Making a Hypertufa Container
Saturday, September 13, 2008 10:00am - 1:30pm, and
Monday, September 15, 2008 7:00pm - 8:30pm (two days)
Class fee: $65, Supply fee $15
Instructors: Kristi Silver and Kathy Crabb
Maximum Students 12, Minimum Students 5

Hypertufa is a fun and easy art medium once you learn a few techniques. The resulting planters will last through many seasons and eventually the outside surface will become home for mosses and lichens. All kinds of plants will flourish in this type of container including annuals, perennials, succulents and small conifers. The containers are hand-formed from a concoction of cement, peat moss, and perlite. In a small supportive group, you will learn about the three essential ingredients and mixing methods. You will then use every day forms and hand-apply the mixture to the forms to create a planter. The two instructors will demonstrate and gladly help you along each step to insure your success. You'll make two planters during the Saturday class. All materials and supplies are provided. The planters then need to set up for two days in place at Bassetti's. You'll return Monday to trim and embellish the planters which will then be ready to take home. However, they will then need to "cure" in a plastic bag for three weeks before they are truly hardened. Please wear appropriate garden-hardy clothes and bring a hat.

About the instructors:
For 14 years Kathy Crabb has been managing a beauty salon in Edmonds, Washington. Her mission in life is to make people “feel good “ and “look good…. as we all are unique & special.” Her passions in life: beading, copper & silver wire work, gardening, floral design, rock collecting and obviously working with concrete – whether it is hypertufa or rock bird houses. “Creating with my sister is heaven here on Earth. I cherish the peace I experience in my Soul when creating.”

Kristi Silver works for good old Mother Earth as a Scientist by day, and works with art the rest of the time. Kristi has been a potter for over 28 years – this is where she has learned some of the unique techniques that allow her so much freedom with hypertufa, “besides, you don’t have to fire it! " I love to make messes, so pottery and hypertufa are perfect for me.” Her love of gardening and planters lead her to this media. “The mosses that eventually start covering the pot are just too cool and organic looking.” When Kristi wants to (or has to) stay clean, she enjoys beading and jewelry making.

How to Register