"To Knead Or Not To Knead Or Just Needle Felting"

         Well, I guess you are never too old to learn something new. Joy Craig was teaching a class in Needle Felting at the Addie Mae Fudge Factory in the Old Woolen Mill at Bonaparte this past weekend. I watched as the ladies jabbed the long, barbed needle over and over into the clump of wool, called roving, they held in their hand. I am certain that I would soon need a trip to the doctor if I were to try this, but they seemed to effortlessly go about their task while holding a casual conversation. Maybe it is just not a “guy” thing! You think? Any way you look at it, the end result was superb. The wool slowly began to take on the shape and the color that each person intended. Joy brought some samples of her work to show everyone, but I noticed that both were making woolen Easter Eggs. This was a specially planned weekend at the Addie Mae Fudge Factory. Three classes were scheduled and each had something to do with wool. Pat Crawford was there demonstrating her wool spinning technique and  Meg King displayed some of her knitting projects. It always  amazes me how much we take for granted something as commonplace as a shirt or sweater. We just go to the store and buy it. Watching a process that dates back to our ancestors brings an entirely new appreciation for the garments we wear.  Taking the raw wool, combing it, carding it, and then spinning it into the desired yarn. Pat showed me how they would spin the wool clockwise and if another layer was added for a thicker yarn it would be spun counterclockwise to keep the yarn from separating. It would then be used for weaving into a woolen fabric or knitting into a desired garment. In its day, the Old Woolen Mill that once operated in the building we were in turned out some of the countries finest woolen fabrics. It is so inspiring to think of yesteryear as the folk school classes take place in these locations. We are privileged to live in Van Buren County where history calls to us from every building and lurks around the next bend in the river. 

     Just four miles up the river in Bentonsport another class was taking place. Betty Printy had another group of students learning how to make Artisan Bread. I took the time this day to stay for the class. I do believe I might just be able to make something like that! Not only did they discuss the different yeasts and starters, they also learned how to knead the bread. Some of the loaves were actually allowed to rise without first being kneaded. Hence making bread reminds us of the days of Shakespeare. Once to the kitchen we must make the decision to knead or not to knead! Betty assures me “fat” is not the question. Once the loaves were adequately prepared they were carefully placed in the ovens to bake. The group continued to discuss different recipes and the ability of each to be unique in their quest for the perfect loaf.

      Soon the timers were going off and the ovens were opened to reveal the separate masterpieces. I didn’t realize that the bread continues to bake inside the crust for another 45 minutes after coming out of the oven. This is really interesting stuff! Not only is it a fun time in the kitchen, but the end result is something you would be proud to serve to royalty. The loaves were each browned to perfection and made a mouthwatering picture as they were placed on the cooling racks. After class I took some time to read through the evaluation forms. Everyone loved the class and were appreciative of Betty’s ability to make it practical for the novice. Another successful weekend of classes comes to a close.

     We invite each of our readers to join us for a fun filled weekend in the Villages Folk School. You can go to our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com and browse through the many classes we offer. Once you find your class, print the registration form on the website, fill it out and mail it to our office along with your payment. If you wish, you may call us for further assistance anytime Tuesday – Friday, 12 noon – 4 p.m. at 319-592-3700.

The following is a list of some of our upcoming classes:

April 3rd:

Blacksmithing: Tool Making

Container Candles

Woodcarving

April 24th:

Melon Basket Weaving

April 27th:

Old Singin’ School

April 29th & 30th:

Printmaking

Don’t let time pass you by. Register now for one of our exciting classes and get set for a great weekend experience!

Beginning Pottery Class Completes A Five-Session Course

Graduation day was filled with excitement as the students arrived to claim their rewards. Several pieces of neatly glazed and fired pottery covered the table in Betty Printy’s pottery studio. I could see the surprise on their faces when they began to sort through the bowls. This was the first time for either of them to see their work since it went into the kiln. I must admit, the amount of pieces that they had completed in a five-session course was incredible.  Not only was their great quantity, but the quality of the work was a joy to behold. I could tell they were thrilled by the constant smile upon their faces. This was something everyone should experience. Whether it be pottery, knitting, painting, weaving or gardening, just taking the time away from a busy schedule and experiencing creative art first hand is important.

     I could tell the instructor was pleased by the way she interacted with the students while praising their finished product. This was a great time for all!

     I can’t begin to tell each of our readers how thrilling it is to witness this process over and over as the Villages Folk School classes continue. Watching a gifted artist take that gift and share not only the thrill of the art, but break the technical side of it down so that others can experience all that is involved in the creative process is a joy.
     Register for a class and come join one of our artists for a great weekend! The next two months of classes are as follows:

“Special Weekend of Classes Hosted by Addie Mae Fudge”

                         March 26th & 27th

                   A Twist In Time Spinning I
                   A Twist In Time Spinning II
                   Beginning Knitting
                   Needle Felting
                 __________________________
  March 27: Artisan Bread Making Made Easy
                 Primitive Sign Making
                 Hand Piecing, Appliqué & Quilting
                 Chair Caning with Fiber Rush Weave
   March 28: Artisan Bread Making Made Easy
       April 3: Blacksmithing: Tool Making
                  Container Candles
                  Woodcarving
      April 24: Intermediate Knitting
                  Melon Basket Weaving
      April 27: Old Singing School (Shape Note Singing)
      April 29: Printmaking
      April 30: Printmaking

     For more information on classes visit our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com or call our office Tuesday – Friday, 12 – 4 p.m. at 319-592-3700.  Come “Live the Arts” at the Villages Folk School.

Folk School Classes with Spring on the Horizon

     For the second time already this year I had the joy of driving to Betty Printy’s studio in the village of Bentonsport. A much different look as I drove through the countryside on this trip. The birds were plentiful and I watched as an eagle spread his wings and soared on the wind across the rushing waters of the Des Moines river. Every trip through this beautiful river valley brings a different and wonderful experience. How soon we forget the hustle bustle of the city traffic as we drive for miles without meeting a single vehicle. To capture a phrase from the “Field of Dreams” movie, “Is this Heaven? No this is Iowa.” The feeling of peace that is forever present in the winding river valley of Van Buren County Iowa can only serve to provide a constant reminder of time gone by and surely is a catalyst that fuels the creative juices of the many artists who live and work here.

One such artist is at work today preparing to teach one of the Villages Folk School classes. This is the second group of students this year to take the Artisan Bread Proofing Basket class. It is always a pleasure to watch and listen as the classes progress. This day was no exception. The students were anxiously preparing as I arrived. Betty had begun to speak to them and lay out the schedule of events for the day. I am beginning to see familiar faces as some students are taking multiple classes to experience all that the folk school has to offer.

It is interesting to see how each student takes the class instruction and applies their own creative ideas that result in a unique piece of art. I too was experimenting today with the idea of creating some movie footage of the classes.

                                                                       

                                                                                    

Be sure to keep watching our blog here at http://www.villagesfolkschool.blogspot.com/ to see our class  pictures and hopefully soon to view the classes in  movie format.

                                                                            

Watch for our upcoming classes and register to experience something you have always dreamed of doing. Who knows? . . . the Villages Folk School may just prove to be your “Field of Dreams”.

The following classes are coming up in March:

Basic Native American Bead Craft 20-Mar-2010

Basic Native American Leather Craft 20-Mar-2010

Be a Good Egg (with Natural Dyes) 20-Mar-2010

Scrimshaw for Flatlanders 20-Mar-2010

Artisan Bread Making Made Easy 27-Mar-2010

_________________________________________

                  {SPECIAL EVENT WEEKEND
         AT THE ADDIE MAE FUDGE FACTORY}

Addie Mae Fudge will host three classes on March 26 & 27th



A Twist in Time Spinning I & II 26 & 27-Mar-2010

Beginning Knitting 27-Mar-2010

Needle Felting 27-Mar-2010

__________________________________________



Primitive Sign Making 27-Mar-2010

Hand Piecing, Appliqué & Quilting 27 & 28-Mar-2010

Chair Caning with Fiber Rush Weave 27-Mar-2010



To find more information about our classes visit our internet web site at www.villagesfolkschool.com or call our office anytime Tuesday through Friday, 12 noon to 4 p.m. at 319-592-3700.

Sign-up for one of our exciting classes and get ready for the time of your life as you experience “Living the Arts” with one of our talented instructors.

Classes "Marching" on at the Villages Folk School

     The buzz around town is that the Villages Folk School classes are filling up fast and many people are enjoying themselves as they experience the thrill of creativity and a profound sense of accomplishment.

     Betty Printy’s studio in Bentonsport was full once again on Saturday morning as the Beginning Pottery class continued their work, a five session project. In the afternoon another group began their quest to make an Artisan Bread Proofing Basket. Before each student could begin their work the clay needed to be worked into a long rope. This used to be a tedious process of rolling the clay on a flat surface until it reached the diameter needed for the construction of the basket. Now, thanks to the ingenuity of Betty’s blacksmith husband, Bill, the clay is pressed through a die to form a long rope. Each student held their round wooden platters, called ‘bats’, under the die to catch the extruded clay for their proofing basket.

     Now the fun begins! I watched as Betty showed them the process. They worked round and round as the basket started to take shape. Each one was a different diameter and some were deeper than others. We even had a mother and daughter enjoying this class together. As students ran out of clay, Bill was summoned to the press. Some of the students were now taking turns helping as the clay was pushed through the dies. I even had my chance to take a break from picture taking and lend a little muscle, “very little”, to the process. It was a fun afternoon for all.

    

     I hope that everyone in the villages of Van Buren County will eventually have an opportunity to experience one or more classes in the folk school. We are seeing more and more people from outside the county coming to classes and are thrilled at the level of excitement each one shares about their class and the instructors.  This is the joy of ‘living the arts’ and we are so pleased to be a part of their journey.

The next two weeks in March have more to offer. The following is a list of classes scheduled for March 20th, 26th, & 27th.

March 20th:
Basic Native American Bead Craft at Waterfront Place in Bonaparte
Basic Native American Leather Craft at Waterfront Place in Bonaparte
Be a Good Egg (with Natural Dyes) “Fun for the whole family!”
Scrimshaw for Flatlanders


March 26th:
A Twist in Time Spinning I at Addie Mae Fudge in Bonaparte


March 27th:
A Twist in Time Spinning II at Addie Mae Fudge in Bonaparte
Needle Felting at Addie Mae Fudge
Beginning Knitting at Addie Mae Fudge
Artisan Bread Making Made Easy
Primitive Sign Making at Waterfront Place
Chair Caning with Fiber Rush Weave at the Bonaparte Pottery

     Come join one of our instructors for a fun time enjoying the arts. To register for a class, call our office Tuesday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m. at 319-592-3700. Or go to our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com, print and fill out the registration form, and send it with a check to our Villages Folk School office at P.O. Box 51, Bonaparte, Iowa 52620. 

     Please contact our office for any questions you might have or suggestions for classes you would like to see in the future.

STEP BACK IN TIME / JOIN ONE OF OUR ARTISTS FOR A WEEKEND CLASS AND EXPERIENCE "Living The Arts" IN THE VILLAGES OF VAN BUREN COUNTY IOWA

Experiencing the Arts in the Villages Folk School

     I am always taking in the peacefulness of the villages as I travel to the folk school class destinations. While driving to Gin Lammert’s “Still Life in Soft Pastels” class at the town hall in Cantril, I watched several deer moving about the hillsides. Then, to my pleasant surprise, I saw a group or “rafter” of wild turkeys picking at the ground where the snow was beginning to melt. Driving through Van Buren County Iowa is like traveling through a game preserve. I was nearly to the first class when I noticed an eagle standing in the snow alongside the road. I slowed my vehicle so that I could enjoy his beauty for a moment before traveling on. Getting there is half the fun!

     The soft pastels class was just beginning as I arrived, so I greeted Gin Lammert, the artist, and welcomed the students to our folk school. I then stepped back and watched as Gin began to share from her expertise.  I am always impressed by the skill level of our artists’ work, but watching them break that passionate gift down and share it on a level that anyone can grasp is a pleasure to behold. After saying my goodbyes, I started my trek to Bentonsport and Betty Printy’s studio.

  

   Betty’s “Beginning Pottery” class was underway and the wheels were turning. They briefly stopped to acknowledge my arrival and then went back to work as Betty moved from wheel to wheel giving her approval and corrective suggestions. They were obviously excited about creating something out of clay. Each one smiled as they carefully placed the tool against the spinning clay, removing unwanted portions and revealing their work of art. I took some pictures as they worked and then excused myself to head further down river to Bonaparte where Meg King was teaching “Beginning Knitting” in the parlor of the 1872 Victorian brick home built by Robert Meek.

     Meg was working with each of the ladies as they learned to start the yarn onto the knitting needle, a process called “casting on”. They each hoped to make something by the end of the day that would provide warmth for their ears. I think they were enjoying the peaceful, quiet surroundings of the parlor as much as their knitting experience. Sue Burns, their host for the day, was busy in the kitchen making scones, lemon curd, and devonshire cream for their afternoon tea. Hope there is enough for me!! I took some more pictures and once again started back to Bentonsport for the afternoon class.

     Once back in Bentonsport, I found Betty Printy busy with her “Intermediate Wheel Throwing Class”. Students were honing their skills and techniques as they shaped the clay spinning on the wheel in front of them. It was amazing to watch as they effortlessly formed their intended masterpiece. I must take that class someday!

     The Villages Folk School will bring you face to face with artists who have developed their artistic skills and live them out on a day to day basis. While they live their lives here in the villages they invite you to come and experience this serene valley that has become their home and their motivation. I listened as Betty Printy told me of when she was a young schoolgirl, how a teacher took 10 minutes of his time to show her how to center the clay on the wheel. She immediately knew in that brief encounter that this was something she wanted to do for the rest of her life. She has never forgotten that time and how it propelled her into a successful artist. It is now her desire to share that experience with as many as she can. That story reverberates through the Villages Folk School and offers a chance for each of you reading this story to join one of our many artists for a weekend of what might be the beginning of a life changing experience for you.

     Go to our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com and see for yourself the classes that are being offered. They are constantly being added to so check back weekly. You can register online for your class, email us at villagesfolkschool@gmail.com, or call our office anytime Tuesday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m. at 319-592-3700.

     We look forward to offering this unique experience to you and your family.