Click here to jump to your desired section:
Bookbinding
Weaving
Other Fiber Arts
Paper Arts & Surface Design
Kids' Classes
Other Opportunities
Or browse through the entire list below:
Bookbinding
Weaving
Other Fiber Arts
Paper Arts & Surface Design
Kids' Classes
Other Opportunities
Or browse through the entire list below:
2019 Creative Workshops for Adults
Course offerings for ages 15 to 115.
Bookbinding Workshops
Bookbinding: Long Stitch
Learn to make your own blank, soft cover book with this basic but beautiful bookbinding stitch that creates pages that lie completely flat, handy for journaling, sketchbooks, or photo albums. Bookbinding skills learned: working with basic bookbinding tools (awl, piercing cradle, bone folder, straight needles, piercing templates), folded signatures, flexible covers, completely non-adhesive closed spine bookbinding, sewing long stitch using waxed thread. All bookbinding tools and materials will be provided for your use in the workshop. You will take home one 4-½” x 5-¾” soft cover book with a faux (or real!) leather cover. Adult workshop, appropriate for all levels. Saturday, July 27 – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. $25 + $10 materials (Optional: additional $5 for leather cover) |
Bookbinding: Pamphlet Stitch
Learn to make your own blank, soft cover book with this very simple bookbinding stitch that creates pages that lie completely flat, handy for journaling, sketchbooks, or photo albums. This stitch makes a sturdy, solid book and is probably the easiest of all bookbinding stitches that we teach. Bookbinding skills learned: working with basic bookbinding tools (awl, piercing cradle, bone folder, straight needles, piercing templates), folded signatures, soft cover, completely non-adhesive closed spine bookbinding, sewing pamphlet stitch using waxed thread. All bookbinding tools and materials will be provided for your use in the workshop. You’ll go home with one completed 4-½” x 5-¾” blank book with a faux (or real!) leather cover. Adult workshop, appropriate for all levels. Saturday, August 3 – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. $25 + $10 materials (Optional: additional $5 for leather cover) |
Bookbinding: Buttonhole Stitch with a Soft Cover
Come learn this playful stitch that can be used with various covers to create a book that lies open flat, making it easy to write or draw in. In this workshop, you will make and take home one book with a soft vinyl faux-leather or real leather cover, using fun decorative papers to enhance the peek-a-boo window to the book’s spine, and a button closure. Bookbinding skills learned: working with basic bookbinding tools (awl, piercing cradle, bone folder, straight needles, piercing templates), folded signatures, flexible cover, completely non-adhesive partially-exposed spine bookbinding, sewing buttonhole stitch using waxed thread. All bookbinding tools and materials will be provided for your use in the workshop, and you’ll go home with one completed blank book, 4-½” x 5-¾”. Adult workshop, appropriate for all levels. Saturday, September 21 – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. $25 + $10 materials (Optional: additional $5 for leather cover) |
Weaving Workshops
Backstrap Weaving with a Rigid Heddle
Backstrap looms are simple in construction, but can be used to create an immense variety of complex patterns. In this ages old type of weaving, still used in various forms around the world today, the weaver’s own body becomes part of the loom, with a strap around the back that lets the weaver hold one end of the warp and control the warp tension. During this workshop, we’ll learn an alternative (and easier to warp) method of using a backstrap loom with a rigid heddle to create a lovely balanced weave, making it perfect for weaving things like scarves or runners without a costly or space-consuming loom. This also makes it ideal for traveling or if you live in a small space. You will weave your own backstrap to take home with you to start your very own backstrap loom, with a few simple additions. Skills learned: create a simple striped warp, set up the backstrap loom, wind a belt shuttle, weave on a backstrap loom, advance the warp, finish off a weaving, learn how to gather materials to put your own backstrap loom together. All tools and materials will be provided. Adult workshop, appropriate for all levels. Saturday, July 6 – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. $25 + $5 materials |
Intro to Freestyle Weaving
Consider this your “Introduction to Freestyle Weaving” class, a basic introduction to many different freestyle weaving techniques. You might have seen many of these on our samplers in the studio. Now is your chance to come and learn how to weave. Over the course of three weeks, we will focus on learning the basics of weaving, gaining confidence at the loom, and learning the techniques that will allow you to express yourself at the loom—to weave your heart! Skills learned: basic weaving technique, winding a bobbin for a boat shuttle, at least 10 different freestyle weaving techniques, advancing the warp, finishing off a weaving, trusting yourself, letting go and expressing yourself through the loom. All tools and materials will be provided for your use in the workshop, and you’ll go home at the end of the third afternoon with a finished sampler of techniques. Adult workshop, appropriate for all levels (intermediate and advanced weavers will be encouraged to explore techniques outside their current skillset). **Please note: This workshop is limited to three students. Be sure to register early to guarantee your spot! ***THIS IS A 3-SESSION COURSE. Sundays, September 8, September 15, & September 22 – 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. $55 + $15 materials |
Tablet Weaving
Tablet weaving (also known as card weaving), or weaving using cards with holes in them to manipulate the warp threads, has been around for thousands of years. It’s a great way to create intricate patterns and really play with color in a relatively easy manner. Lots of fun and very accessible, it can be done on an inkle loom, a backstrap loom, or simply in between two clamps on a table (and using old playing cards turned into “tablets”), making it potentially a very affordable weaving option. We’ll use inkle looms in the workshop, but the concepts can be easily transferred to other tools. Skills learned: warp the loom for card weaving using a continuous warping method, wind a belt shuttle, weave a basic pattern, manipulate the cards to easily and quickly change warp to weave more intricate patterns, advance the warp, finish off a weaving, create your own weaving tablets, how to transfer skills to other types of looms. You’ll weave a narrow sampler covering 4-5 different patterns (about 18” long, or up to 1 yard, if you choose to stay the optional—and no-extra-charge—extra hour to weave). If you have your own inkle loom, feel free to bring it along; looms will be provided for in-workshop use of anyone who doesn’t have one. All other materials will be provided. Appropriate for all levels, especially those with little to no experience with card weaving, or those needing a refresher. Saturday, October 13 – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (Optional extra hour, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., at no extra charge, if you'd like to weave a longer sampler) $25 + $5 materials (If you are bringing your own loom, be sure to register for the “Bringing My Own Loom” option; otherwise, register for the “I Need to Borrow a Loom” option.) |
Weave a Tool Roll-up Case
Come weave the perfect gift for that friend who’s an artist, a fiber person, or even a makeup junkie—a tool roll-up case that can hold pens and pencils, brushes (makeup or art), knitting needles or crochet hooks, bookbinding tools, and more. (You may even want to keep it for yourself!) During this workshop, you’ll weave a wild and beautiful piece of cloth on our easy-to-use floor looms, in the freestyle way—no rules, no mistakes, no patterns—and you’ll be encouraged to try new techniques in the process. Then fashion your handwoven fabric into a roll-up case—easy weaving, easy sewing. Skills learned: freestyle weaving techniques, how to weave, letting go of perfection, trusting yourself, advancing the warp, finishing off a weaving, lining your piece, machine sewing. All equipment and materials will be provided for your use in the workshop. Appropriate for all levels of weavers, from brand new to advanced. If you have any special yarn or other inclusions to add, be sure to bring them with you. **Please note: This workshop is limited to three students. Be sure to register early to guarantee your spot! Saturday, December 1 – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. $35 + $10 materials |
Other Fiber Arts Workshops
Wet-Felted Potholder
Felting is fun! The oldest-known method of making cloth, it happens when we take animal fiber (in this case, sheep’s wool) and add water, heat, agitation, and soap to make the fibers interlock to create fabric. This workshop will be a good basic introduction to wet felting techniques. You’ll make one wet-felted potholder with a loop to take home. Skills learned: flat wet felting, wet felted cords, basic needle felting. All tools and materials will be provided for your use during the workshop. Making wet-felted felt is a wet, outdoor activity, so please come prepared to work on our shaded back patio. Appropriate for all levels. Saturday, September 8 – 10 a.m. to Noon $15 + $3 materials |
Beginning Crochet
Come learn the basic crochet skills in this three-session course. Get familiar with the tools, techniques, and stitches you need to make beautiful hats, scarves, blankets, and more! Skills learned: slip knot, chain stitch, single crochet, double crochet, half-double crochet, slip stitch, joining yarn, increasing, weaving ends as you crochet, fastening off, finishing, reading patterns, gauge. The registration fee does not cover tools or materials—please bring your own size K crochet hook and a skein of “bulky” (size 5) yarn to the first session of the workshop (easy to get at the local yarn store, among other options). Appropriate for beginners and anyone needing a refresher in crochet basics. Note: This workshop, or the equivalent experience, is required before taking our Freeform Crochet workshop. ***THIS IS A 3-SESSION COURSE. Thursdays, November 8, November 15, & November 29 – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. $55 (bring your own hook & yarn) |
Spinning: “Ply on the Fly” on a Turkish-style Spindle
Learn how to “ply on the fly” using a cross-arm (Turkish-style) spindle and some wool fiber. Turkish-style spindles are wonderful—affordable, portable, easy, and fun! We’ll use them learn to spin then ply as you go right on your spindle, all at once. When you are done, you end up with a nice center-pull ball of three-ply yarn that slides easily off your spindle, making it easy to finish (or even weave or knit straight from the ball, if you’re feeling adventurous!). Skills learned: ply as you go on a cross-arm spindle. All tools and materials will be provided for your use in the workshop. (If you have your own spindle, feel free to bring it to the workshop!) Appropriate for all those new to the “ply on the fly” method; some suspended spinning experience is useful. Sunday, November 18 – 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. $15 + $3 materials (If you are bringing your own spindle, be sure to register for the “Bringing My Own Spindle” option; otherwise, register for the “I Need to Borrow a Spindle” option.) (If you’re wanting/needing a Turkish-style spindle of your own, we’ll also be stocking our own hand-crafted spindles for sale.) |
Freeform Crochet
Freeform crochet is ideal for you if you (like me) hate following patterns and keeping track of repetitions of stitches. It is really an opportunity to just play with yarn and with different stitch patterns, putting them all together into one harmonious and joyous piece of crocheted fabric. We’ll explore how to put different techniques together within one piece, then learn how to join several pieces together in a freeform way. This workshop does require a basic knowledge of how to crochet—you should know how to make a foundation chain, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, slip stitch, join yarn, increase, and fasten off; as such, this workshop is appropriate for advanced beginner to intermediate levels and above. Skills learned: crochet in the round starting with Magic Loop technique, surrounds, basic freeform concepts, fan stitch, popcorn stitch, crab stitch, bullion stitch, other textured stitches, blocking, seaming, scrumbling. Please bring your own crochet hooks (multiple sizes is best). A limited amount of yarn will be provided for you, but in freeform crochet, we want to have a good variety of yarn to choose from, so please bring your own yarn, as well. You will go home with a small-to-medium-sized piece that could be fashioned into a bag of some size (depending on how much time you are able to spend on it in the week between sessions). Prerequisite: our Beginning Crochet workshop, or equivalent experience. ***THIS IS A 3-SESSION COURSE. Thursdays, December 13, December 20, & December 27 – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. $55 + $3 materials |
Drop Spindle Spinning
Learn how to make your own yarn using a simple drop spindle and some wool fiber. We will also explore plying two singles together, discuss how to finish your yarn, and learn about different kinds of spindles and yarn. Skills learned: pre-drafting and drafting fiber, making your own leader, spinning on a suspended spindle using “park and draft” method, adding fiber, removing fiber from spindle, plying two “singles” together to create two-ply yarn using a homemade lazy kate. All tools and equipment will be provided for your use in the workshop. (If you have your own spindle, feel free to bring it to the workshop!) Appropriate for all those new to spinning on a drop spindle. ***THIS IS A 2-SESSION COURSE. Saturdays, December 22 & December 29 – 10 a.m. to Noon $35 + $5 materials |
Paper Arts & Surface Design Workshops
Paper Beads x 2
In this workshop, you’ll make two kinds of paper beads—paper pulp and rolled paper—then you’ll put them together into a bracelet or necklace. With paper pulp, you’ll create beautiful beads using little more than recycled newspaper and some paint. This will be a somewhat wet, outdoor activity, so please come prepared on the first day of the workshop to work on our shaded back patio. We’ll set these beads aside to dry for a week, then get to work making some rolled paper beads from colorful decorative paper. During the second workshop, we’ll finish our beads and create a unique piece of jewelry for you to take home. Skills learned: working with paper pulp “clay,” rolling paper beads, finishing beads, basic jewelry stringing. All equipment and tools will be provided for your use during the workshop. Appropriate for all levels. ***THIS IS A 2-SESSION COURSE. Saturdays, September 15 & September 22 – 10 a.m. to Noon $30 + $3 materials |
Reverse Dyeing, Three Ways
Create a beautiful set of cloth napkins using three different methods of reverse dyeing. We’ll work with bleach to discharge the dye from the fabric and create beautiful designs in the process. These would be perfect for your holiday table, or to give as a gift! Skills learned: reverse-dyeing with bleach pen, resist and spray, reverse-dyed shibori. All tools and materials will be provided for your use in the workshop. As we are working with bleach, be sure to wear clothes that you won’t mind getting accidentally bleached, and bring a mask if you are particularly sensitive to the smell of bleach (we’ll provide gloves and safety goggles). Appropriate for all levels. Sunday, October 14 – 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. $20 + $10 materials |
Shaving Cream Marbled Cards
Send out some truly unique holiday cards this year—handcrafted by you! We’ll make some awesome prints first, using a marbling technique with shaving cream as the “size”, then turn them into cards, for the holidays or for any occasion! Skills learned: basic marbling, basic card-making. All tools and materials will be provided for your use in the workshop. Appropriate for all levels. Saturday, November 17 – 10 a.m. to Noon $15 + $3 materials |
Origami "Intention Book"
Join us as we share our special New Year tradition with you—crafting this unique folded book to fill with your most precious life intentions, which you can then carry with you through the year as a reminder of your highest and best goals. Skills learned: working with a bone folder, craft knife, and cutting mat; origami folding. All bookbinding tools and materials will be provided for your use in the workshop, and you’ll go home with one completed intention book, ready and waiting to be filled. Appropriate for all levels. Sunday, December 30 – 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. $15 + $5 materials |
Kids' Classes
We do not have any Kids' Classes scheduled during this session. It is possible that we may allow children younger than 15 to register for an adult workshop, depending on their ability and with the presence of an adult they know. Please talk with us before registering a child younger than 15 in any of our adult workshops. Thank you.
Other Opportunities
YOU + 2
Join us — we look forward to being your creative outlet! KIDS’ WEAVING
Kids are always welcome to weave with us during our regular Walk In & Weave times, but we also have a special weekly weaving session just for kids (from any age old enough to reach the pedals of the loom, alone or with the help of an adult, up to age 12). Kids can be weaving with just five minutes of basic instruction, even if they’ve never woven before! (And kids often weave the most creative cloth, because they are much more open to possibilities than adults.) During the school year, every Thursday – 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. During the summer, every Thursday – 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $15 (Fee includes materials – kids must take their weaving home at the end of each session. Basic instruction in sewing, to make a cell phone case, purse, and such, is also an option during this time.) |
WALK IN & WEAVE
Join us for our regularly scheduled Walk In & Weave freestyle weaving instruction three times weekly, for all ages—adults and kids, alike. Come once, or come as often as you'd like!
$20 + materials ($2/oz.)
(Introductory session is $15 + materials)
For more information about Walk In & Weave, click here.
Join us for our regularly scheduled Walk In & Weave freestyle weaving instruction three times weekly, for all ages—adults and kids, alike. Come once, or come as often as you'd like!
- If you’ve never woven before, consider Walk In & Weave to be your “Introduction to Weaving” class. You can be weaving on your own with about five minutes of instruction.
- If you have some (or a lot of!) experience weaving, consider Walk In & Weave to be your time to just relax and weave, or to explore some new techniques that you find on our in-studio samplers.
- We do the hard part of weaving for you—warping, or setting up, the loom!
- Choose from any of our great variety of yarns.
- Take your finished piece home with you at the end of the two-hour session.
$20 + materials ($2/oz.)
(Introductory session is $15 + materials)
For more information about Walk In & Weave, click here.
GIRLS' NIGHT OUT
Watch for our occasional Girls' Night Out events. Check our home page or our Parties & Events page to see what's coming up!
Watch for our occasional Girls' Night Out events. Check our home page or our Parties & Events page to see what's coming up!
OPEN BOOKBINDING STUDIO
Have you take a bookbinding workshop at The Makery, then never made a book again because you don't have the tools you need? Then we have just the thing for you!
We are now offering Open Bookbinding Studio by appointment. Here you will be able to use any of our bookbinding tools, and someone will be here to offer advice and assistance, as well. The cost will be $10 for up to the full two hours (come as little or as long as you want within that two-hour time period). We'll also have supply kits (cover material, paper, binding thread) available if you'd like to use those materials to make your book, or you can bring your own.
Please note that this will not be a time for basic bookbinding instruction--it is meant for people who have completed a bookbinding workshop at The Makery, or who can otherwise demonstrate basic competence in bookbinding.
We will also soon have bookbinding kits for sale, that will provide all of the basic tools you need to make books on your own!
Have you take a bookbinding workshop at The Makery, then never made a book again because you don't have the tools you need? Then we have just the thing for you!
We are now offering Open Bookbinding Studio by appointment. Here you will be able to use any of our bookbinding tools, and someone will be here to offer advice and assistance, as well. The cost will be $10 for up to the full two hours (come as little or as long as you want within that two-hour time period). We'll also have supply kits (cover material, paper, binding thread) available if you'd like to use those materials to make your book, or you can bring your own.
Please note that this will not be a time for basic bookbinding instruction--it is meant for people who have completed a bookbinding workshop at The Makery, or who can otherwise demonstrate basic competence in bookbinding.
We will also soon have bookbinding kits for sale, that will provide all of the basic tools you need to make books on your own!
REGISTRATION
To help us prepare for your creative workshop, please register at least one day before the first day of the workshop. Please note, too, that our workshops are limited in size--be sure to register early to save your spot!
You can register in several ways:
You can register in several ways:
- Stop by our studio at 206 North Bullard during our open hours (Thursday, Friday, & Sunday, 11 to 4; Saturday, 10 to 6; Monday, by chance or by appointment).
- Email us at [email protected]
- Call us at 575-590-1263
- Register online by clicking the "Register Now" button below
All workshops take place at The Makery, 206 North Bullard, in Silver City.
We will provide all tools and materials for use in the workshop (unless otherwise noted)--you supply your own unique sense of beauty!
We will provide all tools and materials for use in the workshop (unless otherwise noted)--you supply your own unique sense of beauty!
art/craft for everyone
Our goal is to make the world of art/craft accessible to everyone, of all ages, genders, backgrounds, and abilities. We teach you the basics, then encourage you to let loose and have fun with it, whether it's freestyle weaving, or any number of other more traditional handcrafts. We believe that every individual has their own sense of beauty and spark of creativity, and we want to create a nurturing space where you can gain the basic skills, then feel comfortable to express that creativity in your own way. No rules, no mistakes--just joyful creation from the heart!
Our Workshops
With this goal in mind, throughout the year, we will offer evening, after-school, and weekend workshops in all kinds of fiber arts, paper arts, and bookbinding for children and adults. Some examples include:
We will provide tools and materials for use in your workshop--you supply your own unique sense of beauty!
- Kumihimo (disk and marudai)
- Bobbin lace
- Surface design, such as screenprinting, batik, fabric printing
- Crochet
- Knitting
- Knitting without needles (spool, loom, finger, and arm)
- Spinning
- Making monoprints and paste paper
- Specialty kinds of weaving (such as inkle, peg loom, and tablet weaving)
- Various bookbinding techniques, such as Coptic stitch, secret Belgian, stab binding, folded books, long stitch, buttonhole stitch, and pamphlet stitch.
We will provide tools and materials for use in your workshop--you supply your own unique sense of beauty!
Remember Our Other Offerings:
We also offer Creative Camps in the summer.
In addition, we offer individual and group instruction in freestyle weaving, arranged ahead of time, or on a drop-in basis during our Drop-In Weaving times.
Want to do something different for your next special occasion? Plan your next party at our studio, and unleash your creative side with your friends!
Watch for our special events, coming soon! We'll plan special nights out where we do the hard part, and you come and have the fun of creating something new.
In addition, we offer individual and group instruction in freestyle weaving, arranged ahead of time, or on a drop-in basis during our Drop-In Weaving times.
Want to do something different for your next special occasion? Plan your next party at our studio, and unleash your creative side with your friends!
Watch for our special events, coming soon! We'll plan special nights out where we do the hard part, and you come and have the fun of creating something new.
Want to keep up with all of our current happenings? Subscribe to our email newsletter and we'll
keep you updated on our current schedule of open studio times, workshops, camps, and special events.
keep you updated on our current schedule of open studio times, workshops, camps, and special events.