Classes

Join us for a watercolor class where you can learn both beginning and advanced techniques. Each session starts with a quick lesson, allowing you to explore new methods and refine your skills. After the lesson, you’ll have the opportunity to create a beautiful watercolor card, putting your new knowledge into practice.

This class is not just about learning—it’s also about play, exploration, and meeting new people. Enjoy a relaxed and supportive environment where you can express your creativity and connect with fellow art enthusiasts.

Whether you’re a novice or an experienced artist, our watercolor class offers something for everyone. Come paint with us and discover the joy of watercolor!

Join us for a two-hour beginner’s glass fusing class. Whether you’re looking to create a decorative night light, a charming horseshoe, an ornament, or artistic plant stakes, this class offers a perfect introduction to the vibrant world of glass art. Our schedule is flexible to accommodate your availability; if you don’t see a suitable time listed, please email us at rockymountainfolkschool@gmail.com.

Under the expert guidance of glass artist Linda Dewey, you’ll explore the exciting art of layering differently-sized and colorful pieces of glass to bring your creative vision to life.

The class will cover:

• The various forms of glass used in fusing
• Safe glass cutting techniques
• An introduction to kiln preparation and firing schedules

All materials are included, and we’ll provide necessary safety gear like eyewear and gloves. Please wear closed-toe shoes for safety. Note that due to kiln schedules and the complexity of your designs, you will need to return to collect your finished piece on a future date per the instructors. For any questions regarding the kiln process or scheduling, please contact Gillian Butler, our program coordinator, at 970-531-1395 or rockymountainfolkschool@gmail.com.

Enjoy the satisfaction of working with clay – whether you’re a beginner, experienced or need a refresher from years ago. In this class you can hand-build using the extruder, slab roller and make pinch pots. You can also learn to use the wheel. It’s an open-ended class where you can make whatever you like – sculpture, functional pottery, jewelry, wall pieces and wherever else your imagination takes you. Clay and tools provided.

Unlock the vibrant world of stained-glass art in our immersive beginning stained-glass class. Whether you’re a seasoned artist looking to expand your horizons or a complete novice eager to explore a new creative outlet, this class is the perfect starting point.

What you’ll learn:

•  Fundamentals of stained glass: gain a solid understanding of the materials tools used in stained glass creation.
•  Technique and skills: learn essential techniques such as cutting, grinding, foiling, and soldering glass pieces.
•  Design principles: discover how to design, plan, and execute a stunning stained-glass project.
• Safety procedures: understand the importance of safety practices to ensure a fun and hazard free environment

Why join us?

• Hands on experience: engage in practical hands-on lessons that will have you creating your own stained-glass piece by the end of the course
•  Expert instruction: receive personalized guidance from our experienced instructor, TJ Daring who is passionate about sharing her craft.
• Creative community: connect with like minded individuals and become part of a supportive community of aspiring artist to showcase your new skills and creativity.

Take your art home and complete a beautiful stained-glass piece to showcase your new skills and creativity. Please wear closed toe shoes as you will be working with glass and please let the instructor know if you are on blood thinners.

Opportunities to advance: want to do more complex pieces? We invite you to come back each week or for private or advanced group lessons to tackle bigger more complex projects reach out to the program coordinator, Gillian Butler at 970-531-1395

This is part of the ABC’s of RMNP Painting Series, created especially for Rocky Mountain Folk School! Instructor will show you how to draw these simple bears onto the canvas. All tools and supplies, including an 8”x 10” canvas, plus instruction, will be provided.

What you’ll learn:

• How to draw standing bears from simple “bowling pin” shapes.
• How to make your bears look fuzzy
• How to paint aspen trees with warm highlights and cool shadows.
• How to paint grass and flowers

Special Instructions: Come dressed to paint and bring a drink and snack if desired.

Cut-off time: We’ll open this up to walk-ins after minimum participants sign up at least 24 hours in advance. Please sign up ahead to guarantee your spot. Walk-in spaces a limited and first come first served. If you love the lesson, but can’t make the time it’s scheduled, consider booking another date for a group of three or more!

Immerse yourself in the enchanting tradition of dreamcatcher-making with our hands-on class. Bring feathers or found objects from your hike, or use the materials we provide, to create your own unique dreamcatcher. Choose between a traditional willow frame or a modern metal and leather design, and adorn it with your chosen treasures.

Our class is inspired by the Anishinaabe legend of Nokomis and the magical web spun by a grateful spider. According to the story, the web catches bad dreams in its silky threads, allowing only good dreams to pass through its center and travel down the feathers to the sleeping person below. This beautiful symbol of protection and positive energy has been embraced by many tribes and cultures.

By the end of the class, you’ll have crafted a personal dreamcatcher to filter your dreams, set your intentions, or serve as a cherished memento of your time in Grand Lake. Join us for a creative and meaningful experience that engages the hands, warms the heart, and stimulates the mind.

Class Overview:
Discover the timeless art of quilling, also known as paper filigree. This captivating craft involves rolling, shaping, and gluing narrow strips of paper to create intricate and decorative designs. Quilling has a rich history, with roots tracing back to ancient Egypt and significant development during the Renaissance in Europe.

Class History:
Learn about the fascinating journey of quilling through the ages. During the Renaissance, nuns and monks used quilling to decorate religious objects and book covers with gilded paper strips, mimicking the look of gold filigree. In the 18th century, it gained popularity among European aristocracy, who adorned furniture, jewelry, and other items with this delicate art form. Quilling saw resurgences in the 19th century and again in recent years, thanks to the efforts of modern enthusiasts and companies like Quilling Card.

What You Will Learn:
In this class, we’ll delve into the essential materials and sources for quilling, practice making a variety of shapes, and ultimately create a unique art piece. You’ll have the option to use one of the provided designs or bring your own creative vision to life. Join us and experience the meditative and rewarding process of quilling!

Join us this summer for a special mushroom foray. We will meet at the folk school, group up and caravan to the trailhead. To come prepared for the foray please wear a hat & sunscreen, long pants or long socks, gloves if preferred but not needed, a pocket knife and a breathable vessel to collect mushrooms in (a basket or something the spores can escape is the best practice) coming prepared to protect yourself against the elements will insure you have a delightful educational experience.

If you are an adventurous soul this class is perfect for you! It’s also geared for all ages, so bring the entire family to enjoy a good mix of outdoor exploring and interactive crafting.

Join us this summer for a special mushroom foray. We will meet at the folk school, group up and caravan to the trailhead. To come prepared for the foray please wear a hat & sunscreen, long pants or long socks, gloves if preferred but not needed, a pocket knife and a breathable vessel to collect mushrooms in (a basket or something the spores can escape is the best practice) coming prepared to protect yourself against the elements will insure you have a delightful educational experience.

After our Gallivant into the woods we will journey back to the folk school for a snack. But please feel free to pack your own lunch. While you are enjoying your lunch, we will gear up to turn our marvelous collections into usable paper material. The second half of the class will be, mushroom paper making. Crafting the specimens into a beautiful slurry and utilizing tools to shape the material into a useful art supply.

If you are an adventurous soul or you want to learn how to make your own sustainable paper, this class is perfect for you! Also geared for all ages bring the entire family to enjoy a good mix of outdoor exploring and interactive crafting.

Explore the fascinating world of sustainable papermaking in our special summer class – Mushroom Papermaking. Immerse yourself in the art of transforming mushroom specimens into a beautiful slurry, and discover the hands-on techniques of shaping this unique material into a versatile and eco-friendly art supply. This class is not just a creative endeavor, it’s a journey into the heart of sustainability.

Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a curious beginner, this class welcomes participants of all ages. Join us with your entire family for an interactive crafting experience that goes beyond traditional art forms. Learn the art and science of crafting your own paper while fostering a deeper connection with nature. Unleash your creativity and contribute to a greener, more sustainable world through the magic of Mushroom Papermaking. Join us this summer for an unforgettable learning experience in the heart of our inspiring mountain lake community.

Step into the world of Western artistry with our Western Themed Painting class at the Grand Lake Center, featuring local artist Edie Dafoe. This exclusive class offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Wild West while honing your painting skills in a supportive and inspiring environment. Under Edie’s guidance, participants will learn techniques to paint a buffalo under a starry night.

Each participant will receive one complimentary beverage and snacks to enjoy during the class, adding to the relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Due to the personalized nature of the instruction and limited space available, we encourage participants to register ahead of time to secure their spot. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned painter, this class is designed to accommodate all skill levels, providing an enriching experience for anyone with a passion for art and Western culture.

Instructor will draw the bear onto the canvas prior to class. All tools and supplies, including an 8”x 10” canvas, plus instruction by Edie Dafoe, will be provided.

What you’ll learn:

• How to quickly paint distant trees
• How adding a few highlights to a basic shape will turn it into a bear backside
• How to paint foreground trees, a rocky path
  and plants
• How to quickly and neatly paint canvas edges

Special Instructions:

• Come dressed to paint and bring a drink and snack if desired
• Cut-off time: 24 hours, due to bear being drawn on canvas

You’ve almost certainly heard this beautiful instrument, and been enchanted by the sound. It could have been watching Ken Burns’ recent series “American Buffalo”, or “How the West Was Lost”, “The West” or “The National Parks”; it may have been the last time you were at the Denver Airport and walked over the bridge from the main terminal to concourse A.

In this workshop, you’ll acquire your first Native American style Flute (if you don’t already have one), learn about these flutes and the many resources available for players of the “NAF”, and start playing not just notes, but also the “Native American Flute Scale” and a Native American song that you’ll take with you…and you don’t need to know a thing about reading music! Playing these flutes is fun, easy (if you can breathe, you’ll get notes out of it), and is great for healing, relaxation and communing with nature.

This course will be offered by Tom Farber (aka Glacier Gorge Music), who has been playing “NAF” for 10 years, teaching privately for more than 7 years and teaching at Colorado Free University for 5 years. Tom’s first album, titled “Fluting in the Rockies”, was released in 2021, and he will be releasing a new album this year, titled “Off the Beaten Path”. To find out more about Tom and his music, go to glaciergorgemusic.com.

Dive into the world of gourd art by learning how to create a beautiful pine needle rim for your gourds. Whether you’ve admired gourd vases with intricate pine needle accents or are entirely new to this craft, this workshop offers a fantastic opportunity to enhance the organic beauty of your gourds. The technique of pine needle coiling is straightforward and requires only a few tools and strong hands.

Under the expert guidance of Karen Smith and Linda Troute, who bring over 10 years of combined experience in gourd art, you’ll master the process of creating your pine needle gourd rim. All necessary materials will be provided, but feel free to bring any personal embellishments to add a unique touch to your design. Please note that you will need to bring a dusk mask and an apron to protect yourself while working with the materials.

Join us for a fun and creative experience that will delight your senses and leave you with a stunning piece of gourd art. Whether for personal enjoyment or as a handmade gift, your pine needle rimmed gourd will be a treasured creation. This workshop is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in a traditional craft and learn new techniques in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Join us for a one-of-a-kind rug hooking workshop in Grand Lake, nestled in the stunning Rocky Mountains. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this unique location. This is the perfect opportunity to rejuvenate your creativity and unwind from the stresses of everyday life.

With her vast knowledge and expertise, Theresa will teach you how to create beautiful, vintage-style rugs using a variety of wools and primitive cuts. You’ll also learn her non-traditional hooking style and 10 tips for making rugs look old and vintage. Bring your own wool or purchase from Theresa’s stash, and enjoy the delicious lunches provided during the workshop. Take advantage of this chance to learn from one of the best and create stunning rugs that look like they’ve been around for decades!

Workshop details will be emailed to you before the class begins.

Explore the process of fabric and paper printing with leaves and flowers. Learn how to prepare your materials, what botanicals will print and then, Use fresh leaves and flowers to create beautiful stationary and bookmarks, plus take home a pair of wearable art socks.

Allison O’Neall is a textile artist who finds great joy through working with textiles in art. Over 10 years of botanical printing and natural dye work, Allison will teach you the process to create beautiful leaf and flower prints on paper and fabric.

In this class you will learn how to create a woven wall hanging start to finish. At the end of the class you will be able to take home your weaving to display in your home!

We will begin by learning how to warp a loom. We will then move on to mastering the different types of woven stitches and weaving techniques. I will do demonstrations for the class and then allow you to work on your piece independently while I observe and answer questions. After you have finished your piece we will learn how to tie off loose ends and take the piece off of the loom. Once complete you will be able to take your piece home!

Join us for an immersive journey into the art of twining with veteran teacher Willow. In this hands-on class, students will utilize a 10” x 12” wooden twining loom and upcycled textiles to create their very own twined mat, perfect for adding a touch of rustic charm to any space. The loom, warp, fabric strips, and fabric scissors will be provided, ensuring a seamless learning experience for all. While students are welcome to bring their own textiles, it’s not necessary as everything needed will be provided. By the end of the class, participants will depart with a unique twined mat, printed instructions for future projects, and the option to purchase their handcrafted loom.”

About the instructor: Willow brings over three decades of teaching experience and a passion for twining to the classroom. Having honed her craft over seven years, she specializes in creating stunning twined rag rugs, placemats, mug rugs, and other functional pieces from upcycled textiles. Willow’s dedication to sustainability shines through her work, and she’s eager to share her expertise and love for twining with others. Whether you’re a beginner or seeking to enhance your skills, Willow’s classes offer a welcoming environment for all levels of experience. Join us for an enriching experience in traditional craftmanship with a modern twist.

Join us for a hands-on weekend at the Rocky Mountain Folk School in Grand Lake, CO, and immerse yourself in the age-old craft of chair caning. This class offers a unique opportunity to learn the traditional 7-step caning pattern, breathing new life into worn-out chair seats. If you don’t have a chair, worry not – we’ve got a few chairs available for a small extra charge (email rockymountainfolkschool@gmail.com).

Bring along a square or rectangular chair in good condition, with fewer than 80 holes in the seat frame, ready for a caning makeover. Ensure any necessary repairs and refinishing are done in advance, and if possible, remove the old cane. For personalized guidance, share a photo of your chair’s seat with a ruler next to the drilled holes when you register.

Questions about the type of chair to bring? Reach out to the instructor at 315-244-4744, and don’t forget to send that chair photo for a tailored learning experience. Let’s craft and create together in our inspiring mountain lake community!

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of wet felting and needle felting during this engaging workshop, where creativity meets craftsmanship. Participants will discover the art of transforming raw wool fibers into vibrant masterpieces by first learning the rhythmic process of wet felting. With warm water, soap, and their skilled hands, they will layer and mesh the wool fibers to create a sturdy fabric, which will serve as the canvas for their envisioned aspen picture.

As the wet felting concludes, participants will transition to the captivating art of needle felting. Armed with barbed needles, they will delicately shape and add intricate details to their aspen picture, bringing it to life with realistic textures and gradients. This immersive experience not only teaches the technical aspects of felting but also provides a meditative and therapeutic journey, fostering a deeper appreciation for the artistry of nature-inspired creations. Each attendee will leave with a stunning masterpiece, a testament to their newfound felting skills and the creative expression that bloomed during the workshop.

Discover the secrets of creating awe-inspiring classical mosaics with a modern twist! Led by the renowned artist and educator Renee Walkup, this program offers a rare chance to make a beautiful piece of art using found and repurposed items–such as stained glass, china, jewelry, glass tiles, and objects from nature. All materials are provided, however, students are encouraged to bring treasures from home to incorporate into their artwork.

Instruction will include mosaic design principles, color ideas, layout, preferred adhesives, indoor vs. outdoor mosaics, and technical advice. Nipping, shaping, and cutting glass as well as tiles, is included in the instruction. This course is recommended for beginners to intermediate makers.

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from a true artist and create something exceptional! Take this fantastic chance to get creative and learn new skills.

This is a fun class with hands-on instruction provided by the team at Colorado Ice Works. Attendees will receive a clear block of ice, some hand tools (sorry, no chainsaws!) and reference material. Each class is approximately 2 hours long. Each attendee will have around 1.5 hours of actual sculpting time. Clear ice is a fascinating medium to sculpt. It is surprisingly soft to sculpt. Chisels and hand tools cut through it like a hot knife through butter. Like a perfectly cut diamond, clear ice reflects and refracts light with each bend, detail line or contour that is made.

We will spend 15 minutes at the beginning of the class discussing safety and proper tool handling. An additional 15 minutes will be spent going over the available designs to be sculpted and how to transfer those designs to the ice. Team members from Colorado Ice Works will be available to assist throughout the class, to answer questions, or to help anybody who gets stuck with where they are at.

Upon conclusion of the class, we will incorporate some fire and use it to melt the sculptures to a pristine, crystal-clear final product. Attendees will be able to showcase their completed pieces at the Winter Carnival the following day. Subsequently, they can neatly pack their finished creations into a box, allowing them to take these unique works of art home. This lets them share their achievements with family and friends and serves as a tangible reminder of the wonderful experiences and skills gained during the event.