Home & Environment

Palo Alto Adult School offers a wide breadth of classes in the home arts, home economics and gardening program. Our exceptional instructors in this program have kept demand strong for these courses. Numerous students return quarter after quarter to further develop their skills in upholstery, sewing, gardening and home design. In response to the “green” and eco-friendly desires of our students, a number of new classes are offered every quarter to address these areas of interest.

HOW TO MANAGE YOUR KITCHEN OR BATH REMODEL!

5 wks · Jan 31–Feb 28
Tuesday · 6:30–9 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 1706 · $75

Instructor: Mollyanne Sherman mollyanne@macdesignstudio.com

FULL

If you want to be involved in your kitchen or bath remodel, or even do it yourself, this is the course for you. In five weeks, Mollyanne will take you through the process, from planning through construction. Learn how to get the information you need to construct a project budget and schedule, and how to keep the project under control. Mollyanne is certified in Kitchen, Bath & Interior Design as well as Green Building, with extensive experience in major renovations. A $30 materials fee is payable to the instructor.

FLORAL DESIGN WITH IKEBANA

10 wks · Jan 10–March 13
Tuesday · 1–4 p.m.
Greendell P2 · $70*

Instructor: Thanh Kosen Nguyen, nguyent@gmail.com Register Now »

Learn traditional and contemporary ikebana. Each week students will complete one or two designs, then bring them home to display. Bring sturdy garden scissors, a pyrex bowl and a large pin frog for practice the first class. Information will be given on what additional ikebana equipment you will need and where to get it. A $100 flower material fee is payable to the instructor, or students can bring their own flowers. The instructor has more than 22 years of experience and is certified for both Wafu and Sogetsu styles.

GARDENING IN WINTER

10 wks · Jan 11–March 14
Wednesday · 10 a.m.-12 noon
Cubberley A-2 · $50*

Instructor: Sherri Bohan Register Now »

Winter dormant period is the time to prevent plant diseases and destroy insect pests. Topics will include non-toxic sprays, rose pruning, fruit tree and vine care, and more as the weather warms. The instructor has over 30 years of professional landscaping experience and has taught gardening classes for over 15 years. This class is fun and informative for beginning and experienced gardeners.

SUSTAINABLE HOME VEGETABLE GARDENING

6 wks · March 6–April 17
Tuesday · 7-9 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 1707 · $72

Instructor: Candace Simpson, UCCE Master Gardener Register Now »

Establish a successful, environmentally responsible food garden that provides deli-cious vegetables and herbs every month of the year. A comprehensive list of sustainable gardening practices for vegetable crops in Santa Clara County will be covered—from soil preparation to management of common pests, weeds and diseases. Instructor is a Master Gardener, a University of California cooperative extension volunteer program dedicated to providing research-based gardening information to home gardeners. No class April 3.

SEWING

10 wks · Jan 11-March 14
Wednesday · 7-10 p.m.
J L Stanford Mid Sch Sewing Rm 140 · $70*

Instructor: DeAnne Appleton, appletonsews@gmail.com

FULL

Learn the fundamentals of sewing through demonstration of various techniques and hands-on practice. Sew a project of your choice with individual help from the instructor. Think green! Learn to re-purpose, redesign, reinvent, alter or mend clothing you already have and love. Sewing machines are provided. A $10 materials fee is payable to the instructor.

UPHOLSTERING: Basic Techniques

SECTION A
10 wks · Jan 10–March 13
Tuesday · 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Upholstering Rm 904 · $195*
FULL

SECTION B
10 wks · Jan 12–March 15
Thursday · 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Upholstering Rm 904 · $195*

FULL

Instructors: Marjorie DuBois,, Ann Laveroni and Kathleen Koenig kathleenkoenig@comcast.net

Learn techniques to update a contemporary piece or recover an antique. Refurbish your furniture, rebuild old worn springs, change the style and/or bring a chair up to date. Antique techniques are taught when needed. If you are a new student, please e-mail the instructors before your first class.