The Center for Craft values the importance of higher education to train both makers and researchers. We also recognize that learning happens outside of formal educational systems, including workshops and classes. That is why last December, the Center for Craft held a raffle for the opportunity to win a $1,000 gift certificate to use towards a workshop or class at one of three area craft schools: Penland School of Craft, John C. Campbell Folk School, and Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts.

On December 31, the Center drew the winning ticket, which was held by Betsy Skinner. Skinner is an enthusiastic student of craft and has taken workshops in botanical printing on silk and wool, and beginning fiddle.

“Practicing crafts keeps us in touch with the traditional crafts and the old ways, and reminds us of the beauty in the world,” Skinner says. “Learning and practicing crafts is really important, especially in this age of technology. We are losing the ability to do things with our hands and it helps keep the brain sharp and creative.”

Using her raffle gift certificate, Skinner recently attended a John C. Campbell Folk School’s class titled “Felt Making: Nuno-felted Mosaic Jumper with Carin Engen.” The class focused on a technique of felting that bonds loose fiber, usually wool, into a sheer fabric such as silk gauze, creating a lightweight felt.

“I find Nuno felting fascinating because you can make beautiful garments that are thin enough to be drapey, yet are strong enough because of the silk to hold up,” Skinner says. “I like felting because the possibilities of things to make are endless and I love working with all those beautiful colors and textures.”

The Center for Craft is pleased to be working with its educational partners to provide exciting opportunities like this for craft students and enthusiasts. We thank Penland School of Crafts, John C. Campbell Folk School, and Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts for their support of our 2018 Raffle!