Au Petite--Old World Artisan's Cottage

March 1-8, 2009
Dollhouse Cottage, Kirkland, WA
(wait list only)

From our recent travels in Europe (Prague, in particular), this project provides further exploration of our "Old World" techniques of creating the illusion of aged timber-framing, mud-daubing and plastering, as well as roofing, crumbling brick, stone, and rock, similar to those built into the Prague Castle fortifications (imagine moats, and mad King Rudolph)--a structure with built-in history. The project includes a front wall with roofed-over bay window (alcove inside), a wooden door, partial side wall and interior tile floor, all situated on a section of stone-paved courtyard. Students will start with a wooden shell, to which they will apply wall, ground, and floor finishing materials, and landscaping foliage (vine work with natural plants). Classwork includes applications of various aging techniques, including watercolors, latex and acrylic paints, Bug Juice, moss and dirt. Because of the smaller size of the structure, we hope to complete both the interior and exterior in class, but time will tell. Instruction and materials for interior and exterior elements will be included, should we find we just can’t stop building windows or making tiny stones.

The cottage’s current day function is adaptable to the individual’s imagination—think café, bookstore, bric-a-brac, clockmaker’s, or music shop, puppet-maker’s workspace, etc—you choose the theme. An optional sign indicating your choice can be hung out front. There will be sufficient (cozy) interior floor space to hold a table and chairs, shelving, workbench, or counter (not included in class materials)—whatever you choose to carry out your theme. The exterior will consist of a cobbled sidewalk space, sufficient for outdoor seating.

6-day workshop
Cost: $1400