GENERAL INFORMATION - I teach classes both here in my workshop and I am also hired to teach elsewhere. Classes can be of things I already have, new dolls or items that are not presently part of my kits and patterns and can be cloth, primitive, or even dolls that involve some sort of molding. My 35+ years of making original molds for dolls and all the general engineering I have to do to make all the dolls' furniture and accessories makes just about any technique or subject possible. Please contact me for my rates. If you would like to take a class here (some people like the opportunity to poke around in all my little drawers), you can arrange for your group to come (B & B accommodations can be arranged if desired). If you are not part of a group, sign up to be on my MAILING LIST FOR CLASSES (this is separate from my customer and catalog mailing list). Fees usually involve a class fee and a class kit fee - these of  course will vary depending upon the class material. Retreats have become a favorite way for women to get away and make dolls - from just after lunch on a Friday through early afternoon on Sunday. This time allows for very in-depth work not able to be completed in a day class. Different venues are used, but we all stay and eat together in a cozy environment. Participants come from all over and quite a few come with either a friend or a sister, but all enjoy meeting new people who share such common interests. Fee for a retreat includes lodging (dorm style), food and class kit. If you would like to have me teach in your location, write or email for suggestions and fees.

EXPERIENCE - Any level of experience is fine. Sometimes the people with the most experience have the hardest time because they are used to being able to work a certain way and the least experienced are sometimes more open to new information. If you are considering a class but feel intimidated, do not let this stop you - that is what I am there for - to guide you through the process. All you need is a little enthusiasm and a good sense of humor.

MY CLASS MAILING LIST - You must be on this special list if you would like to receive information about future classes. Please email me to be on the class mailing list. EMAIL HERE

(Scroll all the way down to see current Retreats)

My retreats are held in lodges or B&B's designed for retreats. Rooms and baths are shared in a "camp" atmosphere. There is the availability of one private room which has an added per night charge - Click here to email GW if you would like to check on the availability and extra cost). We do all the cooking providing Friday dinner through Sunday lunch, plus many snacks and drinks available all the time. All linens are provided. The basic schedule has you arriving at the retreat about 1 PM (please, not before) on Friday so we can begin the first session at 2 and finishing by 2 on Sunday so people can get a start home. Sessions in the evening add to the time that retreats allow. Saturday evening, we will drive the short distance (17 miles) to my home and workshop for wine and hors d’ouevres during which time you may explore and possibly shop (special retreat discounts on all kits and patterns of 20% off, and 10% off finished items and all fabrics and supplies), then we will have a big dinner and return to the lodge. Of course do wear only the most comfortable of clothes. Just before the time of your retreat, you will be sent more information about what to bring and maps. The nearest airport is Manchester, NH about an hour plus away. Sewing skills are essential, but participants do not have to be experienced in either dollmaking or other skills such as painting. I find all levels of ability do well and have fun. Sewing machines are usually not needed and I always have one or two available in case.

RETREAT FEES AND REGISTRATION
Due to the large commitment I have to make to hold these retreats, payments must be as follows: 1/2 due up front (in certain cases it is 1/3) and non-refundable to secure your place in the class. The second half is due 30 days before the retreat, no exceptions, and is refundable only if there is a replacement for you. Please note that it is usually difficult to impossible to fill a canceled place less than 30 days from a retreat even if we have a waiting list). If you have fully paid and are unable to attend, you will receive the class kit as partial compensation for your loss. In the event of a cancelation due to extreme circumstances beyond my control, (acts of God, war related, etc.), all but the direct costs of securing the room and perishable food will be refunded to each person equally. Class kits usually include the use of various tools and supplies, plus pre-sewn bodies and all other necessary paints, stuffing and other items. Sometimes some items must be provided by the student.
Notes:
• If you wish to make other payment arrangements (monthly payments on the balance after initial deposit), please email or call so that we may accomodate your needs.
• Day student rates are available if you are within commuting distance or if you prefer to stay in a local B&B to have your own room. We can set you up at various locations.
• Do not make plane reservations until we confirm the retreat has at least the minimum number of participants. If we do not get enough students, all deposits will be returned.

(Scroll down to see current Online Classes )

THE CONCEPT - IT IS EASY AND THERE IS LOTS OF HELP. When I first heard about online classes, I thought that no one would take one from me because they could just buy a kit instead. But, I have come to realize the huge benefits that an online class can give, some of which cannot be gotten even in a real class. Here’s how it will work. You sign up for a class and when it comes about a month before class time, you are charged your class fee and you will receive an email of confirmation and a Supplies List. Very close to class startup you will receive your class kit and any supplies you may have added to your order (some online classes have optional class kits and some have class kits you can't take the class without) - this shipment will be a separate payment. Next, you will receive your pass into the Message Board where you will post your questions, comments, and I will post my answers and we will all be able to both read everyone else’s comments and “talk” to each other. Then, another email the day before the class with the information and password to get to your classroom. Lessons will be posted once each week, and I am online a few times a day answering all the questions as they arise on the Message Board. Here is the good part. You can work at your own pace, in your own environment without the pressure of being in a class and having to keep up. You don’t even have to be present for the weekly classes as all of the class material will be kept up and running not only during the class weeks, but well beyond. All steps are accompanied by color photos of me making the doll. Most classes will run 6 sessions and most lessons will be able to be completed in a couple of hours, but this can and will vary from person to person and it’s OK. You will control how fast you go which will allow you to more fully absorb the process. In all my years of teaching, I know that not much is actually remembered from one class - there is too much going on for the brain to grasp it all, so this online format is excellent. Plus, if questions arise on a particular technique, I am able to help out with "instant" digital picture pointers, and often more help comes from other students. Most people print out all the material allowing them to work at any time. You only need a computer, an internet connection, and most likely a printer. Sending in digital pictures of your work is a plus but not necessary. Plan to learn some computer stuff too along the way and to get lots of leads on interesting stuff from everyone.

If you sign up for online classes that are more than 6 weeks ahead, you will not be charged until 30 days before the class is to begin. Class kits are not charged until shipped which will be just prior to the class start-up. You will be asked for your credit card information when you order online, but you will only be charged as stated above.

Click here to see a list of previous online classes (such as Hitty, Joel Ellis) that you will be able to sign up for with the understanding that your name goes on a list and when enough students have signed up, a class start-up date will be set. You will not be charged anything until it is feasible to run the class at which time you will first receive an email asking you to confirm that this will work for you.

If you belong to a group or gather a group of 12 or more people, it is possible to run an online class just for your group (or you may allow it to be open to anyone).

IF IN DOUBT, TRY THIS - I have installed a sample class for you to click on right here to see if you can make its various parts work on your computer set-up before you register. You must have or get installed (free download from the internet) Acrobat Reader - this is software that allows you to use PDF files which is a format used universally across the internet. Newer computers usually have this already installed. This test class page is not real, but it will give you an idea of how the components of an online class work. If you can email and print out PDF documents, you should be all set. If you have trouble with the PDF print out part, this is usually a solvable problem. Note: If you have Web TV or very old systems that prevent using the PDF format, or perhaps you do not even own a computer, it is still possible to participate in class if you are willing and able to use your public library as most libraries have computers to use and very often will print out the class material very reasonably. Some students have enlisted the aid of a friend or relative who can print out the material for them.

Click here to go to Sample Class

The following list may change - classes may be added (if the time and inspiration hits), subtracted (not enough sign up) or dates changed to fit. Sometimes I do not have pictures of the item for a new class.

Classes for 2010 held elsewhere are finished - Below are the only 2011 classes:

• R John Wright Holiday Celebrations Convention, Albany, NY, June 3. Two Special Workshops based on holiday theme. (1) Making a doll sized pulltoy sheep in the manner of vintage German ones. (2) Making two Christmas Children cotton batting ornaments in the manner of the ones made in Victorian times.

• Quilts Plus (my favorite quilt shop) in Indianapolis, IN - Sorry, no classes in this location this year.

I enjoy teaching classes here in my workshop where I can have fewer students due to not having to pack up all supplies where nothing is forgotten, no travel and no set up is required other than a lick and a promise. Plus it is more stress free for me to teach fewer people and we get more done. If you would like to arrange a small class with me or even a private or semi-private workshop, please email concerning subject matter you desire, costs, time frames, and the possibility that if you do not have a group yourself, that some postings here and on the GW Yahoo message boards will yield others who might like to share.

No Classes scheduled at this time.