One of the benefits of belonging to an Eastern Federation club is the opportunity to attend the two federation-sponsored Workshops at Wildacres!
Imagine being able to spend a week totally immersed in the joys of our hobby - no interruptions from television, news, traffic, or worries. The setting is an idyllic mountain top retreat where you are well fed and cared for and you can take classes in many aspects of the hobby - lapidary, jewelry making, mineralogy, etc.
There is such a place and it's called Wildacres.
Coming to Wildacres is like a warm embrace by an old friend. After the windy, scenic climb up the Blue Ridge Parkway, the gravel and dirt road twists its way to the pinnacle of the Wildacres Retreat at 3300 feet. When you step from your car, the fresh aroma of deep woods welcomes you into this majestic silence and the beautiful lodge beckons entrance. Crisp wooden porches are clothed in welcoming rocking chairs and a flagstone patio unfolds below you with yet more rockers and a breathtaking panorama of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The registration area is in the great room of the north lodge, a glass-enclosed lounge worthy of the finest ski lodge. Leather sofas and huge armchairs are arranged in three conversation areas with a gigantic fireplace dominating one wall. Handcrafted artwork is skillfully displayed and oriental carpets soften the polished hardwood floors.
Guest rooms are clean and spacious, lacking only a TV and telephone. The dining hall is a large, simple room that serves large, simple meals three times a day. There's a library, auditorium, and meeting room, as well as a canteen. Hiking trails crisscross the mountaintop and are rated on difficulty and duration. Workshops are all in outlying buildings, well equipped and expertly staffed.
The Eastern Federation has volunteers available 'round the clock to ensure smooth function and maximum enjoyment both in the classroom sessions and after hours. Class sizes are kept small so each student receives personal instruction every step of the way, and teachers are fully equipped with all the materials necessary to complete your project.
The keynote speaker gives six general interest talks during the week to the full assembly, but is available on campus for informal discussions. Mealtimes make excellent opportunities for in depth conversations and personal queries, but the evening porch sessions bring out the lively best of all participants.
Classes range from beadwork to bezels, from judging to geology, from photography to pewter work, depending upon the needs of the Federation and the availability of instructors. Metalworking classes often employ the use of torches and metal forming tools, while cabbing and faceting delve into perfecting a single stone. Intricate designs are produced in a never-ending variety and students are given an opportunity to show off their work at the end of the week. Other classes offered include wirewrapping, geology, photographing minerals and gems, beading, chain making, mineral id and scrimshaw.
Mid-week, there's a free day where students are encouraged to explore local attractions. Perennial favorites include gold mining, collecting trips to near-by quarries, road trips to Biltmore Mansion or Grandfather Mountain, hiking, and leisurely relaxation in the wonderful rockers. An afternoon tailgate session encourages participants to exchange, sell, or barter goods and there's an opportunity for some of the participants to give short programs which spotlight other interests the presenters enjoy.
As the week winds down and projects near completion, an evening session is dedicated to a 'good stuff' fund-raising auction. This is an opportunity to invest in the future of Wildacres since proceeds are often used to purchase items used in future workshops while you acquire lovely items in the process. Many of the instructors donate finished pieces, fabricated specifically for the auction. Individuals donate rough, specimens, memorabilia, books, or craft supplies relating to gem and lapidary work, and often, items purchased on free-day excursions.
The week culminates the following evening with a talent show. By this time, you've all become friends, so talent is optional. Songs, skits, jokes and recitations bring many to tears of delight while peals of laughter rock the room. Corny or clever, every act is applauded, every offering is appreciated. The spirit of mirth carries over to the canteen where everyone congregates to polish off the last of our snacks and drinks. Rocking chairs grind far into the night as folks realize our week is at an end. Memories are molded and friendships are solidified.
About the Wildacres Facility
Wildacres Retreat is a conference center offering its facilities to nonprofit groups that conduct educational or cultural programs and seminars. It is a true retreat, undisturbed by through traffic or noises of the city. I.D. and Madolyn Blumenthal of Charlotte, NC dedicated Wildacres in 1946, for the improvement of human relations and interfaith dialogue. Since 1972, Wildacres has operated as a public foundation.
Wildacres is situated on 1600 acres at an elevation of 3,300 feet atop a mountain called Pompey's Knob, near the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is halfway between Asheville and Blowing Rock in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains.
The primary support of Wildacres comes from its own resources and The Blumenthal Foundation. Wildacres receives gifts from individuals, businesses and foundations interested in the philosophy and programs that are held there.
The EFMLS sponsors two annual lapidary and jewelry-making workshops at Wildacres each year. Each session lasts for one week during which classes are given in areas such as Mineral Identification, Cabochon Making, Faceting, Soapstone Carving, Chain Making, Wire-wrapping and Wirecraft Jewelry, Precious Metal Clay, Lost Wax Casting, Intarsia, Micromounting, Glass Engraving and Etching, Fused Glass, Lampwork Beads and Pewter Fabrication. We also offer a course in Certified Judging and Exhibiting for those interested in improving their display cases or becoming judges.
We are so pleased to be able to have two wonderful sessions planned again this year. We hope that you and your fellow club members will join us at one of these wonderful sessions held at Wildacres, a special place in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
If you would like to obtain a short CD about the EFMLS Wildacres Workshops, send an e-mail to: <cscrystals2@verizon.net> giving the name and postal address to which the program is to be sent and the name of your club. The program is free for the asking and an ideal way of sharing Wildacres with your club members.
You
can also view the video on You Tube by visiting
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kac0qhJG0OM&feature=channel_page
The two Workshops in 2011 promise to be exciting!
What are the Requirements and Costs?
Workshop attendance is open to any active member of a Club or Society that is a member of the Eastern Federation. Individuals from the other Federations may attend on a space-available basis.
All registration forms MUST have 4 class choices listed, in the order of preference. Enrollees will be placed in the classes, as registration forms are received and once a class is full, the next chosen class with openings will be assigned.
Fees for the 2011 sessions of Wildacres are $350 per person. This fee includes room, board and classroom instruction. Most classes will also charge a nominal fee to cover materials and supplies. Once the week is over, you'll be able to take your completed projects home with you.
The week at Wildacres is divided into two parts or "semesters". Students take one class lasting either the full week (4-days) or two different classes lasting 2-days each. The day between "semesters" is a day set aside to allow participants to explore the region, participate in an old-fashioned tailgate session and relax.
Each Wildacres Workshop also features an expert in residence who gives daily talks about a variety of topics in his field of interest. The spring session (April) speaker will be Dr. Gene LeBerge, award-winning Univ. of Wisconsin professor of geology and mineralogy, consummate teacher, and distinguished author. Gene will enthrall us all with his tales and photographs - from tourmaline to copper to Namibia and Brazil. For the fall session (September), we're pleased to welcome back Dr. Steve Chamberlain, Chairman of the Rochester Mineralogical Symposium Steve's a multi-talented fellow who has a passion for minerals - especially those of NY State, hostas, field trips, opera and more. These experts live on campus, often attend classes and interact with Workshop participants throughout the session.
Classes
In addition to talks by our "Speaker in Residence", we offer an opportunity to learn new skills and gain lots of information through our classes. Listed below are those being offered in 2011.
Wildacres 2011
Speaker in Residence will be Dr. Gene LeBerge
|
CLASS |
INSTRUCTOR |
DESCRIPTION |
|
Bead Weaving |
Mia Schulman |
Our project will be a pendaant of Delica beads woven into a geometric design using a needle and nylon bead thread. Depending on the beads, they can be informal enough to wear with t-shirts and sweaters or dressy enough to wear to any function. 2-day class offered 1st semester. No prior experience is necessary. |
|
Knitted Wire & Bead Bracelet |
Mia Schulman |
Don’t worry! You don’t have to know how to knit or crochet. The bracelets are stunning and people are always surprised when told they are knitted. If there is time, we will also make a crocheted wire and bead necklace. 2-day class offered 2nd semester. No experience necessary. |
|
Cabochons – Basic |
Bernie Emery |
Learn to transform a piece of rock into a shiny, well-formed cabochon. You will learn the use of the trim saw as well as basics of grinding, sanding and polishing. Slabs are provided or students may use their own with approval of the instructor. Please bring an apron and safety glasses. 2-day class offered 1st semester. No prior experienc necessary. |
|
Cabochons - Intermediate |
Bernie Emery |
Learn to cut different shapes and the techniques needed to do so. Please bring an apron and safety glasses. Slabs are provided or students may use their own with approval of the instructor. 2-day class offered 2nd semester. Prerequisite: Students must have prior experience with cabbing and use of the trim saw. |
|
Exhibiting |
B. Jay Bowman |
A brand new class for first time exhibitors or those who have some exhibiting experience, but want to improve their display. Cases will be available for participants to set up their exhibit. You will learn what makes a good exhibit and what criteria judges use for competitive display. For those planning on exhibiting at the EFMLS Convention in Syracuse, this class would be a good opportunity to have it evaluated. 2 day class offered both semesters. No prior experience necessary. |
|
Faceting |
Steve Weinberger |
Students will learn to cut and polish a 57-facet round brilliant gemstone. In addition, they will learn how to identify well-cut stones, select rough material and see whether or not they enjoy this fascinating aspect of the hobby. 4-day cass. No prior experience necessary. |
|
Fused Glass – Intermediate |
Becky Edmundson |
Students will learn to use a wet saw to cut shapes, a grinder to smooth the glass, and a jeweler’s bit to cut a channel in the piece before it is fire polished in a kiln. You should expect to complete a minimum of 2 finished pieces. Please bring safety glasses and if you own them, a glass cutter and breaking pliers. 2-day class offered 1st semester. No prior experience necessary. |
|
Fused Glass - Basic |
Becky Edmundson |
Fused glass is the art of cutting and layering pieces of glass and then firing them in a kiln. Dichroic-coated glass gives a 3-D look. Students will learn the basics of cutting and firing the glass and will complete at least 2 pieces of jewelry. Please bring safety glasses. If you own them, please bring a glass cutter and breaking pliers. 2-day class offered 2nd semester. No prior experience necessary |
|
Pewter Fabrication |
Bruce Gaber |
Learn to make functional and decorative objects from a wonderfully versatile metal. Pewter is easy to work and easy to solder. This allows us to make a variety of forms in a much shorter time than working in silver. Pewter finishes can range from a glossy high luster to a deep rich matte. It can be embellished by embossing and by the addition of an etch or patina. Join us as we explore this most ancient and traditional material. Modern pewter contains no lead. 4day class. No prior experience necessary. |
|
Precious Metal Clay - Bronze |
Lisa Blackwell |
In this class you will learn to work with and create beautiful pieces with bronze clay, how it differs from PMC silver, layering pieces and how to fire it. 2-day class offered 1st semester. No prior experience necessary. |
|
Precious Metal Clay - Chain Making |
Lisa Blackwell |
Learn to make your own unique chain with PMC silver. 2-day class offered 2nd semester. No prior experience necessary. |
|
Silversmithing - Basic |
Richard Meszler |
Have fun learning the basics of working silver sheet and wire to fabricate jewelry. The projects will introduce you to annealing and bending/shaping/texturing metal, soldering, piercing and polishing. 2-day class offered 1st semester. No prior experience necessary. |
|
Silversmithing –Intermediate |
Richard Meszler |
Continue your education working with metals by doing a more complex project. You will learn to make a bezel and bail in which you will set a cabochon to make a pendant. 2-day class offered 2nd semester. Prerequisite: Basic silvermithing experience including soldering. |
|
Soapstone Carving |
Sandy Cline
|
This class will provide a general introduction to the carving of soapstone. You will develop a working knowledge of the material, the tools, safe handling issues and the methods used to complete a carving. You will produce a simple piece and progress to making a sculpture of your choice. The development of your own personal style will be encouraged. All necessary tools will be provided. 2-day class offered both semesters. No prior experience needed. |
|
Wirewrapped Jewelry – Basic |
Jan Stephens |
Students will learn the fundamentals of wire art jewelry. Students will create bracelets, rings and pendants of wire and incorporate natural stones, beads and/or faceted gems into various simple, yet elegant designs. 2-day class offered 1st semester. No prior experience necessary. |
|
Wirewrapped Jewelry – Basic Plus |
Jan Stephens
|
Students will progress to somewhat more advanced, but still fairly easy to master wire jewelry techniques with additional rings, pendance and bracelets. 2-day class offered 2nd semester. Prerequisite: Basic wirewrapping skills. |
Speaker in Residence will be Dr. Steve Chamberlain
|
CLASS |
INSTRUCTOR |
DESCRIPTION |
|
Cabochons - Basic |
Al DeMilo |
Hands-on instruction will be given to show how to transform a rough piece into a shiny, well-formed cabochon with no flat spots. The use of a trim saw as well as techniques to grind, sand and polish the stone into a standard size and shape will be covered. Slabs will be provided, but you may use your own with instructor’s approval. 2-day class offered 1st semester. No prior experience necessary. |
|
Cabochons - Intermediate |
Al DeMilo |
This course is an extension of already learned skills. It will focus on the crafting of cabochons of difficult shapes and sizes. Much one-to-one attention will be given. Slabs will be provided, but you may use your own with instructor’s approval. 2-day class offered 2nd semester. Pre-requisite: Students must know how to use the trim saw, dop a stone and use a grinding, sanding and polishing machine. |
|
Chainmaille - Basic |
Roger Campbell |
Learn the ancient art of chainmaille using non-soldered copper jumprings. Students will learn different weaves while completing class projects. All tools will be provided. An optivisor or other magnification would be helpful. 2-day class offered 1st semester. No prior experience necessary. |
|
Chainmaille - Continued |
Roger Campbell |
The 2nd semester class will be a short review of chainmaille and students will learn additional weaves. All tools will be provided. An optivisor or other magnification would be helpful. 2-day class offered 2nd semester. No prior experience necessary. |
|
Cold Connections - A Riveting Experience |
Pat Baker |
Students will learn to make jewelry with cold connections, no soldering required. Materials with which we will work include silver, copper, bronze, brass and found objects/alternative materials. Students will learn how to create texture with hammers, stamps and the rolling mill; riveting and tube riveting and forming with a dapping punch and block. All students should bring optivisors. 2-day class offered 1st semester. No prior experience needed. |
|
Working with Reactive Metals; Anodizing Titanium & Niobium |
Pat Baker
|
Add amazing color to your jewelry! Titanium and Niobium, while gray in their natural state, can be treated by heat and/or electricity to create beautiful colors on the surface of the metal. We will make many samples with both metals using wire and sheet, discuss the limitations (these metals cannot be soldered) and the benefits. 2-day class offered 2nd semester. No prior experience needed. |
|
Faceting |
Reivan Zeleznik |
Students will learn to cut and polish a 57-facet round brilliant gemstone. In addition, they will learn how to identify well-cut stones, select rough material and see whether or not they enjoy this fascinating aspect of the hobby. Students are asked to bring an optivisor if they have one. 4-day class. No prior experience necessary. |
|
Gem Identification |
B. Jay Bowman |
Students will learn to use the various instrucments used to identify cut gems. This will include the microscope, refractometer, spectroscope and others. They will practice on a variety of stones provided. 4-day class. No prior experience necessary. |
|
Polymer
Clay: |
Carolyn Stearns |
Each student will learn how to make millefiori clay canes. You will begin by making blends of clay and turning them into many different canes including flowers and leaves. Once you have several canes created, you will learn to slice them tissue-paper thin and layer the slices to create clay fabric which will be used to make several diffeerent shape beads and cover different items. (If you bring your own clay, please bring Kato Polyclay. You may bring your own tools if you have them.) Kit and materials will be provided. 4-day class. No prior experience needed. |
|
Basics of Scrimshaw
|
Sandra Brady |
Scrimshaw, a folk art dating back centuries, is a special form of engraving applied to ivory and similar materials. This course offers an excellent way to begin traditional scrimshaw. Working with a hand scribe you will learn attractive shading techniques and hw to work on both natural and man-made materials. You will also learn basic compositiona nd tool sharpening, as well as transfer methods for those who are “drawing challenged”. An optivisor or other magnification is recommended. 2-day course offered 1st semester. No prior experience needed. |
|
Scrimshaw - Color Basics |
Sandra Brady
|
Building on the methods taught in the 1st semester, students will be introduced to color. Again, working on both natural and man-made materials, modern scrimshaw methods utilizing the beauty of color will be explored. Preservation of your artwork will be included. Please bring an optivisor. 2-day course offerend 2nd semester. Pre-requisite: Basics of Scrimshaw. |
|
Silversmithing |
Lendle Hill |
Students will learn the basic of soldering, fitting a stone, assembling and finishing either a ring or pendant. Starting with a piece of flat silver, students will learn to make a bezel setting, solder it to a piece of silver, and then add either a ring shank or pendant bail before finishing the piece on the buffer. 2-day class offered both semesters. No prior experience necessary. |
|
Wirewrapped Jewelry - Basic |
Jacolyn Campbell |
Using pliers, gold-filled or sterling wire, assorted beads or gemstones, and a few basic wirecraft techniques, learn how to create your own fashion rings, bracelets, pendants and earrings to add that perfect accent to your jewelry wardrobe or to give as gifts. Designed for beginners, students will make a variety of projects. All tools and materials are provided. 2-day class offered 1st semester. No prior experience necessary. |
|
Wirewrapped Jewelry - Intermediate |
Jacolyn Campbell |
Using the same techniques and materials as in the basic class, students will make more advanced projects. All tools and materials will be provided. 2-day class offered 2nd semester. Pre-requisite: Basic wirewrapping skills however, a brave new beginner could take the class |
Click here to download the spring class list as a pdf file.
Click here to download the fall class list as a pdf file.
For a printable copy of the Wildacres registration form, click here. Note: You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the above file. For your convenience, you can type your information directly onto the form before you print it out and mail it.
The above requires Acrobat Reader, you may download the current version free of charge at:
(click on acrobat button above)
Other Workshop Activities
Sharing Time
Sharing Time is a series of mini-presentations or demonstrations of various lapidary skills, videos or slide presentations that are hobby-related, etc. These programs are generally less than 45 minutes each. Should you have any skill or other program you might like to share while you're at Wildacres, please indicate your desire on the application form.
Field Trip
The area around Wildacres is riddled with old mines and mine dumps. There is usually an organized field trip scheduled for the "free day" that occurs midway through each session.
"Good Stuff" Auction
As a way of enhancing future EFMLS Wildacres Workshops, one evening is devoted to an auction. Participants are asked to donate hobby related materials which are then auctioned off, often with amusing and profitable results. High bidders leave with wonderful additions to their own collections.
Tail Gate
Participants who wish may sell or swap hobby related items. Always interesting and a wonderful way to see what others are interested in.
Fun Night
Stories, skits, musical interludes, jokes by participants&ldots;A fun way to end the week long workshop.
More About Wildacres
Among the many groups using the facilities are music and art master classes, religious and interfaith groups, mineral and lapidary societies, medical, social science, natural sciences, academic, environmental and senior citizens groups. All groups must be nonprofit and have planned educational programs.
Each group plans its own program and furnishes its director and staff. Wildacres supplements the programs with the aid of its staff and equipment and some recreational equipment, including scenic nature trails, ping-pong, and a canteen. Wildacres is not a holiday resort and does not cater to the traveling public. Only group reservations are accepted with a maximum of 120 people. Small groups can be accommodated at the same time. Due to health regulations, no pets are allowed.
There are two lodges, a dining hall building, a library and auditorium, a mineral and lapidary workshop and a pottery studio. All buildings are heated. Meals are served family style. All sleeping rooms have private baths and have either two twin beds or one double and one twin bed. There is a spacious lobby and several large and small meeting rooms. When weather permits, the patio can also be used for assemblies.
Wildacres has a lending and reference library and gem and mineral displays.
All facilities at Wildacres are designed in an attempt to "blend the graces of modern life with the beauty of the wilderness."
Points of interest in the area include the North Carolina Mineral Museum, Mineral and Gem Mines, Blue Ridge Parkway Scenic Overlooks, Crabtree and Linville Falls on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Grandfather Mountain, two 18 hole golf courses and tennis nearby, and Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Rockies.
Wildacres is about 3 miles from the Little Switzerland post office. Nearest towns are Spruce Pine and Marion, NC. Access is available from the Blue Ridge Parkway at Gooch Gap, located between mileposts 336 and 337. Distance from Charlotte is about 112 miles.
If you're flying into the area, the closest airports are in Asheville (about an hour away), Hickory (90 minutes), Charlotte (2 hours) and Raleigh (3 hours). Check connections and costs from your departure/return point. There is no public transportation to and from Wildacres so if flying, plan to rent a car or arrange for a friend to pick you up.
For a better understanding of our host, Wildacres Retreat, click here.
For questions or further information, please contact Fran Sick, EFMLS Wildacres Director at ednfran@epix.net
