Where to apprentice!

[Burly Brute]

It would seem the custom of hand-making textile items is a rare find across the board as we import more and more junk from factories in China. I have a question, I hope you have an answer.

I would love some of these trades you all are such masters at. But I learn better by instructions, example, and practice. This of course is quite expensive in regards to a lot of aspects of any trade. Are there any organizations where people can apprentice others as they craft and if be so lucky learn their trade as well? I guess I could check the local community colleges, but I doubt them having too many crafty type classes. I don't know, the internet is much to vague and misinterpreted for me to try and understand much.

Thanks for hearing my rant!

-Z

[macwilkin]

It would seem the custom of hand-making textile items is a rare find across the board as we import more and more junk from factories in China. I have a question, I hope you have an answer.

I would love some of these trades you all are such masters at. But I learn better by instructions, example, and practice. This of course is quite expensive in regards to a lot of aspects of any trade. Are there any organizations where people can apprentice others as they craft and if be so lucky learn their trade as well? I guess I could check the local community colleges, but I doubt them having too many crafty type classes. I don't know, the internet is much to vague and misinterpreted for me to try and understand much.

Thanks for hearing my rant!

-Z

As a community college librarian & instructor, don't discount them without checking first. Many have Workforce Development programs where local businesses work with community college programs.

T.

[Bugbear]

Out here, there are bunchs of community colleges, as cajunscot says, vocational schools, trade schools, art schools, craft centers, and individual craft people with small home based groups, usually quilting and clothing related. I think you should be able to find something.

[HeathBar]

I know its not in your neck of the woods, but there is the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Even thought Highland is in the name, it does not refer to Scottish Highland crafts. But it might be a starting place.

http://www.southernhighlandguild.org/

[piperdbh]

Sometimes your local Senior Center can be a good place to search. There can be older folks there who might be crafters of some particular thing, who are looking for something to do and would take you on as a student.
Also, your local school art teacher might be able to point you in the right direction. Artists are like musicians; we all know each other.

Give us a few ideas about what in particular you'd like to learn and we might be able to offer a little more specific help.

[Burly Brute]

Thanks so much guys! These are all wonderful ideas!

I guess my biggest reason for the post is funding, I have very little.

Ideally I would like to vendor at the local celtic festivals as a hobby, and I have a pretty decent theme I believe in the works. I guess I would just like to learn more about wood & leather working, as well as welding, probably torch welding though.

I wish I could learn more from my grandfather, he is 90 years old now and doesnt work on things as much as he used to. I learned a lot from his old world techniques and such, and I feel it in my blood to work with my hands. I just don't know enough as it stands. Coupled with the fact I would also like to maintain all my fingers also..lol

[Tobus]

I would stay away from places that specialize in training or schooling, simply because their focus is going to be pretty broad and generic. If you want to truly be an apprentice to a craftsman, go to the craftsman. Find someone who excels at what they do, and ask if you can apprentice under them.

That's what my wife has been doing for many years now. She's always had an artistic flair, but it never really found the proper channel until she started apprenticing under a leatherworker who has been doing this for 40 some-odd years. She works for him every day, learning bit by bit (and usually not getting paid for it). He has taught her things that you'll never find in books or trade schools.

There are a lot of older craftsmen (and women) in this country who represent a dying breed in their fields, and would love nothing more than to pass it on to someone eager to learn it, in a one-on-one setting. These are the ones to learn from, not the ones who run an institution for teaching as many people as they can.

[emhepri]

You can also check with local guilds. As a hand weaver and spinner, I know there are guilds in most communities. For the most part, it is just a matter of what type of craft you are interested in. Most local community colleges have classes available too. Again, it really depends on what you are looking for. Hope this helps you.

Regards,

Ernie

[Burly Brute]

I would stay away from places that specialize in training or schooling, simply because their focus is going to be pretty broad and generic. If you want to truly be an apprentice to a craftsman, go to the craftsman. Find someone who excels at what they do, and ask if you can apprentice under them.

That's what my wife has been doing for many years now. She's always had an artistic flair, but it never really found the proper channel until she started apprenticing under a leatherworker who has been doing this for 40 some-odd years. She works for him every day, learning bit by bit (and usually not getting paid for it). He has taught her things that you'll never find in books or trade schools.

There are a lot of older craftsmen (and women) in this country who represent a dying breed in their fields, and would love nothing more than to pass it on to someone eager to learn it, in a one-on-one setting. These are the ones to learn from, not the ones who run an institution for teaching as many people as they can.

Very true. THinking about this stuff always reminds me of the character in "Into the Wild" who teaches Chris McCandless how to do a bit of leather work. I forget the well-known actor who plays the part based on the true person.

[Detroitpete]

I was a student--then student artist here: http://www.pewabic.org/