Wolf Craft Collective

This workshop provides a two-day opportunity to learn how to repair textiles with natural materials using hand-sewing techniques, patchwork and Sashiko, a meditative form of embroidery that encompasses a lexicon of lyrical and geometric patterns that developed in Japan in the mid-1600’s. Designed for absolute beginners and experienced sewists alike, the class introduces several methods that can be used to mend and embellish home textiles, clothing and linens, to extend the lifespan of cherished items with care and visual interest.

On the first day, materials will be provided to make a small sampler with a variety of stitches, each with its own unique utilitarian purpose, along with an introduction to the methods and techniques of Sashiko, including how to read and draft patterns onto fabric with ease. We’ll also practice different approaches to interior and exterior patchwork, with the potential to create near invisible mends or patches with visible, decorative stitches.

On the second day, participants can choose to transition to individual projects with an item of clothing, home linen, or other textile, looking at how to approach their piece depending on the desired outcome with individual help from Lena. Alternatively, a set of utilitarian coasters can be made with provided materials, each one with a different pattern or technique.

At the end of the class, a packet with reference material will be given to all students to springboard future projects, along with the visual examples made in the workshop to take home that can be referred to for ongoing inspiration.

Saturday, September 5 - Sunday, September 6
10am - 2pm

Lena Wolff

The new Wolf Craft at Osborn Woods sign got on the building in time for the last Hot Summer Nights in Nevada City. We are aiming to open by the end of August and are currently hiring servers for the Art Café. Check our website for how to apply.

Join Rachel Corry for a 2 day session to make your own booties! “Booties” typically end right at the ankle and are lighter-weight than traditional boots. You will use a thick suede which will be reinforced at the toe and heel. There are a number of hues to choose from.

Making your own shoes can be an incredibly gratifying learning experience. Rachel’s technique for shoemaking is relatively simple compared to more traditional methods. We use a last (shoe form) to form the toe and heel shapes, and then assemble them around the footbed until the fit is right. It’s a simple enough process to replicate at home with a few small hand tools and no machinery.

During our days together, we’ll spend about 5 hrs per day designing, cutting, fitting, and building a pair of dream-shoes for your own feet. This technique is great for those who need a wider, or narrower, fit than store-bought shoes can provide. We can achieve any width because everything is custom-made!

Day 1: choosing lasts, making and checking patterns, selecting leathers, lining leathers, shaping outsoles, lasting uppers, stacking heels, etc.

Day 2: fitting uppers, lots of scratching and glueing, creating midsoles/skiving, attaching heel/soles, edge finishing, nailing, adding laces and/or hardware.

*Note: You may want to wear or bring easy on/off footwear for our day of working with your feet. You’ll be thankful you did! Also bring your eye-glasses as we will be doing some precision cutting.

Saturday August 8 - Sunday August 9, 10am-4pm

Rachel Sees Snail Shoes

We’ll spend a whole day learning the steps of sandal-making: you will design, fit, and assemble a pair of dream sandals for your own feet. The design possibilities are endless, as long as your idea is open-toe and open-heel. Some variables to play with include material, hardware, heel height, strap layout, sole shape, and color. Rachel will bring many, many colors to choose from. If you have your heart set on a color you may want to email Rachel in advance so she can check if she has it. The sandals will be ready-to-wear at end of day.

Friday, August 7, 10am - 5pm

Rachel Sees Snail Shoes

Spend an evening learning the fundamentals of shaping metal as you transform flat brass, copper, and silver plated brass into a beautifully formed leaf. Using traditional metalsmithing techniques, you’ll saw, hammer, texture, and form your piece, watching it take shape with every step.

We’ll cover the essentials of working with metal including annealing, shaping, and finishing, giving you a solid introduction to metalwork in a relaxed, hands-on environment. Each piece will be completely your own, whether you lean toward a simple, functional form or something more sculptural and expressive.

You’ll leave with finished metal leaves and a deeper understanding of how metal moves, plus skills you can build on in future metals classes.

No experience needed.

Tuesday, July 28, 5-8pm

Explore the art of beaded jewelry-making and craft your own unique pair of seed bead earrings! In this hands-on class, you’ll learn the fundamentals of bead weaving, pattern design, and earring assembly.

We’ll begin with an introduction to working with seed beads, including threading techniques, tension control, and how to follow a simple pattern. You’ll choose from a variety of bead colors to personalize your design and create a beautiful, lightweight pair of earrings. Once you have the basic technique down, the possibilities for future designs are endless!

By the end of class, you’ll leave with a completed pair of handmade earrings and the skills to continue exploring beaded jewelry on your own. No prior experience is necessary, but if you wear reading glasses or need magnification for fine detail work, be sure to bring them along!

Friday, June 26, 10am-4pm

Alicia Honeybee

We added an another stacker class because the first one sold out so quickly. This one is already going fast, so grab your spot!

In this workshop we will walk you through the process of transforming various types of sterling and fine silver wire into stacking rings. Students will also get a chance to learn how to stamp and blacken designs onto one of their rings. You’ll leave with your very own custom stack of anywhere from 2 to 4 sterling silver rings.

Saturday, June 20, 1-5pm