Crafts & Hobbies

Beginning Stained Glass: The Copper Foil Technique
Have you always admired the beauty of stained glass and wondered if it might be a craft you would enjoy doing? Here is your opportunity to find out! Join us in this hands-on class to learn the copper foil technique and complete a project from start to finish. You will pick a pattern, cut the glass, grind it to size, foil the edges, solder the joints, then patina and polish the final product to create a beautiful stained glass sun catcher that will be at home in your favorite sun-drenched window. Please wear clothing that can get dirty; this is truly a “hands-on” class. NOTE: Class will be held at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 167 Chapel Hill Drive, Battle Creek MI.

Thursdays * 9/20/18-11/8/18 * 6-8 pm * $139 (member) $169 (non-member)
CRFT CM016-01 * Don Zimmerman * Location: Chapel Hill United Methodist Church

Beginning & Intermediate Welding Art – POPULAR
Have you always been curious about metal art and wondered if it was for you? In this combination beginning and intermediate level class we’ll take your vision of a metal art object, whether it’s a wall hanging, a table top piece, a garden object or an abstract sculpture and convert it into a real, steel object. After you’ve determined your project design (either beginning or intermediate depending on your experience level), you’ll begin by observing and then, with your instructor’s guidance and supervision, you’ll experience each step in the metal forming process: bending, cutting, welding and grinding. If you have completed Welding Art Basics, you can expand your project scope and gain experience with new techniques. All equipment, tools, safety gear, protective clothing and supplies for one small to medium sized art project are included in the cost of the class. NOTE: If you wish to build a larger sculpture, you will work with your instructor to determine the cost and source of additional materials. This class will be held at KCC’s RMTC, 405 Hill Brady Rd, Battle Creek MI 49037.

Mondays * 10/1/18-12/3/18 * 6-8 pm * $199 (member) $249 (non-member)
CRFT CS020-01 * George Wise * Room: RMTC Welding Lab

The Art of Seeing the World Through Photography – Best Deal!
In this new series, you can sign up for individual classes by topic or for all of them! Each class will be instructional as well as collegial. No prior photographic experience is necessary. The sessions are intended for people with DSLR cameras, but you don’t have to have one to learn these important elements of photography. If you’ve always wanted to learn great photography skills from a professional photographer then this is your opportunity.

Mondays * 10/1/18-12/10/18 * 6-8 pm * $119 (member) $149 (non-member)
COMP CA022-01 * John Grap * Room: LT-304

Introduction to Photography
Are you ready to “see” the world in a new way? Designed for beginning digital photographers, this class is filled with tips and tricks to help you take better photographs. You’ll learn the basic technology that all cameras use, and you’ll receive helpful information that every successful photographer must know. Bring your DSLR camera with you to class.

Mondays * 10/1/18-10/15/18 * 6-8 pm * $35 (members) $45 (non-members)
COMP CA006-01 * John Grap * Room: LT-304

Photography: Composition, Set It Up Right
This class is for anybody who wants to create visually compelling photographs. You will learn photographic composition—a crucial element for great photos. We’ll focus on why certain images just “work” and discuss the importance of proportion in photographic composition, starting off with a discussion of the photographic frame, and then moving onto subject placement, and then going to more specific forms of proportion such as balance, the rule of thirds, golden ratio and its variants.

Mondays * 10/22/18-10/29/18 * 6-8 pm * $25 (members) $35 (non-members)
COMP CA004-02 * John Grap * Room: LT-304

Photography: Discover the Importance of Lighting
In this class we’ll demystify the fundamentals of lighting and give you the concrete skills you need to get a powerful image using the right lighting every time you shoot. We’ll cover what you need to know about hard, soft, directional, and diffused light. You’ll learn about reading natural light and manipulating it with tools like reflectors and diffusion panels. Plus, we’ll share how to work with light in a studio environment. By the end of class you’ll be equipped with a whole new understanding of light that will help you shoot more efficiently, capture consistently well-lit images, and reach new creative heights as a photographer.

Mondays * 11/5/18-11/12/18 * 6-8 pm * $25 (members) $35 (non-members)
COMP CA004-03 * John Grap * Room: LT-304

Photographing People: Show Their Best Side
Bring out the best in your subjects and discover the key to engaging people to create comfort for them and believable portrait photographs. We’ll share tips to shoot flattering portraits of subjects with professional exposure and composition techniques. You’ll learn how to direct and pose a large group, and about tools for post-processing to erase blemishes, soften wrinkles and modify color cast for polished images. Learn how to make your subject feel comfortable in only a few moments while capturing exquisite images that they’ll love and you’ll be proud to share.

Mondays * 11/19/18-11/26/18 * 6-8 pm * $25 (members) $35 (non-members)
COMP CA004-04 * John Grap * Room: LT-304

Scenic Photography: Nature & Landscapes
If you have a passion for the great outdoors and want to capture that sense of wonder with your camera then this is the class for you. Beautiful landscapes are all around us and while they’re a joy to experience, they can be a challenge to capture in a single photo. In this class you’ll learn the essential tools and techniques for taking photographs that reflect the splendor of landscapes from your unique perspective. From which gear is suited to the environment where you’re shooting to how to plan for ideal light and composition, we’ll help you explore the ways you can get a better shot that reflects the landscape as you see it.

Mondays * 12/3/18-12/10/18 * 6-8 pm * $25 (members) $35 (non-members)
COMP CA004-05 * John Grap * Room: LT-304

Beginning Crochet
Don’t know how to hold a crochet hook? Don’t worry; this class is the perfect place to get started. You will learn the basics of chain stitch, single, and double crochet techniques. You will complete two small projects as you learn how to start the chain, fasten off, turn chains, and work in both rows and rounds. Please bring a size H crochet hook and a skein of good quality worsted weight cotton yarn in a light color.

Thursdays * 10/4/18-10/18/18 * 6-8 pm * $35 (member) $45 (non-member)
CRFT CB006-01 * Kassie Dunham * Room: LT-304

Pallet Art: Reversible Scarecrow/Snowman – NEW
Just think, a yard decoration that you can use now and when the weather turns snowy and cold; all you have to do is turn it around! Pallet art is very popular and when you see this project you’ll understand why. Join us and create your own version of these two popular seasonal characters. Your class fee includes all the materials you’ll need, so bring a friend and join us for a night of fun and crafting.

Tuesday * 10/9/18 * 6-9 pm * $49 (member) $59 (non-member)
CRFT CR003-01 * Toni Gore * Room: LT-303

Making & Editing Videos Using Your Phone – NEW
Anyone can take a selfie or upload a silly video to YouTube—but it takes practice and skill to shoot professional-looking frames and make your own video that people will actually want to watch. Join us and you’ll create hands-on projects that make it fun to learn all aspects of video production—from planning and scripting to filming and editing. Learn the language of video and how to think like a director, regardless of the equipment you’re using. Bring your smart phone with video capability and we’ll share the basics of video production: framing, lighting, sound, and editing. Whether you’re starting a Vlog, creating a YouTube channel, or sharing funny stories online with friends and family, if you want to make it look great then you want to take this class. NOTE: Bring your video capable phone and its USB cord to class with you along with a flash drive of 32G or more to save your work.

Thursdays * 10/11/18-11/15/18 * 6-8 pm * $59 (member) $69 (non-member)
COMP CAM12-01 * Don Worthington * Room: Davidson Building, D-101

Candle Making: Easy Candle Making for Beginners
Candle making is a craft as old as civilization itself, yet after so many millennia and technological advances, we still love the light, warmth, and beauty of a lit candle. Whether a seasoned artisan or a budding enthusiast, this workshop offers something for everyone interested in learning the craft of candle making. You’ll create both poured and dipped candles and learn the easiest and safest ways to work with wax, wicks and molds. All supplies and instructions are included and you will be able to take home your finished creations along with a kit to help you make more at home. Please wear comfortable old clothes (this is hands on and not always neat and clean) and we guarantee you will have fun while learning.

Tuesday * 10/16/18 * 6-9 pm * $49 (member) $59 (non-member)
CRFT CN003-01 * Carli Ray * Room: LT-303

Jewelry Design: Create a Wire Wrap Ring
Leave this workshop with a stylish, originally designed and handcrafted ring that might make you consider getting more involved in jewelry design. You’ll learn about a variety of semi-precious gems and stones and the energy they carry. You’ll be able to select the stone you prefer from our wide collection and then learn to use a wire wrap technique to create your very own and uniquely “you” ring. We’ll share our tools and wire for this design, and you’ll discover everything you need to know to make your own jewelry in the future including the three most important tools needed, types of wire, and styles of wrapping. Your class fee includes materials for two rings.

Wednesday * 10/24/18 * 6-7:30 pm * $45 (member) $55 (non-member)
CRFT CH002-01 * Carli Ray * Room: LT-303

The Beginning Writer’s Life – NEW
You want to write, and you have ideas, but when faced with a blank page your mind goes blank as well? Join local author, Nicole Mullis, as she helps you overcome the multitude of fears of the new writer, or help the experienced writer who just needs a “recharge.” Topics we’ll explore include how to overcome procrastination, brainstorming, recognizing a “hot” idea, how to turn off the “editor” within, and much more. We’ll engage in writing exercises and class activities designed to tap into your creativity—creativity is inherent in every individual! Writers are not born—they are made! Come and unlock your talents and find the key that will forever enable you to write easily and happily, without frustration, long after our class ends.

Wednesdays * 10/24/18-11/14/18 * 6-8 pm * $49 (member) $59 (non-member)
WRTG CE008-01 * Nicole Mullis * Room: LT-304

Knitting for Beginners
Get your knit together! In this introductory class you will learn how to choose needles and yarn; two methods of casting on stitches; the knit, purl, garter, ribbing, stockinet and reverse stockinet stitches; plus how to read patterns. Each week you’ll complete a small project as you learn and apply these techniques. Whether it’s been years since you wielded a needle or if you’ve never knitted a stitch, you’ll want to start right now in this fun and engaging class. Please bring a pair of size 8 straight knitting needles and a light-colored skein of quality worsted weight yarn to class.

Thursdays * 11/1/18-11/15/18 * 6-8 pm * $35 (member) $45 (non-member)
CRFT CD006-01 * Kassie Dunham * Room: LT-304

Christmas Crafting Made Easy – NEW
You can bring the magic of a handmade Christmas into your home this holiday season! Join us and you will choose two projects from our selection to make for friends and family to enjoy. Whether it’s a framed wreath for your door, a paintbrush Santa ornament or the super-cute plastic spoon Christmas tree (really, a spoon tree!)—your home will sparkle with the holiday spirit. All materials are included in your class fee, and your instructor has handy hints and ideas that she’s ready to share to make this a hand-crafted holiday. Bring a friend and have some festive fun; your home will be decked out and ready for guests with your inspired craft creations.

Wednesday * 11/7/18 * 6-9 pm * $49 (member) $59 (non-member)
CRFT CR003-02 * Toni Gore * Room: LT-303

Henna for the Holidays: Hand & Wrist Art
What if you were part of the decorations this holiday season? Have you seen the beautiful traditional, temporary tattoos that are used to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, Hindu weddings, and other auspicious occasions? The magical art of mehndi, or henna painting, has been practiced for centuries in India, Africa and the Middle East, and now we’re bringing it here to you. Don’t miss this fun class where you’ll learn the history and traditions of henna, and you’ll discover the art of mixing and using henna with a painting technique to create a unique design that will last up to three weeks; plus, you’ll get a kit to take home to freshen up your artwork later.

Monday * 11/12/18 * 6-9 pm * $40 (member) $45 (non-member)
CRFT CR003-03 * Carli Ray * Room: LT-201

Getting Paid to Talk! Intro to Professional Voiceovers
Have you ever been told you have a great voice? From audio books and cartoons to documentaries, commercials, and more, this class will introduce you to the growing field of voice over. Today, the range of voices hired has grown dramatically from the days of announcers. Learn what the pros look for, how to prepare, and where to find work in your area! We’ll discuss industry pros and cons and play samples from working voice professionals. In addition, you’ll have an opportunity to record a short professional script under the direction of our teacher. This class is lots of fun, realistic, and a great first step for anyone interested in the voice over field. In an effort to ensure a quality class experience, we must limit attendance. So, please register early.

Wednesday * 11/28/18 * 6-8:30 pm * $35 (member) $45 (non-member)
PERF CI003-01 * Voice Coaches, Inc. * Room: LT-304