Every season brings gifts from the land that can be transformed into beautiful, durable, and practical crafts.

As fall transitions to winter, gourds and pine needles occupy the natural crafter’s hands. Would you like to learn more about the art of gourd bowls and pine needle coiling? 

Through creating a decorative rim around a gourd bowl, local artist Jen Nailor will guide you through the process of coiling with pine needles. This old handcraft was honed by Native Americans, who’ve used pine needles and marsh grasses for centuries to create lasting everyday items.

This class will focus on the process and technique of coiling pine needles to encircle a prepared gourd bowl. While exploring this craft, we'll discuss how pine needles are collected and prepared, and the work that goes into creating gourd bowls.

Bowls will be dyed red, just in time for the holidays! To personalize your piece, you are welcome to bring a decorative vintage button or other embellishment.

Whether you’re interested in connecting with nature through craft or seeking a one-of-a-kind, hand-made gift for the holidays, join us to transform seasonal natural materials into eye-catching art! 

Program Notes:

Registrations close on Thursday, November 13th at 11:59PM. With materials and preparation, we cannot accomodate sign-ups after this date. 

Environment: This class will take place indoors. 

Arrival: Parking takes place in the field above the farmhouse. Plan to arrive 10 minutes early so we can begin the class on time. Information about our precise meeting location will be shared in a reminder email in the week preceding the class. 

Audience: This program is designed for adult learning; ages 14 and up only. Teens ages 14-18 may attend for free if accompanying a registering adult and working on a shared project. Anyone under 18 who wishes to receive their own kit must be registered separately. 

Cost: The cost for this program is $/person. Sliding scale options are available to increase accessibility. Cost includes teaching, facilities fees, and all materials (prepared gourd bowls, pine needles, etc.). 

Cancellation: All programs are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances including inclement weather. Participants will receive an email in the days preceding the program for any changes or cancellations. You can review our current Cancellation and Refund Policy here. 

About the Instructor: Jen Nailor

Jen Nailor is a local artist from Carlisle PA. Jen has dabbled in multiple mediums with oil painting since she was a teen. She started woodcarving in 2003, taking a class from a noted local woodcarving artist. Jen has taken many classes to fine tune her skills. In 2008 she took her first gourd class and first pine needle class in 2018. She enjoys mixed media and combines all four techniques to create one of a kind works of art. Over the last seven years she has focused on pine needle art. Jen enjoys the entire process from preparing pine needles and gourds to create her gourd bowls and ornaments.  She enjoys teaching and sharing her process.