Class Info & Teachers Application

2012 Class List

Friday Classes

Power Carving

Date and Time:
Friday, September 14 - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Instructor:
Bonnie Gibson

Price:
$65.00

Course Level:
All Levels (beginner to advanced)

Description:
This class is perfect for those who want to learn how to get more out of a Dremel tool or other brand of rotary carver. In this class, you'll learn about using your power tool more effectively, and all about different types of burs and what they do. You'll learn techniques and will carve sand ripples, basic relief carving, and carving for inlay. Carving safety and types of equipment will be discussed.

Supplies Needed:
Bring a power rotary tool (Dremel or other brand) and any accessories you have on hand. Also a basic tool box with items such as pencil, xacto knife, riffler files or other sanding tools. Bring a N95 type dust mask (NOT "comfort masks", which are thin and inadequate).

Supplies Provided:
Instructor will supply handouts and some inlay materials. A gourd to work on will also be supplied. Suitable carving burs, dust masks, tools and other supplies will be available for purchase at class.


Resist Techniques

Date and Time:
Friday, September 14 - 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Instructor:
Kim Bilek

Price:
$45.00

Course Level:
All Levels (beginner to advanced)

Description:
Exploration of various "resist" techniques used to create unique gourd designs through the use of wax and assorted other masking mediums.

Supplies Needed:
Cleaned, medium-sized gourd.Heating tool and wood burning unit available for use in class, however, if you have your own heat tool and/or heat adjustable wood burning unit, please bring them. Electric wax tools will be available for use in class with conversion cords available to fit most burning units.

Supplies Provided:
All masking materials,tools, coloring supplies and informational handout supplied by instructor.


Braided Leather Rim

Date and Time:
Friday, September 14 - 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Instructor:
Barbara Bellchambers

Price:
$55.00

Course Level:
All Levels (beginner to advanced)

Description:
Learn a new technique for finishing your gourd rim! In this class, students will prepare the rim on their gourd before finishing the outside using leather dyes. After carefully spacing and drilling holes around the rim, students will learn to braid the rim using one long piece of leather lace.

Supplies Needed:
Rotary tool with drill bits (optional, some will be on hand to use), apron to protect clothing.

Supplies Provided:
All materials needed: opened and cleaned gourd, leather lace, leather needles, sanding paper, mask, glue, scissors, leather dye, varnish, pliers, non-slip mat, beads, feathers, hand-out.


Gourds from African Warty to Zucca!

Date and Time:
Friday, September 14 - 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm

Instructor:
Anna Miller

Price:
$20.00

Course Level:
Beginner

Description:
Learn about different types of gourds and how to grow them from an experienced grower and producer of true-to-type gourd seeds. The talk will be illustrated with slides, and there will be plenty of time for questions.

Supplies Needed:
None

Supplies Provided:
A gourd chart and free seed packet for each student.


Saturday Classes

3D Feather Carving

Date and Time:
Saturday, September 15 - 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Instructor:
Bonnie Gibson

Price:
$55.00

Course Level:
All Levels (beginner to advanced)

Description:
Learn basic dimensional carving techniques. The concepts of visualizing high-relief dimensional carving will be discussed, and additional techniques such as undercutting, rounding and specialized carving will enable you to create a feather that is dramatic and realistic in appearance. You may use either carving burs or woodburning to add the feather barbs, and painting methods will be discussed. Students will learn feather carving only (other decorative applications show in the photo may be added as desired after class is over).

Supplies Needed:
Bring a power rotary tool (Dremel or other brand) and any accessories you have on hand. Also a basic tool box with items such as pencil, xacto knife, riffler files or other sanding tools. Bring a N95 type dust mask (NOT "comfort masks", which are thin and inadequate).

Supplies Provided:
Instructor will supply handouts and a gourd to work on. Suitable carving burs, dust masks, tools and other supplies will be available for purchase at class.


Chip Carving

Date and Time:
Saturday, September 15 - 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Instructor:
Anna Miller

Price:
$40.00

Course Level:
All Levels (beginner to advanced)

Description:
This simple technique is easy to learn, and has many applications. Learn the basics of chip carving by decorating a gourd birdhouse. After carving the gourd, you will stain the gourd and apply a weather-resistant finish to it so it will be ready to hang up next spring.

Supplies Needed:
None required.

Supplies Provided:
Instructor will provide a martin house gourd, dyes and stains, finishes, and leather lacing for hangers. 1/4" u-shaped gouges will be available for purchase for $15 if you do not already have one.


Resist Techniques

Date and Time:
Saturday, September 15 - 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Instructor:
Kim Bilek

Price:
$45.00

Course Level:
All Levels (beginner to advanced)

Description:
Exploration of various "resist" techniques used to create unique gourd designs through the use of wax and assorted other masking mediums.

Supplies Needed:
Cleaned, medium-sized gourd.Heating tool and wood burning unit available for use in class, however, if you have your own heat tool and/or heat adjustable wood burning unit, please bring them. Electric wax tools will be available for use in class with conversion cords available to fit most burning units.

Supplies Provided:
All masking materials,tools, coloring supplies and informational handout supplied by instructor.


Filigree Carving

Date and Time:
Saturday, September 15 - 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Instructor:
Bonnie Gibson

Price:
$55.00

Course Level:
All Levels (beginner to advanced)

Description:
In this class you'll learn how to design and carve a section of "filigree" into the gourd surface and will have the option of adding design elements such as butterflies, dragonflies, etc. You'll try different carving methods and burs and should complete at least one section in class. Take advantage of learning from a master; I'll provide you with plenty of tips and tricks that will make the technique much easier and the finished project look good!

Supplies Needed:
Bring a power rotary tool (Dremel or other brand) and any accessories you have on hand. Also a basic tool box with items such as pencil, xacto knife, riffler files or other sanding tools. Bring a N95 type dust mask (NOT "comfort masks", which are thin and inadequate).

Supplies Provided:
Instructor will supply handouts and some inlay materials. A gourd to work on will also be supplied. Suitable carving burs, dust masks, tools and other supplies will be available for purchase at class.


Weaving with Paper Core and Fibers

Date and Time:
Saturday, September 15 - 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Instructor:
Catherine Devine

Price:
$55.00

Course Level:
All Levels (beginner to advanced)

Description:
Learn a new use for paper core and left-over bits of seagrass, wool or cording. Students will need to bring a prepared gourd, with the outside and inside finished as desired. We will space and drill holes around the rim, and use paper core as spokes for weaving.

Supplies Needed:
Cut, cleaned and sealed gourd, rotary tool with drill bits for adding holes on rim, scissors, any scraps you want to add to your design (optional).

Supplies Provided:
Tutorial, paper core, seagrass, wool strips, miscellaneous fibers.


Gourds from African Warty to Zucca!

Date and Time:
Saturday, September 15 - 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm

Instructor:
Anna Miller

Price:
$20.00

Course Level:
Beginner

Description:
Learn about different types of gourds and how to grow them from an experienced grower and producer of true-to-type gourd seeds. The talk will be illustrated with slides, and there will be plenty of time for questions.

Supplies Needed:
None

Supplies Provided:
A gourd chart and free seed packet for each student.


Sunday Classes

Native Treasures

Date and Time:
Sunday, September 16 - 9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Instructor:
Bonnie Gibson

Price:
$70.00

Course Level:
All Levels (beginner to advanced)

Description:
The photo is an example of what you will learn during our class; your design will vary. You will learn how to carve and paint faux inlaid precious stone jewelry, and to create faux textured metal effects.

Supplies Needed:
Bring a power rotary tool (Dremel or other brand) and any accessories you have on hand. Also a basic tool box with items such as pencil, xacto knife, riffler files or other sanding tools. Bring a N95 type dust mask (NOT "comfort masks", which are thin and inadequate).

Supplies Provided:
Instructor will supply handouts, painting supplies and tools. A gourd to work on will also be supplied. *You may wish to bring your own brushes, as class brushes are not usually as well cared for as what you might use at home. Suitable carving burs, dust masks, tools and other supplies will be available for purchase at class.


Weaving with Caning

Date and Time:
Sunday, September 16 - 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Instructor:
Catherine Devine

Price:
$55.00

Course Level:
All Levels (beginner to advanced)

Description:
Create a striking woven basket top on a gourd base, using dyed reed and caning. Students will need to bring a prepared gourd, with the outside and inside finished as desired. We will space and drill holes around the rim, and use dyed caning strips for weaving.

Supplies Needed:
Cut, cleaned and sealed gourd, rotary tool with drill bits for adding holes on rim, scissors, awl or basketry tools, water bucket, towel.

Supplies Provided:
Tutorial, dyed reed spokes, dyed caning strips.


More classes coming soon...


Class Registration

Pre-Register:
Glenn Murray
810-664-7300
gmglenn@hotmail.com

Download the Registration Form

2012 Class information
The seating for each class is limited
Students must cancel on or before September 1, 2012 to receive a refund
Gate entrance is not included in class price.

If you would be interested in teaching a course please fill out the form below.

Workshop Application for 3rd Annual Michigan Festival of Gourds, September 14 - 16, 2012
Send a completed application with photo for each class to:

Deb Stallings
6480 W. Imlay City Road
Imlay City, MI 48444

Name: *
Address: *
City: *
State/Zip: * Zip / Postal Code: *
Telephone: *
E-Mail: *
Workshop Description: *
Materials Supplied by Instructor:
If none are needed, type none
Materials Supplied by students:
If none are needed, type none
Teachers provide gourds, extension cords and power strips. Volunteers will help you unload your vehicle.
Course Level:
Minimum # of Students:   Maximum # of Students:
Workshop Charge: $ per student + $5 Class Duration:

Class Times (tentative):
Friday, September 14th: 9:00 - 12:00, 1:00 - 5:00
Saturday, September 15th: 9:00 - 12:00, 1:00 - 5:00
Sunday, September 16th: 9:00 - 2:00

Preferred Class Times:
Please provide a list of times with as many options as possible.
We will contact you once a schedule starts to come together to confirm the information.
Picture Upload:
Please upload a picture to better help promote your class.
The file size dimensions are 150x150 pixels (it's okay if it's bigger - up to 500px) at 72 dpi. File formats should be in a .jpg or .gif.
When you are ready please click here. A window will pop up where you can then browse to your image. When you are done you can close the pop up window and finish with the rest of this form.
Sample image size:
150px by 150px @ 72 dpi
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