Past Homesteading 101 Workshops

Wreath Making & Merriment!

Flower arranging for Easter, Passover or just Spring! Thank you Maeve!

Ania led a group through the basics of starting a cutting garden from seeds during the winter months, then planting in the spring for beautiful summer blooms.

Adults and kids learned to knit guided by expert knitter and educator Liz Zeist.

We learned the art of hand-sewn improvisational patchwork quilting from quilt maker, fabric designer, and author Denyse Schmidt!

Another fun evening of creating holiday wreaths and centerpieces while sipping on holiday beverages!

Create your own CUTTING GARDEN with help from local gardening enthusiast, Ania Janis. This four-session program provided all the tips, instructions, plans and supplies you need to create your own cutting garden at home. Session 1: Wed., Feb. 16, 7 - 8:30 pm:
Intro and Cutting Garden Basics: Sweet Peas, Session 2: Wed., Feb. 23, 7 - 8:30 pm:
Pinching & Watering: Snapdragons, Stock, Session 3: Wed., March 9, 7 - 8:30 pm:
Succession Planting, Hardening Off: Zinnias, Cosmos & Phlox, Session 4: Wed., April 6, 7 - 8:30 pm:
Direct Sowing, Planting Out: Poppies & Sunflowers

All supplies included.

Leah Jones, pastry chef at Grace Farms and owner of Black Market Bread, led us in a colonial breadmaking workshop which involved baking AND tasting! First, Leah gave us a little history on bread and some information which helped us understand the "gluten free" craze a little better. Then we tasted various breads, baked by Leah, and drank wines chosen to pair with each bread. Finally, we made our own bread!

25 women created gorgeous Valentines arrangement while enjoying rosé prosecco, bon bons by Carolyn's Absolutely Fabulous Events, and time with friends old and new.

Image courtesy of Mary Wade, Leap Year Images

Participants created their holiday wreath, garland or centerpiece using live greenery and other decorative elements.

Mather flower arranging guru Maeve McGovern demonstrated greenery techniques and helped participants create their original creations while enjoying a cocktail and time with friends.

Author and Textile Designer Heather Ross brought her love of all things hand-made and resourceful living to MH. Heather is passionate about teaching new uses for the creative arts and skills that even the earliest residents of Mather Homestead relied upon.

During HAND EMBROIDERY FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN, Heather will helped workshoppers develop their own personalized embroidery design, and demonstrated simple ways to complete a very special project to take home.
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Heather Ross is an American illustrator, textile designer, and author. Much of her work explores themes of resourceful and creative living, the natural world, and handmade, drawing often on both her rural upbringing and an early career as a naturalist. She is known for her highly collectible textile designs and books written for the handmade and craft markets, and as the originator and host of a popular series of weekend craft retreats held around the country. Her critically acclaimed memoir, How To Catch a Frog, is based on her childhood and early success as an entrepreneur and designer. She has also illustrated numerous children’s books, including the award winning Fergus and Zeke series and the “Crafty Chloe” books, the latter a winner of the Kirkus Star, and is both author and illustrator BOYS, an Illustrated Field Guide. She is represented by Steven Malk of Writers House, and lives in New York City and the Catskill Mountains with her husband, daughter and dog.

MH flower arranging guru led guests through the creation of unique and beautiful spring centerpieces.