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

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

2009 Winter/Spring/Summer
Basket Class Schedule for Adults

Dear Friends,
Happy New Year!! Here is the 2009 Winter/Spring/Summer Schedule.
     Our family has a lot to be thankful for, as already this seems to be a year of new beginnings. Our daughter Amy and her husband Jared are working toward adopting a two year old boy, who we have all fallen in love with. Gary just got a new knee, and even though it will take a lot of diligence to make his bionic knee work, it will definitely improve his quality of life.
      Our jam business is continuing to grow.   If you would like to purchase some jam it is for sale at Buzby’s General Store in Chatsworth and here at Swan Bay Folk Art Center.
     Also our sheep are allowing us to use more and more of their wool for wool felting projects. This winter we will begin wool felting classes. The first Monday of each month we will be offering a different 4”-5” wool creation for your wool felting pleasure. No Basket classes will be taught on those nights. Classes will be $18.00 each and will include all supplies to make one project. (Pictures will be online soon.)
       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.

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 summer 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 January, 2009