“Knit one, pearl two, make a pair of socks but if you don’t knead, the bread still rocks!”

     You guessed it; the Villages Folk School is teaching people how to knit their own socks. It was a pretty awesome spectacle to see Karen Land and her students sitting in our parlor, knitting and enjoying the peace and quiet. Obviously they were savoring both the experience of the class and each others company. I found  myself wanting to take the pictures in black and white as it must have appeared 150 years ago in this house when the ladies would gather together on a Saturday afternoon to  enjoy the visit with friends and time to knit another pair of socks for the family. I continued taking pictures for awhile and excused myself to head up river to the bread class.                                                    

     I crested the hill leading down into Bentonsport and simply had to stop the vehicle along the side of the road. This picture was one I had to capture on my camera. Below me lay the Des Moines River valley as it cut its way down river towards Bonaparte. The trees were spectacular and I could see the historic covered bridge, now a walking path, which spans from the village Bentonsport to Vernon. I snapped a few pictures and sat there just taking it all in. Driving through the Villages of Van Buren County is an experience I never tire of. I started my vehicle again and wound down the hill into Bentonsport and the home of Bill and Betty Printy where the class was taking place. Four students from both Iowa and Illinois were intently listening as Betty and her daughter April made the initial presentation of the class and what they could expect. Betty’s enthusiasm always inspires the students and makes the whole experience an exciting one. Now, with the help of her daughter, April Ziegler, they were getting even more hands-on instruction from the teachers. This has been a very popular class here at the folk school as it seems everyone wants to learn the art of making bread; especially bread that tastes like this bread! “I can’t believe I ate the whole thing” will be your statement after tasting the bread that comes from Betty’s kitchen. Experience it once and you will be hooked for life. You may want to contact the school while the ovens are hot!!

     Give us a call at 319-592-3700 or go to our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com and register for this and other exciting Villages Folk School classes.

     Once the dough had been mixed and made ready for the ovens I returned to the sock knitting class in Bonaparte. They were working away and having a great time together. I spent some time watching and listening as they continued their projects. This class will convene again on November 20th to deal with the issue of knitting heals in their socks. Each student has until then to get to that point in their process. Time slows to a crawl here in the villages and makes afternoons like this one a truly relaxing experience.

     The time was nearing for the loaves of bread to come out of the ovens so I jumped in the van and returned to the bread making class. This is the time I enjoy most; watching the expression on the face of each student as they see their newly baked loaf of bread for the first time. The smiles on their faces and the obvious look of satisfaction tell it all as they remove their loaves of bread from the oven. Today was “true-to-form” as four perfectly baked loaves emerged from the oven. It is difficult to improve on perfection but this class always finds a way. Not only the expert instruction, but watching the students as they put their personal touches on each dough recipe always ads a unique element to each finished loaf of bread. Happy with finished product, Betty sat the students down to cover some last minute details before dismissing them and their newly baked loaves of bread for their return trips home. I said my goodbyes and returned to the office to put this day of classes down on paper while the details of each class were still fresh in my mind.

     Whatever the class, wherever the location, and whoever is teaching it, the Villages Folk School offers an exciting opportunity for you to find your creative side and take it to new heights as you experience “living the arts” with our gifted artist instructors.

     The decision to take a class with us is purely up to you and we at the Villages Folk School want to assure you that the choice you make to take a class will be one of the greatest choices of your life. Come join us for a fun-filled weekend and let yourself in on an experience that will change your life!

     The Villages Folk School class schedule can be found on our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com or call us today at 319-592-3700. We are here to answer any questions you might have or to assist you with your class registration. PayPal invoices can be emailed to you for your convenience.

     Here is a list of our upcoming classes: Natural Dyes in My Backyard, Oct 28-29; 7 Step Chair Caning, Oct 30; Still Life in Soft Pastels, Nov 6; Chair Caning with Fiber Rush Weave, Nov 13; Fried Fiction Workshop, Nov 13-14; Container Candles, Nov 27.

     We look forward to seeing you at the Villages Folk School classes.



“Pulp Play, Bird watching, landscapes captured on canvas, and the dough is rising!”

                                                                                    

     Last Thursday and Friday at the Cantril Town Hall Pat Crawford was busy teaching her student all about making paper and creating a journal. Various fibers were utilized to make paper on the first day and on Friday they created a journal for keeping memorable information. I spent some time taking pictures of the process and listening in as Pat described the procedure to her student, April Ziegler. They seemed to be having a great time and the paper was something that would be unique to her personal journal. April was enjoying every moment!

     Saturday morning began as normal as any other Villages Folk School class morning but this day was to be especially exciting. I ate breakfast, filled the commuter cup with coffee, loaded the camera and paperwork in the van and headed for the wetlands of Mt. Sterling, Iowa. The drive was peaceful and I noticed even more color beginning to show in the trees.

     I arrived in Mt. Sterling and drove to the community building where Raymond and Connie Morris were giving their introductory information for the fall bird watching class. I introduced myself to the students and took a seat to enjoy Raymond’s presentation. It is really all about retraining your mind to be more aware of the many birds that are around you every day. The students were all very excited about getting out to the wetlands to start their search and after a short presentation we jumped in the vehicles and headed out. This was my first trip into the wetlands at Mt. Sterling and, I must admit, they were beautiful. Our anticipation was soon satisfied as an Egret unfurled his huge wings and soared across the water. Soon after that the group spotted a large Pelican. As we drove along I looked to my left and just above the tree line I noticed a Rough-legged Hawk suspended in the air, flapping his wings until he plunged swiftly to the ground to attack his prey. I thought to myself, “Yesterday I would have never seen him or known what kind of bird he was.” Raymond had just talked about him in the classroom and because of his explanation of what the Rough-legged Hawk looked like in flight I was able to quickly identify him. I think I could learn to enjoy this! But like all great classes at the Villages Folk School, I had to tear myself away and move on to the next class site. I bid ‘good day’ to the students and their instructor and headed for Bentonsport on the Des Moines River to find John Preston and his “Painting the Landscape” class.

     Arriving in Bentonsport I soon found John and his four students. They had set their easels in place along the river and were beginning to paint. John had also set his easel and was working on his own painting intermittently as he moved from student to student lending his expertise and constructive advice. I went about my business taking pictures. This area was a great choice for the class because the fall palette was beautiful as a backdrop for the river and the bridge to the west. Each student had identified a segment of the landscape and was at work capturing it on canvas. I walked from student to student taking pictures and enjoying their creations on canvas. While I stood admiring some of the work, I noticed John’s easel. He had just come back to it and was starting to put some brushstrokes to the painting. I know that he picks his colors and places the brush with careful precision but when you watch him at work it appears to be effortless. “Oh, to be able to paint like that”, I thought to myself. Each time I see John at work I develop even more respect for the man, his gift, and the ease in which he shares it. If you like to paint or have a desire to learn this would be a great class to take. I had one more class to visit so it was off to the bread making class.

     I arrived at the home of Bill & Betty Printy where I found Betty and her daughter, April Ziegler, just starting the Artisan Bread Making Made Easy class. I have visited this class several times previously and always enjoy the process. The best part for me is towards the end when they begin to slice the fresh loaves of warm bread. Of course, I must lend my expert opinion by tasting as many as humanly possible. A little butter, which jam should I use on this one? So many decisions to make! Betty never allows me to go away hungry and, of course, I’m not complaining. As you’ll see when you visit our folk school website and blog, the pictures tell the story. Every loaf of bread comes from the oven with a wonderful brown crust, just picture perfect! This has been a very popular class as we have registrations for three more classes and calls continue to come in. Men, if you’re smart, you’ll send your wife to this one and then begin to enjoy fresh baked bread at home. It’s great!!!

     To find more information about our classes go to www.villagesfolkschool.com and discover a world of art at your fingertips. Each subject carefully prepared and taught by a gifted artist instructor who has honed their skills by ‘living the arts’ in Van Buren County, Iowa. The Villages Folk School offers classes to young and old with a setting located in each of the twelve villages.

     Congratulations to Diana Hootman of Douds, Iowa who was the winner of our $20 gift certificate last week at the Women’s Health Fair held at the Van Buren County Hospital.

     If you are one of our readers without access to the internet, we have published the following class list for your convenience: Beginner’s Lightweight Sock Knitting, 23 Oct and 20 Nov; Natural Dyes in My Backyard, 28-29 Oct; 7 Step Chair Caning, 30 Oct; Still Life in Soft Pastels, 6 Nov; Chair Caning with Fiber Rush Weave, 13 Nov; Fried Fiction Workshop, 13-14 Nov; Container Candles, 27 Nov.

     Register for a class at the Villages Folk School and get ready for an experience that starts you on your way to living the arts!

“Folk School artists busy at the Scenic Drive Festival”

    


     Every year the Villages of Van Buren County hold a Scenic Drive Festival that brings thousands of tourists to the twelve villages. This year was no exception and as I drove through the county I was astonished at the number of people. As I recall last year was very cold and blustery but still the people came. This year with the weather being perfect the county was full of people traveling from village to village enjoying the many artisans, crafts, music, and other events. Since the artists who teach at the Villages Folk School make their homes here, this was a weekend that found them busy with their trade.

     Classes will resume this week on Thursday and Friday with Pat Crawford’s class in Pulp Play (Paper) & Journal Making. Then on Saturday, October 16 the following classes will be held: Vern Ramsey’s Chair Caning with Flat Reed Splits which will be a great class to take that chair with the cane seat you have always wanted to get repaired. Now you can have the satisfaction of repairing the chair and developing the skill for the job; next is John Preston’s Painting the Landscape class. John, who is a premier artist here in the villages, will share with you the art of capturing the landscape on canvas; Raymond and Connie Morris take you on an exciting Birdwatching tour that allows you to spot and recognize the many birds that are not only common to this area but those that use this region as a migratory path. Two great classes are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, October 16 and 17; Artisan Bread Making Made Easy will once again be taught by Betty Printy. My wife took that class and men, I have to tell you, it was great reaping the benefits! We now enjoy some incredible homemade bread baked in one of Betty’s famous pottery Cloches. You just have to taste it to believe it! Ladies this class makes the art of bread making something anyone can learn to master; the other two-day class for you to enjoy is the Fried Fiction Workshop by S.L. Harryman. Ms. Harryman will help you take all those ideas you’ve had for a book and put them down on paper. This will be a very informative weekend for all of you struggling authors.

     On October 23 Karen Land will teach a class in Beginner’s Lightweight Sock Knitting which is the first of two sessions for this class. The student should be an advanced beginner knowing how to knit and purl well with small thread. The second session for this class will be on November 20 which will allow time in between for the student to work on their project.

     October 23 and 24 is another weekend of making and baking bread as Betty Printy fires up the ovens once again with her Artisan Bread Making Made Easy class.

     Pat Crawford teaches Natural Dyes in My Backyard on October 28 and 29. Learn what to look for to make different colored dyes. This class will cover various dye stuffs and how to harvest and prepare the materials. The student will also learn how to prepare fabric and natural yarns to accept dyes. She will be using only alum base mordants to keep the process natural and safe.

     On October 30 Vern Ramsey teaches another caning class. This class will learn the 7 Step Chair Caning process. Vern’s work is amazing. Your old chair will look like the day it was manufactured, maybe even better! If you plan on taking this class it is best to have any refinishing work that needs to be done on the chair already completed. That way the cane stays pristine and your completed chair will serve you for years to come.

     Taking a class at the Villages Folk School is easy. Just go to our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com, print the registration form, fill it out and mail it with your check to the Villages Folk School, P.O. Box 51, Bonaparte, Iowa 52620. Or call us at 319-592-3700 and Gloria will assist you with your class registration and any other questions you might have.

     Join us soon for an exciting folk school class. Maybe you would like to give a Christmas gift this year that was made by you. Let us help you with that project! See you soon at the Villages Folk School.

“Shades of fall appear as we prepare for another month at the Villages Folk School”

   

     I have noticed by the dipping temperatures and the coloration of the leaves on the trees beginning to turn that fall has most certainly arrived. I love the changing seasons and fall is one of my favorites! But even with a weekend off from teaching, the artist instructors here at the folk school are busy preparing for their October classes. There are ten classes in all throughout the month and each one offers something uniquely different. I continue to be amazed by the number of people who comment on our classes and the beautiful surroundings of our county. Truly this part of the country offers something seldom experienced elsewhere. A peace and serenity that lingers with you long after you’ve returned to your home. It is the magical twisting river valley we see here that draws gifted artists and feeds their souls with a heartfelt desire to paint the landscape, turn the pottery at the wheel, shape the iron into creations of beauty, sculpt lifelike figures from bronze, and turn pastels on canvas into colorful still lifes.

     A life so tuned to its surroundings cannot be described any other way but “living the arts”. People from outside of Van Buren County recognize this when they come to share a brief moment in time with our artist instructors. They journey to this quiet tract of land with its trees and rolling hills undulating about the mighty Des Moines river and when they leave a piece of this region goes with them. They return home to their fast paced lives in the cities but the memory of this solitude lingers on and draws them back again and again. Though we continue to advertise throughout the state nothing else can accomplish what the enthusiasm and word of mouth of our students provides. Not only do they make plans for returning to take more classes but they bring their friends and neighbors along to capture some of what they have tried to share.

     For those of you who live throughout Van Buren County we invite you to join with us in this great endeavor. By becoming a “Friend of the Folk School” you will be taking an active part in the continued success of our school and the increasing stream of visitors to the businesses in the county. Go to our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com and click the “Become a Sponsor” section on the lower right corner of the home page. Here you may choose the level at which you wish to sponsor the folk school. For your convenience you may click the ‘Donate’ button to access a secure Pay Pal site for credit card transactions. If you do not wish to pay online you may simply choose your sponsorship level, write a check for the amount to the Villages Folk School and mail it to our office at PO Box 51, Bonaparte, Iowa 52620. For additional questions we may be reached at 319-592-3700. Office hours are Tuesday to Friday, noon to 4 p.m. in the Bonaparte Opera House.

     We invite you to come join us for one of our classes. The list of classes and their scheduled times are on the website but for those without internet access here is our October schedule:

Oct 14 & 15       Pulp Play (Paper) & Journal Making

Oct 16              Chair Caning with Flat Reed Splits

                        Painting the Landscape

                        Fall Bird watching

Oct 16 & 17       Artisan Bread Making Made Easy

                        Fried Fiction Workshop

Oct 23               Beginner’s Lightweight Sock Knitting

Oct 28               Natural Dyes in My Backyard

Oct 30               7 Step Chair Caning

     Come enjoy a class with one of our gifted artist instructors and get ready for an experience that will start you on your way to “living the arts” in Van Buren County, Iowa. We look forward to seeing you.