The elegance and aesthetic harmony of ikebana—Japanese flower arranging—have inspired poets and artists since its founding. In this course for beginning and continuing students, participants learn basic styles of ikebana as taught by the Sogetsu School of Ikebana in Japan.
Create one-of-a-kind holiday greeting cards while learning the tips and techniques of professional card making from expert crafter Karen Cadogan. Take home a generous assortment of supplies to design more greetings with your personal touch.
Create your own bit of peacock-inspired elegance with earrings that incorporate Swarovski crystals and wire-working techniques.
Add a bit of jingle to your holiday season with a set of beautiful, made-by-you, bangle bracelets. The class is perfect for beginners and those with previous wire or metalsmithing experience.
Create a stunning ring in textured sterling silver using a rolling mill, jeweler’s saw, and cold-connection riveting techniques.
Take a break from the stress of the season to enjoy an entertaining and informative afternoon with an orchid expert and come away with an elegant holiday present to give to special someone on your list or to keep for yourself.
Through lectures and drawing exercises, learn how Renaissance artists used the Golden Ratio, the Rule of Thirds, three-point perspective, and the Fibonacci spiral—as well as how these elements can provide dynamic visual interest to your own compositions, no matter the medium. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)
In this three-night workshop, learn to create your own hand-crafted jewelry. This experience is perfect for the student new to jewelry making, or those with experience who want to refresh their skills.
In this workshop, create one-of-a-kind necklaces and earring sets using wire. Students explore different designs and methods for headpins, clasps, ear wires, hoops, and charms.
Learn how to create gorgeous designs using stone pendants with tricky hole placement. Experience with basic wirework, hand tools, and making open and closed loops is recommended.
Create the perfect unique gift for a friend or loved one—and get a beautiful necklace for yourself in the bargain: Using metal texturing, wire wrapping, and basic metal-stamping techniques, create a monogrammed silver pendant with a gemstone bead accent.
Bring home the beauty of the Smithsonian’s inventive botanical holiday decorations when you create a wreath guided by a horticulturist from Smithsonian Gardens.
Bring home the beauty of the Smithsonian’s inventive botanical holiday decorations when you create a centerpiece guided by a horticulturist from Smithsonian Gardens.
