SVM Craft Workshops
STORROWTON'S WORKSHOPS OF EARLY AMERICAN CRAFTS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- West Springfield, Mass. -- November 2, 2009
More Info: (413) 205-5051
Info Line (413) 205-5115
Storrowton Village Museum's annual series of crafts workshops will take place Tuesday through Friday, November 17-20 in the historic setting of the popular museum from 2-4pm.
Participants will be guided step by step through a 19th century-style craft project to keep or give as a special gift to be treasured now and in the future. Lessons in Quilting, creating a gathering basket, 19th century bandbox and penny rugs will be presented. Classes are limited to 12 participants and the $20 per person, per class fee includes all instruction and craft materials needed to complete each project.
Tuesday, November 17 - Dennis Picard, director of Storrowton, will reveal his techniques for Making A Gathering Basket. Before plastic bags and modern packaging, baskets were used around the farm and household to gather and carry a multitude of things. Baskets are surprisingly easy to weave, using standard construction techniques.
Wednesday, November 18 - Introduction to Hand-Sewn Quilting - Carol Geryk and Sandy Wyman, members of the Granville Quilt Guild, will teach this class which could result in a pillow top or the beginning of a full-size quilt. They will also explain how there is more to quilting than just sewing pieces of cloth together as they teach participants the steps to creating a finished quilt square.
Thursday, November 19 - Sandy Wyman and Carol Geryk of the Granville Quilt Guild share their skill and knowledge as they present an Introduction to Penny Rugs, a folk art style of appliqué. Dating from the mid-19th century, penny rugs were traditionally made from colorful felted wool and, despite their name, they were not used on the floor but as decorative table rugs or wall hangings.
Friday, November 20 - Creating a 19th Century Bandbox - Dennis Picard, director of Storrowton Village Museum, will lead the group in creating a historic bandbox. Bandboxes were the early 19th century's answer to luggage and were also used as a decorative form of storage. Participants will learn pattern cutting techniques and use reproduction wall papers to cover a pasteboard container. They will also apply faux finish techniques to distress each creation which will add to the historic 150 year old appearance of the finished product.
Fashion a gift from the heart - a personally handmade creation with a touch of the past. Sign up now for one or all of "Storrowton's Workshops of Early American Crafts." Pre-registration is required by November 13. Please contact Jackie Sullivan at the Museum office - 413-205-5051 - to reserve your space.
Storrowton Village Museum, an educational arm of Eastern States Exposition, presents hands-on school programs and guided tours of its historic buildings throughout the year as well as seasonal 19th century-themed events. It is the site of Storrowton Tavern/Carriage House and Storrowton Village Museum Gift Shop and is a picturesque, popular site for weddings held in its Meetinghouse and Gazebo.
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