06 Apr 2026 Olive’s Porch – Community Work Shop Days
Join us for creativity and connection during our Community Workshop Days!
These events provide access to specialized studios and equipment for local crafters and curious creatives alike. To ensure accessibility, we’ve implemented a sliding fee scale, making this opportunity available to everyone in our local community.
Participants can enjoy a 6-hour studio experience to explore their craft, learn new techniques, or simply connect with others who share their passion. We’ll enjoy a delicious lunch of sandwiches and sides to celebrate our time together!
Class Offerings : May 9, 2026
Paper Marbling & More!:
Float glorious colors of acrylic paint on thickened water. Then draw patterns in the surface to create unique designs. Finally, lay white or colored papers on the paint to lift your creation off the surface. Unique and Unrepeatable and totally yours!
Jewelry and Metalsmithing: Bangles and Cuffs:
Handcraft beautiful bangles and cuffs in this beginner friendly jewelry and metalsmithing workshop. Create custom pieces using copper, brass, and silver while exploring essential techniques like texturing, shaping, forming, soldering, and finishing. Enjoy a relaxed, creative experience at the bench as you build skills and make wearable pieces by hand. No experience is necessary, just bring your curiosity and creativity.
Confident Quilting: Heart Applique Pattern:
In this class, you will learn how to machine sew and applique hearts onto blocks with fusible web to make a 9 patch pillow. Students will learn basic machine applique and quilting skills. If time allows, we will put in a zipper in the pillow cover to make it removable. Instructor will provide pattern, fabrics and insert for a pillow that measures around 15 inches.
Embellished Baskets for Beginners & Beyond:
Weave your own colorful basket using basketry reed! Beginning students with little or no weaving experience will choose a basic kit while students with more experience will choose from kits that require more skill. Beginning weaving skills will be taught in class and students will be able to pick a kit that appeals to them. Color options/variations are possible and all students will not be making the same basket. Let’s have some fun!
Introducing a Sliding Fee Scale:
We’re trying out something new! There are three different fees for each workshop. Pick the price that best fits your budget. Standard Rate, Sponsorship Rate, or Scholarship Rate.
- Standard Rate ($125): Participate at regular price.
- Sponsorship Rate ($175): Give the gift of craft and help cover the cost for someone else to be in class.
- Scholarship Rate ($75): Select this rate if you are unable to attend at the standard tuition rate. This tuition is half of the standard rate and is supported by our sponsorship rate registrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this event priced with a sliding scale and priced above traditional Olive’s Porch programming?
We have heard from our community that they would love to learn a craft that we don’t have the facilities or equipment for at Olive’s Porch or that they would love to be on campus and are unable to attend a full weekend class. The sliding fee scale is also built for accessibility.
What ages are welcome to participate?
Those aged 18 & up are welcome to participate in Community Workshop Days.
Where do I park?
The gravel lot outside of the Keith House loop on campus.
Where do I check in on the day of the event?
After parking in the gravel lot outside of the Keith House proceed to the red tent with the Olive’s Porch Logo to check in. From there you will head to your assigned studio and can move to park closer to the studio.
How do Materials fees work?
Materials fees are a separate charge, specific to each workshop or studio. They will be paid upon check-in on the day of the event. Cash, Check, or Card will be accepted as forms of payment. Material’s Fees are listed in the workshop description.
What’s for lunch?
Our wonderful Chef Terra Ciotta and the Dining Hall staff will be cooking a wood-fired pizza lunch. Held at the pavilion next to Davidson Hall and across from the Craft Shop parking lot. A selection of toppings will be available, and you can pick what you’d prefer. There will also be gluten-free crusts available. Just bring your appetite.
Lunch is at 12:15 p.m. located next to Davidson Hall around the wood-fired pizza oven. Lunch is covered in the price of your tuition.
About Olive's Porch
Olive’s Porch is an extension of the Folk School in downtown Murphy. The location at 27 Peachtree Street features classroom space, a retail shop showcasing the work of Appalachian artists and providing high quality art supplies. Named after the Folk School’s co-founder Olive Dame Campbell, Olive’s Porch offers Community Workshops focused on traditional Appalachian crafts, music, dance, and community events and demonstrations designed for locals and visitors.
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