Would you like to learn to set up and use power tools at the Mill? We will make a boot jack, a mitten/plastic bag dryer, and a cell phone holder as we learn to use the equipment. We will be using the drill press, chop saw, router, jig saw, band saw, table saw, as well as hand tools.

This two day introduction to watercolor will help both the beginner and those who wonder how to start. We will talk about paper, paints, brushes, and needed supplies. We will cover terminology and try out techniques and tools. Donna will supply a watercolor pad for each participant and will have extra brushes and paints to use for the lessons, if needed. Bring any watercolor supplies you have, or if you haven't started painting yet, just bring yourself and a willingness to experiment and play with this wonderful medium.

Shibori is the Japanese art of indigo dyeing. Participants will get the opportunity to experiment with different methods of creating designs on fabric by tying, folding, clamping and gathering fabric. Watching the reaction of indigo dye as it oxidizes and turns the fabric from white to brilliant green and finally settling on a beautiful blue is part of the fun. The resulting fabric will be colorfast in the washing machine but will fade in the sun. Bring rubber gloves if you have them. Cotton and linen fabrics will be made availble, and if you have any at home you'd like to dye, bring them with you as well.

Come carve a spoon! Learn to work with the grain of the wood using gouges and knives to shape a unique creation and return home with a functional and beautiful utensil. This class will include an introduction to edge tools and carving safety.

The inspiration of this workshop is to make a hanging piece of artwork made of tiles that will be permanently displayed at the mill, that documents the different kinds of crafts that have sustained and enhanced our community over the years. During the workshop, each participant will be making two tiles, highlighting their chosen craft. One will be left for the mill as part of the display, and the other may be taken home when finished. Each participant will draw a simple scene on paper depicting the craft they choose and then it will be transferred onto a tile by painting or carving it into the clay.
The tiles will be finished 2 weeks after the initial class. At this time they will be returned to the mill and assembled into the wall hanging. This part is not required by participants but is encouraged. They may pick up their own tiles to take home at this point. The date for assembling the wall hanging will be determined while at the tile making (first) session.) Folks will have to be flexible as to their subject matter. For example we don't want 6 tiles on quilting. We want to cover as many crafts as possible. I will have a list of possibilities on hand.

In this workshop, I will share many simple songs and games that have been passed down through the generations by children and by teachers. I will also pass on songs and dances shared with me by some members of the Mill Hollow community. Attendees will be invited to participate in the movements of the dances and songs. I will bring some song words and materials to share. If you would like to record the session bring a recording device with you. This is a workshop for adults.

If you are a relative newby to woodworking and you would like to make something usable in just one class, join us to make this simple outdoor wooden bench. In this three hour class we will walk you through the steps to construct a sturdy bench for your garden or yard. This workshop is designed for people new to woodworking who wish to have exposure to using both hand and power tools, including the table saw, the chop saw, a drill, a tape measure, and a sander.

Making ornaments from natural materials like birch bark is a wonderful way to give special gifts without breaking the bank. In this class, we will weave one birch bark bird and one eight-pointed star. If there is time, additional items may be created as well.

Come join a one-time journey into imagination and creative writing in which we bring to life people from the 19th century that we only know from their photographs. Choose from a collection of pictures (or bring your own) of long-forgotten men and women, give them a name and brief life story. Based on the bio you have imagined for them and what you see in their faces, give them a voice – what they would tell another person on the train, for instance, about their interests, successes, disappointments, etc.

In this workshop we will create 2 collages on 5"x 8"mat board. The card making will center around the discovery of our animal guide. In the beginning of the workshop, we will be using Jamie Sams and David Carson's Animal Medicine Card Deck to find out who our animal guide is. We will then choose pictures from images that will be on hand. Arranging the images on the cards, we will use scissors and glue to secure them onto the cards. At the end of the workshop we will have time for reflection and sharing with one another.

Spend the afternoon learning the in's and out's of repairing and tuning your bike. A great skill to learn if you enjoy biking. There will be tools on hand, but if you have some of your own you'd like to use, feel free to use them. A note from Kurt: although I am quite experienced with bicycle maintenance, I do not have experience with hydraulic brakes, electronic shifting, or suspension, so if that is the primary maintenance you need, this class will likely not be adequate for your bike.

Mosaic making is a splendid, versatile art form with endless creative possibilities. In this introduction to mosaics class, you will be designing and making your own stepping stone for use in your garden or home. You will learn the basics of mosaic art: designing, cutting tile, and grouting your work to complete your piece. By the end of this class you will have acquired the skills to continue to craft your own projects at home.

Using hand and power tools we will construct stools that magically slide together. They can be easily taken apart for storage if desired.
We will be using the chop saw, router, band saw, table saw, jig saw, and hand tools. This is a beginner level class.

Writing a poem about a favorite image or object, whether a painting, a photograph or crafted object (also know as ekphrastic poetry) is an enjoyable way to explore subjects that are meaningful to us. In this session we will look at and discuss examples of poems based on visual images, and spend time working on poems of our own. You can bring an object to inspire you, or use one of the images available at the workshop.

Weave a small basket using materials from the Black Ash (Fraxinus nigra). Black ash is an amazing tree that grows in the Northeast and has been traditionally used for basket making for generations. Its growth rings separate easily when pounded, creating strong, flexible splints that are perfect for weaving. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the basics of black ash basket weaving techniques and create your own piece. Everyone will leave with a finished basket approximately 4" × 4".

In this class we will make beeswax candles to be enjoyed during the darker days of winter. These candles are made using Japanese Knotweed as a mold and Dogbane cordage for the wicks. These candles are special because they are made using local plants and provide a unique way to utilize invasive knotweed. You will learn how to make reverse wrap cordage from dogbane fibers, learn the process of making candles using knotweed stalk segments as molds, and learn a bit about the natural history of both plants involved. Everyone will go home with at least two candles!