Fall Folk Arts Workshop Series

The Chippewa Valley Museum will offer a series of folk arts workshops this fall, each led by a local artist. Class sizes are limited, and advance registration is required. Contact Liz Reuter at 715-834-7871 or l.reuter@cvmuseum.com for more information or to register.

October

Saturday, October 4:  Hand-Carved Letter Openers Wood Carving Workshop with Ron Mastrobuoni

10 am - 2:30 pm. Explore the popular folk art of wood carving as you learn the four basic cuts needed to make a functional and decorative letter opener. This beginner's project will include all the tools necessary for you to complete a finished piece, along with some extras and ideas for painting your carving, if time permits. All materials are included, and each student will receive a Murphy Knife and carving glove. Participants should bring a sack lunch from home. $36 for CVM members, $40 for non-members. Register by Sept. 26.

October 14 & 21, November 4 & 11:  Tribal Arts Classes

Tuesday evenings from 6:30-7:30 pm. Create a personalized walking stick and explore Ojibwe culture and traditions with artist and Lac Courte Oreilles member Dick Mindykowski. Sessions include information on trapping and tanning techniques, as well as the methods used to hand-harvest the wood and other natural materials. Participants will choose a hand-crafted walking stick to suit their taste and height and customize it using all-authentic materials. Advance registration is encouraged, as there is a limit of 25 projects per session, and a limit of one project per person per class. Enrollment is open to those 13 and older, or 12 and under with adult supervision. Families welcome. $15 per small walking stick (4 feet and under) or $25 per large (over 4 feet).

Saturday, October 18:  Needle Felted Woolen Owl & Nest with Susana Ruder

10:30 am - 12:00 pm. Learn the basic techniques of needle felting while making a fun project for fall. Perfect for beginners! All participants will use a needle, felting pad, and the wool to create a cute owl and nest. Open to adults only. Registration is limited to 15 students. $18 per project for CVM members, $23 for non-members. Register by Oct. 3.

Saturday, October 18:  Wet Felted Woolen Coasters with Nobuko Fukuda

10 am - 12 pm OR 2-4 pm.  Design a pair of beautiful hand-felted coasters with local artist Nobuko Fukuda. Learn the techniques for using wool to make decorative and practical items for everyday use or to have when celebrating an important occasion. This class is open to adults and children ages 14 and older, or 13 and under with adult help. Students are asked to bring their own hand-sized towels; all other supplies and materials provided by the instructor. Registration is limited to 12 people per session. $18 per project for CVM members, $23 for non-members. Register by Oct. 3.

November

Saturday, November 15:  Silk Scarf Dyeing Classes with Jane Foos. Register by Oct. 31.

10:30 am - 12:30 pm, Level I Marble Design. Create a custom silk scarf using the new instant dyes. Colors are translucent for a light, shimmering look. No toxic chemicals, steam setting, gloves or aprons needed. When your scarf is dyed, we will dry it out (only takes a couple of minutes) and you can add a little bling using iridescent paint sticks and rubbing plates. Makes a great gift. $30 CVM members, $35 non-members; all materials included. Second Scarf: $25.00 (as time allows).

1:30-3:30 pm, Level II Bubble Scarf. Create a hand dyed silk scarf using the marbling technique, then add an overlay design of bubbles. Finish off the scarf with a dash of metallic bling if desired. Pre-requisite Class Level I or II. $30.00 CVM members, $35 non-members; all materials included. Second Scarf: $25.00 (as time allows).

Saturday, November 15:  Needle Felted Gnomes with Susana Ruder

10:30 am - 12:00 pm. Just in time for the holidays! These delightful little gnomes each feature a beard and hat and would make wonderful additions to your home, or for gift-giving. This class is suitable for beginners and will allow participants with past needle felting experiences to fine-tune their skills. All materials included. Open to adults only. Registration is limited to 15 students. $18 per project for CVM members, $23 for non-members. Register by Oct. 31.

Saturday, November 22:  Intro to Painting Silk with Erin O'Brien

12:30-4:30 pm. Discover the art of silk painting with Erin O'Brien. Explore different styles of silk painting, types and weights of silk, the difference between dyes and paints, and how to care for silk. Experiment with how salt and alcohol can move silk dyes around on a 54" silk satin scarf, creating interesting patterns and depth. The French silk dyes require a three hour steam set to bond the colors to the silk, and scarves will be mailed or delivered to participants when complete. All levels of artistic abilities welcome! Ages 15 and up. The class is also open to an adult and child who want to paint on the same scarf. Erin O'Brien brings over 30 years of experience as a textile artist, interior design consultant, and business owner to teaching the fine art of painting on silk. www.ErinDesigns.com. $75 CVM members, $80 non-members. Register by Nov. 7.