We will be making a Marshmallow Roaster or Firepoker. If you joined us for our previous blacksmithing adventure or are more experienced. Say so in the comments. I'll speak with him about working on something more advanced.

In the Hands-On Exploration of Fiber session, students learn about sources of natural fibers, including both animals and plants. We look deeper into the animal fiber, specifically alpacas and sheep. A visit to the barn allows them to see our alpacas up close and learn about the most desired parts of their fleece as well as the shearing process. We discuss how the fiber is processed (skirting, washing, carding) and they get hands-on experience with the fiber. With the cleaned fiber, they use a drop spindle, a tool dating back 9,000 years, to try their hand at spinning the raw fiber into yarn. A spinning wheel demonstration shows how artists today make handspun yarn. They also learn about and see examples of the many art forms that use animal fibers ... from wet and needle felting, to weaving on table and peg looms, to knitting and crochet. Each student creates a small, needle-felted ornament to take home. Students leave with a broader knowledge of natural fibers, how they are processed, and tools and techniques used for creating beautiful items.