11/10/2018
Hola everyone!! Boy Friday came really quick! I will be posting all upcoming classes tomorrow that are planned for now, but there is also some wiggle room in the Hobby Lobby classroom for some last minute add ons, so keep your eyes peeled for these and as always I welcome feedback/input. Also if some classes have a significant wait list I will add a second class offering.
For now i am offering a last minute Intro/Beginners "Pyrography" or Wood Burning Class tomorrow Saturday the 10th from 4pm - 6:30pm. I am really on the fence about the age range for this class primarily because some kiddos have more experience with crafting, using tools as others, especially when using things that can burn you..like hot glue guns..we know even us adults end up getting burned!
My daughter was 11 when she started, but then again she is the youngest of 6 and has a mother who is an artist/wood worker. So perhaps 12 yrs - and up could be a good starting point. Safety of course will be addressed right off the bat, and reinforced on a consistent basis. But someone always gets burned eventually. The wood burning tools I supply for the class do not get nearly as hot as the professional grade wood burners, but they are still hot. I have ice packs, salve, and band aids ready just in case and I will have each parent sign a basic waiver.
Your child will be introduced to the tool itself, learn how to hold it, use it safely, and change the tips safely. I have prepared sample boards so they can see the different effects you get from each tip. I will demonstrate each tip and then they will have their own sample board to practice on. Once they feel confident we will break for some pizza, drinks and dessert and Ill give them a chance to walk around and look at everyone's boards, ask questions and further demonstrate if needed. (If your child wants to pack a dinner that is fine as well) Then they will each choose one prepared board to use for their wall art piece. I will have many examples of designs to show them, or they can sketch their own. I will encourage them to sketch it on their boards, practice more on their board if they need to and of course guide them along the way. There will be paints and India ink pens to embellish their design if need be. After its completed to their satisfaction I will show them how to properly seal it, and attach a hanger. Depending on time,they will have an option of a second project I will also have slices of tree branches and twine available for them to use up any additional time and make some Christmas ornaments.
Please note that this class can be a one time thing or it can build on itself. Once your child is comfortable with the basics, they can move on the intermediate class or participate in the beginner class if the time is better for you, and I will just accommodate his/her needs like an independent study situation. This would also be ideal for home school hours. They will also learn more about the different kinds of woods, learn how to sand and prep surfaces for wood burning.
Unlike many places that offer these classes, I will have all of the supplies needed: wood burning tool, tips, pliers for changing tips, wet washcloths, heat proof working surface, a variety of shapes, sizes of wood, slices of tree branches, twine, polyurethane, paints, India ink pens, brushes, latex gloves, snack or meal depending on the time of day and of course music for inspiration :)
Again bear with me as I am ramping up for all these classes...I'm a little long winded, just want to cover all of my bases. I also had to do a fair amount of research for pricing all of my classes. I last taught in NY so their pricing is higher than what I am finding in this area plus having 6 daughters who were all artistically inclined I am very mindful of budgets!! This first class may be a great time to have that date night, or girls night out!!
The only wood burning class I even found within a 30 mile radius is $25 for a 1 1/2 hour class for adult beginners and you have to buy all of your own materials, including the wood burning tool. So I will price this class at $45.00. It will be in the classroom at the back of the Castle Rock Hobby Lobby. For those who may have kiddos that get out of school at 4pm , I can accommodate them as well. IF they can arrive by 4:15 I can let them stay 15 minutes late to finish up, and i can start cleaning up after the other kids.
You can register for the class either my private message me, email me at [email protected]. I would want your childs name, age, school attending or home school, address, parent's email address, contact info, and as far as payment goes for this time I will accept cash/check at the time of class, Chase Quickpay or Zelle using the email address above, could even do Paypal if I am not charge a fee :) Going forward I will most likely ask for half down at least to secure a spot. I will post my cancellation policy and payment options going forward tomorrow. I am also going to offer things like a punch card for classes and when full you get a free class. Another idea Ive been tossing around is if there is a parent or older child that is responsible they could be my class room helper for the classes with younger age children or labor intensive classes. They would get a free class for doing so. As i said, I know how challenging it can be financially to get quality classes of any kind to fit your budget.
Do not hesitate to message me, email me or call me with questions- 303-902-4917. And if you made it to the end of this post you have earned.....a huge thank you:) I really look forward to expanding your kids horizons!
