Arbutus Folk School

Learn Needle Felting at Arbutus Folk School! 🪡

🐙 On Friday, July 10 (4:00–6:30pm), students will learn the basics of needle felting by sculpting their own wool squid. Using special barbed needles, you’ll compress and shape wool fibers into solid forms while learning safe tool use and the simple science behind how felting works.

This project includes building and attaching several smaller felted parts to create a finished squid—great for beginners or anyone curious about fiber arts. No prior experience is required.

Register and learn more here: https://www.hisawyer.com/arbutus-folk-school/schedules/activity-set/1870809?source=all-activities

Arbutus Folk School is hiring Woodworking Instructors!

We’re looking to grow our woodworking team at Arbutus Folk School to help expand our hands-on, skill-building classes.

Details:

-Start date: October 2026
-Pay: $28–$32/hr
-Flexible schedule
-Perks: class discounts + 24/7 shop access for personal projects

We’re especially interested in instructors with fresh class ideas covering foundational woodworking skills and creative project-based learning.

To apply, email a cover letter and CV to Ken Nance at [email protected]. Review begins July 18, 2026.

Learn more here 👉 https://arbutusfolkschool.org/employment-2/

Join us for a relaxed evening of creativity at our Community Clay Night!

On Friday, July 10 (6:00–9:00pm), we’ll be making slab-built mugs from start to finish. You’ll learn to create clay slabs, shape them using a mug template, and learn how to form your piece into a functional mug.

Learn more and register here 👉 https://www.hisawyer.com/arbutus-folk-school/schedules/activity-set/1867447?source=semesters

🦊 Arbutus Art Camp: Animals!

This July, we’re inviting young artists in grades 2–5 to spend a week creating, exploring, and having fun with animals through sculpture, fiber arts, and storytelling. Morning sessions are for grades 2–3 (9 AM–12 PM) and afternoon sessions are for grades 4–5 (1–4 PM).

Campers will work with:

✨Ceramics: pinch pots, coiling, and attachments with Dannielle Swan
✨Needle felting: wool animal forms with Amanda Hanson
✨Chinese shadow puppetry: storytelling and puppet-making with Kuen Kuen Spichiger, ending in a final performance for families

Throughout the week, students will explore texture, shape, form, and balance while building new skills and connections.

📅 July 27–31
📍 705 4th Ave E, Olympia, WA

💛 Sliding scale tuition available thanks to the PARC Foundation and Inspire Olympia (full price, 25%, 50%, 75% off).

👉 Register here: https://www.hisawyer.com/arbutus-folk-school/schedules?activity_name%5B%5D=Arbutus+Art+Camp%3A+Animals%21+%28Grades+2%2F3%29&activity_name%5B%5D=Arbutus+Art+Camp%3A+Animals%21+%28Grades+4%2F5%29&ageGradeFilterTab=age_ranges%5B%5D&page=1

🧵 Make a Leather Tool Roll at Arbutus Folk School!

Learn the fundamentals of leatherwork while creating a functional 9-slot tool or artist roll. In this hands-on class, students will practice cutting, punching, stitching, and riveting leather, working from a pattern to build a finished piece designed to hold tools up to 7" tall.

You’ll also learn how to attach a ribbon closure and explore basic pattern modification so you can adapt or design future projects of your own.

By the end of class, you’ll take home a completed leather tool roll—practical, durable, and handmade by you.

📅 Sunday, June 28
🕐 1–5 PM
📍 705 4th Ave E, Olympia, WA
✨Register here: https://www.hisawyer.com/arbutus-folk-school/schedules/activity-set/1801255?source=semesters

🧹 *Intro to Broom-Making* at Arbutus Folk School

Learn to craft a functional floor broom from start to finish in this full-day, hands-on workshop. You’ll leave with at least one completed broom and the skills to make more on your own.

📅 Saturday, June 27
🕙 10 AM–4 PM
📍 Arbutus Folk School | Olympia, WA
✨ Register here: https://www.hisawyer.com/arbutus-folk-school/schedules/activity-set/1815497?source=semesters

🎨 Join us for Madhubani Painting at Arbutus Folk School!

On Saturday, June 20, 3–6 PM, learn this vibrant, geometric art form from Deepti Agrawal, a Governor’s Art and Heritage Award Honoree, Seattle Art Museum educator, and Master Artist in WACulture’s Heritage Arts Apprenticeship Program.

Explore the history, composition, and techniques of traditional Bihari Indian design, and create your own artwork—no prior art experience needed! You’ll have the option to apply your designs to bookmarks, coasters, tea-light holders, or mirror/photo frames.

This class is supported in part by Northwest Heritage Resources, a Washington State cultural nonprofit.

Register here:https://www.hisawyer.com/arbutus-folk-school/schedules/activity-set/1801223?source=semesters

📍 Arbutus Folk School | Olympia, WA

🎨 Intro to Monotype Printmaking at Arbutus Folk School!

Explore the playful world of printmaking in our hands-on class where every print is one-of-a-kind. Monotypes are a wonderfully approachable art form—no drawing or painting experience needed—just curiosity and a willingness to experiment with color and shape.

Students will spread ink or paint on an acrylic surface, create a design, and transfer it onto paper using simple tools. The result is a unique print each time, which can be framed, turned into cards, or used in collage work.

📅 Saturday, June 20
🕙 10 AM–2 PM
📍 705 4th Ave E, Olympia, WA
✨ Register here: https://www.hisawyer.com/arbutus-folk-school/schedules/activity-set/1800406?source=semesters

🌈 Happy Pride Month from Arbutus Folk School!

This June, we’re looking forward to gathering, learning, and creating together through a couple of community-centered events led by and for LGBTQ makers.

💛 Q***r Craft Night
Sunday, June 7 | 4-6 PM
A relaxed evening for q***r craftspeople to meet, connect, and co-create in community.

🪡 LGBTQ Social: Sewing Machine Basics
Sunday, June 21 | 1–4:30 PM
A welcoming workshop to dust off your sewing machine and finally get comfortable using it—perfect for beginners or anyone needing a refresher.

These spaces are about making things together, sharing skills, and building connections through craft.

📍 Arbutus Folk School | Olympia, WA

Register through our course catalog: https://www.hisawyer.com/arbutus-folk-school/schedules?ageGradeFilterTab=age_ranges%5B%5D&page=1