Introduction to Blacksmithing

Kim Stahl

Explore the fundamental principles of Blacksmithing materials, tools, and techniques. No prior experience necessary!

Making a Cheese Knife

Kim Stahl

Learn to flatten and spread metal, basic heat treating, food safe finishes and more as you make a simple cheese knife or letter opener. No prior experience is necessary!

Making Hooks and Wall Hangers

Kim Stahl

Learn hammering basics, bending and punching, and so much more in our blacksmithing facility. Walk away with finished hooks to hang your keys on or pots and coats from. No prior experience is necessary!

Glazing Techniques for Gas and Electric Kiln Firing

Bev Aroh

Understand the components of glazes, learn different application techniques, learn to analyze your samples, and more!

Handbuilding 1

Multiple Teachers

Work in clay using your hands as the tools! Learn basic handbuilding techniques such as coil, slab, and pinch methods to explore tableware forms and sculptural ideas. You will learn basic surface design techniques using glazes, slips, sgraffito, resist, and carving to get your decorating skill set started!

Handbuilding 2

Multiple Teachers

Develop your hand-building skills while working on projects of your own choosing. Figurative, abstract, functional, or sculptural, you will learn the necessary techniques to successfully complete your artwork. Students work on independent projects while receiving consultation, technical demonstrations, and critiques of their work.

Soda Glazing in the Kiln

Dan Barnett

Experience atmospheric firing and see the clay surface interact with soda ash! Students should prepare pieces for bisque. You will also learn glaze testing and development in a soda atmosphere. *Prerequisite: Completion of both a wheel and hand-building class.

Sustainable Woodfire

Dan Barnett

Experience atmospheric wood-fire with Dan Barnett with his custom-made, high-efficiency, fast-fire wood kiln. This atmospheric firing process uses the interaction of a clay surface with fusible materials that are added to the kiln during the firing process to form a glaze on the clay.

Plaster Molds for the Ceramic Process

Mary Rhein

This specialized workshop focuses on the uses and practicalities of molds and plaster in the ceramic process. Basic and advanced mold-making techniques, including one-part, two-part, and three-part molds, will be explored.

Learn to Luster

Mary Rhein

This workshop teaches you the basics and safety of how to add metallic accents to your ceramics. Bring a few fully-glazed pieces to the workshop for embellishment. The materials fee for this workshop includes a 1g bottle of Bright Gold luster for each student.

Wheel 1

Multiple Teachers

Learn how to throw pots on a wheel. This wheel throwing course focuses on skill development and form. Explore fundamental techniques of throwing cylindrical shapes, bowls, and plates. Take this class as many times as you like to gain proficiency. Classes include individual and group instruction.

Wheel 2

Mary Henderson

If you have experience on the wheel, this class focuses on refining your technique and developing a personal aesthetic. Demonstrations and discussions will focus on concepts, the relationship between form and function, and advanced wheel and glaze techniques.

Member Studios: Clay

This extra studio time is available by registration only to Craft Alliance members.

Casting 1

Robert Thomas Mullen

Learn how to create models to cast into metal with the centrifugal casting machine. Explore additive and subtractive wax techniques as well as the “ins and outs” of casting organic or plastic materials. Castings can be used as design components, jewelry pieces, or small sculptural objects.

Casting 2

Kelly Draper

This class is for intermediate to advanced students who wish to expand and refine their knowledge of centrifugal casting techniques. Students will create a vulcanized rubber mold, allowing them to create many wax model copies for the production of cast multiples.

Introduction to Metal Etching

Kelly Draper

Bring in a favorite photo, design or pattern and transfer the image to metal using the etching process.

Making an Enameled Bracelet

Kelly Draper

Enameling is an ancient art that fuses colored glass powders to a metal surface. In this class you will create a colorful charm or link bracelet using various enamel techniques such as sgraffitto, basse taille or stenciling. Tools, metal, and basic supplies are provided.

Making Roller Printed Jewelry

Sarah Walters

Learn to apply texture on metal using a rolling mill to create a cuff bracelet and/or a pair of earrings. Participants will also learn to form, saw, apply patina, and create earring wires to finish their projects into wearable works of art. No prior experience is necessary!

Making Stacker Rings

Sarah Walters

Participants will learn to size and form ring bands, solder, polish, and add texture to customize rings to their own style and liking! Participants will be able to create at least 2-3 rings. Flamework will be used in this workshop.

Metalsmithing 1

Multiple Teachers

This class is designed for students with little or no prior metalworking experience. Learn traditional metalsmithing techniques such as sawing, piercing, forming, soldering, surface embellishment, and finishing. Use these skills to create jewelry, functional objects and decorations.

Metalsmithing 2

Multiple Teachers

This class is designed for the beginning metalsmith who has completed at least one class and will commit to additional practice in the basic skills necessary to the craft before continuing on to more advanced classes.

Metalsmithing 4

Mike Gleason

In this advanced class, students will receive individualized attention as they work on self-directed projects of their own choosing, whether jewelry or small objects. With the guidance of an instructor, students will advance their proficiency and expand their skill set in order to problem solve as well as further develop their own unique aesthetic and voice.

Member Studios: Metals

This extra studio time is available by registration only to Craft Alliance members.

Bowl Turning

Jeff Hornung

Take your wood turning skills even further! Explore design, wood selection and how to maintain consistent wall thickness, as well as natural edge and footed bowls.

Introduction to Woodturning

Multiple Teachers

This course is an introduction to woodturning on student lathes. Students will learn basic woodturning techniques, including safe speeds for various object sizes, mounting your work, making adjustments, choosing the right type of wood, how to keep lathe tools sharp, and much more!

Introduction to Woodworking

Multiple Teachers

This is an introduction to the tools, machines, and foundational methods of woodworking. Students will learn the ins and outs of marking and measuring, hand tools and their use and care, as well as the set up and use of various stationary power tools. Emphasis will be on safety, and the how’s and why’s, and logic behind each tool’s care and use.

Making a Chunky Bud Vase

Joy Hitchcock

Make a set of 3 simple and fun bud vases using wood! Participants will learn to use the drill-press, band-saw, and belt sander to make a unique centerpiece to bring life to any space.

Making a Tealight Candle Holder

Joy Hitchcock

Make a set of 3 simple and fun tealight candle-holders using wood. Participants will learn to use the drill-press, band-saw, and belt sander to make a unique centerpiece to light-up any table.

Making Cutting Boards

Jeff Hornung

Learn how to create a series of beautiful cutting boards by laminating, cutting and manipulating different hardwoods. We will start with a basic cheese board and get progressively more complex.

Making Scrap Wood Jewelry

Joy Hitchcock

Turn small scraps of multi-color wood into earrings or a necklace pendant! Participants will use hand-saws and a dremel tool to shape unique jewelry. Finish-off your piece learning to wire-wrap your tiny-wood sculpture into a pendant and you've got handmade style!

Member Stuidios: Wood

This extra studio time is available by registration only to Craft Alliance members.

Arashi Shibori Dyeing

Cathy McBride

Arashi "storm" is the name the Japanese have given patterns that are created by wrapping cloth around a pole, compressing it into folds and dying it. Many of the patterns suggest rain driven by a strong wind. In this class 2 Scarves will be created, plus a few sample pieces. Fiber reactive dyes and Indigo will be used to dye the pieces.

Clothing Repair: Summer Fabrics

Alexis Giger

Learn the fundamentals of mending tailored to your favorite light-weight summer clothing. We will cover hand stitching techniques for repairing clothing, fiber selection, color theory, and clothing longevity.

Craft After Hours: Marbled Silk Scarves

Zoë Finkelstein

In this Craft After Hours, add some color to your day to day with a marbled scarf. Participants will learn the steps of marbling, an ancient decorative art form known for its colorful patterns and leave with a marbled scarf and stationary. Grab a few friends and bring some color and pattern into your life while enjoying complimentary refreshments.

Dyeing Silk with Natural Materials

Erin Luna

Learn how to make color with completely natural materials. Students will dye their own silk scarves with materials from nature, including wood chips, insects, nuts, and flowers. Learn different shibori tying and folding techniques and how adjusting the pH of dyes with the addition of iron can create different variations of colors.

Floor Loom Weaving

Denise Mandel

Discover the magic of weaving on a four-harness floor loom for 6 weeks! Beginners will learn to warp the loom and weave basic patterns. Intermediate students will explore the advanced process of pattern drafts or tapestry techniques. Project planning and material selection will also be covered. Creativity with color and texture effects are emphasized in this weaving course.

Innovative Fabric Piecing

Angee Turner

This is a class to expand your quilt design flair and improve your machine sewing dexterity. Practice sewing curves, multiple angles, S-seams, Y-seams, Z-seams, partial seams, and angled and circular insets. Then sew all the pieces together with background fabric to create a unique quilt top. Sewing machine experience needed.

Introduction to Embroidery

Carlene Fullerton

Review basic stitches and then advance weekly with new stitches. Design and transfer your designs, explore a variety of threads and substrates and discover possible finishing techniques. Embroidery can open many creative possibilities for you!

Introduction to Machine Sewing

Michele Siler

Machine sewing is a great skill to have, no matter who you are. In this course students will learn to run a sewing machine and a serger and utilize notions like bias tape and zippers. Basic construction techniques from cutting to stitching will culminate in creating a project showing off a variety of skills.

Marbling Fabric

Zoë Finkelstein

Make your own fabric creation from start to finish! Students will spend the first portion of the class marbling fabric and the second portion of the class making a sewn object with the fabric you’ve marbled. The sewing project will be open-ended; make a quilt block, a pillow, a simple shirt, or anything else that's been on your mind. Let your fabric inspire your creation!

Mending Through Embroidery

Alexis Giger

Revive stained, worn, and torn clothing using decorative embroidery. The first half of the class will be an introduction to hand-sewn embroidery stitches, and the second half will be dedicated to creating an original embroidery design to apply to a garment of your choice. Participants are encouraged to bring in their own clothing to work on, but it is not mandatory.

Modern Mini Quilts

Melissa Eagan

In this class, you will design and make your own modern mini quilt. A mini quilt is a great way to try out a new technique or idea before committing to a larger quilt. Use your imagination and have fun!

Print & Stitch

Cathy McBride

In this workshop you will learn various techniques of printmaking with a Gelli plate. Your prints will be on fabric and are suitable for framing, quilts or add to clothing. Your work can be pictorial or abstract. Embroidery stitches will then be used to add color, details and to make your pieces really pop! This workshop is suitable for all skill levels.

Printing with Flowers and Leaves

Erin Luna

Learn how to print flowers and leaves on fabric. Students will learn the craft of "Bundle Dyeing" or "Eco-printing," a variation of natural dyeing, in which natural materials like fresh and dried flowers, leaves, and powdered pigments are used to create an organic composition on fabric. Learn a bit about the science of natural dyeing, and logistics of recreating this process at home, and leave with a beautiful piece of naturally dyed art.

Rust, Tea & Stitch

Cathy McBride

It's a new world of dying, using rust and tea. Old rusty items that we considered throwaways transform Textiles into things of beauty. Different teas will be applied to the rusted fabric to add another level to your Textiles. The last step is to add stitching to your piece and a final layer of depth. This technique is now being shown on garments in runway shows.

Sculptural Shibori Dyeing

Cathy McBride

"Cloth has memory." It has been alive in some form, either plant or animal. After tying, dying and rinsing, the cloth will retain its shape when it is desert dry. A fun class for a piece to wear or display as a sculpture. Fiber reactive dyes will be used to give a range of colors.

Sewing

Alexis Giger

Get comfortable with the sewing tools and techniques you need to mend your own clothing with Alexis Giger of Little Cliff, a St. Louis-based mending and clothing repair studio. Students will learn helpful stitches for repairing clothing like running and blanket stitches, as well as fastening techniques for buttons and other closures. Students will create a small sampler of stitches and fastenings, as well as take home their very own mending kit. Finally, students are encouraged to bring in their own damaged clothing to troubleshoot with Alexis, and learn best mending practices for different types of garments.

Upcycled Market Tote

Angel Neubeurger

In this two part workshop, participants will learn to make a generously sized and fully lined upcycle tote bag with a large outer pocket. A variety of thoughtfully curated secondhand textiles will be provided to choose from, such as vintage linens, quilts, and tea towels. Participants may also choose to bring their own textile to upcycle.

Working with Fresh Indigo

Erin Luna

In this off-site workshop, students will have the opportunity to visit the beautiful land of Bellews Creek Farm where Erin Luna grows her own dye garden. Erin will guide students in the process of dyeing silk with fresh Japanese indigo - from harvest, to processing, to dyeing - all in a few hours. Experience the utter magic of working with indigo in this incredibly easy, straightforward process while enjoying the calming environment of the farm. This workshop takes place in a rustic environment on an active farm. Terrain is uneven in places and facilities are limited. Workshop will include being in the sun and heat for part of the experience. Students should bring water and sunscreen, wear sturdy shoes and clothes they do not mind possibly being stained.

Member Studios: Fibers

This extra studio time is available by registration only to Craft Alliance members.

Bookmaking with Print Media

Brian Lathan

This in-person workshop for beginners introduces participants to the art of bookbinding. Learn how to use bookbinding tools and materials to make multiple book structures. Participants will be guided through the process of creating their own zine, sketchbook, or artists’ book using techniques including one-sheet books, pamphlet stitch books, accordion books, stab binding books, multi-signature softcover books, and hardcover accordion books!

Collagraphs

Erin Johnston

Collagraph is a collage-like process that involves both relief and intaglio-style printing. Plates are built up using different textures and can be created out of generic materials such as cardboard, acrylic gel media, carborundum, textiles, tin foil, plastics etc. It is a versatile and experimental method that allows for creative mark-making and the option to produce images from abstract to highly representational. If this sounds confusing, it will all make sense when you get here! No prior drawing or print-making experience necessary!

Craft After Hours: Marbled Festive Decorations

Zoë Finkelstein

Make festive décor for a celebration or decorations for everyday life in this Craft After Hours. In the first session learn the basics of marbling on paper and fabric. In the second session transform your marbled material into festive garlands, bunting, cards, and more. Grab a few friends and upgrade your decorations while enjoying complimentary refreshments.

Drawing for Printmaking

Erin Johnston

Combining Drawing and Printmaking, this course presents the drawing fundamentals necessary to produce quality prints. Students will be guided through mark making skills that translate to print while being introduced to ways to approach value, texture, and form. While the class will utilize Drawing fundamentals it will do so in service of print. The first half of this course will focus on drawing approaches that translate into print. The second half will focus on using these approaches to produce prints. Over the course we will explore printmaking techniques that have a strong relationship with drawing including Trace Monotype, Intaglio, and Collagraph.

Illuminated Paper

Grant Benoit

Wanting to add a bit of ambiance to your tablescapes when entertaining? This workshop will focus on western-style papermaking exploring decorative paper techniques, such as watermarks, laminating, and blowouts that allow for light to illuminate the paper. Participants will create their own designs using rubber sandblast resist utilizing both hand cutting methods and a Cricut©. Students will learn basic paper-making techniques using pigments, cotton, overbeaten abaca and flax for the first two sessions and then explore making paper luminary forms once dry in the third session. Open to all levels.

Introduction to Cyanotype

Kristen McMillion

Cyanotype printing is a photographic printing process that uses a solution applied to a variety of substrates (including paper, fabric, wood, etc.) and exposing it to light, then rinsing it out with water to create beautiful, intense blue and white prints. This is a great summer activity that creates lovely art and harnesses the power of the sun at the same time.

Introduction to Monotypes

Libby Scobee

Get inky with Monoprint! In this class we will explore one-off prints in their many forms. Students will learn a variety of single print techniques, including stencils, incorporating drawing, and stamps.

Introduction to Printmaking

Grant Benoit

Introduction to Printmaking is a sampler class that orients beginning level printmakers in printmaking techniques and the printmaking studio. Students will be introduced to the tools, equipment and techniques needed to start their printmaking journey. In this 6 week course, students will focus on relief and intaglio printmaking processes and leave with print work in both processes.

Introduction to Screenprinting

Multiple Teachers

Learn the fundamentals of screenprinting while building skill and knowledge in the process of the serigraphy. Projects will explore paper, fabric and other substrates resulting in a diverse body of prints by the end of the course.

Making Hand Printed Cards

Norman Spencer

In this workshop, students will use the fundamentals of relief printmaking to design, carve, and print their own linocut blocks. The students will then use those blocks to print cards that can be used at home or sent to a friend.

Making Hand Printed Tea Towels

Norman Spencer

In this 2 day workshop, students will use the fundamentals of relief printmaking to design, carve, and print their own linocut blocks. Those blocks will then be used to hand-print tea towels that the students can enjoy at home or gift to a friend.

Paper & Print

Grant Benoit

Torn between exploring printmaking or papermaking? In this dual course, students will split their time learning papermaking and printmaking techniques and how to connect these art forms. In the first half of the course, students will work through creating pulp using the hollander beater, basic western-style sheet forming, as well as working with pigmented pulp, shaped paper forms, and watermarks. In the second half students will learn the relief printing process, safely working with Craft Alliance's presses, and multiple color techniques. In the end, students will be able to print on handmade paper created during the course.

Paper x Letterpress: Craft Alliance and Central Print

Grant Benoit

Name a more iconic duo than paper and print-- explore these two techniques with Grant Benoit, Director of Education at Craft Alliance and Marie Oberkircsh, Executive Director of Central Print. Students will spend the first night at Craft Alliance, learning the basics of western-style papermaking creating cotton and abaca sheets of paper. The second night, students will meet at Central Print Studio where they will use the handmade paper to letterpress on. Choose an image from the Central Print archive of over 50 unique letterpress designs, learn a few printing tricks, and leave with a stack of printed stationery. Use your paper to print personalized cards using your name, initials, or other personal sentiments (20 characters or less). Open to all levels.

Watercolor Monoprints

Erin Johnston

Spend the day experimenting with a low stress, all-levels, print technique! This one day workshop will explore monotypes (non-reproducible prints) using the medium of watercolor. Unlike traditional watercolor painting on paper, we will be applying paint to a fine-toothed film, allowing for additive and subtractive painting, as well as stencils and layering. Plates will be run through the etching press to produce the final images on paper. No printing or painting experience necessary! Students will walk away with 2-3 unique prints.

Fused Glass Foundations

Yuko Suga

Warm up to kiln-worked glass in this introductory 4 week class. You’ll make a variety of your own glass projects that will teach you the basics of glass work in the kiln. You will design several functional and decorative pieces and you’ll learn how to cut glass, about compatibility and how glass changes in the kiln.

Hollow Beads

Kevin Heard

Take your lampworking skill to the next level, and learn to make lightweight, hollow glass beads in the flame. You'll begin by practicing making coiled disks on the mandrel, then join two of them together to make a hollow form. Finally, the real fun begins when you'll use "puffy" mandrels to create larger blown glass beads.

Introduction to Glass Beadmaking

Kevin Heard

In three intense, fun-filled hours, learn to wind hot molten glass on steel to form colorful glass beads! Explore a variety of flameworking techniques and go home with a handful of beads at the end of this workshop. No prior experience is required.

Making a Stained Glass Suncatcher

Yuko Suga

Learn to use a pattern to cut, foil, and solder a suncatcher out of stained glass to hang in your home. Choose designs and patterns in exciting colors and tints. Easily customize and create a beautiful piece of artwork that will brighten any window!

Making Glass Coasters

Yuko Suga

Come and create a set of fused glass coasters in the new Glass Studio! Learn fusing basics to assemble glass compositions and prepare four handmade coasters. Make a set for your home or give them as a thoughtful handmade gift. Your artwork will be fired in the glass kiln and will be ready for pick up after the weekend.

Stained Glass Foundations

Yuko Suga

Make a bright spot in your window with seasonal decorations. You will learn the basics of glass cutting and using the copper foil method of assembling stained glass.

Fun With Frit

Kevin Heard

Learn how to make glass beads and embellish them with crushed colorful glass (frits) for a wide variety of effects and decorations! Learn basic flame working techniques and how to decorate by melting and using glass frits. No prior experience is required.

Member Studios: Glass

This extra studio time is available by registration only to Craft Alliance members.

Relief Printmaking: Ages 11-15

Zoë Finkelstein

In this Teen Lab studio, students will learn the fundamentals of relief printmaking with linoleum blocks--from design, carving, and printing. Using those blocks students will experiment printing on different materials and adding color in non-traditional ways. Students will leave with prints to keep and trade with their friends.

Marbled Paper & Books: Ages 11-15

Zoë Finkelstein

In this two part class learn how to make decorative papers to create your own handbound journal. Participants will learn paper marbling and paste paper techniques on the first session, and then use those papers the second session to create your own handmade journal.

Sculpture: Ages 15-18

Explore a variety of methods of working in sculpture--from design and concept, to material exploration, and execution of techniques. Students will use techniques like knitting, cutting, pasting, dyeing, casting, and carving to bring their sketches to life.

Fibers: Ages 15-18

Explore fibers through a variety of techniques--dye, sewing, surface design and embellishments. Learn basic techniques on the sewing machine to turn your materials into decorative and wearable art constructions.

Glass: Ages 15-18

Learn to work with a torch and molten glass to create small, sculptural glass objects. Explore a variety of flame-working techniques and make beads and other small objects created from glass.

Metals: Ages 15-18

Explore techniques to create wearable art through jewelry and metalsmithing techniques. Learn or refine skills needed to rivet, solder, cut, connect together parts! Create wearable and sculptural art using brass, copper, beads, and found objects.

Papermaking: Ages 15-18

Learn the basics of forming handmade paper, experimenting with color, texture, shaped paper and inclusions. Teens will also explore working with three dimensional paper techniques to create paper sculpture.

Relief Printmaking: Ages 15-18

Learn the fundamentals of relief printmaking with linoleum blocks--from design, carving, and printing. Using those blocks students will experiment printing on different materials and adding color in non-traditional ways. Students will leave with prints to keep and trade with their friends.

Screenprinting: Ages 15-18

Learn the fundamentals of screenprinting--from design, image development and printing on paper and fabric. Students will use the fundamentals to experiment with non-traditional materials and methods to create unique prints. Students will leave with prints to keep and trade with their friends.