| Gourd Art Class Schedules & Descriptions |
Pine Needle Coiling Book -- A Beginner's Guide
You will learn to sew your stitches where they will be straight on both sides ... not just
one side .... along with learning the basic stitches (Plain, Split, Wheat, V, Fern, and Back
Stitch).
This instructional book gives information concerning the handling of the pine needles
... gathering, storing, drying, preparing for coiling, and removing the caps. It also
addresses various types of treading, gauges, needles, & supplies you will need.
Helpful tips are given throughout the booklet of experiences I've had coiling as well as
other coilers.
Closed Coiling
Students will wrap three threads of 4-ply wax linen around a paper rush on top of a
gourd to create a design. You will learn all the basics. Hellen will explain how to
calculating the holes required for designs. The instructional booklet will cover
everything she explains in the glass and it also includes list of required supplies,
sources to get the supplies, patterns, and graph paper for developing your own
designs. Students receive a book with photos giving step-by-step instructions.
You will learn to sew your stitches where they will be straight on both sides ... not just
one side .... along with learning the basic stitches (Plain, Split, Wheat, V, Fern, and Back
Stitch).
This instructional book gives information concerning the handling of the pine needles
... gathering, storing, drying, preparing for coiling, and removing the caps. It also
addresses various types of treading, gauges, needles, & supplies you will need.
Helpful tips are given throughout the booklet of experiences I've had coiling as well as
other coilers.
Closed Coiling
Students will wrap three threads of 4-ply wax linen around a paper rush on top of a
gourd to create a design. You will learn all the basics. Hellen will explain how to
calculating the holes required for designs. The instructional booklet will cover
everything she explains in the glass and it also includes list of required supplies,
sources to get the supplies, patterns, and graph paper for developing your own
designs. Students receive a book with photos giving step-by-step instructions.
| General Information |
I sell books of many techniques that are very, very detailed. Books are great if you are unable to attend an actual class. I strongly
suggest students take at least a few classes to learn the basics of any technique. The "hands-on" experience of a class is hard to
beat. I teach private and classroom lessons and a firm believer that classes are for learning as well for having fun.
All students receive books ... not a couple of pages ... of step-by-step instructions and photos showing the steps. It also
contains information where to find supplies and just all kinds of additional information.
Please contact me by e-mail (hellenmartin@att.net) or calling (817-907-3320) if you are interested in me teaching at your retreat,
group, and having private lessons.
suggest students take at least a few classes to learn the basics of any technique. The "hands-on" experience of a class is hard to
beat. I teach private and classroom lessons and a firm believer that classes are for learning as well for having fun.
All students receive books ... not a couple of pages ... of step-by-step instructions and photos showing the steps. It also
contains information where to find supplies and just all kinds of additional information.
Please contact me by e-mail (hellenmartin@att.net) or calling (817-907-3320) if you are interested in me teaching at your retreat,
group, and having private lessons.
| 2009 |
| 2010 |
Comments:
"Not only are you and Outstanding artist, but also an
EXCELLENT teacher!! I took your painting class at TGS Lone
Start Gourd Festival, and your instructions were clear and easy
to follow. I was so glad when you saw we would not have time to
finish the project in class within the class allotted time and
suggeste you demonstrate all the necessary techniques .... even a
few secret ones!!! I believe I will have no problem finishing by
myself at home. PLEASE let me know when you will be teaching
a class again. I'm ready to sign up!! Thanks for making the class
seem like we were just having a good time and LOTS of fun!!!"
.......... Sylvia Hendrix (Arkansas)
"Not only are you and Outstanding artist, but also an
EXCELLENT teacher!! I took your painting class at TGS Lone
Start Gourd Festival, and your instructions were clear and easy
to follow. I was so glad when you saw we would not have time to
finish the project in class within the class allotted time and
suggeste you demonstrate all the necessary techniques .... even a
few secret ones!!! I believe I will have no problem finishing by
myself at home. PLEASE let me know when you will be teaching
a class again. I'm ready to sign up!! Thanks for making the class
seem like we were just having a good time and LOTS of fun!!!"
.......... Sylvia Hendrix (Arkansas)
The Art of Painting with Acrylics
You will learn the basics and introduced to some intermediate painting. Topics
covered are base coating, shading, highlighting, how to give depth to your art, glazes,
washes and tinting.
I discuss different type of brushes, care of brushes, setting up palettes, varnishes,
general supplies, and transferring patterns.
You will leave this class with the knowledge to do just about any painting.
Class projects are done according to preference and skills of the students
You will learn the basics and introduced to some intermediate painting. Topics
covered are base coating, shading, highlighting, how to give depth to your art, glazes,
washes and tinting.
I discuss different type of brushes, care of brushes, setting up palettes, varnishes,
general supplies, and transferring patterns.
You will leave this class with the knowledge to do just about any painting.
Class projects are done according to preference and skills of the students
Comments:
Thank you so much Hellen for working me into your busy schedule for
private classes. I know I called just two days prior to being in your area.
You were so nice over the phone and willing to help me. I loved the class
and had so much fun. I learned so much! Also, a big thank you for
schedule me for a painting class the very next day. You made it look so
simple and again I learn more than I expected. You are my hero!
.......... Sara Wilson (Miami, FL)
Thank you so much Hellen for working me into your busy schedule for
private classes. I know I called just two days prior to being in your area.
You were so nice over the phone and willing to help me. I loved the class
and had so much fun. I learned so much! Also, a big thank you for
schedule me for a painting class the very next day. You made it look so
simple and again I learn more than I expected. You are my hero!
.......... Sara Wilson (Miami, FL)
Comments:
"Your tutorial for the coiling class was the most in-depth and
informative tutorial I've seen for a gourd class. You put a lot of
attention on the details which most instructions leave out. I
enjoyed reading it, and the pictures are right on.
.......... M. A. Koepka (Texas)
"Your tutorial for the coiling class was the most in-depth and
informative tutorial I've seen for a gourd class. You put a lot of
attention on the details which most instructions leave out. I
enjoyed reading it, and the pictures are right on.
.......... M. A. Koepka (Texas)
Wuertz Gourd Festival - February 5-7
Classes start on the 4th so check their web site (www.wuertzfarm.
com/Classes2010.html) to make sure you see all the fantastic
classes. I will be teaching as follows:
Florida Gourd Festival - February 26-28
Please check their web site (http://flgourdsoc.org/) to sign up.
Northern Mississippi Gourd Festival - May 8-9, 2010
Classes will also be held on the 7th. Announce my classes as soon
as I have them. My classes will be Let's Add Texture, Industrial
Metal Coating & Various Patinas, Faux Woodburned Western
Tooling, Woodburned Quail, and Woodburn/Watercolor Flowes and
leaves. Last two classes haven't been posted below yet.
Georgia Gourd Festival - July 30 thru August 1, 2010
My classes will be Let's Add Texture, Industrial Metal Coating &
Various Patinas, and Faux Woodburned Western Tooling, These
classes will be held July 31 and August 1.
Texas Gourd Festival- October 15-17, 2010
Classes will start on October 14. Will announce my classes as soon
as I know.
Classes start on the 4th so check their web site (www.wuertzfarm.
com/Classes2010.html) to make sure you see all the fantastic
classes. I will be teaching as follows:
- Thursday, 4th - 1-5PM - Industrial Metal Paint & Various
Patinas (Class #: GC-13) ..... 1 space open - Friday, 5th - 1:30-5:00 PM - Let's Add Texture
- (Class #: GC25) ..... CLASS FULL
Florida Gourd Festival - February 26-28
Please check their web site (http://flgourdsoc.org/) to sign up.
- Pyrography - Western Leather Tooling Design (2 classes):
Friday (26) PM & Saturday (27) PM - Let's Add Texture: Saturday (27) AM
- Industrial Metal Coating & Various Patinas: Sunday (28) AM
Northern Mississippi Gourd Festival - May 8-9, 2010
Classes will also be held on the 7th. Announce my classes as soon
as I have them. My classes will be Let's Add Texture, Industrial
Metal Coating & Various Patinas, Faux Woodburned Western
Tooling, Woodburned Quail, and Woodburn/Watercolor Flowes and
leaves. Last two classes haven't been posted below yet.
Georgia Gourd Festival - July 30 thru August 1, 2010
My classes will be Let's Add Texture, Industrial Metal Coating &
Various Patinas, and Faux Woodburned Western Tooling, These
classes will be held July 31 and August 1.
Texas Gourd Festival- October 15-17, 2010
Classes will start on October 14. Will announce my classes as soon
as I know.
| CLASS DESCRIPTIONS |
Class Book
Class Book
Hellen's Painting Style
Hellen's Coiling Style
Class Book
Class Project
Hellen's Coiling Style
Phyrography - Western Leather Tooling Design
Detail instructions how to pyrography a western leather tooling design on a gourd.
Learn how to countersink a rivet in the flower, add shading at main locations and use
waterproof leather dye to add highlights and depth. Brief instructions will also be given
on how to design your own tooling design while students are working. Additional tips
will be given in the class. Books with photos of step-by-steps instructions for students.
Detail instructions how to pyrography a western leather tooling design on a gourd.
Learn how to countersink a rivet in the flower, add shading at main locations and use
waterproof leather dye to add highlights and depth. Brief instructions will also be given
on how to design your own tooling design while students are working. Additional tips
will be given in the class. Books with photos of step-by-steps instructions for students.
Class Project
Hellen's Tooling Style
Comments:
New Class
New Class
Industrial Metal Coating & Various Patinas
Use industrial strength metal bronze coating and add various patinas to develop a very
unique piece. Every piece will be different when finished. This isn't a faux patina style
finish, but the real thing!! Students will also use copper metal coating and a wax patina
for accents. There are so many ways to use these products to get endless results.
Students will receive a book with photos giving step-by-step instructions plus
information about the products and distributors.
Use industrial strength metal bronze coating and add various patinas to develop a very
unique piece. Every piece will be different when finished. This isn't a faux patina style
finish, but the real thing!! Students will also use copper metal coating and a wax patina
for accents. There are so many ways to use these products to get endless results.
Students will receive a book with photos giving step-by-step instructions plus
information about the products and distributors.
Comments:
New Class
New Class
| Class Project Coiling not indluded |
Hellen's Style with Using These Products
Let's Add Texture!
Use a very "unique" product that adds texture beyond belief on a gourd. Will paint a
tourquoise finish on the gourd during the class, but I will explain how to get other
painted finishes during the class. There are endless possibilities for final results with
this technique. Students receive a book with photos giving step-by-step instructions.
Use a very "unique" product that adds texture beyond belief on a gourd. Will paint a
tourquoise finish on the gourd during the class, but I will explain how to get other
painted finishes during the class. There are endless possibilities for final results with
this technique. Students receive a book with photos giving step-by-step instructions.
Comments:
New Class
New Class
| Class Project |
Hellen's Style with Using This Technique
| Class Project is being designed. |
| Class Project is being designed. |
Hellen is taking 2009 to just catch up. She is writing her new
books and hoping to come up with new patterns. She is also
very busy keeping the Santa Fe gallery supplied with her
pieces which is good news. Hellen is also taking time out to
spend more time with her grandson, family, and overhauling
her backyard.
She is teaching private lessons and special group classes.
books and hoping to come up with new patterns. She is also
very busy keeping the Santa Fe gallery supplied with her
pieces which is good news. Hellen is also taking time out to
spend more time with her grandson, family, and overhauling
her backyard.
She is teaching private lessons and special group classes.
| PRIVATE CLASSES |
I give private classes and love teaching one-on-one classes. This gives me a
chance to really get to know the person. We have lots of fun!! My students have all
become very close friends. They are an extended part of my family.
I teach all the classes listed below and special requests.
chance to really get to know the person. We have lots of fun!! My students have all
become very close friends. They are an extended part of my family.
I teach all the classes listed below and special requests.
Comments:
"I am so thrilled to have found Hellen Martin. She is the nicest
lady in the whole world and an awesome artist and teacher. She
has a great personality and makes learning fun and easy. She has
become a great friend and learning from her is really cool. She
does things right and doesn't take shortcuts. Her work is so
beautiful."
................ Brenda Knight Styron (Texas)
Note: Brenda has learned simple woodburning, staining with dyes, and pine
needle coiling as well as cleaning a gourd. She wants to learn everything I can
possibly teach her. GREAT STUDENT and friend!!
"I am so thrilled to have found Hellen Martin. She is the nicest
lady in the whole world and an awesome artist and teacher. She
has a great personality and makes learning fun and easy. She has
become a great friend and learning from her is really cool. She
does things right and doesn't take shortcuts. Her work is so
beautiful."
................ Brenda Knight Styron (Texas)
Note: Brenda has learned simple woodburning, staining with dyes, and pine
needle coiling as well as cleaning a gourd. She wants to learn everything I can
possibly teach her. GREAT STUDENT and friend!!
| Most of the designs within this web site are originals of Hellen Martin. Under no circumstances may they be used or reproduced in any form whatsoever without written permission. |
| Galleries of Pieces for Sale: Additional Pages: Carving, Wildlife & Woodburning About the Artist Southwest & American Indian Inspired Favorite Links Christmas & Santa Order Form & Order Information Pine Needle Coiling Why Pine Needle Coiling Cost So Much? Instructional Gourd Books and Patterns: Galleries: Pine Needle Coiling Woodburned Leather Tooling Award Winners Closed Coiling Let's Add Texture My Favorite Sold Pieces Acrylic Painting Bronze & Copper Metal Coatings Santa Pattern with Various Patinas Galleries Representing Hellen Martin: Photos and Information about the galleries Class Descriptions and Schedules Pieces located in each gallery Texas Indian Market & Southwest Showcase Home Photos of the Show I Attended in 2009. Contact the Artist: to discuss a special request, questions about an item, ask about teaching a class, &/or comments. You can also call the artist @ 817-907-3320. E-Mail Me .... or use hellenmartin@att.net or hellenmartin@aol.com |
| Southwestern ~ Native American Indian Inspired Wildlife ~Western ~ Leather Tooling ~ Painting Woodburning ~ Craving ~ Pine Needle Coiling Closed Coiling ~ Santas Instructional Books & Patterns ~ Classes |
| Fine Gourd Art by Hellen Martin |
