Hands-On Gatlinburg Crafts
The Smoky Mountains don’t just feel like a magical place, they really are a mystical destination. The phrase “old as the hills” rings true when you really dive into the old lore of the mountains. When you come to visit, take this otherworldly tour and investigate for yourself. Here are six of the Smokies’ best kept secrets.
1. Elkmont Trollbridge
Escape to a place that really feels like a glimpse into a mythical land. The Elkmont Trollbridge is a true hidden gem that only locals know about. Hike along the Little River Trail until you reach this spot. Covered in moss and mushrooms, the Trollbridge is perfect for capturing pictures or looking for hidden fantastical creatures.
2. House Of The Fairies
This whimsical spot is only a mile from downtown Gatlinburg yet it feels like you’ve been transported into another realm. Map to this magical place, then go out and explore. Here, you’ll find towering trees and moss covered logs and boulders. Then at the end of the trail you’ll see it...an arched doorway, that looks like it’s almost cut into the side of the hill, sits with a wooden ladder leaning against the frame. Step inside and find a cool spring, filled with water that tinkles like bells.
3. Synchronous Fireflies
The synchronized fireflies that come out every year like clockwork might be more science than magic but when you’re sitting among the trees and they begin to spark in unison, flickering in and out of sight, it feels like something otherworldly. This rare phenomenon is only seen in a few places in the world and The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of them.
4. Elkmont Ghost Town
Once a thriving vacation spot for the Knoxville elite, the Elkmont Ghost Town looks like a legend brought back to life. Recently restored, explore inside the homes and hike trails where you will find the remains of homes once occupied by Appalachian locals who would serve, supply and work in the town. This piece of history is frozen in time and feels like stepping back into the past.
There are many magical places in the Smokies and these are only four of them. Don’t stop here, continue to search for more mystical creatures and sprites living in the trees and hollows. To discover more, stay overnight in the mountains in a log cabin. This cabin is even called Magical Moments, which is exactly what you’ll find when you visit the Smoky Mountains.
We have all visited the Gatlinburg Craft rout, have you ever wished you could learn how to do a specific craft? One of the many things we are world famous for is our Arts and Crafts Community. Millions from around the globe have come to see our Appalachian arts and skills as demonstrated by descendents and students of the original artists and crafters in the area, and more than a few have watched and said to themselves, "Man, I wish I could learn to do that!"
Well, with Hands-On Gatlinburg coming up between April 7th and April 9th in 2017, you can! This weekend, many of the storeowners and artists in our Arts and Crafts Community will be holding workshop classes that teach you the same things they learned when they became professionals. In this post, we'll have an abbreviated list of the classes coming up and pertinent information on them from www.gatlinburg.com:
* Sparky’s Glass Blowing
Instructor: Gary Neumeier
“Basic Glass Blowing”
Price: $50 per class. Limited to 1 student per class ages 18 and up.
For more information on this class, call 865-325-8186.
* Rocky Flats Pottery and Soap Classes
Instructor: Ailson Houston
“Soap Making”
Price: $48 per person. Limited to 4 participants each class ages 18 years and up.
“Cleaning with Natural Products”
Price: $35 per person. Limited to 4 participants ages 12 to adult.
“Learn to Make a Soap Sack”
Price: Call the number below.
For more information on this class, call 865-387-5556.
Firefly Glass Studio
Instructor: Nancy Huff
“Fused Glass Fun”
Price: $45 per class. Limited to 4 students per class ages 10 and up.
For more information on this class, call 865-206-6083.
Artist in Wood
Instructor: Otto Preske
“Wood Carving Relief or Spirit Face”
Price: $75 per class. Limited to 2 students per class ages 18 and up),
For more information on this class, call at 865-436-5339.
Chair Shop
Instructor: Randy Ogle
“Stool Seat Weaving”
Price: $95 per class. Limited to 3 students per class ages 12 and up.
For more information on this class, call at 865-436-7413.
Smokies Edge
Instructor: Don Getty
“Learn Flint Knapping (Arrowheads)”
Price: $40 per class. Limited to 4 students per class ages 12 and up.
For more information on this class, call at 865-436-3988.
Talking Turkey Studio
Instructor: Vickie Woodruft
“Stained Glass Mosaics”
Price: $300 per class. Limited to 4 students per class ages 18 and up.
For more information on this class, call at 865-436-2397.
Proffitt’s Woodworks
Instructor: Jacki Proffitt
“Turn a Peppermill”
Price: $65 per class. Limited to 1 student per class ages 18 and up.
For more information on this class, call 865-436-0180.
Cliff Dwellers
Instructors: Louise Bales, Kathy Smart, Pat K Thomas, Sherry Mummert, Catherine Anderson, Dick Ensign.
“Acrylic Painting on Masonite”
Instructor: Louise Bales
Price: $48 per class. Limited to 6 students per class ages 12 and up.
“Hand Painted Gourd Ornaments”
Instructor: Louise Bales
Price: $48 per class. Limited to 6 students per class ages 8 and up.
“White Dogwoods on Roofing Slate”
Instructor: Kathy Smart
Price: $48 per class. Limited to 4 students per class ages 12 and up.
“Chickadee on Leaf”
Instructor: Kathy Smart
Price: $48 per class. Limited to 4 students per class ages 12 and up.
“Marble Your Own Leather Journal, 2 Day Class”
Instructor: Pat K Thomas
Price: $60 per class. Limited to 1 student per class ages 12 and up.
“Marbled Paper”
Instructor: Pat K Thomas
Price: $60 per class. Limited to 3 students per class ages 12 and up.
“Rug Weaving”
Instructor: Sherry Mummert
Price: $65 per class. Limited to 1 student per class ages 15 and up.
“Potholders”
Instructor: Sherry Mummert
Price: $15 per class. Limited to 8 students per class ages 8 and up.
“Beautiful Beaded Necklace & Earrings”
Instructor: Catherine Anderson
Price: $48 per class. Limited to 5 students per class ages 16 and up.
“Brilliant Beaded Bracelet & Earrings”
Instructor: Catherine Anderson
Price: $48 per class. Limited to 5 students per class ages 8 and up.
“Paint the Smokies”
Instructor: Dick Ensign
Price: $48 per class. Limited to 6 students per class ages 18 and up.
For more information on this class, call 865-436-6921.
Mountain Stitches by Susan
Instructor: Susan Dudley
“Star Table Topper”
Price: $48 per class. Limited to 6 students per class ages 18 and up.
For more information on this class, call 865-436-0077.
A Jann Peitso, Art!
Instructor: Jann Peitso
“Watercolor on Paper made from Pulverized Rock”
Price: $35 per class. Limited to 4 students per class ages 8 to adult.
“Watercolor on Paper made from Pulverized Rock”
Price: $35 per class. Limited to 4 students per class ages 8 to adult.
“Watercolor on YUPO Paper”
Price: $35 per class. Limited to 4 students per class ages 8 to adult.
For more information on this class, call 404-216-2118.
Ogle’s Broom Shop
Instructor: David Ogle
“Broom Making”
Price: $69 per class. Limited to 4 students per class ages 25 and up.
For more information on this class, call 865-430-4402.
Fowler’s Clay Works
Instructor: Mike Fowler
“Make your own Mug”
Price: $34 per class. Limited to 4 students per class ages 7 to adult.
For more information on this class, call 865-412-1003.
Overhome Creations
Instructor: Jan Barnes
“Introducing Resin Techniques in Jewelry Making”
Price: $40 per class. Limited to 5 students per class ages 15 and up.
“Steampunk Embellished Lace Cuff”
Instructor: Lori Martin
Price: $70 per class. Limited to 4 students per class ages 16 and up.
“Dorset Buttons”
Instructor: Lori Martin
Price: $40 per class. Limited to 5 students per class ages 16 and up.
For more information on this class, call 865-254-6980.
Zuke’s Woodworkz Classes
Instructor: Amy and Chris Overbeck
“Key to My Heart”
Price: $25 per class. Limited to 8 students per class ages 10 and up.
For more information on this class, call 865-805-2614.
Stephen J. Carl Fine Arts
Instructor: Stephen J Carl
Price: $50 per class. Limited to 12 students per class ages 18 and up.
For more information on this class, call 937-372-8718.
Delauder’s BBQ
Instructor: Danny Delauder
“Simple BBQ”
Price: $45 per class. Limited to 12 students per class ages 18 and up.
For more information on this class, call 865-325-8680.
Find more detailed information on these classes including times and descriptions at CLICK HERE
