If you’re feeling crafty (or makerish?), Lancaster County offers plenty of opportunities to explore your creative talents during the month of March.
I was definitely inspired by the gorgeous hooked rugs that Mary Reider creates (see the story in our March-April issue HERE). In doing some research I was surprised to learn how popular and well-attended classes and workshops have become, with some selling out months in advance.
Being crafty has always been part of my life. Maybe it has to do with my generation (boomer) or the fact that I had very talented relatives on both sides of my family. Credit especially goes to my grandmother, Elizabeth Ritchey, as she embroidered everything in sight, including table linens, sheets, pillowcases and doilies. She was also a wiz at darning socks, replacing buttons, repairing rips and tears and sewing patches on the knees of our pants. Incredibly, I still have some of her handiwork. She taught me how to embroider and bought me my first sampler to complete, which I also still have. To this day, I remember how to do a French knot.
I was also an avid maker of potholders (you know, the ones made with those colorful loops), which apparently have staged a comeback, as I’ve been seeing them at maker’s markets and shops. I even spied an updated frame/kit on Lancaster Yarn Shop’s website. I’m tempted. I was also a devotee of those paint-by-number kits. (Every once in a while, I’ll see a finished paint-by-number “masterpiece” hanging in a thrift shop.)
From there, I moved on to crewel embroidery, needlepoint and counted cross stitch.
I’m proud to report that one of my crewel projects won a blue ribbon at the Woodlawn Needlework Show, which is celebrating its 62nd anniversary this year. Woodlawn, which dates to the 1700s, was part of George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate in Virginia. He gifted the Woodlawn portion of it to his step-granddaughter, Nelly Custis, and her husband, Lawrence Lewis. Woodlawn is also home to the Pope-Leighey House, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1940.
Helping to preserve these diverse homes became the mission of two needlework enthusiasts, Adelaide Bolte and Emma Matheson, who staged a show of their work as a fundraiser for Woodlawn in 1963. Other like-minded women joined them and their cause, thus Nelly’s Needlers was launched in 1975. The show was expanded into a judged event and became a huge hit, growing to the point that it is now considered to be the largest judged show of needle arts in the nation. Thanks to hundreds of entries (from all over the globe), the sale of ginger cookies (using Martha Washington’s personal recipe) and the popularity of Nelly’s Cafe, the show has become Woodlawn’s largest annual fundraiser. Nelly’s Needlers is credited for helping to raise over $1 million for Woodlawn. This year’s show runs March 1-31 (closed Tuesdays), 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: Woodlawnpopeleighey.org.
As for counted cross stitch, that got me through a stressful time in life. When I quit smoking, I needed something to do with my hands. I cross-stitched away; my house, my mother’s house and my sister’s house became filled with my finished projects. We kept framers in business for years! I tried picking it back up a couple years ago, but my eyes aren’t what they used to be, and I can only do it for so long. I have managed to do several Christmas angels for my tree.
Along the way, I also learned to knit and crochet, but lost interest.
With all that we have available to us, I’m wading back in to the arts and crafts scene. I’ve signed up for the barn quilt painting class at the upcoming Lancaster Quilt Show and I really want to learn about felting, so I’ll probably pop into The Felted Fox one of these Mondays. And I definitely want to check out the rug-hooking show in mid-March.
Painting With a Twist Fundraiser: Me and Moo
March 1
Painting With a Twist
Learn to paint while helping to protect local farmland! Appropriately enough, you’ll learn to paint your own Highland cow portrait on a 16×20-inch canvas. A portion of all proceeds will be donated to Lancaster Farmland Trust. BYOB welcome. 2 p.m. 124 S. Centerville Rd., Lancaster. Information: Paintingwithatwist.com
Maker Monday
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
The Felted Fox
Every Monday, The Felted Fox hosts a weekly workshop that’s devoted to felting. Projects vary from month to month. While there’s no fee for the workshop, participants must purchase the project kit. Registration is required. 6-8 p.m. 2029 Miller Rd., East Petersburg. Information: Felted-fox.com
Charming Chains & Charms
March 4
Mad Chef Craft Brewing
Have you ever wanted to create your own jewelry? Well, here’s your chance to have fun creating and customizing your own charm necklace. Instructor Hannah, who brings 20 years of teaching experience and a love of art to the event, will walk you through, step-by-step, on how to make your necklace. All participants will take home a charm necklace, plus receive a complimentary glass of beer, cider or wine from Mad Chef. All ages are welcome, but artists under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 6:15 p.m. 2023 Miller Rd., East Petersburg. Information: Earlyrisersartclub.com
String Art Craft Workshop
March 4 & 30
Horst Arts
String art is back! Keep it simple or get adventurous as you create your own design with nails and string on a 7×7-inch board. You can choose from templates that are on hand or think up something totally original. March 4 at 6:30 p.m. March 30 at 3 p.m. 17 N. Main St., Manheim. Information: Horstarts.com
Paint & Enjoy: Pour Painting
March 7
Nissley Vineyards
Graphic designer and artist, Connie Higgins, will lead the class step-by-step through the process of creating a painting you will be proud to take home. Learn about working with free-flowing paints, which is an innovative way to use acrylic paints to create a fun abstract art piece. Instead of brushes, fluid paints can be poured directly onto the surface and the canvas tilted to move the paint around. A wine tasting gets underway at 6 p.m., with the workshop beginning at 6:30 p.m. 140 Vintage Dr., Bainbridge. Information: Eventbrite.com
Craft Night at Zoetropolis
March 12
Zoetropolis Theatre
Each month Zoetropolis hosts this event that invites movie buffs to watch a film all the while they work on a craft project they’ve brought along. Tonight’s movie is Crazy, Stupid, Love, starring Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling and Steve Carell, as a newly divorced 40-year-old who is faced with having to negotiate the dating scene. Come early and grab some dinner and a beverage. 7 p.m. 112 N. Water St., Lancaster. Information: Zoetropolis.com
Sip & Clip Bonsai Workshop
March 13
Nissley Vineyards/Tanger Outlets
Explore the Japanese art form known as bonsai with your hosts Steven and Nate, who together have been studying bonsai for 20 years. Following a brief discussion of styles and design, you will select your tree, prune, pot and then shape your very own creation to take home. The workshop includes a complimentary wine tasting (age 21+), a tree, a pot, soil, chopstick, wire (if needed), a small pair of pruners and a how-to-care-for guide. Wine by the glass/bottle, as well as light snacks, will be available for purchase. You are welcome to bring your own food and outside non-alcoholic beverages. 5:30 p.m. 301 Stanley K. Tanger Dr., Lancaster. Information: Nissleywine.com
Flower Collage Craft Workshop
March 15 & 27
Horst Arts
Learn the basics of Katherine Horst’s painterly collage technique and create your own beautiful upcycled artwork. Katherine will lead you through the process of making an image of a flower with the use of found and/or handmade papers, recycled books, magazines, fabrics and other materials. You are welcome to bring your own paper materials and pictures of your favorite flowers as well! 6:30 p.m. 17 N. Main St., Manheim. Information: Horstarts.com
Spring Hook-In
March 15
Farm & Home Center
The Woolwrights Rug Hooking Guild welcomes non-members/visitors to attend their annual Spring Hook-in. Beginning at 10:30 a.m., non-members can view the rug show, shop the vendor area and visit the “Ask a Hooker” information area, where they can watch demos, see examples of supplies and equipment and interact with members. (There is a $15 entrance fee.) 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 1383 Acadia Rd., Lancaster. Information: Woolwrights.com
The Fly Fishing Show
March 15-16
Lancaster County Convention Center
Spring is just around the corner, which means fishing season will soon arrive. According to the Outdoor Foundation, 6 to 10 million people now engage in fly fishing on an annual basis. If you’re interested in joining the ranks, the show will provide you with plenty of information, as it will feature classes, demonstrations, seminars, tying advice, vendors and even a film festival. Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 :30 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (Note: admission at the door is cash only; tickets can be pre-purchased online.) 25 S. Queen St., Lancaster. Information: flyfishingshow.com/Lancaster-pa.
Lancaster County Woodcarvers’ Show
March 15-16
Millersville University
Lancaster County Woodcarvers is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its show, with the theme, Wonders in Wood. Vendors, sister clubs and artists will be participating. This year’s guest carver is Joe You, a California resident who began carving in 1991 and is now known for his caricature carvings. The show will also feature demonstrations, lectures, a silent auction, door prizes, competitions and more. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Student Memorial Center, 108 Shenks Lane, Millersville. Information: lancarvers.com.
Paint & Enjoy: Succulent Wine Bottle
March 21
Nissley Vineyards
Create a unique planter using a wine bottle, succulents and other items. The evening begins with a complimentary Nissley wine flight (age 21+). Wine by the glass and bottle, as well as light snacks, will be available for purchase during the workshop. Wine tasting starts at 6 p.m., the workshop at 6:30 p.m. 140 Vintage Dr., Bainbridge. Information: Eventbrite.com
Absolute Beginner’s Knitting
March 22
Lancaster Yarn Shop
Whether you’ve never knitted a stitch in your life, or it’s been years since you picked up knitting needles, this class is for you. You’ll learn all the basics and leave with a Plowfield scarf that you’ve made yourself. The class is free, but you’ll need to purchase yarn, the pattern and, if necessary, equipment. 9:30 a.m. 3519 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse. Information: Lancasteryarnshop.com
Create a PA Dutch Hex Sign
March 25
Eicher Arts Center
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just looking to try something new, this event is perfect for all skill levels. Artists Jason and Katherine Horst of Horst Arts in Manheim will be on hand to provide guidance and instruction for creating a 10.5-inch-sized hex sign. Plenty of options will be available, ensuring a unique outcome. After laying out your hex sign, you will paint each piece and then glue them into place. Tickets include appetizers and wine. 6 p.m. 409 Cocalico St., Ephrata. Information: Eicherartscenter.com
The Lancaster Quilt Show @ Lebanon Valley
March 26-29
Lebanon Expo Center
If you love quilts and ever had “designs” on learning how to make one, head for this show, which will feature a display of 200+ quilts, 50 classes, lectures, a vendor market and more. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. each day. 80 Rocherty Rd., Lebanon. Information: Aquiltersdestination.com
Introduction to Hand Quilting
March 28
The Old Country Store
Learn the basic of quilting and practice stitching. 9 a.m. 3510 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse. Information: Theoldcountrystore.com
Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen
March
Lancaster
The Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen offers an array of classes for adults in blacksmithing, glass, jewelry, fiber, wood, and pottery. Most workshops are suitable for beginners (otherwise noted). The Guild strives to connect its members and local artists to the local community through education. Classes for March are as follows; most meet for a minimum of two hours. Classes are held at 335 N. Queen St., Lancaster. Information: Pacrafts.org
- March1, 1 p.m., Needle Felted Bunny in a Flower Pot, 1 p.m.
- March 2, 1 p.m. and March 23, 5:30 p.m., Flameworked Easter Eggs
- March 4, 11 a.m., Frosty Pots & Objet d’art (Intermediate)
- March 7, 10 a.m., Crepe Paper Daffodils
- March 8 & 23, 10:30 a.m., Metalsmithing Basics: Soldering, Texturizing & Stone Setting
- March 8, 1 p.m., Wearable Art (intermediate/advanced)
- March 8, 2 p.m., Metalsmithing Basics: Soldering, Facing & Roll Printing
- March 9, 10:30 a.m., and March 25, 6:30 p.m., Metalsmithing Basics: Roll Printed Silver Hoop Earrings
- March 9 & 23, 9 a.m., Beginning Flameworked Glass Beads
- March 11, 6 p.m., Introduction to Glassblowing
- March 13, 6:30 p.m., Handmade Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings
- March 15 & 39, 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., Introduction to Blacksmithing
- March 15, 9:30 a.m., Stained Glass Flower Suncatchers
- March 15, 11 a.m., Lucky Clover Mosaic
- March 16, 10:30 a.m., Bezel Set Rings
- March 18, 5:30 p.m., Flameworked Glass Cactus
- March 19 & 26, 6:30 p.m., Handcrafted Silver Chainmaking: Forge, Solder and Design a Bracelet
- March 22, 10 a.m., Introduction to Weaving on a Rigid Heddle Loom
- March 22, 1 p.m., Fused Glass Coral Bowls
- March 23, 9 a.m. Stained Glass Butterflies
- March 23, 4:30 p.m., Turn a Pen
- March 29, 9 a.m., Fused Glass Serving Tray
- March 29, 10 a.m., Redware Sgraffito Plate
- March 30, 1:30 p.m., Introduction to Flameworked Glass: Pendants
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