Waterford Craft School

We're pleased to welcome marbling instructor Peggy Wertheim to our team this year! She has explored surface design for over 40 years and is inspired by the color blends, techniques, and themes of Claude Monet and the Impressionist movement. When faced with creative blocks, she chooses to meet them head on and just continues working, often experimenting with new techniques and materials. Throughout her career, she has always added, changed, learned, deleted, and added again new techniques, applications and directions, which keeps her work interesting. The challenges result in creative rewards and continual growth. We asked Peggy what she loves bout teaching and she shared, "One of the greatest joys is to see the excitement, wonder and joy from each of my students as they discover their creative inner voice. It is amazing to watch my students learn and experiment with new materials and processes. As the workshop progresses and the students create their pieces, their faces reflect wonder and surprise at their remarkable new skills." Join us here at the Old School for Peggy's two-day class, Traditional Marbling on Specialty Paper, Cotton, & Silk, on June 3 & 4. To learn more and to register, visit https://waterfordcraftschool.coursestorm.com/course/traditional-marbling-on-specialty-paper-cotton-silk

Unlike many art forms that take years to master, marbling will inspire you with instant gratification and success. No experience is necessary! In this two-day class, you'll learn how to marble cotton, silk, and specialty paper. You'll take home several pieces, which you can transform into unique quilting and sewing projects, like fancy napkins! Use your paper to wrap a special gift, create stunning lampshades, book arts projects, note cards, and more. For details and to register, click https://waterfordcraftschool.coursestorm.com/course/traditional-marbling-on-specialty-paper-cotton-silk

The origins of marbling are often disputed, but are thought to have roots in 8th century Japan and China. The process was adapted in Turkey before appearing in Europe in the 1600s. Ground pigments were suspended on liquid, then paper was dipped onto the surface after simple tools had been used to create designs mirroring marble, feathers, and more. This vintage example of marbled book ends was featured in the University of Adelaide's 2018 exhibit, 'Exposing the Bookbinder's Ancient Craft." To see more examples from the exhibit and learn more about the tools and materials used to create marbled paper, visit https://www.adelaide.edu.au/library/special/exhibitions/cover-to-cover/marbled-endpapers/

This vintage hooked rug seems like a good one to share in the Year of the Rabbit. Happy Lunar New Year!

Ready to spruce up your decor with a colorful and durable floorcloth?! Join us here at the Old School on March 25th for Making A Floorcloth From Start to Finish. There are only 2 seats left, so you'll need to act fast! For details and to register: https://waterfordcraftschool.coursestorm.com/course/making-a-floorcloth-from-start-to-finish

Meet instructor Grace Rochford! Grace originally made floorcloths just for herself, then was inspired to launch her company, Designs By Grace. She's been making floorcloths for over 15 years, and has the added distinction of being one of our Waterford Landmark Artisans, who are the heart of the Waterford Fair and long-time supporters of the Waterford Foundation. She has taught numerous Waterford Craft School workshops, inspiring many of her students to continue making floorcloths on their own. The process is contagious! Will you be the next student to catch the Floorcloth bug??

This early New Hampshire schoolgirl drawing signed "Hannah P. Badger 1811 & 12" depicts a bold, painted floorcloth, one of the earliest forms of modern floorcovering. Floorcloths originated in England, but found their way into colonial American homes. George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson used them, and they were in common use by the early 1800s. Easy to clean, they could keep winter drafts from coming up through wood floors, and were cool underfoot in summer. Some itinerant painters traveling in rural areas would sell their services as floorcloth painters, creating either solid colors, or fancy cloths with borders using stencils. Tumbling blocks, like those featured in Hannah's drawing, were a popular motif on the earliest floorcloths. Common colors included red, grey, brown, and green; yellow ochre was favored for hiding dust and pollen. Practical, durable, and colorful, they compliment both historical and contemporary decor. What colors will you paint on yours?

For as long as Karen can remember, she has loved art and used her hands to express herself. When she discovered basketry more than 35 years ago, she found a passion that artistically combined her love of weaving and woodworking. After college, she interned with renowned basket maker Martha Wetherbee for five summers, learning to work with ash in the Shaker style. She also took classes with Alice Ogden and JoAnn Kelly Catsos, who, like Martha, are nationally known New England basket makers. Their combined expertise and knowledge have helped her to develop her craft and hone her weaving skills. Working over wooden molds, with Shaker methods, Karen’s baskets are traditional in shape and materials. She weaves Shaker reproductions in ash, and traditional, utilitarian baskets with reed. Native hardwoods such as ash and oak are used to make the rims and handles, and all of her baskets are lashed using ash. Each basket takes on its own character, woven in a quatrefoil, twill, or fancy lace pattern that appeals to both eye and touch. For details on Karen's upcoming classes, visit https://waterfordcraftschool.coursestorm.com/category/basketry

Interested in learning how to make a useful basket, or in an opportunity to refine your basket making skills? Large Laundry Basket is geared for beginner and intermediate makers. There are just a few seats left in this 2-day, weekend class, so you'll need to act fast! For details and to register, visit https://waterfordcraftschool.coursestorm.com/course/large-laundry-storage-basket-beginner-intermediate

How cold does it have to be for long johns to freeze on the laundry line?! In the 19th and early 20th century, household life ran on a much stricter schedule than it does today, and Monday was wash day! For outdoor laundry tips, check out 'Grandma's Laundry Rules' https://12tomatoes.com/grandmas-laundry-rules/

Are you searching for a gift for a maker in your life? Consider a Waterford Craft School gift card! Cards can be purchased online in any amount at the link below, and we will send you a pdf within 2 business days. It's a great gift option for those who love to work with their hands and learn new skills!
https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/VOxAUX9iQwB5yrgKEMGmAQ

Our gift to you today: A tutorial on how to make these beautiful paper star ornaments to decorate your house or tree this holiday season! (And a wonderful craft to learn alongside friends and family over the holiday time!)​​​​​​​​
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During the most consumerist time of the year (when we are all being bombarded by marketing at every turn), and in the spirit of the beloved gift economy, we want to GIVE you something!! We are posting "gifties" for you ALL WEEK LONG! Mini tutorials, project ideas, and a rolling list of our "favorites" (books, songs, etc). We hope these little offerings enrich your life this week. Stay tuned! ​​​​​​​​
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AND there's more! Our 20% off sale is in full swing. We are SO grateful to everyone who has ordered this year, shared our posts, and kept the love flowing. Your support and encouragement gives us LIFE! Shop link in profile. Use code THANKS20 at checkout.

Check out this great ornament tutorial from the artisans of The Far Woods! It's a sweet project to share with family and friends . . . https://www.instagram.com/p/ClT2qgNse-w/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Our gift to you today: A tutorial on how to make these beautiful paper star ornaments to decorate your house or tree this holiday season! (And a wonderful craft to learn alongside friends and family over the holiday time!)​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​ During the most consumerist time of the year (when we are all being bombarded by marketing at every turn), and in the spirit of the beloved gift economy, we want to GIVE you something!! We are posting "gifties" for you ALL WEEK LONG! Mini tutorials, project ideas, and a rolling list of our "favorites" (books, songs, etc). We hope these little offerings enrich your life this week. Stay tuned! ​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​ AND there's more! Our 20% off sale is in full swing. We are SO grateful to everyone who has ordered this year, shared our posts, and kept the love flowing. Your support and encouragement gives us LIFE! Shop link in profile. Use code THANKS20 at checkout.

Learn tips & tricks for creating amazing appetizer boards that will wow your friends and family this holiday season. join us for a festive evening of learning and fun, Friday, November 18, from 7 - 9 PM. Includes nibbles and sips! For details and to register, click https://craftschool.waterfordfoundation.org/class/building-a-charcuterie-board-appetizer/

Do you favor a primitive or simple, contemporary decorating style? Our 18th Century Natural Garland workshop may be just for you! Join us on Wednesday, November 16th and create an 8' natural garland with dried fruit and fresh greens from 7 - 8:30 PM. For details and to register, click https://craftschool.waterfordfoundation.org/class/18th-c-natural-garland/

Avoid the holiday shopping lines and a last-minute dash to the Post Office! Make your own holiday cards here at the Old School on Thursday, November 17th from 4 - 6 PM. Bring your 3" x 4" design ideas to class, then learn how to carve a rubber block and print a set of 10 cards with phenomenal local artist Jill Evans-Kavaldjian! This class is for adults, but also open to young people ages 10+, who may attend without an adult. To register: https://craftschool.waterfordfoundation.org/class/block-printed-holiday-cards/

Check out our fun Holiday workshops! For details and to register, https://craftschool.waterfordfoundation.org/classes

Thank you to all who joined us for the 78th Waterford Fair this past weekend! We hope you enjoyed your time in the Waterford National Historic Landmark, and we appreciate your support of the Waterford Foundation and our mission!

Save the date for the 79th Waterford Fair: October 6-8, 2023!

To learn more about our Holiday workshops and 2023 classes, be sure to swing by the Waterford Craft School tent at the 78th Waterford Fair, Oct 7 - 9. We'll be set up in Area 5--in the back field, near the encampment. www.waterfordfairva

Be sure to check out instructor Karen Wychock's beautiful baskets during the Fair this weekend (Area 2, John Wesley Churchyard) and ask her about her upcoming classes in 2023! She's earned the distinction of Waterford Landmark Artisan, for excellence in craftsmanship and education, and for her longtime commitment to the Waterford Fair and the Waterford Foundation. For Fair details, visit https://waterfordfairva.org

When you're at the Waterford Fair this weekend, don't miss Candace Stribling's lovely contemporary jewelry, inside the Old School (Area 5). Be sure to ask her about her May 6 jewelry class. We're excited that she's joining our team in 2023! For Fair details, visit https://waterfordfairva.org

Fair Demonstrating Artisan Maureen Anderson has a deep connection to the plants and animals on her family farm. We're pleased to welcome her to our instructor team in 2023! Be sure to swing by her booth in the Village
Center (Area 4) to learn more about the products she handcrafts, and the Herbal Remedies and Cold Process Soap classes she'll be teaching for us on May 6 & 7! Advance Fair tickets are available online for a few more days https://waterfordfairva.org

Instructor Gary Robinson has earned the distinction of Waterford Landmark Artisan. Swing by his booth at the 78th Waterford Fair to see his work before if flies off the shelf! Be sure to ask him about his Broom Making class May 6 & 7, which is open to all skills levels. There are a few days left to purchase advance tickets, https://waterfordfairva.org

We're pleased to welcome Fair Demonstrating Artisan Ian Hart to our 2023 instructor team! Stop by his booth on the Old School grounds (Area 5) to check out his fine iron and carved wooden wares. Be sure to ask him about his 17th C. Wood Carving: Cutting Board class. which will be held on June 3 & 4! There are a few more days left to purchase advance Fair tickets. Visit https://waterfordfairva.org

Thank you to all our 2022 Waterford Fair sponsors!

**Gold Sponsors**
Loudoun Mutual Insurance Company
Wegmans
Waterford Foundation Inc.

**Silver Sponsors**

by Loudoun County Rural Economic Development
Waterford Craft School

**Bronze Sponsors**


Valley Energy

VIP Boarding Kennel

**Community Partners**
Jane Covington Renovations
Jennifer Jule Studios
Lauten Construction
Catoctin Presbyterian Church
Get Out Loudoun


Waterford Baptist Church
William A. Hazel, Inc.

The Fair is now a week away – see the full schedule and get your tickets at waterfordfairva.org. As always, kids 12 and under are FREE!

Master seat weaving instructor Pamela Foster demonstrates her craft in our tent at the 78th Waterford Fair on Saturday, Oct 8th. Be sure to ask her about her upcoming holiday class, Woven Virginia Snowflake, and her Intro to Hand Woven Cane and Splint Seat classes in 2023! We'll be set up next to the encampment in the back field in Area 5. To purchase Fair tickets in advance, visit www.waterfordfairva.org