Clay ghosts, flat felting, a mosaic pumpkin, and fairy houses are among the projects in Culture Creations’ new session of classes, which starts Monday, Oct. 19, in downtown Chelsea. The six-class session runs through Dec. 14.
Oct. 19 – Ghost Votives
Students will learn how to handle and shape air-dry clay to make their own ghost votives, which will be set aside to dry. They will take that ghost home, along with supplies to finish it once it’s dry, and will be given a completely dry ghost to decorate in class. Paint, hanji (Korean mulberry paper), and other accents will be provided.
Oct. 26 – Flat Felting Class
Students can choose to felt on a canvas, which they will paint in the color of their choosing, or on a hat, with various colors available. Flat felting is a flexible medium that works for advanced artists and beginners alike.
Nov. 16 – Grout-less Mosaic Pumpkin
This is a larger project and may require “homework” to finish the full vision, but the mosaic and base materials should be completed in class, with some additional materials to take home if wanted. Although it falls after Halloween, students can decorate Halloween and Thanksgiving sides for use throughout the fall.
Nov. 23 – Holiday Stamp Making
Just in time for the holiday season, students will learn how to choose a pattern, transfer it, carve it, and stamp it on paper or fabric. The process works for making cards, T-shirts, reusable wrapping paper, bags, and whatever creative use comes to mind.
Dec. 7 – Quilling
Quilling is more than 3,500 years old and originated in either Egypt or China, though the jury is still out on that. It has seen surges of popularity over the years, especially in the Victorian era and, apparently, the 1970s. This class will focus on turning quilling work into ornaments. The class will cover several techniques and ways to turn the pieces into ornaments.
Dec. 14 – Fairy House
The session wraps up with fairy houses on Dec. 14. The project uses air-dry clay and may require some finishing work after the clay dries in two to four days.
Classes are at 2 p.m. or 6:30 p.m., and there is no age limit, just an attention-span limit. Students should be able to focus on the project for two to three hours. All materials are included, and basic soft drinks are offered.
Culture Creations has been offering classes for more than three and a half years. What sets them apart is that they teach the craft rather than the project. When students leave, they have the skills to keep creating at home. While there are always sample projects and pictures, students are encouraged to explore their creativity and make their own vision. After an initial lesson at the start of class, the teachers offer tips, pointers, and guidance to help students bring their creations to life.
To sign up, stop by Culture Creations at 118 S. Main St., Chelsea, or call Laura Scriven at 734-780-0779.
