Swan Bay Folk Art Center - American Crafts at Port Republic, NJ

Swan Bay Folk Art Center
American crafts in Port Republic, NJ

July 2010 - June 2011
Basket Class Schedule for Adults

Dear Friends,
    Here is the NEW July 2010 - June 2011 schedule.
    I truly hope that all of you are enjoying life to its fullest and finding time to express your creativity. My friend (and basket student) Karen Bacon often inspires me with her organizational skills. She has already completed all of her Christmas gifts for this year. I am going to attempt to follow her example and have a stress free Christmas.   I will not be working summer school, so my schedule is very flexible if you would like to start making gifts for your friends and family, why not start now? If you have company this summer and would like to have them experience a creative adventure at Swan Bay Folk Art Center, please give me a call and I will be happy to schedule a class just for you and your company. This class can be in the daytime or evening. (and maybe you can even get your picture taken in front of a 1931 replica gas station and feed some very friendly sheep).
       I still am offering Friday Night Friendship Classes where you can invite 5-10 of your friends to come for a night of basket weaving, or you can come on a Monday night and meet some new friends. You can chose to make one of the 94 baskets in the basket description portion of this web site, or if you would like to weave a basket that does not appear on the list, I would be happy to help you design your own creation.
    Our jam business is continuing to grow. Our Jersey Fresh jam is for sale at Buzby’s General Store in Chatsworth, Honey and Sweets Farm Stand in Port Republic, and here at Swan Bay Folk Art Center.
     If you have stumbled upon this site by accident, it is primarily a teaching site about classes that are offered, but I also can custom make any basket for the same price that is listed in the basket description. Baskets can be shipped to you usually within two weeks.
    Many of you watched as our daughters grew up, waltzing through the classroom, as you have come to basket classes for many years. All three of them have blogs that might inspire you:

   www.theweeklymake.blogspot.com
   http://www.madeforyoubyamyplew.blogspot.com
   www.Psalmsillustrated.Blogspot.com

Spin into the Future
We are now franchised dealers of Ashford Spinning Wheels, and other Ashford products necessary for spinning, dyeing and felting wool. We also are selling felting kits, and white and dyed wool for felting and spinning. I offer free spinning lessons by appointment if you would like to try your hand at making your own designer yarns for knitting and crocheting. It is so satisfying to be able to make your own yarn and then create a one of a kind accessory for you, or as a gift. There is nothing like wool hats or mittens to keep you warm. We will also have classes in wool felting in the very near future (check back for felting class schedule).

Ashford Traveler Double      Ashford Joy Spinning    Ashford Traditional
Treadle Spinning Wheel        Wheel with travel bag    Spinning Wheel
Double Drive unfinished Kit         Double treadle                     Unfinished Kit
$390.00                                       $575.00                              $390.00
Double Drive lacquered finish     with carry bag          Lacquered Finish

$505.00                                       $690.00                    $490.00

     I hope that this year brings you time and inspiration to be creative in ways that will add joy and happiness to your life.
               Niki

Friday Night Friendship Classes

Friendship classes are for you to invite your own friends to a class. I can accommodate 5-10 people.

1.      Call Niki at (609) 652-0366 to pick a date for your class;
2.      Invite your friends and tell them about this web site so they can pick out a basket (everyone can choose a different basket);
3.      Call or email Niki three days before your class date with the names of your friends that are coming and what basket they would like to make;
4.      Enjoy a fun, fulfilling evening with your friends creating your own piece of history!

Doll-making, birthday parties and field trips

We are still offering doll-making classes, Colonial Tea parties, birthday parties, and field trips for scout troops. We also now offer Create a Friend stuffed animals (bears, foxes, monkeys, frogs, and tigers). Please call to make an appointment.

Barn/studio and 1931 Gas Station

Our backyard includes a barn/studio and (believe it or not) a 1931 gas station , garage and showroom if you would ever like to stop by to visit.It is advisable to call for an appointment first. Gary and Haley (our gas station dog) will be happy to give you a tour.

The garage features authentic 1931 automobiles and a “Mae West” gas pump. There is even a 1931 Model A Pickup truck. Find our more at Mayor Gary's Garage. Learn more about Gary at MasterDecoyCarver.com.

Posted July, 2010