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.

ORGANIZE YOUR OFFICE: FROM CHAOS TO CONTROL

One session · May 12
Wednesday · 6:30–9 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 305 · $40

Instructor: Christine Palen chaoscontrol2@earthlink.net, chaos-control.com, Register Now »

Overcome information overload and turn piles into files. Create simple paper flow systems, streamline those emails and gain control of your time with productivity tools—solutions for both corporate and home-offices. Christine Palen of Chaos Control® consults, coaches and leads motivational workshops focusing on priorities, productivity and valuesbased schedule planning. A $5 materials fee is payable to the instructor.

HOW TO MANAGE YOUR KITCHEN OR BATH REMODEL!

5 wks · Mar 30–Apr 27
Tuesday · 6:30–9 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 1708 · $75

Instructor: Mollyanne Sherman mollyannesherman@me.com Register Now »

If you want to be heavily involved in your kitchen or bath remodel or even do it yourself, here is the course for you. In five weeks Mollyanne will take you through the process from a Home Renovation Designer’s point of view, helping you 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 a Certified Home Designer and has extensive experience in kitchens and baths. A $30 materials fee is payable to the instructor. No class April 13.

GARDEN DESIGN FOR HOMEOWNERS

6 wks · Mar 30–May 11
Tuesday · 6:30–9 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 1708 · $98

Instructor: Fran Adams fran@senseofplace.us Register Now »

Learn how to create an inviting home landscape that reflects your style and meets your needs. Lectures on color, form, texture, style, function, drafting, materials and installation will give you the background to evaluate your site, develop a layout plan and choose plants and materials. A field trip (May 1) reinforces classroom learning. Required text: The Sunset Western Garden Book (2007 edition). No class April 13.

FLORAL DESIGN WITH IKEBANA

10 wks · Mar 23–Jun 1
Tuesday · 1–4 p.m.
Cubberley B-2 · $65

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

Learn Wafu Ikebana composition, cutting techniques, use of pin frogs and containers, the five basic patterns, how to preserve cut plant materials and how to display your arrangements. For practice during the first class, bring sturdy gardening scissors, a low-edge dish and a "pin frog." Information will be given regarding what and where to buy ikebana equipment. A $100 flower materials fee is payable to the instructor, who has 18 years of training in Wafu Ikebana with numerous exhibitions in the Bay Area. No class April 13.

GARDENING IN SPRING

10 wks · Mar 24–Jun 2
Wednesday · 10 a.m.–12 noon
Cubberley A-2 · $40

Instructor: Sherri Bohan Register Now »

Learn about low-toxic insect and disease control, plant selection and proper planting techniques for flower borders and vegetable beds, irrigation troubleshooting and proper tool usage. Share questions during open class discussions in this informative class. The instructor is a licensed contractor with more than 30 years of professional garden construction and maintenance experience in zones 15, 16 and 17. No class April 14.

THE FOREVER HOME: FOR ALL SEASONS AND AGES

One session · Mar 30
Tuesday 6-9 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 1707 · $35 per individual or up to two family members

Instructor: Iris Harrell, irish@harrell-remodeling.com Register Now »

Design your home to work for all transitions in your family life over the next two decades. Plan your home remodel to be safe and comfortable for infants, young children, teenagers and family members with physical limitations. A $5 materials fee per individual or up to two family members is payable to the instructor.

GREEN INTERIOR DESIGN— THE NUTS AND BOLTS

2 wks · Apr 21–28
Wednesday · 7 – 9 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 306 · $40

Instructor: Kirsten Flynn, kir@sustainablehome.com, sustainablehome.com Register Now »

Green interior design helps you create a home that reflects your great taste and your care for the planet. This two-night course covers environmental issues associated with most common interior materials and furnishings, and allows you to see and touch building materials that are as gorgeous as they are green. Kirsten Flynn owns the design firm Sustainable Home, teaches on the Peninsula, and recently designed the interiors for a totally solar house featured in the Solar Decathlon.

SEWING

8 wks · Mar 24–Jun 2
Wednesday · 7-10 p.m.
J L Stanford Mid Sch Sewing Rm 140 · $65

Instructor: DeAnne Appleton, appletonsews@gmail.com Full

Learn the fundamentals of sewing through demonstration and hands-on practice. Sew on a project of your choice with help from the instructor. Think green! Learn to repurpose, redesign, alter or mend clothing you already have and love. Sewing machines are provided. A $10 materials fee is payable to the instructor. No class April 14, 21 and 28.

UPHOLSTERING: Basic Techniques

SECTION A
10 wks · Mar 23-Jun 1
Tuesday · 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Upholstering Rm 904 · $195

SECTION B
10 wks · Mar 25-Jun 3
Thursday · 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Upholstering Rm 904 · $195

Instructor: Marjorie DuBois, Ann Laveroni, Kathleen Koenig and Ann Rose Register Now »

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.