What’s going on at the Blacksmith Shop?

The art of rug hooking, rescheduled from Feb. 13, will be explored on March 6 at the Blacksmith Shop.

submitted by Annette Siffin, Manchester Area Historical Society

Two classes remain for the first Winter Class Session at the Blacksmith Shop.

Coming this evening (Monday, February 27, 6–9pm) is Paper Cutting. Learn the art of several paper-cutting approaches to make ornaments, stationery, and shelf paper. We will learn the basics of paper cutting or “Scherenschnitte.” Supplies to bring: very small scissors, mechanical pencil, eraser, and papers you might like to explore (interesting printed papers such as newsprint, magazines, sheet music, etc.).

On Monday, March 6, from 6 to 9 pm, will be Rug Hooking, rescheduled from February 13. Learn the basics of primitive rug hooking. We will hook small sample pieces using hand-cut wool strips. Supplies to bring: finely woven wool cloth in a variety of colors, rug-hooking hoop or small embroidery hoop to hold foundation material, and primitive rug hook if you have one.

And new on March 13 (Monday, 6–9 pm) we extend a Special Invitation to all attendees from any of the classes to return for any desired follow-up on a class project or just to “show and tell” about a project’s completion or where they are in the process.

Class Fee is $15 cash, paid at the time of class. For the gathering on the 13th, we are asking for a donation of $5. All funds are applied to costs related to supporting the program. The instructor is a volunteer.

We have been encouraged by the interest and attendance of the first Winter Class Session and are working to formalize the group with the name “Manchester Historic Craft Project.“ We also hope to have a functioning website within the next month or so for news about the group, classes and other events, contact information, etc. We are also currently looking for volunteers who are able to either demonstrate a historic craft or simply help to sit our space on Sundays from 1 to 4pm. Anyone who is interested, please drop by the Blacksmith Shop on Sundays from 1 to 4pm and introduce yourself!

For as little as $1 a month, you can keep Manchester-focused news coverage alive.

by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.