2025 Workshops

Instructor: Judi Fleming

Class Min: 2   Max: 12

In this class you will learn how to make three wonderful gourd animal ornaments. From cats to dogs to cows and horses or whatever suits your fancy. Instructor will have a plethora of examples to inspire you. You'll learn all the tips and tricks of using Quikwood as well as techniques for painting and shading. Some may not finish all three in class depending upon how much detail they apply to each gourd.

Student needs to bring: apron 

Instructor will supply: All tools and supplies needed to complete the project.

ONLINE workshop registration is closed. Walk-in registrations may be taken at the festival.

Instructor: Shelly Garber

Class Min: 6   Max: 15

Learn how to apply chain bead to a gourd with double sided sticky tape, when done remove the excess tape and apply a sealer glue to hold chain bead in place.

Student needs to bring: Clean gourd or shard to put a 5"-7" design on (open or uncut), personal tools if they prefer, but not necessary. 

Instructor will supply: Chain beads 1.5mm, jewelry nippers, scissors, double-sided tape, tweezers, carbon paper, stylus, press and seal, designs, sealer glue.

ONLINE workshop registration is closed. Walk-in registrations may be taken at the festival.

Instructor: Laura Klaus

Class Min: 1   Max: 10

If you want to make a BIG basket this is the one for you! Its approximate size is 16 x 16 x 12. It is large enough to hold just about anything! In this class students will learn how to identify the "right" and "wrong" side of the reed, twine, start stop weaving, and lashing. Color choices will be available the day of class.

Instructor will supply: All tools and supplies needed to complete the basket.

ONLINE workshop registration is closed. Walk-in registrations may be taken at the festival.

Instructor: Leslie Meier

Class Min: 4  Max: 13

Students will learn how to apply alcohol inks in layers of dots on clean, dried gourds. After working with the inks to create the focal piece of your necklace, students will learn how to create a visually pleasing combination of metal and stone beads. Lastly, students will put it all together and learn about the metal findings and fasteners to design their necklace to their desired length.

Student needs to bring: An apron, if desired. Everything supplied by the teacher. Personal heat guns, and/or any personal beads you have that you may want to incorporate into your design (beads must have at least a 1.2mm hole).

Instructor will supply: Cleaned dried and prepped mini gourds, beads, cord, metal findings, paint brushes, water cups, water, 91% alcohol, daubers, paper towels, several heat guns.

ONLINE workshop registration is closed. Walk-in registrations may be taken at the festival.

Instructor: Judi Fleming

Class Min: 2   Max: 12

In this class you will learn how to make three wonderful gourd animal ornaments. From cats to dogs to cows and horses or whatever suits your fancy. Instructor will have a plethora of examples to inspire you. You'll learn all the tips and tricks of using Quikwood as well as techniques for painting and shading. Some may not finish all three in class depending upon how much detail they apply to each gourd.

Student needs to bring: apron 

Instructor will supply: All tools and supplies needed to complete the basket.

ONLINE workshop registration is closed. Walk-in registrations may be taken at the festival.

Instructor: Sue Haberer

Class Min: 5   Max: 12

Join Sue and learn an easy way to carve a vase measuring 6.5" x 3.5". You will be given a gourd and flower pattern to make your individual design. I will lead you through the process of how to draw, cut, and carve your gourd. You will leave with a completed and painted gourd, depending on your level of speed.

Student needs to bring: mini saw, carver with small to medium ball bur, pencil/eraser, Xacto knife, 1/4"–1/2" brush

Instructor will supply: gourd, sunflower pattern, paint

ONLINE workshop registration is closed. Walk-in registrations may be taken at the festival.

Instructor: Laura Klaus

Class Min: 1   Max: 10

In this class students will learn how to identify the "right" and "wrong" side of the reed, twine, start stop weaving, and lashing their basket, along with chicken feeting the fillers and applying the bow once the basket is completed. Color choices will be available the day of class.

Instructor will supply: All tools and supplies needed to complete the basket.

ONLINE workshop registration is closed. Walk-in registrations may be taken at the festival.

Instructor: Jeanne Ryan

Class Min: 5   Max: 10

Learn the Tenerife process and finish on a round gourd. 

Student needs to bring: 7" to 9" round gourd cleaned inside and out, Gourd saw, small scissors, pencil, small drill, 5/64" bit, dust mask, sand paper, protractor.

Instructor will supply: Patterns, spray paint for inside of gourd, stains, choice of linen cords, beads, pine needles, course synopsis.

ONLINE workshop registration is closed. Walk-in registrations may be taken at the festival.

Instructor: Marla Garber

Class Min: 6   Max: 12

Let's decorate using colored sand. I'll show you how to make colored sand at home. Then we will put the design on the gourd and cut it out. Then you will add the Colored Sand to the Design, and turn it into a wall hanger.

Student needs to bring: gourd or shard measuring 10" tall X 8" diameter, gourd saw w/ extra blades, 1/4" angle brush, small round brush, awl, gourd scraper or cleaner ball to clean the gourd pieces, drill and 1/8" drill bit

Instructor will supply: colored sand, tutorial, glue, wire, and QuickWood, leather lacing, sandpaper

ONLINE workshop registration is closed. Walk-in registrations may be taken at the festival.

Instructor: Kristin Johnson

Class Min: 4   Max: 15

Pyrography: "To Write With Fire!" In this workshop we will gain confidence in writing words on a gourd bowl with wood burners then create some simple designs. We will then add some fun colors with alcohol inks. The majority of the time will be completing our masterpieces by creating a fun macramé rim and adding beads as needed to embellish our gourd art.

Student needs to bring: Bring your favorite wood burner if able. I will have simple ones available.

Instructor will supply: All supplies will be provided: gourd bowl, waxed linen and beads, alcohol inks, brushes, etc.

ONLINE workshop registration is closed. Walk-in registrations may be taken at the festival.

Instructor: Loren Woodard
Class Min: 5   Max: 8

In this class, you will learn to carve a 3-dimensional whimsical house from the bark of a Cottonwood tree. Cottonwood bark is a soft wood that is easy and fun to carve. It provides a unique texture and color for your house. With this project, you can leave some of the rough outside bark texture on your house in various areas to create a unique rustic appeal. Students should be 

able to complete this project. This class is for all levels of artists.

Student needs to bring:  If you have them - Woodcarving tools, sharp knife, wood burner (with a skew and small ball tip), and gloves to protect your hands from cuts if you have them. Garden gloves with Latex or nitrile coating are best. Check Amazon or any garden department to find them.  

Instructor will supply: Cottonwood Bark, woodcarving tools to share, wood burner to share, and some spare gloves if students don’t have them. Instructor will also bring a finish to apply to your Cottonwood bark house when completed.

ONLINE workshop registration is closed. Walk-in registrations may be taken at the festival.

Instructor: Sue Haberer

Class Min: 5   Max: 12

Join Sue and learn an easy way to carve a vase measuring 6.5" x 3.5". You will be given a gourd and flower pattern to make your individual design. I will lead you through the process of how to draw, cut, and carve your gourd. You will leave with a completed and painted gourd, depending on your level of speed.

Student needs to bring: mini saw, carver with small to medium ball bur, pencil/eraser, Xacto knife, 1/4"–1/2" brush

Instructor will supply: gourd, sunflower pattern, paint

ONLINE workshop registration is closed. Walk-in registrations may be taken at the festival.

Instructor: Laura Klaus

Class Min: 1   Max: 10

This is truly a Mighty Market basket at approximately 20 x 14 x 7. In this class students will learn how to identify the "right" and "wrong" side of the reed, twine, start stop weaving, and lashing. Color choices will be available the day of class.

Instructor will supply: All tools and supplies needed to complete the basket.

ONLINE workshop registration is closed. Walk-in registrations may be taken at the festival.

Instructor: Leslie Meier

Class Min: 4  Max: 13

Students will learn how to apply alcohol inks in layers of dots on clean, dried gourds. After working with the inks to create the focal piece of your necklace, students will learn how to create a visually pleasing combination of metal and stone beads. Lastly, students will put it all together and learn about the metal findings and fasteners to design their necklace to their desired length.

Student needs to bring: An apron, if desired. Everything supplied by the teacher. Personal heat guns, and/or any personal beads you have that you may want to incorporate into your design (beads must have at least a 1.2mm hole).

Instructor will supply: Cleaned dried and prepped mini gourds, beads, cord, metal findings, paint brushes, water cups, water, 91% alcohol, daubers, paper towels, several heat guns.

ONLINE workshop registration is closed. Walk-in registrations may be taken at the festival.

Instructor: Shelly Garber

Class Min: 6   Max: 15

Learn how to apply chain bead to a gourd with double sided sticky tape, when done remove the excess tape and apply a sealer glue to hold chain bead in place.

Student needs to bring: Clean gourd or shard to put a 5"-7" design on (open or uncut), personal tools if they prefer, but not necessary. 

Instructor will supply: Chain beads 1.5mm, jewelry nippers, scissors, double-sided tape, tweezers, carbon paper, stylus, press and seal, designs, sealer glue

ONLINE workshop registration is closed. Walk-in registrations may be taken at the festival.

Instructor: Laura Klaus

Class Min: 1   Max: 10

This is a great class for beginners with an approximate size of 6 x 10 x 6. In this class students will learn how to identify the "right" and "wrong" side of the reed, twine, start stop weaving. Inserting the handles will finish off the basket before applying the rim and lashing to hold everything in place.

Instructor will supply: All tools and supplies needed to complete the basket.

ONLINE workshop registration is closed. Walk-in registrations may be taken at the festival.

Instructor: Bill Decker

Class Min: 1   Max: 10  This class is full.

Bill will be showing his method of laying out and burning a stylized feather pinwheel. This will include a demonstration of his style of burning with tips for getting a nice clean look, ideas on using light and dark areas, and texture along with many ideas that apply to all types of woodburning. Some experience with woodburning will be helpful.

Student needs to bring: Temperature adjustable woodburner; 3 types of woodburning nibs (pens/tips): a skew for straight lines, a shader, and a 1/16th inch ball tip; drawing pencil; eraser; dust mask; steel pad for cleaning nibs.

Instructor will supply: 3-inch gourd shard cut, sanded and ready for burning; pinwheel pattern; pyropaper; tutorial with photos and step-by-step instructions, examples of several different finished pinwheels for reference.

ONLINE workshop registration is closed. Walk-in registrations may be taken at the festival.

Instructor: Marla Garber

Class Min: 6   Max: 12

Let's decorate using colored sand. I'll show you how to make colored sand at home. Then we will put the design on the gourd and cut it out. Then you will add the Colored Sand to the Design, and turn it into a wall hanger.

Student needs to bring: gourd or shard measuring 10" tall X 8" diameter, gourd saw w/ extra blades, 1/4" angle brush, small round brush, awl, gourd scraper or cleaner ball to clean the gourd pieces, drill and 1/8" drill bit

Instructor will supply: colored sand, tutorial, glue, wire, and QuickWood, leather lacing, sandpaper

ONLINE workshop registration is closed. Walk-in registrations may be taken at the festival.

Instructor: Judi Fleming

Class Min: 2   Max: 12

Learn how to create your very own dramatic gourd giraffe. Learn how to "see" the object in gourds to create the sculpture, armature techniques, and how to connect gourd pieces that transfer to many different gourd creatures. You'll learn valuable tips in shading techniques in painting, many different finish techniques will be discussed with examples shown as well as a plethora of QuikWood tips and tricks. Your overall project will be approximately 18" depending on the gourd you choose.

Student needs to bring: apron

Instructor will supply: clean prepared gourds, dowels, tools, paint, markers, eyes, QuikWood

ONLINE workshop registration is closed. Walk-in registrations may be taken at the festival.

Instructor: Kristin Johnson

Class Min: 4   Max: 15

In this workshop we will focus on constructing a 2 piece cross from a partially cut gourd. After we have prepared the pieces we will be able to create our designs using pyrography (wood burning) and adding a gentle color with alcohol inks. As time allows we will embellish the cross as needed with jute and beads, etc.

Student needs to bring: Gourd saw and favorite wood burner although I will have simple wood burners available and saws to borrow.

Instructor will supply: Wood burners, gourds, alcohol inks, sandpaper, beads, jute, etc.

ONLINE workshop registration is closed. Walk-in registrations may be taken at the festival.

Instructor: Pat Berkbigler

Class Min: 5   Max: 12

Students will learn the faux leather technique by way of pyrography and a bit of carving.

Student needs to bring: Cut and cleaned gourd, dust mask, needle shoe compass, pencil, eraser, heat tool, adjustable heat wood burner, .8mm ball woodburning pen, skew or knife wood burning pen, writing wood burning pen (optional), rotary carver, burrs (including ball and cylinder diamond burrs, carbide inverted cone, carbide flame or sabretooth flame, Dremel 106 or 107 ball, Dremel 191 ball (optional), and any other burrs you have.

Instructor will supply: Patterns, tracing paper, carbon paper, paint, mop brush, handout

ONLINE workshop registration is closed. Walk-in registrations may be taken at the festival.

Instructor: Janet Bratcher

Class Min: 5   Max: 10

Students will learn how to achieve vibrant colors with ink dyes. I will share tips and tricks that I have learned over the years. You will learn how to cut out small areas and get a finished edge. I will teach how to read the gourd to achieve a natural flowing design. Basic woodburning and cutting skills required. Janet recently attended the Bonnie Gibson teaching academy.

Student needs to bring: face mask, eye protection, wood burner, electric carver or Dremel, ink dyes, heat gun, cutting bits (zipcutter, filipoint burr or fine tip cutting tool) 3/32 collet, slim flash light, small paint brushes, cotton swabs, fine tip applicators.

Instructor will supply: gourd, black paint, lacquer, workable fixative, step-by-step take home guide

ONLINE workshop registration is closed. Walk-in registrations may be taken at the festival.

Instructor: Sue Haberer

Class Min: 4   Max: 15

You will learn a simple texture that can be used on any gourd. Vase should be finished in class, depending on carving speed.

Student needs to bring: 1/2" – 1" brush, 1 brush that can be used in glue, black paint, awl, medallion if you have one you prefer to use.

Instructor will supply: gourds, chopsticks, gel, medallion, black spray paint, cording

ONLINE workshop registration is closed. Walk-in registrations may be taken at the festival.

Instructor: Kristin Johnson

Class Min: 4   Max: 15

In this class you will create a unique wood burned gourd pendant all your own using both sides of the gourd shard. We will use alcohol inks to add a gentle color then finishing with beadwork and macramé as time allows.

Student needs to bring: Bring you favorite wood burner if able. Simple burners will be available for use during class.

Instructor will supply: Wood burners, gourds, alcohol inks, sandpaper, beads, jute, etc.

ONLINE workshop registration is closed. Walk-in registrations may be taken at the festival.

Instructor: Laura Klaus

Class Min: 1   Max: 10

The use for this basket is unlimited and has to be the most useful basket with its approximate size of 12 x 8 x 8. In this class students will learn how to identify the "right" and "wrong" side of the reed, twine, start stop weaving, and lashing their basket. 

Instructor will supply: All tools and supplies needed to complete the basket.

ONLINE workshop registration is closed. Walk-in registrations may be taken at the festival.

Instructor: Judi Fleming

Class Min: 2  Max:12

These adorable, tiny gourd chickens are a really fun way to express your creativity by the dozen. They make great gifts as well as decorations for your own home or office. Instructor will go over various QuikWood tips and tricks as well as different painting choices and provide examples of how the skill you learn transfer to making many, many other gourd animals.

Student need to bring: apron

Instructor will supply: cleaned prepared jewelry gourds, QuikWood, tools, paint, paintbrushes, examples, and tutorials

ONLINE workshop registration is closed. Walk-in registrations may be taken at the festival.

Instructor: Marla Garber

Class Min: 6  Max: 16

In this class you will learn how to use UV Resin, Dish Soap, and Mica Powders. Combined together you will have a beautifully finished gourd. We will talk about what different treatments you can add to the rim.

Student needs to bring: Small, old round paint brush (example: #5 round from Hobby Lobby brand "Fine Touch.") A gourd NO bigger that 5"–6" in diameter x 6" tall that is cut open, cleaned inside and out. Make sure gourd sits firmly. Spray the inside and out with black spray paint.

Instructor will supply: Resin, Mica Powders, dish soap, UV lights, alcohol, silicon mats, and tutorial

ONLINE workshop registration is closed. Walk-in registrations may be taken at the festival.