBQ fork, or whatever else the student comes up with. The last portion of the day is set aside to simply practice skills learned. Students can make a bottle opener, coat hook, more nails, more leaves, etc. The primary goals of the class are for students to have a fun time in a relaxed environment and learn basic blacksmithing skills.
Durable, close-toed shoes, and long pants are required. Please tie back long hair. All tools and equipment will be provided. Please note this class is held at the instructor's blacksmithing studio. A few days before class, the instructor will send an email to all students with the address for his shop.
|
|
|
|
-
-
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: 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.
|
|
|
|
|
Class Full. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
-
-
Fee: $75.00
Instructor: Rowan Green (he/him)
Student Age: 14+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 6
Seats Available: 0
Dates: 6/18/2025 - 6/18/2025
Times: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Days: W Sessions: 1
 If you are new to the ancient and satisfying craft of spinning and dream of making your own yarn, drop spindle is the easiest and most affordable way to get started on your spinning journey. In this class we will discuss various types of wool and their characteristics, as well as different kinds of hand spindles. We will begin with lap spindling to get the motions down and quickly move to spindle spinning. Students will also learn how to wind a center-pull ball on their hand which they can use for making a 2-ply yarn during class.
Locally grown wool fiber will be provided. Please bring a drop spindle if you have one or bring $12 to the first class to purchase one from the instructor. This class is for beginning spinners - no experience is required. It is an excellent primer for the Make Your Own Yarn: Wheel Spinning for Beginners course, as it will help with the body mechanics of spinning.
Note: Please wear an apron or clothes that can get a little dirty from wool.
|
|
|
|
-
-
Fee: $145.00
Instructor: Davey Stevenson
Student Age: 14+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 10
Seats Available: 3
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!
|
|
|
|
-
-
Fee: $140.00
Instructor: Joan Hoffmeyer (she/her)
Student Age: 16+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 6
Seats Available: 1
Dates: 6/21/2025 - 6/22/2025
Times: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Days: Sa Su Sessions: 2
 In this beginner's level course, you will learn the parts of a rigid heddle loom and the importance each part plays in your weaving. You will be shown how to warp a loom and weave a scarf. You will also learn hemstitching that holds woven yarn in place after the scarf is removed from the loom. We will also discuss different weave structures and how color can impact your woven items.
For this self-striping scarf project, you will see the thrilling progression as the colors of yarn you have chosen develop to create a truly original scarf design.
Appropriate for all skill levels. No prior experience is required. Looms will be provided. Students will need to bring scissors, tape measure, a blunt tipped tapestry needle, and self-striping yarn. It is recommended that you purchase either one skein of Zauberball Stark 6 or two skeins of Berroco Sesame, Berroco Summer Sesame, or any other self-striping yarn. The total yardage needed is approximately 440 yards. Yarns may be purchased at Our Local Yarn Shop. Make sure you mention the yarn is for a class at Arbutus to receive a 10% discount.
|
|
|
|
|
Class Full. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
-
-
Fee: $95.00
Instructor: Cheryl Upshaw
Student Age: 10+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 8
Seats Available: 0
Dates: 6/24/2025 - 7/1/2025
Times: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Days: Tu Sessions: 2
 The first course in the Beginner Knitting Series is Knit and Purl. This two session course is designed for complete beginners as well as for those who would like a refresher. In Knit and Purl, students will learn the most basic stitch: the knit stitch. Under the instructor’s guidance, students will complete this stitch with confidence while working on a sampler scarf. Students will then build on the knit stitch and double their skills to include the Purl stitch. Using these two stitches, students will be able to complete most flat knitting projects and are ready to move on to the next course in the series, Cable and Lace.
Students will need to bring a pair of size 8 knitting needles and worsted weight yarn in any medium or light tone (please no navy, dark brown, black, or other deep shades - we want you to be able to see what you're doing!) The instructor has included a detailed guide for purchasing all necessary supplies. Indigo Purls Yarn Boutique and Our Local Yarn Shop (OLYS) will give a 10% discount on these supplies if you mention your purchase is for a class at Arbutus Folk School.
|
|
|
|
|
Class Full. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
-
-
Fee: $75.00
Instructor: Kirsten Miller (she/her)
Student Age: 16+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 8
Seats Available: -4
Dates: 6/25/2025 - 6/25/2025
Times: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Days: W Sessions: 1
Learn the basics of needle-turn appliqué quilting by hand to create your own designs for quilts, clothing, and more!
The course will delve into hand sewing techniques that facilitate the appliqué process as students create a template for a basic floral-design quilt square. We will discuss needle sizes, thread, pinning, and basting, and go over techniques for sewing concave versus convex curves, corners, and points, as well as techniques for creating circles. Students will leave with a materials list, a template for a basic floral quilt square pattern, and a start to their own neede-turn appliqué journey.
This course welcomes students with no prior knowledge of appliqué quilting, as well as those with some basic experience who would like to refresh or advance their skills. Some needle and thread experience is preferred and helpful for this class.
All materials will be provided. Please bring a notebook and pen, and reading glasses, if needed, for small detailed handwork.
|
|
|
|
-
-
 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
|
|
|
|
-
-
Fee: $250.00
Instructor: Liz Frey (she/her)
Student Age: 13+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 8
Seats Available: 1
Dates: 6/28/2025 - 6/29/2025
Times: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Days: Su Sa Sessions: 2
 In this two-session course, students will learn basic weaving techniques using both stick and boat shuttles on pre-warped floor looms, and will take home seven small completed handwoven pieces.
In the first session students will be introduced to the different parts of a loom and how they work. The instructor will cover weaving language and how to read weaving drafts, and demonstrate how to wind a bobbin and stick shuttle, throw a shuttle, advance the warp, add more weft, fix a broken warp thread, maintain an even weaving beat, and keep neat selvedges.
In the second session students will use what they have learnt to weave and complete seven different samples.
Appropriate for beginners. No prior experience is required. All materials, tools, and equipment are provided.
|
|
|
|
|
Class Full. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
-
-
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: -1
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
