The Allan Folk School at Mikell offers both spring and fall sessions. Working directly with skilled artisans, you can learn a wide variety of arts and crafts such as copper enameling, stained glass and woodturning.
For over 20 years, Camp Mikell has hosted the Allan Folk School at our St. Joseph the Carpenter Craft Center. Activities at the Craft Center are a great way to add exciting new dimensions to your next retreat. Consider planning your next retreat around our wonderful facility! We are glad to arrange for art specific instructors for you.
ST. JOSEPH THE CARPENTER CRAFT CENTER
Thanks to the support of many individuals, parishes, the Mikell Staff and the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, we are blessed with a wonderful craft center.
Bishop Allan and his wife, Elizabeth Allan conceived and helped develop the idea of the St. Joseph the Carpenter Craft Center through their understanding and appreciation of art and creativity.
Gary Bennett and the Men of Grace of Grace-Calvary, Clarkesville, were instrumental in the completion of this project.
The Craft Center is located on a beautiful spot that overlooks the main campus of Mikell and has views of the surrounding ridges, including the cross.
The Craft Center has five pods specifically designed for arts and crafts and is available to any of our visiting groups.
Boy and Girl Scout groups, parish groups, youth groups, parish retreats, and any other group are invited to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.
There is a pod specifically set up for woodturning with 8 lathes, a band saw, sander, scroll saws, drill press and other equipment. Our pottery “pod” has several wheels, a utility sink with hot and cold water, and a separate room with kilns.
The weaving pod has numerous looms of varying size. Stained glass, painting, and other forms of art are ideal for the remaining “pods.” There are bathrooms and a coffee break room in the building.
SAMPLE CLASS OFFERINGS
Bookmaking
Join local artist Ann Lynn Whiteside as she teams up with nature artist Christy Foelsch from Kids go Wild to create books with personality. This two-day workshop in handmade bookmaking utilizes specialty and handmade papers to craft a unique book to be proud of. This class is for beginners as well as intermediate.
Copper Enameling
Students are introduced to basic copper enameling techniques. They learn different methods of applying colorful enamel to various copper forms and firing them in the kiln to create small art pieces and jewelry. By the end of the weekend, students will have several finished pieces to take home with them.
Felting
Fluff to fabric, using a fascinating process…with a pile of wool and sometime and effort, create several small projects or one larger one following the formula: wool + hot water + soap + “elbow grease” = felt. All levels are welcome. Instructors will have all equipment/materials needed.
Heirloom Smocking
Smocking is an embroidery technique used to gather fabric so that it can stretch. Before elastic, smocking was commonly used in cuffs, bodices, and necklines in garments where buttons were undesirable.
In this class you will receive a practice piece of fabric, appropriate needles, thread and the training for basic stitches used in geometric designs. While we will not be able to complete a garment in a weekend you will have the skills you need to work towards that goal. After we master the basic stitches we will make an ornament using the newly acquired skills.
Knitting
Beginners will learn to knit and may choose to work on a dish cloth or a scarf. Intermediate knitters will work on knitting a cable knit hat in the round.
Quilting
It’s BYOQP: Bring Your Own Quilting Project. It can be the quilt you started with us in spring, a work in process, or a pattern that you want to begin quilting with. We’ll walk you through it! You’ll enjoy your own work space and two teachers ready to help with cutting, ironing and troubleshooting of all kinds. Come for a relaxed weekend of stitching and fellowship. This is artistic collaboration at its Camp Mikell best as we encourage and nudge each other’s creative spirits. We will send a basic list of what to bring, and we bring backups!
Painting
I believe everyone is an artist at heart. This painting class will get you in touch with your creative side. We will work on 1 painting together to learn about supplies and how to mix paint. Then everyone will be free to branch off. I will have canvas and wood to paint on. I have ideas to use or please feel free to or bring your own.
Everything will be provided, paint, brushes, easels, rags, aprons etc. But of course feel free to bring your own supplies. Wear old clothes you don’t mind getting paint on.
Pottery
Work with the potter’s wheel to create bowls, plates and other shapes. All levels of experience welcome. Bring a box to take home your unfired clay creations. Clay and glaze are provided.
Soap Making
Learn how to make soap and bath products. Be ready to get your hands dirty and soapy! As a group, we will make a couple batches of hot process soap and we will make a cold process salt/spa bar. This bar is full of Himalayan pink sea salt and coconut oil. We’ll also make some other goodies that could include: sugar scrub, bath fizzies, showers steamers, lip balm, and maybe some other surprises. You’ll be able to add the scent(s) of your choice to many of the products. All participants will go home with the products that we make.
Stained Glass
Participants will build a simple stained glass panel (Approximately 8” x 8”) using either the copper foil (Tiffany) or lead method. No previous experience required. You will learn basic stained glass techniques, including: glass selection, glass cutting, breaking and grinding, assembly using the copper foil or leaded glass construction method, and soldering. Advanced students may work on the project of their choice by registering as Independent Study. (Subject to space availability).
Weaving
Weaving will be a rep weave structure. We will make two placemats using cotton in a variety of great colors. All weaving supplies will be provided. No experience is needed.
Woodturning
Learn to turn a bowl, make honey dippers, antique pepper grinders and do spindle turning, such as rolling pins and writing pens. Each participant from beginner to experienced turner will work at their own pace and skill level. Bring wood turning tools if you have them. Otherwise, tools will be provided. Please bring a dust mask and eye protection. Feel free to bring your favorite wood blanks for turning that special creation.
Additional courses have included:
- Advanced Copper Enameling
- Bowl Baskets
- Creative Writing
- Independent Study
- Live Fire Grilling
- Photography
- Painted Barn Quilts
- Zentangle
