2009 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

All workshops are from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM on Saturdays unless otherwise indicated. Workshops are free except for a materials fee when requested. Please call to reserve a spot and assure adequate available materials. 315 826 7405
 

April 11, 9:00am-12pm Two Workshops
MAKE YOUR OWN EASTER BASKET
Why settle for plastic baskets when you can make your own cute little Easter basket out of flat reed!? It’ll last for years and could get handed down to the next generation for future Easter celebrations.(Materials Fee $7.) Call 315.825.7405 to attend.

FAMILY MEETINGS
Learn a time tested technique on how to practice every day problem solving while teaching your children the beauty of democratic decision making. It gives family members a forum in which to ventilate daily frustrations and emotions in a way that is minimally harmful, and empowers them to use creativity to work out solutions together. (No Fee)

April 18, 10:30am-12pm
NEEDLE TATTING
Although this very old craft is traditionally done with a little Tatting Shuttle, the same delicate embellishments for linens and clothing can be done with a special Tatting Needle which some find easier to use. Tatting “laces” may be put on collars, sleeves, towels, tablecloths and used to make little motifs to sew on. We’ll show you the basic knots and make a little flower for your first project. (Materials Fee $3.) Call 315.826.7405 to attend.

April 25, 10:30am-12pm
START A WILLOW GARDEN
Interested in basketry? Or would you like a pretty, pussy willow hedge for a garden border? You can grow your own beautiful basketry materials if you have a little garden space. Learn how to plant, grow, harvest and store lovely willows that have been cultivated for centuries for basketry use. You may take home some shoots to plant and start your own Willow Garden (Materials Fee $3.) Call 315.826.7405 to attend.

April 25, 9am-4:30pm
ZEN MEDITATION at RED PINE
An all day retreat sponsored by the Little Unadilla Zen Center. It will be led by a Buddhist trained in Tinzai Zen Buddhism. Register by calling 315.896.4748 or 315 735 3112. Meditation instruction may be provided. "In spring hundreds of flowers, in summer a refreshing breeze, in autumn the harvest moon, in winter snowflakes accompany you. If useless things do not cloud your mind, every day is a good day."

May 2, 10:30am-12pm Two Workshops
BALSAM PILLOW or AIR FRESHENING DOLL
Your choice. The pillow may be decorated with fabric paint and stencil and the cute air freshening doll uses a rustic tree branch for body and face, with fabric legs and arms, stuffed with the heady, aromatic needles from our Adirondack Balsam (Frasier Fur) trees. Materials $3

MANAGING OUR MANY SELVES
We can have a lot of them; the Frustrated Self, the Polite Self, the Angry Self, the Mean Self, the Sad Self, the Selfish Self, the Generous Self, etc. Some are more difficult to deal with than others, but they are all part of being human. We can accept and deal with them in ways that are not harmful to ourselves and others by cultivating an aware, mediating Adult Self. Come hear more about this. (No Fee)

May 9, 10:30am-12pm Two Workshops
LOVABLE LITTLE STOOL
Assemble and glue together a charming little rectangular stool frame, then learn how to weave a natural seat across the top rungs. Materials $10 Call 315 826 7405

MEDITATION
There are many approaches to Meditation and it is worthwhile finding a method that works for you. Knowing an effective and simple technique can help you deal with stressful and even dangerous situations. It’s like knowing how to swim. You need to practice until you’re good at it, and then it’s there when you need it. Prepare yourself with a simple technique. (No Fee) 315 826 7405

May 16, 10:30am-12pm
SHARING OUR WORLD WITH WILDLIFE
We do have many encounters with wildlife wherever we live and need to know how to safely enjoy and share our environment with them. A Wildlife Rehabilitator will help lead the workshop and give us some practical tips on helping injured wildlife. Share your experiences, too! (No Fee) 315 826 7405

May 23, 10:30am-12pm Two Workshops
LOOKING FOR and DRAWING LADY SLIPPERS with STIPPLING
First, we’ll look for wild pink Lady Slippers which bloom in our woods about this time. Then try your hand at drawing one with a special technique called; Stippling. Stippling is a particularly lovely way to create shades and textures in pen and ink drawings. We’ll show you the best options for tools and how to create your own drawings with depth and shadow. Materials $4 Call 315 826 7405

INTRODUCTION TO ULTRALITE FLYING
Ever wanted to fly? This informational workshop will inspire you to seriously consider one of the many options available now for personal flight by an average person. You'll get to inspect a powered parachute built from a kit and net-work with others who are also passionate about powered flight. (No Fee.)

May 30, 10:30am-12pm
WILD EDIBLE FOODS
It's amazing how many wild edible plants we are able to find within a very small area, here. Our guide knows exactly what may or may not be edible and safe. (No Fee.) Call 315 826 7405

June 6, 10:30am-12pm Two Workshops
RUSTIC GARDEN TRELLIS WORKSHOP
An ever popular workshop here, using local branches and twigs with a few hand tools even inexperienced carpenters can have a fun, creative time making a rustic Adirondack style garden trellis to be enjoyed throughout the year. Bring a hammer, pruning (bow) saw, hand pruners and your choice of bug repellent or appropriate clothing to work outside. (We may work inside or in an open shelter if needed.) Materials Fee $10. Please register ahead: 315.826.7405.

LET YOUR POET OUT
Poetry is a very satisfying way to interpret your perceptions of life. Come to share what you’ve done and learn some techniques to let your Poet out!

June 13, 8:30am-10pm
FINDING BIRDS & BUTTERFLIES
Our expert ornithologist, Matt Perry of Spring Farm Cares will be our guide to help us identify the calls and find the many species which are here, now. He knows what many of the calls mean as well as other interesting bits about bird life and butterflies. (No Fee.) Call 315 826 7405

June 20, 10:30am-12pm
TOUR of SHAWANGUNK NATURE PRESERVE
See what we've done with scrap-wood to create well insulated, solar powered buildings still in use after 35 years, how food is stored in a root-cellar, chores done without running water, You will see what needs to be done in early Spring to get started toward a low-income, earthy, simpler, do-it-yourself life, from gardening to tool organization. (No Fee) 315 826 7405

June 27, 10:30am-12am
RUSTIC WOODEN TOYS
What did our ancestors play with? Come find out how to make and use fun, creative toys out of tree branches and simple lumber with a few tools. Learn how to play some old fashioned games and be creative with Nature’s Toys. (No Fee) Call 315 826 7405

July 4, 10:30am-12pm Two Workshops
BEADED BRACELETS
This popular craft using beads is really fun for all ages. We’ll show you how to make pretty bracelets. Materials $5 Call 315 826 7405

FIREWOOD - FINDING, CUTTING, PROCESSING
This workshop will put to rest the idea that softwood is not good for burning. We’ll share safe ways you can provide your own fuel and help cut your heating bills. No Fee. Call 315 826 7405

July 11th, 10:30am-12pm
KIDS NATURAL SCAVENGER HUNT
A very popular workshop, this little game will help you and your children open your ears, eyes and other senses to the treasures a wild environment offers. It's especially fun for adults with children. You're sure to see hear or smell something you've never noticed before and learn to notice the subtle differences between ferns, mosses, leaves, etc as you search for the "treasures." Bring a notebook and pen or pencil to record your discoveries. All participants will get to make a balsam bag to take home. (No Fee.) Call 315 826 7405

July 18, 9:00am-12pm
RUSTIC FURNITURE MAKING
You’ll make a small table or stool. Bring a powered up portable drill, several 1/8” or 9/64” drill bits, a Phillips head screwdriver, hammer and pruning saw for this fun carpentry project. You'll attach legs and braces out of branches and twigs to a sturdy wooden top to make a table or stool that will be completely artistic and unique in the Adirondack mountain tradition, Please wear appropriate work clothes, eye protection and your choice of bug protection. Materials Fee $15. Please register in advance 315 826 7405

July 25, 9:00-12pm
WILLIAMSBURG BASKET
Using flat reed, we will weave a cute, rectangular, arm basket with a handle just right for holding yarn for your crafts, or fruit for your table. It’s got a special flared shape called “Williamsburg”. This is fairly easy and a very satisfying and worthwhile project for all ages (very young can team up with an older person). You’ll be very proud of yourself! Materials $10. Please reserve a week ahead. Call 315 826 7405

August 1, 10:30am-12pm
FLOWER BOWER BASKET
Have fun creating a woven basket “nest” that will remind you of the ones made by the greatest basket makers; birds. Then, we’ll use natural materials such as dried flowers, mosses, balsam, sweet-grass and soft, feathered seeds to turn this basket into a fragrant and lovely bower of flowers with little (pretend) eggs nestled within. Materials $5 Call 315 826 7405

August 8, 10:30am-12pm Two Workshops
COLORFUL COILED BASKET
This colorful basket is really fun to make for all ages. It involves tearing fabric into strips that are used to wrap rope or straw and coil it into a solid, useful basket, a chair seat mat, or a mat for your favorite cat or dog. Materials $5 Call 315 826 7405

KEEPING CLEAN WITHOUT ELECTRICITY or CHEMICALS
No we don’t have to go to a river and pound our clothes with rocks but we can reduce our dependency on machines, electricity and chemicals by learning some new and old methods. It’s meaningful, fun and good for our environment! Bring the kids!

August 15, 10:30am-12pm
HARVESTING, USING, PRESERVING & STORING HERBS
Harvesting and drying Mint for a year’s supply of healthy, delicious tea will be our hands-on project. There are special techniques to maximize nutritional value and flavor. Parsley, basil, celery leaves & other garden favorites are also candidates for this technique. No Fee. Call 315 826 7405

August 22, 10:30am-12pm Two Workshops
OIL PAINTING INTRODUCTION
Many are intimidated by using oil paints. This workshop will help you thru some of the mysteries. We’ll tell you what basic tools are needed, and help you get started with paint mixing, thinning, ways to apply paint (with or without a brush), effective clean-up and protecting your original art. You will take home a small painting of your own creation. Materials $5 Call 315 826 7405

BASIC SELF DEFENSE
Learn some basic techniques and strategies for potentially dangerous situations. There is a lot we can do when faced with a physically aggressive person to protect ourselves. Get empowered by this very important knowledge! (No Fee) 315 826 7405

August 29, 10:30am-12pm
PINE NEEDLE BASKETRY
This deliciously delicate coiled technique is often done on the long pine needles that are found south of the Mason/Dickson line for the core. They are connected with beautiful stitches using raffia or waxed linen. Other locally available core materials may be used, such as lovely day-lily leaves, cattails, straw, grasses, etc. The possibilities for shape and form are only limited by your imagination. In this workshop you may choose from several different core materials but will learn the same stitches and techniques for Pine Needle Basketry. Materials $5 Call 315 826 7405

September 5, 10:30am-12pm
LOW COST FOOD PRESERVATION
We’ll cover food storage from drying to root-cellars and canning. Learn how to help your food budget by storing your garden harvest safely without the big dependence on energy use required by freezers; how to store crispy fresh carrots, apples, onions, potatoes, cabbages, etc in a root cellar, can tomatoes and apple sauce, dry wild or home-grown apples and keep nuts & grains fresh & safe for emergencies & use all winter. (No Fee) Call 315 826 7405

September 12, 10:30am-12pm Two Workshops
COMPASS READING
What good is a compass if you don't know how to use it? Now you can get hands-on tips on how to get correct bearings from a map, then put it into practice. We'll set a goal and find out how to get there through the woods, with a knowledgeable guide. (No Fee.) Call 315 826 7405

MACHINE PRESERVATION
The Presentor has vehicles and machinery still in good use after 25 years. Come learn how to take better care of your equipment - vehicles which can save heaps of money. (No Fee.) Call 315 826 7405

September 19, 9:00am-12pm
WONDERFUL WOVEN TRAY
You’ll get lots of use and satisfaction after making this beautiful basket/tray we’ll weave out of rattan and seagrass on a nice smooth wooden base. Materials $8 Call 315 826 7405

September 26, 10:30am-12pm
FANTASTIC FRAME
Make a truly creative Adirondack style frame for a mirror or picture out of lovely birch bark and twigs. You will enjoy the natural beauty of your creation every time you look at it. Materials $8 Call 315 826 7405

October 3, 10:30am-12pm
FOLIAGE WALK or BIKE HIKE
Our fall colors are usually peak at this time so consider taking a walk through the colorful Adirondack woods along the amber colored Black Creek or riding your bike on the 4 ½ route adjacent to the Preserve that offers a lovely view of the Adirondacks. It’s a safe place to enjoy our spectacular colors, feel the Autumn breezes and listen to nature. (No Fee) Call 315 826 7405

October 10, 10:30am-12pm Two Workshops
POTATO STAMP
This old fashioned art technique utilizes several skills. We’ll do some carving after creating a pretty design for our stamp. Carving in soft potato is easy and satisfying for anyone who can handle a knife. The dried stamp can then be used to decorate envelopes, packages, wall paper, etc. (No Fee.) Call 315 826 7405

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
Learn how to manage your daily diet and exercise program to maximize your health and weight management concerns. There are some very simple and practical ways to minimize temptations and gradually reduce addiction to foods that harm us. A good, daily, exercise program doesn’t need to take much time or require much equipment or space. Best of all, it doesn’t have to cost you anything and the rewards of good health are the essence of life. (No Fee) 315 826 7405

October 17, 9:00am-12pm
RUSTIC CEDAR BIRD FEEDER
It can be a cold, cruel world out there, especially in winter. Help our feathered friends by creating an attractive, long lasting feeding station that the birds will love, and would thank you for…if they could. You’ll nail and glue cedar boards decorated with birch bark, alder or willow branches to make an imaginative yet practical bird feeder. Come do your part to make winter a little easier for your backyard visitors. Bring a hammer and a Phillips head screwdriver. Materials $8 Call 315 826 7405

October 24, 10:30am-12pm
SOCK & GLOVE ANIMALS
This is another great recycling project to do something creative with those odd socks or gloves that look so lonely without their partner. We’ll show you how to turn them into cute little stuffed creatures that will keep you company and amuse your little ones. This involves some simple hand-sewing which can also be a great way to get young people started with sewing. Materials $5. Call 315 826 7405

October 31, 10:30am-12pm
CORN HUSK WREATH
Corn Husks are tough and beautiful. They protect the corn seeds from insects and birds. We can use them to make long lasting, attractive autumnal wreaths. Materials $5 315 826 7405

November 7, 10:30am-12pm
BEADED EARRINGS
We will make a pair of dangly earrings in this workshop using pretty beads and wires. Jewelry making with beads has endless possibilities and it’s really not difficult. It’s a fun project to do with the young folks in your family who often particularly love this craft. Materials $5 Call 315 826 7405

November 14, 10:30am-12pm Two Workshops
QUILTING WITH PAPER PIECING
How to get precise points and angles when you’re piecing a quilt? Use this technique! In this workshop, we’ll make a very simple quilt block using Paper Piecing. Once you understand the process, you can apply it to any quilt project you wish to undertake. It practically ensures success! Materials $5 Call 315 826 7405

COPING WITH TROUBLED OR ILL RELATIVES & FRIENDS
The coming holidays will throw us together. How can we help? How can we not add to their problems? This is a complex but very relevant subject that we all must deal with at times. Share your experiences if you like, or just listen to some great ideas to help you deal with these heavy issues. (No Fee) Call 315 826 7405

November 21, 10:30am-12pm
RUG HOOKING with FABRIC or RECYCLED PLASTIC BAGS
Recycle old woolen and other fabrics into colorful, warm rugs. This very easy technique incorporates even very small pieces of old fabric, making lovely art pieces to warm up your floor or walls. Start a small sample piece in this workshop to discover what’s involved. You may get “hooked!” Materials Fee $5 Call 315 826 7405

November 28, 10:30am-12pm
ETHICAL EATING
What is ethical eating and why is it good for us personally as well as socially and environmentally? We'll discuss this complex issue as we put together a wholesome vegetarian dish using frozen tofu and share it for lunch. (Materials Fee $2) Call 315.826.7405 to attend.

December 5, 45 Minutes between 9am and 3pm
BALSAM WREATH MAKING
This is our annual favorite workshop using fresh, fragrant balsam from the Shawangunk Preserve woven into a natural willow wreath. If available, we'll complete this all natural winter decoration with local red-pine cones and wild, high-bush cranberries. The wreaths stay fresh looking all winter and often provide a bird nesting site if left out in the Spring. This workshop takes about 45 minutes. Choose any hour between 9 and 3PM. Materials Fee $8. Please register ahead 315 826 7405

December 12, 10:30am-12pm
QUILTED WALL HANGING - NO SEWING!
We’ll show you how to make a beautiful and colorful wall hanging that looks like an intricate quilt pattern using fabric that requires no sewing. It’s surprisingly easy! (Materials Fee $5) Call 315 826 7405

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