Arlington Community Education

Make a beautiful, unique work of art for your home using upcycled fabric. Rag rugs have a long history in many cultures as a way to give new life to used textiles. Learn how to repurpose bedsheets to make a rag rug using the braid-in technique. Similar to a braided rug, this technique does not require any sewing, knitting, or crochet skills. Learn how to create the rags and weave the rug, plus how to use the braid-in technique to complete other projects. Most materials provided. New and returning students welcome. Note: Please bring scissors. All other materials are provided. However, if you want to use specific colors, please bring your own sheets (flat or fitted in any size) or fabric.

Experiment with various materials to create unique 5"x5" images as you learn the basics of cyanotype printing in the first session of this two-part class. The second session will focus on enhancing your cyanotypes using monotype printing to make intriguing mixed-media images. You will also be able to create additional prints using monotype methods on other paper types. These two versatile printmaking techniques can be used to create greeting cards, bookmarks, labels, tags, or framed art. Note: Materials are provided, but feel free to bring patterns from home, such as lace, doilies, dried flowers/leaves, photo negatives, etc. Items will be pressed under glass.

Embroidery is a relaxing and accessible way to be creative. Whether you’ve never embroidered before or want to get back into it, come learn or get a refresher on some basic stitches and explore the use of color. We’ll also look at working with patterned fabrics and easy ways to incorporate stitching into clothing, linens, bags, and more. Please note: An assortment of embroidery thread, needles, base fabrics, and sampler designs will be provided. Students should bring scissors and a bag for transporting items

Carving fresh, found wood into useful objects is a fun, relaxing, and satisfying hobby. We will cover an overview of “green” woodworking, including tools, materials, process, technique, and safety. We will talk through the early part of the process of turning a log into a rough carving blank with an axe. Then you will learn safe, effective knife grips so you can carve your project. We’ll wrap up with a discussion on finishing touches, decoration possibilities, and how to continue in the craft. Butter Spreader/Cheese Knife: Wooden spreaders, present in nearly every Swedish kitchen, were traditionally hand-carved. Yours will be great for spreading butter, but also for soft, medium, and crumbly cheeses. This single-session class is perfect for complete beginners. Wooden Spoon: The serving spoons we’ll make have an extra large bowl for generous helpings and a stout handle for ease of use. No prior experience is required, but some familiarity with woodworking, carving, or other handcrafts would be beneficial for this two-night class.

Create a coconut soy-based wax candle and a set of wickless wax melts that release their scent when heated. Learn the ins-and-outs of candle making, including choosing wax, wicks, colors, and fragrances, as well as a bit of history on candles. Combine your favorite color and fragrance to pour your own shaped candle and set of fragrant wax melts. Fun Fact! This class is offered for families too. See Family Classes for more information.

Have fun learning about ceramics by working through the process of making stoneware mugs on the pottery wheel. Receive instruction on how to use the wheel to make the mug bodies, create and attach handles, and apply decorative, food-safe glazes. You will have plenty of time to practice your skills and create a few unique mugs or a matching set. This beginner-focused class includes all materials, tools, and firing.

Design and construct your own pair of leather sandals while learning how to work with leather. All tools and materials, including a selection of colorful vegetable-tanned leather, are provided. Come with ideas for a style you would like to try and get step-by-step instructions to craft yourself custom footwear worth flaunting.

Explore two unique photographic techniques in this two-night workshop. First, you will learn how to create digital negatives. Using photo editing software, you will convert your selected images to black and white and then print them onto transparencies. Then you will use your digital negatives to produce monochromatic cyanotype prints, unique for their distinctive blue hue. To explore different perspectives, you will be encouraged to choose one portrait, one landscape, and one still-life image.

Using a wide selection of pre-cut colored glass pieces, beads, iridized and dichroic glass, you’ll create four stunning pieces featuring mini mosaics set inside deep pendants. Once the glass pieces are glued to the metal, we’ll grout our pendants with one of the many colors available and string them on black leather cords. Teens are welcome to register if accompanied by a registered adult.

Explore your creative vision in this dynamic, open studio-style class for intermediate and advanced students. With one-on-one personalized guidance, you’ll navigate from an idea to project completion, advancing your skills along the way. The instructor will help you determine which metals and stones to purchase before the first class. Prerequisites: Students enrolled in this class should have completed three beginner-level classes in metalsmithing technique and/or possess basic skills such as soldering, sawing, flex shaft use, sanding/polishing, and be able to work safely with basic shop tools and equipment. You must also be able to work independently between instructor consultations. Please contact the instructor at laurieasavage@gmail.com prior to the class to discuss project ideas and purchasing materials.

Discover the joy of coloring with yarn and cut wool. Make a 12-inch round pillow cover as you learn the basic skills of rug-making using the Oxford Punch Needle. We will start with an overview of the history of rug hooking and punching and the materials required. Then learn how to develop a simple design, various methods for transfer, basic stitch techniques, effects of different yarns and cut wool, and two ways of finishing your project. We’ll also talk about many other creative ways to use the Oxford Punch Needle for rugs, mats, tabletop pieces, footstools, and more. Tuition includes most materials. NOTE: The instructor will provide a 14-inch non-slip round hoop and #10 regular Oxford punch needle for use during class only. If you already own these items, please feel free to bring them with you. Please bring a small pair of cloth cutting scissors to class each week.

Take your papercrafting to the next level with the art of paper weaving. Experiment with various collage techniques and discover how woven paper can add rich texture and intricate detail to your creations. Embrace the creative freedom that comes with fearlessly cutting paper and reassembling it into something beautiful and new. Use the technique that inspires you most to craft your own small work of art. No experience required—just bring your excitement to explore.

Preserve flowers in a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. Learn how to work with resin and plant materials to create a unique pair of earrings and a necklace. Choose from various jewelry styles and florals that you will preserve in resin. You will arrange the flowers into two beautiful jewelry designs to take home at the end of the class. All materials will be provided, but feel free to bring any flowers that are meaningful to you. Fun fact! Zoee teaches this class for teens. See High School section.

It’s no secret that watercolor and gouache can work amazingly well together. Learn how to combine the distinctive characteristics of each medium. You will experiment with various techniques, exploring how opaque gouache and transparent watercolor can complement each other to create unique works of art. We will also study famous artists and illustrators who have effectively used these mediums in their work. Prior drawing/painting experience is recommended. Please note: This is a 7 week class. Dates and price were incorrect in the print catalog. Please note: The materials list can be found here.

Unlock the full potential of your smartphone camera. Learn how to capture stunning landscapes, striking portraits, and memorable everyday moments by mastering your phone’s camera controls. Explore the best free and low-cost apps for editing, discover how to share your images with family and friends and on social media, and get tips on printing your images. Please bring your fully charged device to class.