Celtic Spring Festival
2024 Classes and Costs
2024 Classes and Costs
Make & Take Classes
Ribbon Arts.
In the early 20th Century, the craft of making colorful, luxurious adornments out of satin, grosgrain and fancy ribbons was popular. Linda will help you complete three designs based on old-fashioned patterns: a cockade, a flower, and a shoulder adornment. Appropriate for modern or era-specific applications. Materials provided. Linda Pavey, 2:00-3:30, $15
Double Pamphlet Book.
During the class, students will attach two books (using a pamphlet stitch), to a folder than can be tied closed. There will be a choice of papers, including graph paper, accounting pages, and various blank papers. All materials will be provided, and you will have an instruction sheet with templates to take home. Limited to 12 students. Anne Freitag, 3:30-4:30, $20
Medieval Calligraphy
Learn the basics of pre-modern European writing. There will be a discussion of the role of the written word in pre-modern Europe and a demonstration of iron gall ink-making, red ink-making and pigment mixing. Handouts with recipes and links will be distributed. Those brave enough can have a go at writing. Greg Henrikson, 12:30-1:30, $5
Make Your Own Sporran.
Whether you’re a seasoned leatherworker or a complete novice, use pre-designed, pre-cut leather segments to produce your own leather kilt sporran, large enough to accommodate keys, wallet, cell phone, and other everyday pocket items, complete with tassels, stud closure and buckled belt (strap). Wear it immediately as you leave the class. All materials are included and all tools needed will be available. Limited to 6 students. Mark Ransom, 3:30-5:30, $45
Spell Ornaments.
Make your own spell ornament! Spell ornaments are like spell jars, but you can hang them around your home. Materials such as moss, herbs, and crystals, as well as wax to seal the ornaments will be provided. Ornaments may be created to promote (for example) self-care, prosperity or protection. Blessed Be! Emma Huffman, 12:30-1:30, $12
Cookie Decorating.
Learn how to make amazing glaze to decorate cookies. Amazing glaze is easier to make than royal icing and gives a softer bite after drying. Learn two techniques to make stained-glass-look cookies. Easy to create, with stunning results. Maximum 15 students. Pati Thomas, 3:30-5:30, $20
Make a Set of Fairy Wings.
Make a set of iridescent fairy wings. Supplies and equipment provided. Bring your own acrylic paint if you’d like the wings to be an unusual color! For all ages, however ages 6-12 must be accompanied by a parent; no smaller tag-a-long siblings, please. Maximum 9 students. Cathy Steen & Jennifer Euler, 12:30-2:00, $35
Fairy & Hobbit Houses.
Learn about fairy houses and how to build them for either indoor or outdoor habitats. This is a make-and-take class, so you will have one to take home. We’ll have supplies, but bring natural and quirky materials that you might like to incorporate. For all ages, however ages 6-12 must be accompanied by a parent; no smaller tag-a-long siblings, please. Maximum 12 students. Bev Courtnage (and 2 others). 10:30-12:00, $25
Spurtle Scottish Porridge Demo and Hands-On Workshop.
The spurtle is a cooking tool used in Scotland to help the oatmeal cook evenly and without any lumps. You will see a demo using traditional Steel Cut Oats to make Scottish porridge and then have a hands-on opportunity to create your own traditional pot of Scottish porridge. There will also be a demo that will show a version of Scottish porridge meeting the rules for the specialty category of the spurtle competition. Each attendee takes home steel cut oats to continue making your porridge, Scottish style. You will also take home your own spurtle. This class is to help you prepare to be a contestant in the Midnight Sun Spurtle Oatmeal Competition at the Alaska Scottish Highland Games. The competition will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024. Information will be given on how to register as a competitor. Maximum 20 students. Allison Fiscus, 2:00-3:00, $20
The Irish invade Canada 1866!!!
Five words to describe a turning point in Canadian history and American national and international politics. Who were the players, what were the reasons, when did this happen, where did this occur and why did they do it. Sean McGrane, 2:00-3:00, $5
Irish Working Overseas : Their Songs and Stories.
Irish laborers have a long tradition of leaving home to work overseas. Many went to Britain but only for short periods before they returned. Others left for America and Australia, some never to return. Philip will explore the history of this exodus through the songs and stories of those who lived these experiences. Philip Price, 12:30-1:15, $10
Myths 2.0: Discovering Opportunities for Insight.
During this session we will explore various ways for accessing the abiding wisdom of Celtic legends, myths, and stories. Some materials will be available for writing or drawing. Other methods will be explored. Jocelyn Paine, 10:30-12:00, $10
Music Classes
Beginning Bodhran.
Learn how to properly hold the bodhran and tipper, how to play the first basic strokes to accompany a tune, how to produce the basic accompaniment patterns of reels and jigs and how to make these patterns more interesting using rests, accents and triplets. Students will need to bring their own bodhran, if they have one, or the instructor will have a few bodhrans to loan students who do not have access to one of their own. Hunter Woofter, 3:30-4:30, $10
Come Play a Harp!
Do you love the sound of a harp, and want to try playing one? Here’s your chance! Learn a little about harp history, and learn to play a song on an Irish-style harp in a group-class situation. Linda Yarborough, 11:00-12:00, $10
Scottish Sing-A-Long Songs.
Come sing Scottish favorites: new and old! You will get to take away a Scottish lyric booklet. Dawn Berg, 2:00-3:00, $5
Introduction to Irish Music.
The Richardson Brothers, Ben and Chris, are both members of a local Irish band, Red Cap. All instruments are welcome in this class! Bring any instrument that you are interested in playing and get a jump start in Irish music. Learn how different instruments work together for a great Irish sound. Learn about tools for success and walk away with a tune or two under your belt. Ben and Chris Richardson, 3:30-4:30, $5
Traditional Highland Dance.
Come learn traditional Scottish Highland Dance! Students will learn a variety of Highland dance techniques including steps for the Highland Fling and Sword Dance. All ages and ability levels welcome. No previous dance experience required. Happy to answer any questions through email. Becca Houvener and Elise Manolas, 11:00-12:00, $10
Beginner Clog Dance.
This will be a very easy step dance class, even for non-dancers and folks with two left feet! You will learn basic clog dance steps, then a fun clog dance routine. Clog dancers normally wear tap shoes, but any flat-heeled footwear you can dance in (that won’t kick off) will be perfect for this class; rubber-soled athletic shoes are fine if they slide easily; no cowboy boots or wooden clogs. Dixine Schiavi, 12:30-1:30, $10
Juggling, Balance & Functional Kinetics.
Step right up and get ready to be amazed! The Juggling, Balance & Functional Kinetics workshop is here. Join Jim for an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling energized, inspired, and ready to take on the world. Let Jim guide you through a series of exercises and activities that will challenge your mind and body in new and exciting ways. Learn to juggle, improve your balance and coordination, and discover the power of functional kinetics in this unique and dynamic workshop. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a complete novice, this workshop is designed to help you unlock your full potential and discover talents you never knew you had. Sign up now and join us for a session of fun and self-discovery. You won’t regret it! Jim Kerr, 11:00-12:00, $7.77
Traditional Irish Hard Shoe (Sean Nos) Dance.
In this workshop you will learn the basics to Sean Nos step dancing and have the tools to create your own unique masterpiece! Bring sneakers, or jazz shoes would work perfectly if you have them. Geoffrey Woods, 2:00-3:00, $10
