New Intarsia Workshops
I am now offering Private and Semi- Private Intarsia workshops for one or two woodworkers. This is a very special in-depth class that will focus on the skills that you would like to improve upon. Class skill levels will be from beginner to very advanced. I will pair up students of equal skill levels and goals for the semi-private classes.
I would like you to bring 3-4 pieces of your work for us to review together, and then together, we can determine what areas can be improved. Workshops are 2 days, six hours each day. Class starts at 9:00 and goes to 3:30 or 4 depending on the lunch break. The cost is $300 for semi-private and $400 for a private class. I require a deposit of ½ down and the balance due the day of the class. Full money refund if you cancel 2 weeks before your class date. Classes are held in Emmett, Michigan, which is about 1 hour north of Detroit and 1/2 hour from Port Huron. and Sarnia, ON Canada. These workshops are by appointment only and class dates are limited. For more information and to set up a date for your class: email Kathy at kathywise@bignet.net
Quotes from Students
"Kathy, Just a note to let you know how much I enjoyed the two day intarsia class that you ran last week. While I have been in woodworking classes before, I have never been in a class where the instructor provides such "hands on" advice to the students. While most classes usually have six to ten participants, your two person limit allows you to identify and address an individual's needs in the art of intarsia and to devote a tremendous amount of "one-on-one" attention to those needs. While I have created intarsia pieces in the past using soft woods and stains, my goal was to learn how to cut, shape/sand and fit different woods together to create an object of beauty. Your workshop met, and exceeded, my expectations in every way. The depth of your knowledge in this craft, along with your unique ability to communicate and demonstrate the techniques required to create intarsia pieces in a way that can be understood by the student woodworker, is truly remarkable. The fact that I started with plain pieces of wood and was able to cut and shape them into the realistic likeness of a raccoon is nothing short of amazing to me and is truly a tribute to your abilities as an instructor. I now hope to take the techniques that you showed me and use them in more challenging projects which I never would have attempted prior to attending your class. Also, after I grow more comfortable with these basic techniques over the next few years, I fully intend to return for another two day session to enhance my skills. Thanks again for a great class. You're a great teacher and I would recommend your workshop to anyone who wants to learn how to create intarsia "works of art" from a true master woodworker." Bill Gould, Elington, CT
"Recently I took a class with Kathy Wise. In two days we covered more than I could imagine was possible in that short amount of time. This class would help you improve your skills no matter how advanced you are. Not only are you working with a professional crafts person, you are getting instructions from a true artist. What I learned in those two days was well worth the time and money that I invested in the class. There are so many simple techniques that she can teach you that help increase quality and decrease the time it takes. I highly recommend that if you have the opportunity to take this class with Kathy Wise that you do. You will not be disappointed." George Sumner, La Salle MI
" I just returned from the Detroit area, where I took a 2 day class with Kathy Wise. There was only one other man in the class - so we each got gobs of attention. It will take me several days to process all I learned. It was sooo great. We covered wood selection, color balance, property of wood (does it change color/hold up/hard to cut, etc.) She picked a cute pattern of a raccoon hanging from a tree. An Int/Adv pattern. I felt the skill level was just right, it was challenging but not overwhelming. She covered everything about cutting to get a tight fit. She spent a lot of time teaching her techniques of shaping and sanding. She wanted a really 3D experience and it was fun to break away from flat! She showed us how to tweak until there are no gaps. Her use of CA glue was new to me and one I'm going to adopt! The class was great. Kathy was easy to get along with, fun, energetic, well organized, patient, she kept us moving at a reasonable pace. My enthusiasm has been regenerated - I'm ready to take on the world-!! I loved the experience!" Sally Wright, Washington
|
For more information on Kathy Wise Workshops or to order a catalog, please send an email to: kathywise@bignet.net or write to:
Kathy Wise Designs Inc.
PO Box 60, Yale, MI 48097
Or fax your request to Fax No: 810-387-9044
Quotes from Students
"After the dust settles – My Class with Kathy Wise. I just retired from 35 years of teaching and wanted to start Intarsia. I had a scroll saw, but little experience with cutting and no experience with any of the other steps for a completed Intarsia project. It was the best thing that I have ever done. Kathy’s patience and ability to teach to the students’ level is unbelievable. She was so full of information and was (and still is) willing to share and help in any way. We completed a beginning Intarsia project. I was so proud of my work I’m showing it to everyone. No matter what your ability level, if you ever get an opportunity to take a class from Kathy, it will be well worth your time and money. Thanks again Kathy" . Kay Wernsing, Minnesota.
"My name is Don Walters. I have dabbled with Woodworking for about twelve years. It's just been in the last 3 years that I have gotten interested in doing Intarsia. I really just dabbled at it. I have created two projects from patterns and two from my own designs. I wanted to get an objective opinion about my skills so I signed up for the Intarsia class that Kathy had in July 2009. I have taken one other class and found it lacking. Not so with Kathy's class. I found Kathy to be patient, and attentive to what I wanted to learn. My experience was absolutely outstanding. I left the class with a rekindled passion for Intarsia and skills that I didn't have prior. I intend to take an advanced class in the future. If you are wondering if you should sign up for one of Kathy's classes, my endorsement would be a resounding "YES, Do It!!" ps: Her Mom is absolutely charming! Thank You Kathy! " Don Walters, Ft. Wayne, IN
"The investment of time and money in training with Kathy Wise was invaluable to the development of my skill to a higher level of precision in intarsia. Her education, experience and practical advice enhanced my knowledge base and ignited my desire to turn what was once a hobby into a passion of art. My long term goal is to retire these plumber's hands and build a business centered around the beauty of natural wood. The training class conducted by Kathy gave me an opportunity to gain the perspective of an expert artist's eyes and shop first hand." Steve Renard, Michigan
" In my search to learn more about Intarsia, I discovered Kathy's website and work. I purchased a few patterns and completed them. I had a desire to learn the proper techniques of cutting, sanding and finishing. I found Kathy's patterns to capture the realism and beauty of real animals. The pieces I completed were the finest work that I've ever done and I am grateful to Kathy for creating a pattern which inspired me to produce something as close to a work of art as I have ever been able to come. As a result, I contacted Kathy about classes and whether I would learn what I needed so that I could actually consider myself an intarsia woodworker. The two day class answered all my questions. Kathy taught us the proper method to layout a project, various cutting techniques and most importantly, sanding the pieces using various methods to obtain the desired look. Kathy was extremely helpful and patient. I found the class to be well organized and Kathy to be an excellent teacher. I want to say thanks for the opportunity to work with her and learn about intarsia. After attending Kathy's class I am more confident in how and what I am doing and end up with something I am proud to display." Mike McClery, Nebraska
"I just wanted to say thank you again for the opportunity to work with you and learn about intarsia. I had no idea that it would be so much fun! The iris kit that we put together is a great way to introduce intarsia to anyone. The directions are easy to follow for a beginner like me, and end up with something to be proud to display." Sally Francek , Michigan |
Workshops