Grand Lake Creative District

Intro to Stained Glass: Stained Glass Pendant Making
2026-07-12 12:30 - 15:30 UTC | Grand Spirit Makerspace, 1128 Park Ave, GRAND LAKE, CO, 80447, United States
This hands-on stained glass workshop introduces beginners to the fundamentals of stained glass art in a supportive, creative setting. Under guided instruction, participants learn core techniques—glass cutting, copper foiling, soldering and finishing—while designing and assembling their own wearable pieces. The session balances technical skill-building with artistic exploration so students can experiment with color, shape and composition. By the end of the class each person leaves with two finished pendants, practical experience and a solid foundation to continue practicing the craft.

What’s included

Two finished handmade pendants to take home

Instruction in glass cutting, copper foiling, soldering and finishing techniques

Guided hands-on assistance throughout the project

Materials and studio tools required to make the pendants

What’s not included

Additional stained glass supplies for personal projects outside of class

Food or beverages

Chains, cords, or specialty jewelry findings beyond those provided for the pendants

Highlights

Make two wearable stained glass pendants from scratch
Learn core techniques used by stained glass artists
Leave with finished pieces ready to wear or gift
Beginner-friendly instruction that balances creativity and technique

REGISTER

Watercolor Class
2026-07-12 15:45 - 16:45 | Rocky Mountain Folk School Building, 315 Pitkin Ave, Grand Lake, CO, 80447, United States
Join instructor TJ Daring for a relaxed, creative watercolor workshop designed for all experience levels. The class focuses on color, brush control, layering, and composition while offering individualized instruction so each student can progress from their current skill level. Participants work on paper, experiment with watercolor techniques, and receive hands-on guidance in a supportive, welcoming setting. By the end of the one-hour session you will complete a personal watercolor piece to take home and gain confidence to continue practicing your art.

Leather Belt Making Workshop
2026-07-12 17:00 - 20:00, 2026-07-13 17:00 - 20:00, 2026-07-14 17:00 - 20:00, 2026-07-18 17:00 - 20:00 | Rocky Mountain Folk School, 315 Pitkin St, Grand Lake (Grand County), CO, 80447, United States
Date: CALL 970-531-1395 to request a date
Cost: $135 (materials are included..1 day class)
Level/Age: All Experience Levels
Instructor: Isaac Baugher
Location: RMFS Building – 315 Pitkin Ave, Grand Lake, CO
Create a custom leather belt from start to finish in this hands-on 2.5-hour workshop! You’ll learn the basics of leather tooling and construction as you craft a belt that fits your style and size. The design and carving are entirely up to you—whether it’s your initials, a western motif, or a freeform pattern, this is your chance to make something uniquely yours. Walk away with a belt that’s not only functional but a piece of wearable art.
This class is perfect for beginners and experienced leatherworkers alike, as Isaac will guide you through every step, from tooling techniques to the final assembly. All materials needed to complete your belt are included in the course.
Don’t miss this opportunity to make something special with your own hands!
REGISTER

Leather Tooling for Intermediate
2026-07-12 17:30 - 19:00, 2026-07-13 17:30 - 19:00 | Grand Lake Community House, 1026 Park Avenue, Grand Lake, 80447, United States
Date: call 9705311395 request date
Cost: $90 (materials are included… MUST have taken the Beginners Tooling Workshop)
Level: Intermediate
Instructor: Isaac Baugher
Location: Grand Lake Center: 301 Marina Dr, Grand Lake, CO 80447
Take your leather tooling skills to the next level with Isaac Baugher in this Intermediate Tooling Workshop!
In this two-hour session, participants will refine the techniques learned in the beginner’s class and apply them to create a beautifully tooled floral design, ready to display on the wall. This workshop focuses on honing your skills with detailed instruction on advanced tool handling and design techniques.
This class is designed for participants who have completed the Beginner’s Tooling course.
Bring your own tools or use the ones provided in class. Join us and elevate your craftsmanship while creating a project you’ll be proud to show off!

REGISTER

Leather Tooling for Beginners
2026-07-12 17:30 - 19:00, 2026-07-13 17:30 - 19:00 | Rocky Mountain Folk School Building, 315 Pitkin Ave, Grand Lake, CO, 80447, United States
Date: CALL 9705311395 TO REQUEST DATE
Cost: $115 (materials are included)
Level: All experience levels
Instructor: Isaac Baugher
Location: Grand Lake Center: 301 Marina Dr, Grand Lake, CO 80447
Discover the art of leather tooling with Isaac Baugher in this engaging and hands-on class designed for beginners!
Leather tooling is a creative skill that allows you to customize and decorate leather projects with unique designs. In this one-and-a-half-hour session, you’ll dive into the basics of using leatherworking tools and techniques to get you started on your tooling journey.
Under Isaac’s guidance, you’ll learn to work with essential tools like the swivel knife, bevelers, and shaders while exploring foundational techniques that apply to all styles of leather tooling. Whether you’re brand new to leatherworking or looking to brush up on the basics, this class is perfect for all skill levels.
Tools will be provided during the class, but if you have your own, feel free to bring them along! Come ready to learn, create, and be inspired.
Folk School Site: REGISTER

Kids Leather Tooling & Bracelet Class
2026-07-12 17:30 - 19:00, 2026-07-13 17:30 - 19:00 | Rocky Mountain Folk School, 315 Pitkin St, Grand Lake (Grand County), CO, 80447, United States
Date: CALL 970-531-1395 TO REQUEST A DATE
Cost: $50 (materials are included..1 day class)
Level/Age: All Experience Levels/ 10 and up
Instructor: Isaac Baugher
Location: RMFS Building – 315 Pitkin Ave, Grand Lake, CO
Join us for a fun and creative 1.5-hour workshop where kids will learn the fundamentals of leather tooling! In this interactive class, young artists will explore their creativity by designing and crafting their very own leather bracelet. All tools and materials are included. By the end of the class, students will take home a one-of-a-kind bracelet and their very first tooled leather pieces. This is a hands-on experience that will inspire their creativity and introduce them to the world of leatherworking.
This class is perfect for beginners and experienced leatherworkers alike, as Isaac will guide you through every step, from tooling techniques to the final assembly. All materials needed to complete your bracelet are included in the course.
Don’t miss this opportunity to make something special with your own hands!
REGISTER

Leather Wallet Making Workshop
2026-07-12 17:30 - 20:00, 2026-07-13 17:30 - 20:00 | Grand Lake Center Double Room, 301 Marina Drive, Grand Lake, CO, 80447, United States
Date: call 9705311395 to request a date
Cost: $135 (materials are included)
Level/Age: All Experience Levels
Instructor: Isaac Baugher
Location: Grand Lake Center: 301 Marina Dr, Grand Lake, CO 80447
Create your own handcrafted wallet in this fun and interactive workshop led by Isaac Baugher!
In this two-and-a-half-hour session, you’ll learn to tool and assemble a leather wallet from start to finish. Choose between a roper or bifold style and enjoy hands-on instruction as you craft a functional and stylish piece that’s uniquely yours.
This class is perfect for beginners and experienced leatherworkers alike, as Isaac will guide you through every step, from tooling techniques to the final assembly. All materials needed to complete your wallet are included in the course.
Don’t miss this opportunity to make something special with your own hands!
REGISTER

Glass Fusing Classes
2026-07-12 22:00 - 23:00, 2026-07-13 22:00 - 23:00, 2026-07-14 22:00 - 23:00, 2026-07-16 22:00 - 23:00, 2026-07-17 22:00 - 23:00, 2026-07-18 22:00 - 23:00 | Lonesome Stone Pottery, 946 Co Rd 60, Granby, 80446, United States
Discover the art of glass fusing with a series of workshops at the Rocky Mountain Folk School. From beginner-friendly projects to advanced techniques, these classes offer something for every level of creativity.
• Glass Fusing for Beginners – Learn the fundamentals while creating your own unique glass piece.
• Glass Fusion for Two – Spend a fun evening side by side designing your own fused glass pieces in this date night class.
• Watercolor Technique – An intermediate workshop exploring painterly effects in glass.• Butterfly Vase – Design a sculptural vase through a two-step kiln process.
All classes are taught by glass artist Linda Dewey at Lonesome Stone Pottery in Granby. Dates are flexible. Please visit the registration site for details, pricing, and to sign up.
Register by going to https://rockymountainfolkschool.org/classes/

Pottery Classes For Adults - Tuesdays
2026-07-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Rocky Mountain Folk School Building, 315 Pitkin Ave, Grand Lake, CO, 80447, United States
Cost: $175 (includes all supplies)
Level: All experience levels
Instructor: Patty Alandar
Location: RMFS Building – 315 Pitkin Ave, Grand Lake, CO
Enjoy the satisfaction of working with clay – whether you’re a beginner, experienced or need a refresher from years ago. In this class you can hand-build using the extruder, slab roller and make pinch pots. You can also learn to use the wheel. It’s an open-ended class where you can make whatever you like – sculpture, functional pottery, jewelry, wall pieces and wherever else your imagination takes you. Clay and tools provided.
REGISTER

Woodturning: Pepper Grinder & Spice Bowls
2026-07-15 08:30 - 16:00, 2026-07-16 08:30 - 16:00 | Grand Spirit Makerspace, 1128 Park Ave, GRAND LAKE, CO, 80447, United States
First Day Spice Bowl Class Description:
Spice Bowl, Salt Bowl, Pinch Bowl; whatever you call them, these small bowls are endlessly useful and a pleasure to make. In this class we’ll make a matching pair of bowls: simple forms with clean lines, gentle curves, and a finish that feels good in the hand.
Spice bowls don’t take much time or material, and they work with almost any species and finish. They’re a great project for any skill level — a warm-up for those returning to the lathe, a confidence builder for newer turners, and a satisfying design exercise for more experienced turners.
Creating a matching pair is a good way to build muscle memory, refine your eye, and develop techniques that carry over to larger bowls. Even if repetition isn’t your thing, or if you’ve never made two pieces that truly match, you’ll pick up practical tips you can apply to whatever you enjoy turning.
Second Day Pepper Grinder Class Description:
Create a beautifully functional 5″ tall salt or pepper grinder from a solid piece of wood. In this class, students will turn a seamless one-piece body and install a modern Windsor-style ceramic grinding mechanism — a compact, durable design that grinds either salt or pepper and will not corrode. The grinding mechanism is self-contained and mounts from the bottom, making this an approachable project for turners of all skill levels.
You’ll learn how to shape the exterior for comfort and balance, drill the interior to accept the mechanism, and fit the ceramic grinder cleanly and securely. We’ll cover best practices for sanding and finishing small functional forms, along with tips for achieving crisp details and a refined silhouette on a short spindle project.
Students will leave class with a completed grinder ready for the kitchen or gifting — a compact, elegant piece that showcases both the wood and the craftsmanship. This is a great small project for anyone looking to build skills and make something genuinely useful.

What’s included

All wood materials

Ceramic grinder mechanism

Use of tools and equipment

Expert instruction

What’s not included

Meals or beverages

Itinerary

Arrive, check in, and review shop safety procedures.
Learn basic wood lathe operation and proper tool handling.
Turn a matching pair of spice bowls, focusing on shape, proportion, and finishing techniques.
Break for lunch (30 minutes).
Continue bowl turning, sanding, and finishing as needed.
Begin Day 2 with an introduction to pepper grinder design and components.
Turn the body of a custom salt or pepper grinder from a solid piece of wood.
Drill and fit the ceramic grinding mechanism.
Sand, finish, and assemble the completed grinder.
Review techniques, ask final questions, and take home your finished projects.

Highlights

Turn functional pieces you’ll use every day. From serving spices at the table to seasoning meals in the kitchen, the projects in this workshop combine craftsmanship with practical purpose.
Work in a small class setting with a maximum of five students, allowing for personalized instruction and plenty of one-on-one guidance throughout the workshop.
REGISTER

GRAND LAKE GOURD PATCH
2026-07-15 16:00 - 19:00 | Rocky Mountain Folk School Building, 315 Pitkin Ave, Grand Lake, CO, 80447, United States
Gourd Birdhouses
GRAND LAKE GOURD PATCH
(GOURD CLUB)
Dates: Every Wednesday in 2024 (4pm-7pm)
Cost: $25 per year (this is the membership payment which includes paints, wood carving and burning tools. Gourds are available for purchase through Linda Troute, or you can bring your own).
Level: Intermediate
Location: 315 Pitkin Dr, Grand Lake, CO 80447
*Note: initial gourd class is required to join the Gourd Patch (Club).
Are you passionate about gourding and looking to deepen your craft while connecting with fellow enthusiasts? The Rocky Mountain Folk School’s Gourd Patch (Club) Membership is the perfect opportunity for you. For just $25 per year, membership grants you access to a vibrant community of gourders who meet every Tuesday from 4pm-7pm at the folk school.
This informal gathering is more of a hangout than a class, providing a relaxed environment to work on your gourd projects. The membership fee primarily contributes to stocking up on essential materials such as gourds, bedazzles, paints, wood burning and carving tools, ensuring you have everything you need for your gourding endeavors. Whether you’re a seasoned gourd artist or just starting, the Gourd Patch (Club) welcomes you to join in and create beautiful gourd art together.
*PLEASE NOTE: To become a member of the Gourd Patch (Club), you must have taken a gourd class – either in the past or the newly introduced “GourdCraft 101: Your Gateway to the Gourd Patch (Club)” class listed below.
The GourdCraft 101 class runs concurrently with the club meetings and serves as a fundamental introduction to gourd art. Led by the experienced gourd instructor Linda, GourdCraft 101 provides one-on-one guidance, teaching you the basics of tool usage and gourd design. The class fee includes one gourd, ensuring you’re equipped with the knowledge and skills to fully enjoy your time in the Gourd Patch (Club). Secure your spot in this exciting community by registering for the GourdCraft 101 class and dive into the world of gourding with the Rocky Mountain Folk School!
To register or find out more please go to https://rockymountainfolkschool.org/gourd-club/

Silversmithing: Spinner Ring
2026-07-15 16:00 - 19:00 | Rocky Mountain Folk School Building, 315 Pitkin Ave, Grand Lake, CO, 80447, United States
In this beginner-friendly silversmithing workshop, students will create a handcrafted spinner ring while learning foundational metalsmithing techniques. Over three hours, participants will form a wide band, size and shape their spinner bands, and complete the ring with professional finishing techniques. Rings are created using jewelers brass for the wide band, with sterling silver or copper spinner accents. A sterling silver wide band upgrade is available at the beginning of class for an additional fee. No prior experience is required, and each student will leave with a finished ring and practical skills to build on.

What’s included

• Jewelers brass for one wide band
• Sterling silver or copper spinner wire
• Use of all tools and equipment
• Guided instruction
• Studio supplies and finishing materials

What’s not included

Meals or beverages

Sterling silver wide band upgrade ($40, optional)

Additional materials for extra rings

Itinerary

Introduction to tools, materials, and safety
Measuring and forming the wide band
Sizing and shaping spinner bands
Soldering and assembly
Filing, sanding, and polishing to finish

Highlights

Create a dynamic, wearable ring that moves with you.
Learn essential silversmithing skills that form the foundation for future jewelry work.
Work with quality metals including jewelers brass and sterling silver accents.
Leave with a finished spinner ring that reflects your craftsmanship and personal style.

To Register and see all the classes clicking here

Custom Sandal-Making Workshop
2026-07-17 09:00 - 17:00 | Rocky Mountain Folk School, 315 Pitkin St, Grand Lake (Grand County), CO, 80447, United States
In this full-day, hands-on workshop, students will design and build a custom pair of sandals from start to finish. Participants may choose between the Leather 7-Hole sandal or the Polyester Hiker style, as featured on the Paisley Running Sandals website. Instruction covers proper foot measurement and fit, cutting and shaping leather or polyester materials, constructing a supportive footbed, and assembling a durable, comfortable sandal. Emphasis is placed on craftsmanship, material selection, and creating well-fitting, wearable footwear. All tools and materials are provided, and no prior experience is required. The workshop runs for one full day (8 hours).

What’s included

All materials to build one custom pair of sandals (leather or polyester, depending on selected style)

Use of all tools and equipment during the workshop

Foot measuring, fitting, and pattern guidance

Supportive footbed materials and assembly components

Take-home finished pair of custom sandals

One full day (8 hours) of hands-on instruction

What’s not included

lunch

Non-alcoholic beverages

snacks

Highlights

Learn from master craftsman and educator Matt Paisley, a fourth-generation woodworker and experienced cobbler with over 15 years of sandal-making practice. Matt brings a hands-on, confidence-building teaching style shaped by his work at ThunderRidge High School.
This workshop blends traditional craftsmanship with modern, trail-tested design. Matt’s sandals have been worn and refined on the trails of Grand Lake and Rocky Mountain National Park, with an emphasis on comfort, durability, and fit.
Offered exclusively in June and July, this limited seasonal workshop is only available during Matt’s summer break, making it a rare opportunity to learn custom sandal-making at the Rocky Mountain Folk School.

REGISTER

Silversmithing: Stacking Rings
2026-07-18 10:00 - 13:00 | Rocky Mountain Folk School Building, 315 Pitkin Ave, Grand Lake, CO, 80447, United States
In this beginner-friendly silversmithing class, students will learn foundational metalsmithing techniques while creating a set of sterling silver stacking rings. Participants will be guided step by step through the process, from forming and sizing 3 ring bands to texturing and finishing their unique set of stacking rings. No prior experience is required, and students will leave with a set of handcrafted sterling silver stacking rings and a solid introduction to essential silversmithing skills they can continue to build on.

What’s included

All sterling silver materials for three stacking rings
Use of silversmithing tools and equipment during class
Step-by-step instruction from an experienced instructor
Texturing and finishing supplies
Take-home set of handcrafted sterling silver stacking rings

To Register and see all the classes clicking here

Flint Knapping 101: Crafting Stone Tools & Arrowheads
2026-07-18 10:00 - 14:00 | Lower Lake Front Pavilion, 1101 Lake Ave, Grand Lake, 80447, United States
Date: Saturday, July 18th, 2026 10:00am – 2:00pm
Cost: $70 (includes all material)
Level/Age: All experience levels; 16+
Instructor: Tyson Arnold
Location: Lower Lake Front Park – 1030 Lake Ave, Grand Lake, CO 80447
*Registration ends on July 5th, 2026.
Step back in time and explore one of humanity’s oldest survival skills! In this hands-on workshop, Tyson Arnold will guide you through the ancient art of flint knapping, a practice dating back over 100,000 years. You’ll learn how early people crafted stone tools and arrowheads that shaped civilizations and sustained communities.
This immersive class will focus on the pre-history of North America, introduce you to types of stone materials (including local sources), and cover the tools and techniques used to create sharp, functional tools from stone. Participants will have the opportunity to craft their own stone tool or arrowhead to take home.
In addition to the hands-on workshop, an archaeology display will be set up on site, showcasing real artifacts, stone tools, and points from various eras of North American prehistory. This is a rare opportunity to get up close to authentic pieces and deepen your understanding of our region’s ancient past.
Perfect for history buffs, survival enthusiasts, primitive skills fans, and anyone curious about ancient craftsmanship. No experience necessary—all materials are provided.
Space is limited. Reserve your spot today!

Register Now

Leather Messenger Bag Workshop
2026-07-18 10:00 - 17:00 | Rocky Mountain Folk School, 315 Pitkin St, Grand Lake (Grand County), CO, 80447, United States
This two-day, hands-on workshop guides students through the complete process of designing and constructing a leather messenger bag built for everyday use. Participants will learn core leatherworking skills including pattern layout, cutting, edge finishing, hand stitching, hardware setting, and strap construction. Instruction emphasizes craftsmanship, durability, and clean finishing techniques. The class is beginner-friendly, with all tools and materials provided, and each student will leave with a finished leather messenger bag. Total instruction time is 12 hours over two days.

What’s included

All leather, hardware, and materials to complete one messenger bag

Use of all tools and equipment during the workshop

Step-by-step instruction and demonstrations

Pattern layout and design guidance

Hand stitching, edge finishing, and hardware techniques

Take-home finished leather messenger bag

Two days of hands-on instruction (12 hours total)

What’s not included

lunch

Non-alcoholic beverages

snacks

Highlights

Learn from skilled craftspeople in a small-group setting designed to support beginners while allowing room to grow. This workshop focuses on practical leatherworking techniques that translate to future projects.
Students gain a deeper understanding of leather as a material—how to cut, stitch, finish, and assemble a bag that is both functional and built to last.
With limited class size and individualized instruction, this immersive experience emphasizes quality, confidence, and craftsmanship, resulting in a timeless leather bag made by hand.
REGISTER

Silversmithing: Bold Brass Hoops
2026-07-19 09:00 - 12:00 | Rocky Mountain Folk School Building, 315 Pitkin Ave, Grand Lake, CO, 80447, United States
In this beginner-friendly jewelry workshop, students will learn foundational metalsmithing techniques while creating a bold pair of brass hoop earrings with sterling silver posts. Over the course of three hours, participants are guided step by step through sizing, stamping, forming, soldering, and finishing their own unique design. No prior experience is required. By the end of class, each student will leave with a handcrafted pair of brass hoops and a strong introduction to essential silversmithing skills they can continue to build on.

What’s included

• Jewelers brass for one pair of hoops
• Sterling silver earring posts
• All tools and equipment
• Guided instruction
• Use of studio supplies during class

To Register and see all the classes clicking here
