Country Owl Studio

Art & Craft School

The Country Owl Studio Art & Craft School
8 Conant Square, PO Box 339, Brandon, VT 05733
IN-STATE: 802-247-3695 or out-of-state toll-free: 866-247-3826
e-mail: ctryowl@together.net

 

Dolores Furnari, owner of the Country Owl Studio, welcomes you to the 15th season of classes being held this year in downtown Brandon - 8 Conant Square, across the street from the Mobil station. Come visit a charming Vermont town set at the foothills of the Green Mountains and have some fun in one or more of our classes while learning a new craft. Dolores Furnari has been a member of Historical Society of Early American Decoration, Inc. (HSEAD) since 1974. Please see below for a complete description classes with instructions on how to sign up.


Owner Dolores Furnari (left)
works with students at her
Country Owl Art & Craft School.

Summer 2008 Class Schedule

Country Owl Studio Art & Craft School / Lodging /
Refund Policy / Registration / Information

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Decorative Arts

1) & 2) BRONZE POWDER STENCILING, COUNTRY PAINTING, & REVERSE GLASS PAINTING

3) WATERCOLOR THEOREM PAINTING

4) FOLK ART PAINTING

5) RUFUS PORTER STYLE PAINTING 

6) EAD: THEOREM PAINTING

Art

7) PRIMITIVE PORTRAIT PAINTING

8) DRAWING / PAINTING / PERSPECTIVE

Miscellaneous Crafts

9) CHAIR SEAT WEAVING

10) EARLY AMERICAN DOLLS

Fiber Art

11) WHIMSICAL RUG HOOKING with DYEING

12) PENNY RUGS

13) BASKETS THAT ARE FUNCTIONAL AND FUN TO MAKE

Country Owl Studio Art & Craft School / Lodging /
Refund Policy / Registration / Information

 

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1. & 2. EAD: BRONZE POWDER STENCILING, COUNTRY PAINTING, & REVERSE GLASS PAINTING

Dolores Furnari

1. Aug. 11 - 16 (6 days); Mon. - Fri. 9:00 - 4:30; Sat. 9:00 - 3:00

Tuition: $220.00 Beginner/Advanced

2. Aug. 18 - 22 (5 days); Mon.-Thur. 9:00 - 4:30; Fri. 9:00-3:00

Tuition: $190.00 Beginner/Advanced

We will cover all techniques of bronze powder stenciling on tin and wood, application of gold/metal leaf using early American designs authentic to the period, as well as freehand bronzing techniques and country painting and techniques in reverse glass painting which will also cover stenciling on glass. Beginners will learn stencil cutting, preparation of tin and wooden items, the execution of designs, and finishing techniques. Students should bring several projects to work on such as trays, chairs, boxes, and glass cut to size for mirror frames, clocks, or frames of your choice. Class demonstrations and individual instruction will be given. In depth instruction will be available to interested applicants of The Historical Society of Early American Decoration. Instructor is planning a class project, related costs will be available at time of registration. A supply list will be sent upon registration.

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3. WATERCOLOR THEOREM PAINTING

Dolores Furnari

Aug. 23 - 24 (2 days); Sat. - Sun. 9:00 - 4:30

Tuition: $115.00; Mat. fee: $40.00

Beginner/ Interm.

This two day class will introduce students to the OLD ART of "WATERCOLOR PAINTED THEOREMS ON PAPER" using water color tube paints. Special pre-cut stencils will be available and one set is included in the materials fee; also, the special paper and the use of paints. Special stencil brushes are needed for this class and are available at a discount at the studio. Class size is limited so register early. A supply list of other needed items will be sent upon registration.

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4. FOLK ART PAINTING

Dolores Furnari

June 30 - July 3 (4 days); Mon. - Thurs. 9:00 - 4:30

Tuition: $150.00; Est. Mat. fee: $50.00

Beginner/ Interm.

This class will have three (3) projects in the four (4) days. A Welcome Sign, a Key Cabinet, and a Two Hole Sugar Mold Candleholder. Designs will be available, but you can create your own if so desired. These are fun projects and are great ideas for Holiday gifts. Included in the materials fee are the projects, colored photos of the finished projects, use of all paints and related mediums and copies of the designs, as well as many other designs you can choose from. Brushes and other related supplies can be purchased at the studio at a discount. A supply list will be sent upon registration.

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5. EAD: RUFUS PORTER STYLE PAINTING

Dolores Furnari

Aug. 9 - 10 (2 days); Sat.- Sun. 9:00 - 4:30

Tuition: $115.00; Materials fee: $50.00

All levels

This year's decorative project will be a 24/36" preprimed cotton canvas floorcloth painted in the Rufus Porter style. The materials fee will include the canvas floorcloth, blueprint, photo of the finished piece, painting instructions and the use of all paints and mediums. Other related supplies needed can be purchased at the studio at a discount. A list of other needed supplies will be sent upon registration.

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6. EAD: THEOREM PAINTING

Alice Smith

July 7 - 11 (5 days); Mon. - Thurs. 9:00 - 4:30; Fri. 9:00 - 3:00

Tuition: $190.00; Est. Mat. fee: $25.00

Beginner/Interm.

Enjoying a revival along with other early folk art and early New England school girl art forms (those taught in young girl academies in the early 1800s) is Theorem Painting. Theorem Painting involves a process of using oil tube paints and a set of stencils to create a picture. The complete series of skills and techniques required to become a theorem artisan will be taught: cutting stencils, mounting velvet, applying color, plus instruction in proper framing.

For those who do not wish to cut their own stencils, pre-cut stencils are available from Crafter's Corners at www.crafterscornersinc.com or phone 1-800-390-5358. Patterns suggested are Moss Rose #LKPD 19 at $21.95 and Fall Harvest #LKPD #9 at $18.95, or select any of the pre-cut patterns for Beginner / Intermediate from Crafter's Corners. Instructor will bring a selection of patterns, but not pre-cut. For any questions please contact Alice by e-mail at: studioads@verizon.net, or by phone 413-786-4050. Alice would like students to do the "Fall Harvest" design twice, once in oils on velvet and once in watercolor on velvet. A selection of patterns will be mailed by the instructor upon registration along with a supply list of other needed items for this class.

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7 PRIMITIVE PORTRAIT PAINTING

Dolores Furnari

Aug. 4 - 8 (5 days); Mon. - Thurs. 9:00-4:30; Fri. 9:00-3:00

Tuition: $190.00; Est. materials fee: $50.00

All levels

Don't be intimidated if you have never painted a portrait before. With precise instruction, you can do it. This year, students will be able to choose their selection from a selective library of designs. Most will be 16x20 or 18x24 in size. You may choose a boy, girl, woman or man portrait. The estimated materials fee includes the canvas of choice, photo of your design, blueprint, and painting instructions. To accomplish this project in 5 days, the portrait will be done in a combination of acrylic and oil paints. A list of needed supplies will be sent upon registration. Most supplies needed are available for sale at the studio. Any questions relative to this class, please call the Studio.

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8. DRAWING & PAINTING and P ERSPECTIVE

Country Owl Studio Brandon Vermont
Country Owl Studio Brandon Vermont

 

F. Tor Gudmundsen

July 14 - 18 / 19 (5 or 6 days); Mon. - Thurs. 9:00 - 4:30; Fri. 9:00 - 3:00 or Sat. 9:00 - 3:00

Tuition: $190.00 / $220.00

Adv . Beginner/Adv.

This five day course with an optional sixth day will concentrate on advancing the student artist's ability to observe nature and interpret it ... to get what is seen translated onto a flat surface (the painting or drawing) and working with it to develop an image that the artist can interpret with color, texture and technique. We will work individually on problems in perspective, color and technique as the student requires. I hope to make every student feel that they have made progress in the quest for their own vision in their work. The sixth day is offered to those students desiring additional time and guidance in finishing projects. A materials list will be sent upon registration. Please specify what medium you will be working with.

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9. CHAIR SEAT WEAVING

 
Splint (flat reed)


Hand caned


Fiber Rush stool

Rosmarie Vanderhoof

June 26 - 28 (3 days); Thurs. - Sat. 9:00 - 4:30

Tuition: $135.00

Students should bring two chairs and a stool or chair to work from, hand towel or rag. Tools required for:

Caning: Awl or ice pick, side cutting needle nose pliers, scissors
Flat Reed: Utility knife or scissors, tack hammer
Fiber Rush: Tack hammer

(All other supplies and materials will be provided by instructor)

1. Hand-Caning: Material fee per chair est. $15.00 - Holes running lengthwise up each rail. Students will learn Seven Step method which is the predominant pattern used in hand caning. Preferably holes should be no less than 5/8" apart from center to center. Chairs should always be re-glued and or refinished if necessary before caning can take place.

2. Splint Seat Weaving (flat or oval reed): Material fee per chair est. $15.00 - Students will complete an exceptionally strong and durable seat which can be used for indoor or outdoor chairs. Students should bring chairs with dowel-rail seat frame.

3. Fiber Rush: Material fee per chair est. $15.00 - Fiber Rush is tough-grade paper fiber that is twisted into a long strand (imitation for natural rush). It is quite strong and durable and is used for indoor chairs only.

Students should easily be able to complete two seats in any of the above materials during the three day session. Students should contact me by phone in order to assure that the correct type of material is acquired for their chair selection. Phone: 802-483-9430.

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10. EARLY AMERICAN DOLLS

Country Owl Studio Brandon Vermont

Lena Drzewiczewski

July 21 - 25 (5 days); Mon. - Thurs. 9:00-4:30; Fri. 9:00-3:00

Tuition: $190.00; Est. Mat. Fee: $15

Two dolls, a 10" boy and girl painted and dressed to appear as if they stepped out of the pages of Kate Greenaway's many published works from the late 1800s. The patterns we will be working with is one of Gail Wilson's newest designs. Sewing and painting skills are required, and of course, a love for doll making. It will be a week of hard work, but well worth the time and effort. You will go home with your heirloom of the future. Instructor will mail out the supply list needed for this class. For any questions you may contact Lena at 802-446-2500. See photos on the Country Owl website.


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11. WHIMSICAL RUG HOOKING with DYEING

Country Owl Studio Brandon Vermont Country Owl Studio Brandon Vermont

Nancy Jewett

July 28 - Aug. 1 (5 days); Mon. - Thurs. 9:00 - 4:30; Fri. 9:00 -3:00

Tuition: $190.00; Materials fee: $25.00

Interim / Advanced (not for Beginners)

In the world of traditional rug hooking, learning to hook is only the beginning for many. Adventurous souls expand their joy of rug hooking into the dyeing process. During this week you will divide your time between hooking a project of your choice and learning simple dyeing techniques that will give you the confidence to experiment on your own. A simple demonstration of the two most widely used dyes will be conducted for comparison purposes.

Along with discussing good hooking technique you will learn different background techniques, when to use them and different finishing techniques and when they enhance a rug. Dyeing techniques will be demonstrated and all will have an opportunity for hands on time at the dye pot. Some color theory will also be discussed in reference to your rug and the dyeing process. Bring a pattern with you or choose from the many available in my catalog. You may bring your own wool or choose from the hand dyed available from my shop. It is recommended that you have a firm idea of the color plan for your rug before class begins. If help is needed in color planning, I can be of assistance in advance of class, call 802-483-222. A supply list will be sent upon registration.

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12. PENNY RUGS

Country Owl Studio Brandon Vermont

Lena Drzewiczewski

Aug. 2 - 3 (2 days); Sat. - Sun. 9:00-4:30

Tuition: $115.00; Est. Mat. Fee: $15.00

All levels

Penny rugs are tapestries of times past, using primitive motifs cut from colorful woolens and then appliquéd with decorative stitches. Making penny rugs is not hard since the shapes are simple and the stitch is the basic blanket stitch. This mid 19th century folk art was traditionally made from felted wool (wool that is washed and shrunk). Despite the name the rugs were not used on the floor but as decorative table rugs or wall hangings. The "penny" comes from the coins that were used to make templates for the circles. We will be using a pattern called "Evening Serenade" by Karyn Lord, and doing a table runner approximately 14 x 37 inches. The instructor will mail a list of needed supplies upon registration. Check out photo of project on the Country Owl website.

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13. BASKETS THAT ARE FUNCTIONAL AND FUN TO MAKE

Country Owl Basket Brandon Vermont

Country Owl Basket Brandon Vermont
Country Owl Basket Brandon VermontCountry Owl Studio Brandon VermontCountry Owl Basket Brandon Vermont

Mary Ann Williams

Aug. 25 - 29 (5 days); Mon. - Thurs. 9:00-4:30; Fr. 9:00-3:00

Tuition: $190.00

Twilled Muffin with Braided Lash - This versatile basket, designed by Wendy Jensen, begins with a twelve spoked base. After initially weaving the base in a traditional over / under pattern, the spokes are split and the remainder of the basket is woven in an over two, under two twill pattern with an adjustment. It is finished with a decorative braided lash. Students will be given choices regarding the use of dyed or natural reed for the weavers and lashers which will result in various effective applications of the same design! Materials & Prep $25.00

Not An Ordinary Orb - This orb shaped basket begins with a traditionally plaited cathead base and is chase woven using a combination of round and flat oval reed. An aesthetically pleasing center placement of an accent pattern is added to complete this artistic yet purposeful basket. Again, students will have some options regarding the center pattern and color of dyed reed. Materials & Prep $30.00

Field Basket - Just a perfect combination of beauty and utility! This basket, also designed by Wendy Jensen, begins with an eight spoked base but is quickly enhanced by the addition of another tapered eight spokes (dyed or natural) which will create a delightful starburst effect. The remainder of the basket is completed with a continuous weave. Students will learn how to carve the side handles and scarf the sturdy rims. Materials & Prep $40.00

Amy's Basket — This basket of Lynn Siler's begins with a 10" x 14" sharp top "D" handle. Students will learn how to taper the spokes in order to decrease the width of the sides of the basket so that they follow the shape of the handle. Students may elect to incorporate some color or use all natural weavers and lashers. A wrapped lashing technique is used as a finishing touch. Materials & Prep $35.00.

If interested students are unable to attend class for the full week, please contact the Director to see if arrangements can be made for two- or three-day participation and for related costs.

Should students finish all these baskets early, instruction in the completion of other smaller baskets will be offered at a nominal fee. A supply list will be sent upon registration.

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About Country Owl Studio

Dolores Furnari, owner of the Country Owl Studio, welcomes you to the 15th season of classes which are held in downtown Brandon - 8 Conant Square, across the street from the Mobil station. Weekly classes will be held Monday - Friday of each week unless otherwise noted. Weekend classes are so noted for studio hours.

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REFUND POLICY

Cancellation/Refund Policy: Should it become necessary for us to cancel a class, every effort will be made to notify students at least two weeks prior to the start of class. The entire deposit and registration fee will be refunded. Should the enrolled student become unable to attend, half the class fee will be refunded, provided we are notified three weeks prior to the start of class.

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LODGING

Lodging is available at reasonable rates within 1 - 3 miles of the school. Information is available on-line for Brandon lodging. Special rates are offered at most places to Studio students but you must call them direct and tell them you are a student with the Studio to obtain those rates. Reservations must be made early!

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CLICK HERE FOR OUR REGISTRATION FORM

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For more information call or write:

The Country Owl Studio Art & Craft School
PO Box 339
Brandon, VT 05733-0339
802-247-3695
866-247-3826
e-mail: ctryowl@together.net

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Last updated January 7, 2008