Things of quality stand the test of time. As we love handmade, artistry in crafts, and the people with a passion for making things, here are some noteworthy places to learn skills that are far from being forgotten. Plus some people worth knowing who will surprise and delight by what they have been inspired to create, preserve, collect.
• Shelburne Craft School in Vermont; (802) 985-3648. Visit www.shelburnecraftschool.org for hands-on learning.
• The New England Craft Program at Snow Farm, Williamsburg, Mass.; (413) 268-3101. Visit www.snowfarm.org. Located on a former farm with studios open after classes and on-site lodging.
• American College of the Building Arts, Inc., Charleston, SC; (877) 283-5245, www.buildingartscollege.us. A combination of education and training unlike anywhere else in the U.S.
• The Guilford Art Center classes include blacksmithing, fiber, metalsmithing, jewelry, printmaking, photography and more in weekend and night classes.
• Appalachian Center for Craft, Tennessee Technological University; (615) 597-6801, www.tntech.edu/craftcenter. Degree and non-degree certificate enrollment. Full-time metals and blacksmithing instructor.
• Brookfield Craft Center, a non-profit school for professional craft education, with classes designed for beginners, intermediate and professionals on weekends and evenings. Visit www.brookfieldcraft.org for more information.
• Folk Art Center, Asheville, NC; (704) 298-7928; www.southernhighlandguild.org/folkart.html. Home of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, an educational non-profit organization. Workshops, classes.
Editor’s note: Look for more listings as we find them.
For inspiration and great designs – be true to yourself, that’s what these quirky and classic creators do:
Cat Bordhi, author, knitter, designer. Witty, fresh ideas include marketing and publishing with digital e-book pattern downloads.
The late great Elizabeth Zimmermann, legendary knitter and designer, who launched Schoolhouse Press (daughter, Meg, continues the legacy).
“The most courageous act is still to think for yourself.” – Coco Chanel
(Above) Deirdre Bushnell is a knitter and designer. She and husband Greg Driscoll own Still River Fiber Processing Mill in Connecticut, and develop new yarns, custom blends and innovative products.
“Best Friends” created by Annie Hayes, artist who works in hooked rugs and other mediums. Image above is linked to this one-of-a-kind work and where to purchase it.
“Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”
― A.A. Milne
