Arlington Community Education

Carving fresh, found wood into useful objects is a fun, relaxing, 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. Class fees include all materials needed, as well as use of loaner tools. 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. Some experience woodworking, carving, or in other hand crafts would be beneficial for this two-night class.

Learn fundamental techniques for designing and fabricating a sterling silver textured band ring. Making a perfect circular form is one of the most basic and important skills in jewelry making. You’ll receive step-by-step instructions in texturing, filing, forming, soldering, sanding, and polishing your ring. All materials will be provided, including sterling silver, copper, and more.

The fragile beauty of flowers and the vibrancy of watercolors go hand in hand. Learn how to paint several types of flowers, from start to finish. Get expert step-by-step guidance for color mixing and brushwork. Explore the finer details of nature in color, light, and form and learn watercolor tips and tricks that you can use for a lifetime. All levels from beginners to advanced are welcome. Some materials are included. The class materials list can be found here.

Fix a family heirloom, create a keepsake, or rescue a chair from the trash. Bring a chair you want to re-cane to the first class. It should be light enough to carry and have a series of holes in the wood rail around the seat opening. We’ll prepare the chair, determine the cane size you need to purchase, and discuss how to order materials (about $35). Leave the final class with a restored chair and a new hands-on hobby. Please note: materials will cost between $30-$35 and you will be told how to order after the first class.

Do you have an upholstered chair that needs new life? Whether dog-damaged, cat-scratched, or just in need of a facelift, reupholster the piece yourself and be amazed at the transformation—and at how much fun the process can be. Led by a master upholsterer, we’ll cover old-school and modern methods and materials for antique, 20th century, and contemporary furniture. Learn to disassemble your piece then pad, cut, and apply fabric in a step-by-step approach. Small chairs, ottomans, or other small pieces only. Tuition includes all basic upholstery materials, with the exception of Fabric & Cushions. Don’t have your own fabric? Fabrics are sold here at the shop through our fabric expert Mikayla Dows. Tools: Limited number of tools are available at the shop, but please bring your own if you have them. Bring to first class: magnetic: tack hammer, wooden mallet, scissors, tape measure, flat screwdriver, and pliers. Please note: Smaller chairs or ottomans are recommended for this class, particularly for beginners; large armchairs often take at least two full sessions of this course. Furniture must be brought to and from class due to space limitations. Visit upholsteryonbroadway.com.

It’s true—anyone can draw! Learning to draw is about learning to see the world with accuracy, mindfulness, and clarity. Build a toolbox of skills, mindsets, and techniques for drawing the observable word around you. Each week will introduce a new topic such as types of line, shape development, proportion, perspectives, value, texture, object relationships, and composition. We’ll draw together as we integrate these concepts through a sequence of short and longer exercises. All levels are welcome, especially beginners. BYO materials, details online. The class materials list can be found here.

Texture can add both beauty and realism to your artwork. Discover how to create visual textures such as stones, wood, fur, feather, glossy fruit skin, woven fabric, leather, shiny metallic surfaces, and even glass. You’ll be introduced to various techniques using colored pencil and you can add other drawing mediums that you like. Through a series of exercises, you’ll meticulously capture both organic and man-made objects, drawing inspiration from observation and photographic references. Previous drawing experience is preferred. The class materials list can be found here.

Explore techniques of line drawing, hatching, cross-hatching and more using different kinds of pens. Experiment with diverse tools to create depth and detail, from technical pens and markers to traditional dip pens. We’ll create shades and washes with liquid India ink and also learn how to render various textures, such as wood, foliage, and animal fur. Through guided practice, you will sketch trees, still life compositions, architecture, and wildlife. Create a range of work from realism to abstraction. Previous drawing experience is preferred. The class materials list can be found here.

Whether you have no experience or just need a refresher, learn what you need to get started with machine sewing. Review your machine’s parts and functions, learn to make and change a bobbin, thread the machine, decipher stitch selections, adjust tension, and use the buttonhole function. After some practice and to boost your confidence, undertake a small project such as a mini bag. Note: Bring your sewing machine in good working order, along with your machine’s instruction manual, if you have it.

Crochet can be used to make all sorts of fun and retro accessories such as hats, scarves, wraps, shrugs, bags, and more. Beginning: This class is for true beginners only. Learn basic techniques and stitches, including single and double crochet. Leave with an understanding of how to read patterns, crochet different shapes, increase/decrease stitches, and finish pieces. The instructor will provide a crochet hook and yarn to get you started. Project Circle: For those with some experience or who have completed the Beginning class. Enjoy a relaxed social space, work on projects, share ideas, and enjoy conversation and companionship with others. Get ideas and help starting a new project in a supportive, friendly setting. The instructor will have a variety of patterns to choose from or you can bring your own.

Advance and expand your drawing practice. Learn how to use value to create texture, reflections, and surface so you can draw the observable world with accuracy and clarity. Work in diverse mediums to expand types of line and uses. Experiment with drawing concepts and thematic activities to push your thinking around how to use drawing and integrate new techniques with your personal style. For those who have taken Drawing Foundations or a similar course. The class materials list can be found here.

Start your hand-lettering journey by learning the beautiful and relaxing art of brush pen calligraphy. We will cover basic lettering terms; proper grip, posture, and arm/hand movement; basic strokes; a detailed overview of lowercase letters; letter connections; and tips. Two brush pens and a workbook are included so you will have all the tools you need to continue at home. This workshop is for beginners.

Want to build something out of wood but don’t have a basement full of power tools? Learn how to lay out, cut, and assemble the parts for small projects using just a few hand tools. We’ll start by making a bench dog so you can work without clamps or a vise, and then move on to a series of joints that you’ll be able to practice and use for future projects. If there’s time you can get started on a project of your choice—a stool, a box, or something else. Tuition includes a take-home materials kit so you can continue working on your project at home.

Take up or rediscover the relaxing craft of knitting in these classes for beginners and beyond. Reduce your stress as you get a solid foundation in basic skills, casting on and binding off, knit and purl stitches, increasing and decreasing, picking up dropped stitches, and how to read a pattern. Get help selecting a project to work on. Additional skills will be introduced based on the level and interests of participants. Instructors will provide materials to use for the first class or you may bring your own.

Make a hat and wrist warmers as you learn how to use circular and double pointed needles. We will cover the basics (cast on, joining in the round, knit, purl, cast off) as we add to your knitting techniques toolbox. For those who are interested and time permitting, we may expand into the fun world of color, texture, and shaping (stripes, simple cables, increase/decrease). Everyone will learn and work at their own pace in this class, which is suitable for beginners and those who are looking for a refresher. Please note: For the first class please bring: a circular needle (16 inches, with a diameter of 6mm), and at least 125 yards of yarn (‘bulky’, number 5), preferably in a solid lighter shade, wool, or wool blend recommended. (Please do not purchase materials until we confirm that the class has met the minimum enrollment.)