National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association Announces “Living Arts” Class Schedule for National Spring Shoot
June 12th-20th, 2010
The National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association’s Living Arts program will be sponsoring a number of traditional craft classes at the National Spring Shoot. All classes will take place on the grounds of the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association in Friendship, Indiana in the Primitive Encampment/Living History Center.
Blockprinting Class
Virginia Tucker of Virginia Floor Cloth and Woodworking Company is offering a workshop on the art of blockprinting in the Primitive Encampment/Living History Center June 12th from 10: 00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Virginia is well known for her lovely blockprinted silk scarves. Participants will make a printing block, and will leave with two pieces of handmade paper that they have blockprinted designs on. Fee is $40.00 and all materials are included. To register, call Leslie Martin Conwell, NMLRA American History Events Coordinator, at 765.563.6792, nmlraevents@seidata.com. Participants must pre-register.
Basketmaking Class
Daniel Nye of Ishpeming, Michigan is planning a three day/six hour basketmaking class on June 12th, 13th, and 14th. Students will learn making a basket from scratch, using traditional methods. Instructor provides all materials, and he will teach various options of collection and preparing materials, weaving both freehand and over a mold, and the carving of rims and handles. A list of tools needed will be provided by Mr. Nye. Class fee is $50.00. Class size is limited! To register or for more information, contact Daniel Nye, 4105 Deer Lake Rd., Ishpeming, MI 49849, 906.486.9350, djnye@up.net.
Blacksmithing Class
Blacksmith Aubrey Williams will instruct a blacksmithing class that will take place in the Primitive Encampment/Living History Center on June 16th from 9 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Mr. Williams has been blacksmithing for over 30 years, and has practiced his craft at living history sites, museums, and reenactments throughout the United States. Instructor will supply all tools and materials. Students must bring their own eye and ear protection. Topics include operating a coal-fired forge with a mechanical blower and basic forgecraft. Cost of the class is $80.00, and is payable at the time of the class. Class size is limited! For information, please contact the instructor at incorgiable@yahoo.com, or 812.448.1909.
Primitive Bow Making Class
Navio Occhialini, master bow maker and head of the NMLRA’s Bow Range, will offer his class on the art of primitive bow making at the Primitive Encampment/Living History Center June 15th-16th. Instructor supplies the materials to build a Woodland-style bow and three arrows, as well as a “how to” DVD. Some tools are required, and a list can be obtained from contacting the instructor. Cost of the class is $200.00, and is payable at the time of the class. Pre-registration is required, as class size is limited! Contact the instructor at 317.872.4920 or at cocch@sbcglobal.net for more details.
Leather Stitching Class
Wayne Troup of Vintage Leather will be teaching a class on basic leather stitching Monday, June 14th from 10:00 a.m. to 12: p.m. in the Primitive Encampment/Living History Center at his tent. Wayne has been a professional leatherworker for over thirty years. Wayne will demonstrate his stitching technique and discuss basic leather construction. Class participants will learn how to start, stop, splice, and split thread, and punch and space holes. At the end of the session they will have completed an approximately 6” x 4” deerskin drawstring pouch, with piping. The class fee of $40.00, payable at the time of the class, includes a leather awl, needle, and the materials to make the pouch. For registration information, contact Wayne at 812.331.4050.
