In this fun three-hour workshop, you'll learn how to make a “turkey-wing” style hand broom from start to finish.

We'll start with a short introduction to broom-making and its history, including a foray into the world of the Shakers, and instructor Dan Hawkins' connection to them in Maine. Then we'll jump into learning how to craft a broom, and selecting sorghum and hemp cord for your handcrafted broom — not only a cleaning tool but also a work of art. Dan will share his insights on technique, broom size, uses and more, and you'll come away with a finished broom as well as the skills to make more.

SUPPLY INFORMATION

All materials and supplies are provided.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Dan Hawkins was born in Maine and has worked as an architect and carpenter in China, Denmark, England, and the United States. In 2021, he moved to Portland, OR, where he started Bodge, a platform for his sculpture, woodwork, and brooms. His work explores domestic tools, as well as the craft traditions and techniques associated with those objects. Dan also teaches broom-making and woodworking classes and workshops throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Here's a rare opportunity to learn how to construct a functional floor broom that is also a piece of art! We'll start the morning with a short introduction to broom-making and its history, including a foray into the Shaker culture in Maine and instructor Dan Hawkins' connection to it.

Then we'll select our fibers, and while they're in buckets soaking and softening, we'll shape our wooden handles from blanks Dan provides. While we're shaping, Dan will lead a conversation about draw knives, wood grain, and finishing.

After lunch, with the handles shaped, we'll jump into the process of adding the sweeping head using the pre-soaked sorghum. We'll finish by learning how to stitch, clamp and flatten the fiber. During that process, Dan will share insights on technique, broom size, uses and more. From this workshop, you'll walk away with at least one completed broom, along with the ability to make more of them in the future.

SUPPLY INFORMATION

All materials and supplies are provided.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Dan Hawkins was born in Maine and has worked as an architect and carpenter in China, Denmark, England, and the United States. In 2021, he moved to Portland, OR, where he started Bodge, a platform for his sculpture, woodwork, and brooms. His work explores domestic tools, as well as the craft traditions and techniques associated with those objects. Dan also teaches broom-making and woodworking classes and workshops throughout the Pacific Northwest.

In this weekend workshop, you'll build your skills and confidence and create a stylish, custom-sewn-fit top to wear. True beginners to intermediate sewists are welcome and encouraged! Using a provided pattern you will select a style that suits and flatters your shape, then learn how to read and interpret pattern instructions, lay out and cut fabric, make size adjustments and work with interfacing to add structure where needed.

Guided step-by-step through the garment construction process, you will gain hands-on experience while learning expert tips and techniques from Evette Allerdings, who brings a degree in fashion design and more than 27 years of experience as a professional theatrical costumer.

SUPPLY INFORMATION

The following supplies are provided:

• Mix-and-match top pattern (multiple neckline, sleeve, and pocket styles);
• Interfacing;
• Clear snap;
• Sewing machine needle.

Students should bring the following:

• Sewing machine (if you have one) with a basic sewing foot and bobbin. ContactEvette if you would like to use one of Northwind’s sewing machines;
• Fabric:
  • Beginners: 2¼ yards (45”) of cotton or cotton/poly blend. Optional ½ yard of contrast fabric if desired;
  • Intermediate: Fabric suitable for a top — 2¼ yards (45”) or 2 yards (60”);
  • Optional: contrast fabric if desired;
• Matching thread (50wt, all-purpose);
• Measuring tape;
• Fabric and paper scissors;
• Glass-head pins or fabric clips and a hand-sewing needle;
• Cutting mat (if you have one);
• Notepad and pen.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Evette Allerdings is an artist whose primary work is silk paintings, while she also sews, embroiders, beads, quilts, designs, and much more. She was born, raised, and lived in Hawaii for the majority of her life, and moved to Washington in 2018. Evette has a BS degree in Fashion Design and is a multi-award winning costumer. Always searching for the perfect fabric for a costume, Evette ventured into painting on silk in 2015 and found a new passion. She started by attempting to create the design of a vintage kimono, which was inspired by childhood memories of her grandmother dressing Evette up in the most colorful kimonos to celebrate Girls' Day. She still loves color and all her paintings are quite colorful. Evette won first place in the 2D division at the 2021 Silk Painters International Festival for her piece Solace. She also won the People's Choice Honorable Mention Award in 2022 for Goodbye Dad.

Artist website: Evette Allerdings

Join artist Kate Dwyer for a hands-on, one-day workshop where you'll explore the unique and creative process of making fabric maché bowls. Kate will guide you step by step through the techniques she uses to transform fabric into beautifully textured, one-of-a-kind forms.

You’ll have the opportunity to bring your own cotton or silk fabrics to incorporate personal touches into your work, or you can choose from the selection of materials provided by the instructor. As you shape and layer your fabric, you’ll learn about design, structure, and finishing techniques to create a sturdy yet delicate form.

By the end of the workshop, you’ll have one or two handmade bowls to take home, where they will continue to dry and cure. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced maker, this class is a wonderful way to experiment with new materials and discover an exciting approach to textile-based sculpture in a fun and supportive environment.

SUPPLY INFORMATION

If you have them, students can bring:

• Silk and/or cotton fabric that you want to include in your project.
• Rotary cutters or fabric scissors.
• Cutting mats.

Thread, fabric, adhesives, and balloons will be provided. Northwind Art School has many tools and supplies that students can use if they don't have their own to bring.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

What it comes down to is that Kate Dwyer is compelled to make stuff — gardens, glass paintings, necklaces, tortured egg shells, fabric and thread bowls, batik, essays. Kate's formal training was in horticulture/landscape design. The rest is self-taught. Her classes are well-attended and well-loved and she excited to share her techniques with other artists!

Enjoy this cozy, luminous craft over a cup of tea with artist Meg Kaczyk. Transparency stars are special German kite papers folded in segments — origami-style — then attached together forming beautiful translucent star shapes. Meg will provide instruction, handouts, and all materials for an afternoon of companionable and festive star-making. These pieces are beautiful in windows and as gifts from the heart. This is a great workshop for multi-generational art-making for all levels.

SUPPLY INFORMATION

All supplies included (including kite paper, glue stick, directions).

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Meg Kaczyk guides artists of all levels in classes and workshops based on her own studio process. Her work is fed by daily life, the natural world, poetry, and a long-standing meditation practice. Originally trained as an illustrator and graphic designer, Meg has enjoyed a long creative career including art direction, graphic design, arts administration, and teaching. She exhibits her paintings across the region.

Artist website: Meg Kaczyk, @megkaczyk