Date/Time: June 8 - June 12, 2026; 9:00AM to 12:00PM

Age Range: This course is for rising 6th -12th grade youth

Create something timeless with your own hands. In this class, students will design and craft a custom leather-bound journal while learning the fundamentals of leatherworking.

Participants will be guided through essential techniques including measuring, cutting, punching, stitching, and assembling leather. Along the way, they’ll explore how to work safely and effectively with leather tools, while also learning how material choices and construction methods impact durability and design.

Students will have the opportunity to personalize their journals with textures, patterns, and creative details, turning a functional object into a unique piece of art.

By the end of the class, each participant will leave with a fully handmade leather-bound journal—perfect for sketching, writing, or capturing ideas—and a strong foundation in leatherworking skills they can build on in future projects.

Instructor Bio: Bonnie Toney’s passion has been creating beautiful things since she was first able to hold a pencil and paintbrush. She got interested in gems and jewelry in elementary school, and sold her first pair of earrings at age 11. A lifelong learner with diverse interests, Bonnie has pursued many types of artistic expression, and it’s not unusual to find several different disciplines contributing to a single piece. Bonnie ran a successful facepainting business for 20 years, in addition to teaching, creating her own art, and raising a family.   A move to North Carolina in 2013 gave Bonnie the chance to spread her wings artistically, pursuing both traditional metalsmithing and metal clay with vigor. She is currently an instructor at Sawtooth School for Visual Art in Winston-Salem and has taught students of all ages at various venues in the Piedmont Triad. Her work is available at multiple locations in the area, including the Sawtooth Gallery in Winston-Salem, the Southwinds Gallery in Kernersville, and the GreenHill Center for NC Art Gallery in Greensboro. Bonnie was the Featured Artist in the Summer 2024 issue of Metal Clay Today. She is also an enthusiastic participant and exhibitor in the Arts & Health at Duke program. Follow Bonnie on social media to see more of her work and her techniques.   “I find inspiration in nature, and in artistic traditions like Art Nouveau and the Arts and Crafts movement. Elegance of line speaks to me, and I find the interplay of light and color fascinating. I find joy in the creative process, and I love to help others find their joy.”

Date/Time: June 15-19, 2026; 9:00AM to 12:00PM

Age Range: Rising 6th through 12th grade youth

Take your first steps into the exciting world of fashion with "First Steps in Fashion - Intro to Sewing"!

This comprehensive class will equip you with the essential skills to bring your fashion ideas to life. Learn to confidently operate a sewing machine, from threading the needle to mastering various stitches.

Dive into the world of patterns, understanding how to use existing ones and even creating your own unique designs. Explore the diverse applications of different stitches, discovering how they can add both functionality and flair to your creations. Throughout the class, you'll gain hands-on experience and build your skills, culminating in the creation of your very own garment.

Get ready to unleash your creativity and sew your way to stylish success!

Instructor Bio: Savannah Shanley (she/her) joined the Mixxer staff as Events Manager in May of 2023 after graduating from Salem College. She loves all kinds of creative mediums including painting and printmaking but her biggest passion is the art of quiltmaking and fiber arts. She loves helping others to learn and share their creativity with the world. Stop by to say hello whenever you're at Mixxer!

Date/Time: June 22 - 26, 2026; 9AM to 12:00PM

Age Range: Rising 6th through 12th Grade youth

Discover the art of sustainable fashion and learn how to upcycle existing garments into unique and stylish pieces. This course will teach you the techniques of deconstruction, reconstruction, and alteration to create one-of-a-kind clothing items.

You'll learn to:

• Deconstruct garments into usable materials
• Design and pattern-making techniques
• Sewing and stitching techniques
• Textile manipulation and embellishment
• Upcycling techniques like refashioning and repurposing

By the end of the course, you'll have the skills to transform old clothes into new, stylish pieces, reducing waste and expressing your individuality through sustainable fashion.All tools and materials will be provided, and lunch will be included.

Instructor Bio: Savannah Shanley (she/her) joined the Mixxer staff as Events Manager in May of 2023 after graduating from Salem College. She loves all kinds of creative mediums including painting and printmaking but her biggest passion is the art of quiltmaking and fiber arts. She loves helping others to learn and share their creativity with the world. Stop by to say hello whenever you're at Mixxer!

Date/Time: July 6 - July 10, 2026; 9:00AM to 12:00PM

Age Range: This course is for rising 9th -12th grade youth

Turn raw branches into functional works of art. In this hands-on class, students will explore the unique craft of stick furniture—designing and building one-of-a-kind pieces using natural wood materials.

Participants will learn how to transform sticks, शाखes, and reclaimed wood into structurally sound furniture while developing core woodworking and design skills. The class will cover essential techniques such as selecting and preparing materials, cutting, joining, shaping, and assembling organic forms.

Students will also dive into key design concepts like balance, stability, proportion, and form, learning how to work with the natural shapes of the wood rather than against them. Along the way, they’ll gain experience using a variety of hand and shop tools in a safe, supportive environment.

By the end of the class, each student will complete a small piece of stick furniture—such as a stool, chair, or decorative structure—combining craftsmanship, creativity, and natural materials into something truly unique.

Build it from the ground up—literally

Instructor: Brandon York