Arts & Crafts

Palo Alto Adult School is an educational leader in Arts and Crafts. For years, the Drawing, Painting and Watercolor classes have given our students the skills and confidence to pursue their own artistic excellence. The Crafts curriculum offers new, innovative courses every quarter. All of these classes provide the perfect opportunity to try something new!

Arts

ACRYLIC OR OIL PAINTING: Beginning to Advanced

8 wks · Sept 23–Nov 18
Thursday · 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 106 · $120

Instructor: Paulina Shapona, pshapona@yahoo.com Register Now »

Discover your artistic talents with oil or acrylic paints as a beginning or continuing student. Study use of color, observation, composition, light and dark, and traditional painting techniques. Supplies will be discussed at the first class meeting. Ms. Shapona studied at the Renaissance School of Italy. No class November 11.

         

DRAWING: Beginning

10 wks · Sept 14–Nov 16
Tuesday · 6:30–9 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 106 · $150

Instructor: Kay Culpepper, kay@ctn.com Register Now »

Everyone can draw! Discover how to see the ordinary in a new way and describe what you see clearly with right brain techniques as well as practical applied skill sets: study contour, form, values, line and practice perspective. Complete a still life composition and a landscape value drawing.

WATERCOLOR TECHNIQUES: Beginning/Intermediate 

9 wks · Sept 13–Nov 22
Monday · 6:30–9 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 106 · $135

Instructor: Kay Culpepper, kay@ctn.com Register Now »

Begin at the beginning! Then continue to discover the magical versatility that only watercolor can offer. We will practice skills such as color mixing, wet-on-wet painting, mingling, value studies, glazing, washes, etc. Apply these techniques to still life and landscape painting. No class October 11.

WATERCOLOR DESIGN AND CREATIVITY: Intermediate/Advanced

10 wks · Sept 15–Nov 17
Wednesday · 6:30–9 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 106 · $150

Instructor: Ferenc Besze, besze@comcast.net, http://besze.com Register Now »

Prerequisite: A basic knowledge of watercolor techniques.

Develop your personal watercolor style with an emphasis on composition and design principles. Use your talents in a wide variety of subject matters such as landscapes, still life, portraits and cityscapes. Bring your own setup including a palette, brushes, paint and paper, and any preferred references.

Crafts

PROFESSIONAL PICTURE MATTING MADE EASY 

One session · Oct 16
Saturday · 10a.m. - 4p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 106 · $48

Instructor: Carine Soriano, carine@leafrance.com, Register Now »

Tired of spending hundreds of dollars to mat your artwork or cherished family pictures? In this one-day workshop, you will learn to cut beveled edge window mats like a pro, and get advice on low-price framing. (We will not be cutting frames in class.) A materials fee of $20 is payable to the instructor. Please bring: one 4" x 6" image, one odd size image smaller than 8" x 10", and two 8" x 10" wooden frames. Optional: To make a third project, please e-mail the teacher. Class is limited to 12 students.

"KNIFTY" KNITTING 

10 wks · Sept 15–Nov 17
Wednesday · 7–8:30 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm P8 · $95

Instructor: Paul Prochaska, paul@prochaska.com Register Now »

Join us for "Knitting in a Circle" using the Knifty Knitter Loom. Scarves and beanies will be made. These hand-crafting skills can be learned by anyone from age 12 to 92, and families (Men? Boys? Yes!) are encouraged! Materials (looms, needles, and yarns) will cost less than $30. If we have time, we’ll practice traditional-style two-needle knitting.

WRAPPED AROUND YOUR FINGER: Jewelry Design 

One session · Sept 20
Monday · 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 1706 · $35

Instructor: Randi Samuels, randishome-web@yahoo.com
www.randisamuels.com Register Now »

Easy to make, fun to wear! Choose from a variety of gemstones to make three different sterling silver rings. Bring $25 to cover all materials and use of tools. Randi is a well respected local artisan who has been passionate about creating jewelry and teaching classes for more than 15 years. Please see her website for pictures of class projects.

BEADED ROPE: Jewelry Design 

One session · Oct 16
Saturday · 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 1706 · $35

Instructor: Randi Samuels, randishome-web@yahoo.com
www.randisamuels.com Register Now »

Create an exquisite beaded rope bracelet using crochet. Whether you know how to crochet or not, you'll love this technique! A materials fee of $25 is payable to the instructor (NOTE: this includes tools which you will keep). Please see her website, above, for pictures of class projects. Bring a bag lunch. Randi is a well respected local artisan.

INTRODUCTION TO CANDLE MAKING 

One session · Oct 16
Saturday · 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 103 · $35

Instructor: Lori Stoia, bath_scentsations@yahoo.com
http://homemadebathproducts.blogspot.com Register Now »

Learn how to make your own candles using natural waxes including soy and beeswax. Topics will also include the basics of candle safety, equipment, materials and the different types of candle making techniques. Each student will make and take home a container candle, a rolled beeswax candle, votive candles and a handout on how to make candles at home. A materials fee of $20 will be collected on the day of class.

DANISH KNOT EARRINGS: Jewelry Design

One session · Oct 18
Monday · 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 1706 · $35

Instructor: Randi Samuels, randishome-web@yahoo.com
www.randisamuels.com Register Now »

Learn to make unique sterling silver wire knots, and hang them from short lengths of chain to create gorgeous earrings! A materials fee of $20 is payable to the instructor, which covers all materials and use of tools. Randi is passionate about designing jewelry and loves to share her expertise. Please see her website for pictures of class projects.

KUMIHIMO: Jewelry Design

One session · Nov 8
Monday · 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 1706 · $35

Instructor: Randi Samuels, randishome-web@yahoo.com
www.randisamuels.com Register Now »

Kumihimo is a Japanese braiding technique for making cording, which uses a special board to hold the fibers in place and maintain tension. It is easy to learn, relaxing and very flexible, but be warned—it can be addictive! Bring $12 to cover handouts, a Kumihimo board, other supplies and project fiber. Randi is a well respected local artisan. Please see her website for pictures of class projects.

ALTOID TIN ART 

One session · Sept 22
Wednesday · 6-9 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 1708 · $35

Instructor: Kit Davey, kitdavey@aol.com
www.found-object-art.com Register Now »

What do you do with all those really cool Altoid tins? Make art! We'll create minishrines, wall hangings, book boxes, jewelry, spirit dolls and more! I'll demonstrate the projects and you'll have time to make several works of art. No art experience is necessary! Email the instructor (above) for a list of materials to bring to class. A $5 materials fee is payable to instructor in class.