New! This workshop provides structure for recording precious memories, life experiences and family stories of your own choosing – to share with others, including future generations. Learn to generate a journal that can be duplicated for your family. Jill has been designing and delivering seminars in management, organizing, as well as putting life into words; she holds a BA in organizational communication from Northeastern U. and an MBA from Framingham State U.

Two Mon, 4/1 and 4/8/2019

6:00 to 8:00 pm, $34

Instructor: Jill Braceland

New! Bring a DSLR (digital single-lens reflex), mirrorless or compact camera, as long as the camera has manual settings (“M” on your camera). Spend the first two classes learning basics about the “exposure triangle” and how to use it, then cover dynamic range, exposure compensation, editing, and workflow. Work your way up to some intermediate techniques. Meet off site at Portland Head Light or similar location, for the last class, to get hands-on and practice with what you’ve learned. See some of Dave’s work, including stunning aerial photography taken by helicopter, on his company’s website: maineimaging.com

Six Tues, 2/26 to 3/26, 

plus 6th off-site class tbd, 

6:30 to 8:00 pm, $84

Instructor: Dave Cleaveland

Photo: Instructor Dave Cleaveland on an aerial photo shoot via helicopter

New! The cricut (pronounced like the bug) is celebrated by crafters, scrap bookers and maker-movement enthusiasts alike. It’s an electronic die cutting machine that cuts intricate designs in paper, cardstock, sticker paper, fabric, iron-on fabric, and for some models, fondant and balsa wood. Like a printer, it works with your computer…create or download a design on your computer, but instead, send it to the cricut - which, once loaded with the material of your choice - cuts the design for you. View an array of beautiful completed projects (3D table decorations, holiday pop up cards, gift boxes) and watch a cutting demonstration. Use most of the class to get hands-on, using tools provided to sculpt and stamp, and glue to assemble the pre-cut cricut pieces, to make this project to take home. All materials supplied, colors and patterns may vary slightly from photo. Jen is a passionate crafter; loves everything from wood woodworking, knitting, crochet, etching to 3D paper crafts; and lives in Scarborough with her husband and three boys.

Tues, 5/7/2019, 6:00 to 8:00 pm, $25, all materials provided. Limit: 8

Instructor: Jen Cleary

We know the gut-health benefits of fermented foods, now let’s make some! Explore fermenting, basic equipment, recommended recipes and ingredients. Then get hands-on with UMaine Extension volunteers and staff by making kimchi; this Korean combo of cabbage, radishes and other ingredients has been dubbed the world’s healthiest food, according to one health magazine. It can be served as a main dish, with rice or noodles, or makes a perfect comfort-soup ingredient on a cold day. Unsure of kimchi? Skills learned transfer to making other gut-beneficial fermented foods such as sauerkraut, pickles, kombucha, tempeh, apple cider vinegar, and yogurt. Take home handouts, recipes and some kimchi. Kate is author of “Portland Food: Culinary Capital of Maine” and “Distilled in Maine: A History of Temperance, Libations and Craft Spirits” (Also see her class: Cocktails from the Garden).

Tues, 4/23/2019, 5:30 to 7:30 pm, $26 

Instructor: Kate McCarty, UMaine Ext Master Gardener/Master Food Preserver

Part of the Beginner Mindfulness Art Series

Spend the first two classes inside the studio learning foundations and practicing technical skills for outdoor landscape painting. Learn to navigate oil’s challenges and take advantage of the benefits: brighter colors, slower dry time, ease in blending, minimized color change through drying process, etc. Meet outdoors off-site for the last three classes; locations tbd may include Kettle Cove, Scarborough Marsh and/or Portland Headlight. Supply list provided once class determined to run. 

Mindfulness Art Series: Students will explore basic foundations and technical skills within a mindfulness-based atmosphere. The objective will be to gradually overcome inhibitions and perfectionism, free oneself from judgment, and allow one’s inner artist to unfold naturally - in order to create in the most relaxed, soulful and intuitive ways. No experience required, just curiosity and willingness to tap into unchartered creative territory. Those with experience welcome to come build upon previous skills. Chris graduated from Bowdoin College with a BA in Visual Arts. He’s a painter, exhibitor, and art teacher inspired by the synthesis of nature, the evolving play of light, and each artist’s unique, mindful expression of feelings and interpretation; website: christopherdreed.com

Five Thurs, 5/9 to 6/6/2019, 6:00 to 8:00 pm, $72, plus supplies provided by student

Instructor: Christopher Reed

New! Keep your craft and/or sewing space neat with this stylish thread catcher. The weighted pincushion not only stores pins and needles, but holds a hanging bag so you can discard threads and scraps conveniently while crafting. Designed to easily fit between your sewing machine and the edge of your worktable, or on a chair or sofa arm. You may find it has more uses than just for crafting! Perfect for beginners and advanced sewers. Supply list provided once class determined to run. Gina has been quilting for 40 years, and sewing longer; she lives here in Scarborough.

Thurs, 4/4/2019, 5:30 to 8:00 pm, $12

Instructor: Gina Clukey