Maple and Bass Classroom - Join Us
The Maple and Bass classroom is a fully-equipped workspace, providing each student with a workstation complete with all the necessary high-quality tools and equipment to finish your project. You don't need to bring your own tools, even if you own them.
Carving and Woodburning Drop-in - Every Friday from October 18 to December 13
Join us for a carving/woodburning get-together every Friday morning from 9 a.m. to noon at Maple and Bass! Meet fellow carvers and woodburning artists, work on your own projects, be inspired by what others are working on and share tips and ideas, all in a relaxed setting. There is no need to register in advance - drop by when you can! Maple and Bass's classroom tools are available for you to use, so you only need to bring the project(s) you want to work on. You are welcome to bring your own tools if you wish as well. You can also try a new type of tool from Maple and Bass's extensive selection of power carving tools and cutters.
Open House - Fall Kick-off at Maple and Bass - Friday and Saturday, September 27 & 28
We're normally open Monday through Friday, 9 am-4:30 pm. To kick off the fall carving season, we're hosting our First Annual Open House on Friday, September 27, from 10 am to 9 pm and Saturday, September 28, from 10 am to 4 pm.
Drop in and see the new pieces in our gallery, check out the classroom and see what we'll be doing this fall and winter!
Carve a Boot - Basic Woodcarving Using Rotary Tools - Thursday, October 3 & 10
In this 2-week (6-hour total) course, you will learn basic carving techniques and skills while carving a small cowboy boot or workboot. This workshop is perfect for beginner carvers or those who have been carving with hand tools and want to explore using rotary tools. You'll start with a bandsawn basswood blank, and Cam will guide you through your boot's layout, carving, and finishing. As time permits, a range of carving cutters, techniques and options for future projects will be discussed. Questions are always encouraged.
Carve a Miniature Bald Eagle on a Rock - Starting Thursday, October 17 for 10 weeks
Over the course of 10 weeks, dedicating three hours each week for a total of 30 hours, you will carve, texture, and paint a highly detailed miniature Bald Eagle perched on a carved rock base. This workshop is suitable for carvers at all levels of experience. Whether you are new to bird carving or an experienced artisan, you will find the class enjoyable and challenging, as Cam tailors his instruction to each student's skill level and abilities. The class involves using rotary power carving tools, adding texture with wood-burning tools, and painting with acrylics. By the end of the course, you will have acquired numerous new skills and crafted a stunning carving to proudly display.
Carve a Miniature Belted Kingfisher - Starting Tuesday, October 22 for 10 weeks
Over the course of 10 weeks, dedicating three hours each week for a total of 30 hours, you will carve, texture, and paint a highly-detailed miniature Belted Kingfisher perched on a carved base. This workshop is suitable for carvers at all levels of experience. Whether you are new to bird carving or an experienced artisan, you will find the class enjoyable and challenging, as Cam tailors his instruction to each student's skill level and abilities. The class involves using rotary power carving tools, adding texture with wood-burning tools, and painting with acrylics. By the end of the course, you will have acquired numerous new skills and crafted a stunning carving to proudly display.
Woodburning Techniques and Tools - Saturday, October 19
Learn about pyrography techniques and tools and open up new possibilities in this amazing art form. Topics covered include tool and material selection, pros and cons of various types of woodburning tools, safety, and hands-on exercises making sample panels of various drawing, detailing, texturing and shading techniques. You'll bring it together in a beautiful project to complete the class. Finishing and colouring will also be covered as time permits.
Carving a Fishing Lure - Friday (evening) and Saturday (all day) November 22 & 23
CLASS WILL RUN FRIDAY EVENING FROM 7-9:30 PM AND SATURDAY FROM 9:30 AM-5 PM. Learn basic power carving skills while carving a beautiful, functional jointed or single-piece plug. Starting with a basswood blank and an acrylic piece for the diving plate (if required), Cam will expertly guide you through all the steps to carve, sand, assemble, paint and seal your choice of lure. You’ll learn how to use rotary tools to shape and sand the lure as well as how to make rigging from stainless steel wire. You will put it all together in a strong, functional and beautiful lure in and out of the water. Several different designs, as well as endless painting options, will be offered.
Taking the Mystery out of Colour - Saturday, December 7
Learn about pigments and how colour works in this practical hands-on workshop. After a bit of basic colour theory and learning how pigments work, you will learn to build a personal library of colours that you can use to help mix any colour you want easily and predictably. Learn why some tube colours mix well, and others should be avoided. In addition to pigments and colour, Cam will cover shades, tints, and tones and show how neutral pigments (black, gray, and white) interact. Cam has taught this class for decades and has helped beginners through very experienced artists understand how colour and pigments work. His practical and straightforward approach will have you on your way to becoming a colour expert!
Clay Sculpting - Polymer Clay Tricks and Techniques - Friday (evening) and Saturday (all day) January 17 & 18
For many years now, Cam has been modelling many of his pieces in polymer clay prior to carving them in wood. Over the years, he has developed techniques to simplify the process, making it spontaneous, easy, creative and fun. Learn the dozens of tips and techniques he uses to allow unlimited creativity that takes the guesswork out of a complex carving (or you could finish the clay sculpture as it is). With Cam's techniques, it's always possible to correct mistakes, and you can be as precise or as loose as you want. If you like carving or sculpting, you'll be hooked on the process you learn in this class.
Whether you have a specific project in mind or not, the workshop offers you the freedom to work on your own ideas. For those seeking inspiration, a small American Avocet (shorebird) sculpture is a delightful option. The process involves some basic wood carving to create the armature(s) for the initial maquette. You'll be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you can infuse personality and movement into your sculpture. The entire process is remarkably flexible and forgiving, allowing you to experiment and learn at your own pace. Polymer clay, a key medium, remains pliable indefinitely, but can be hardened by baking if desired.