The Nantucket Historical Association has been offering hands-on workshops in historic decorative arts for more than 15 years on their campus on Nantucket Island. This fall, they are offering a selection of popular workshops in-person and to an online community.
There are two in-person workshops on September 23 to 26.
Chair Caning Repair Clinic on September 23-26, where you can reclaim your favorite hand-caned chair with the historic art of hand-caning. Participants will bring their own chairs and learn how to ready them for repair; select the proper size cane; and restore the original seat pattern.
Nantucket Basket Opera Tote on September 23-26 where those with weaving experience can create the perfect size purse for a night out or a quick errand. This oval purse is large enough to hold your essentials yet not so large and cumbersome. This purse is 4 x 6” oval with a leather liner and straps.
On September 23, in addition to these classes, students can learn to weave a simple bangle bracelet using a variety of materials to keep or give away as gifts. Make a stack, as time allows. Register for this Decorative Arts Greatest Hits Series Classes on the NHA website.
Three more Greatest Hits Decorative Arts series classes will be held: Transferware Mugs on October 21, Cuff Bracelet on November 18, and Mini Sailors Valentines on December 16. Each Greatest Hits class is held from 5 to 7 pm in the 1800 House. Register on the NHA website.
In addition to the in-person classes, the NHA is also offering free and paid online classes. The free online classes include Shell Mirrors, Creative Envelopes and Collage Cards, Hand-Block Printed Fabric, and more. With the premium paid online classes, you can learn at your own pace how to make Sailors Valentines, Scrimshaw, Shell Flowers, and Penwork Mirror Frames. Included in tuition for the premium paid classes is a kit with materials needed to make the crafts. Participants have six months to watch the video lessons as many times as they’d like. During this time, participants may reach out to the NHA staff any time with questions or comments.
The NHA preserves, interprets, and shares the diverse stories of Nantucket with all audiences through its collections, properties, programs, and research.