Handcraft Certificate Program

The Handcrafts Program will explore a variety of disciplines with an emphasis on our understanding of child and human development and the evolution of consciousness, through the work of Rudolf Steiner, and how that relates to the work of our hands.

The first year of the Handcrafts Program will offer a Foundation Year in which we will explore Biography work and Plant dyeing as well as the Mood of Crafting and a look into all the disciplines (Dollmaking, Felting, Garments, etc).  We will also have a study in the Spring and explore the Twelve Senses in the Foundation Year.

Those who want to continue and deepen their work can continue on to the two year certificate programs that would run for 2 weeks each year (one week intensives in both the Winter and Fall).  There will be an option for a third year of mentored independent work for those who would like to enter even further into the work.  Participants will have a choice of 3 different disciplines that would run simultaneously.  Each year will build on the work from previous year, culminating in unique final projects.  Disciplines offered will be: Dollmaking and Animals; Felting and Toys; and Garments.  All disciplines will include studies in the work of Rudolf Steiner and related contemporary artisans and writers.

Each session would consist of practical time (work in the various disciplines) with an additional 1 ~ 2 hours of discussion or lecture time.

A brief look at the disciplines and what will be offered:

Making Dolls and Animals – a two year exploration of making dolls and animals with natural fibers.  We work with educational and developmental questions such as, “Who are they for?  What qualities are we trying to engender?  What qualities do they bring out in the child?”

Felted and Wooden Toys – in the course of two years, the group will explore felting and various felting techniques (wet felting, needle felting) and wood working to create unique toys for our children to play with – toys that will engender a sense of beauty and inspire imagination.

Garments with Natural Fibers – this course will focus on the creation of clothing and accessories that harmonizes the individual with his/her sense of self. With a careful eye towards the design and use of colour , artisans will use a broad range of materials and techniques to create each piece.

Foundation courses required for all disciplines: Biography work and Plant Dyeing.

Calendar:

Foundation Year:

Winter 2012 (January)

Thursday ~ Tuesday (6 days)

9 am – noon: Biography (work with the life phases)

noon – 1 pm :  lunch break

1 pm – 5 pm: Plant Dyeing + 7 Life Processes

Spring 2012 (April)

Four Mornings (9 am ~ 1 pm)

The Twelve Senses

Fall 2012 (Dates to be determined)

Thursday ~ Tuesday (6 days)

Two Year Certificate Program:

Winter 2013

Thursday ~ Tuesday (6 days)

9 am ~ 5 pm

Spring 2013

Four mornings (9 am ~ 1 pm)

Study

Fall 2013

Thursday ~ Tuesday (6 days)

9 am ~ 5 pm

Winter 2014

Thursday ~ Tuesday (6 days)

9 am ~ 5 pm

Spring 2014

Four mornings (9 am ~ 1 pm)

Study

Fall 2014

Thursday ~ Tuesday (6 days)

9 am ~ 5 pm

Application and Fees

The cost of this two year program is $2,200 per year, plus a $50 application fee and a $250 materials fee. To Apply, please complete the Crafts_Application form and mail it to:

Crafts Certificate Program

The Brooklyn Waldorf School

11 Jefferson Avenue

Brooklyn NY 11238

Questions can be directed to craftscertificate@brooklynwaldorf.org.

Faculty

Program Directors

Sono Kuwayama, MFA, is a graduate of the Applied Arts Program and Foundation Studies Program.  She has been teaching handwork for several years and continues with her own studio practice and studies in art and Anthroposophy.

VAl Mello, MBA, MS Administration, has been an adult educator and researcher for many years and has offered courses and lectures in Brazil and the U.S. on themes of social and community development and plant dye, based on the work and teachings of Rudolf Steiner. She also teaches woodowork in the upper grades of the Brooklyn Waldorf School.

Core Faculty

Signe Schaefer was director of the Foundation Studies at Sunbridge College for over twenty years. She continues to co-direct the part-time Biography and Social Arts Program and also offers workshops and courses on various questions of human development and Anthroposophy, both nationally and internationally, most recently in Thailand and China.

Laura Montano

Beatriz Smith