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Craftfolk Collective

Week of June 8th: Classes and Events at Craftfolk

Published 1 day ago • 3 min read

Yesterday we explored the basics of block printing with Jill McCann. Jill introduced us to the tools of the trade, including brayers, cutting tools, barrens, rubber blocks, and inks/paints. She showed us how to cut sample blocks using an assortment of lines and textures, and then we each cut a design of our choice to stamp on various papers and fabric. I've always wanted to learn this craft and will definitely be incorporating it into my collage and sewing practices (I'm dreaming of hand-made block printed fabric!). Jill will be teaching a different type of printing workshop on July 11: gel plate printing.

At Craft Club last week, we had numerous folks doing acrylic painting, including a group of 4 kids! Kids are definitely welcome to join us, but we do ask that they be accompanied by an adult.

A few of us stayed after Craft Club to play old-time and bluegrass music together.

Join us for Craft Club this week at the Colfax Farmer's Market (Thursday, 4-6pm). Bring any project you want to work on and a chair. We provide the space and sweet treats to enjoy. RSVPs are helpful so we know how many cookies to bake, but walk-ins are also welcome. We'll be jamming again after Craft Club (6-7:30pm). Join us if you want to play or sing along!

Note: There will be no Craft Club next week on June 18th, and we will resume again on June 25th.

Craftfolk Collective was featured in the Historic Colfax Downtown Association newsletter this month as part of a feature on the 5 new businesses in downtown Colfax. We are excited to be one of the many new creative businesses opening their doors!

We know it's a busy time of year for everyone and we've shifted this month's schedule around a bit to accommodate. We moved some workshops to the fall, so stay tuned for the visible mending workshop and new offerings starting in September. We also had to postpone our June 13th Summer Soiree event with Snapdragon and will announce a new date later this summer. Follow along on our website for all the details once those dates are announced.

We still have space in upcoming workshops including wet felted purses and fermentation (rescheduled from May), as well as gel plate printing, cheesemaking, frame looms, and drum carding in July. Be sure to check out the CLASS CALENDAR to see all upcoming offerings.

Wishing you a creative week and hope to see you soon,
Gretchen

Gretchen Boyce
Founder, Craftfolk Collective

Featured Workshop:

Saturday, June 27, 1-4pm:
Make a Wet Felted Purse

Only 3 spots left!

In this workshop, students will learn to wet felt loose wool fibers over a “resist” to create a small purse or pouch. We will explore the stages and tools involved in creating a strong, sturdy felt and students will create their own unique design with a variety of fiber embellishments.

No prior experience needed. All materials provided.

Tuition: $100 | Materials: $20
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About the instructor:
​We are thrilled to have Beth Leydon teach this workshop. As a child, Beth was taught a variety of fiber arts and delighted in creating unique clothing and accessories. In 2011 she was exposed to a simple felting technique and dove headlong into this ancient and ever evolving textile art form. With simple tools and soapy water she can “fuse” wool, yarn, silk and other fibers into functional and wearable one-of-a-kind art. Learn more about Beth at www.fibergarten.com​

Upcoming Events & Workshops:

Thursdays, 4-6pm:
Community Craft Club (FREE!)

Join us for an informal gathering of makers, neighbors, and friends. Bring your own project and work in the company of community. We offer the space and light snacks to enjoy.

Free! Bring a chair and your own materials/projects.

Location: Colfax Farmers Market, South Main Street, Colfax.

Saturday, 6/27, 1-4pm
Make a Wet Felted Purse with Beth Leydon

Saturday, 7/11, 1-3:30pm
Print and Play: A Gel Printing Workshop with Jill McCann

Saturday, 7/18, 10am-Noon, Chèvre: Make Your Own Traditional Goat's Milk Cheese with Sergio and Rebecca Navarro

Sunday, 7/19, 1-3pm, Build & Weave: An Introduction to Frame Looms with Meredith Cherry

Tuesday, 7/28, 6-8pm, Drum Carding & Fiber Prep for Wool Crafters with Meredith Cherry

Interested in teaching at Craftfolk?

Craftfolk is a community craft school rooted in local connection, lifelong learning, and the joy of making by hand. We are seeking skilled, thoughtful teachers to lead small-group workshops in a focused, supportive environment. We are currently scheduling classes for the spring and fall. If you are interested in teaching, please fill out our survey.

38 N. Main Street (rear unit), Colfax, CA 95713

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Craftfolk Collective

a gathering place for creative community in the Sierra Foothills.

Join our mailing list to learn about upcoming workshops and events at Craftfolk Collective. We offer free and paid in-person experiences at our schoolhouse in Colfax, CA. We also share stories about makers and craft traditions across the globe through our semi-monthly newsletters.

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