Break to Make: Employees Only

For NC State University Faculty and Staff only. Take a BREAK from workday stress to MAKE something creative and fun at The Crafts Center this semester! Register for one or more sessions.
Class fee: $25 per session, all supplies included 

Spring 2027 Break to Make Sessions

Session A – Beaded Earrings: Each participant will have the opportunity to make at least one pair of simple bead earrings. The class will teach the basics of all beaded earrings so you can take your new earrings and your new knowledge home with you.
Thursday | January 28 | 11:30a.m.- 1:30p.m.
[Instructor: Gail Kenyon; Location: Room 125, Max = 6]

Session B – Turned Wood Pen: Learn how to use a wood lathe and turn your very own custom wooden twist pen. Start with a block of hardwood and learn how to shape, sand, finish and assemble a one-of-a-kind handmade pen. Kit included.
Friday | January 29 | 12:00p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
[Instructor: Student Staff; Location: Room 127, Max=8]

Session C – Paisley Valentine Card: Get ready for Valentine’s Day with some heart art! Join calligrapher Kymberly Arana of Delaney Fine Lettering for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn to draw elegant, contemporary paisley patterns using traditional calligraphy tools. Create a beautiful, handcrafted Valentine to display or give to someone special. All materials are included – just bring an open heart and maybe a friend! All supplies included.
Friday | February 2 | 11:00a.m. – 1:00p.m.
[Instructor: Kymberly Arana; Location: Room 139, Max=10]

Session D – Small Turned Phone Stand: Learn how to use a wood lathe and turn your very own custom stylus/phone stand! Start with a block of hardwood and learn how to shape, sand, finish and assemble a one-of-a-kind kickstand for your phone. Kit included.
Friday | February 5 | 12:00p.m. – 3:00p.m.
[Instructor: Student Staff; Location: Room 127, Max=8]

Session E – Hand Embroidery: Learn the fundamental basic stitches of embroidery – running, back, stem, split, chain, and feather stitching patterns, to name a few! Practice your new embroidery skills on test fabric provided by the Crafts Center and walk away with enough knowledge to continue embroidering independently as a hobby! No experience necessary – beginners welcome. All supplies included.
Friday | February 5 | 11:00a.m. – 1:00p.m.
[Instructor: Sophie Krause; Location: Room 139, Max=10]

Session F – Acrylic Belltower Painting: Paint your own rendition of the iconic NC State Belltower. No experience necessary – beginners welcome. All supplies included.
Friday | February 12 | 2:00p.m. – 4:00p.m.
[Instructor: Norah Hoppe; Location: Room 131, Max=10]

Session G- Stacking Rings: Learn how to make your own ring! You will form & solder each ring using either wire or sheet.
Thursday | February 18 | 5:00p.m. – 8:00p.m.
[Instructor: Kyla Aubertin; Location: Room 125, Max = 8]

Session H – Watercolor Daylilies: No experience necessary. Learn the basics of watercolor as you paint vibrant daylilies. Create this painting with the blending of transparent watercolors while layering washes and adding glazes to produce rich colors. All supplies included.
Friday | February 19 | 11:00a.m. – 1:00p.m.
[Instructor: Laura Azzi; Location: Room 131, Max=10]

Session I – Enameled Pendant and Earrings: Come ‘play’ with fire while learning to apply powdered glass to metal. In this short session, get a quick, hands-on lesson in basic hot enameling.
Tuesday | February 23 | 10:00a.m. – 1:00p.m.
[Instructor: Ndidi Kowalczyk; Location: Room 125, Max = 8]

Session J – Ice Cream Scoop: Learn how to use a wood lathe and turn your very own custom ice cream scoop! Start with a block of hardwood and learn how to shape, sand, finish and assemble a unique ice cream server. Kit included.
Friday | March 5 | 12:00p.m. – 3:00p.m.
[Instructor: Student Staff; Location: Room 127, Max=8]

Session K – Eraser Stamp Carving: Learn to carve your own small stamps from rubber erasers, to be used on any paper, cloth, or wood surface. No experience necessary – beginners welcome. All supplies included.
Monday | March 8 | 11:00a.m. – 1:00p.m.
[Instructor: Lee Reinstein; Location: Room 131, Max=10]

Session L – Pendulum Pour Painting: Spend an afternoon swinging paint from the ceiling and letting loose on canvas and poster board! Bring your own additional items to paint on [canvas, tee shirt, mug, wood, etc.] and come to class prepared to get really messy!
Friday | March 12 | 12:00p.m. – 2:00p.m.
[Instructor: Katy Walls; Location: Room 131, Max=6]

Session M – Pottery Wheel: Try your hands at the potter’s wheel while making a clay bowl or cup during this fun activity! Students will pick their favorite piece to be glazed and finished in the Crafts Center’s gas kiln and available for pick up 3 – 4 weeks after the class session!
Friday | March 26 | 3:00p.m. – 6:00p.m.
[Instructor: Erin Emott; Location: Room 101, Max=12]

Session N – Acrylic Belltower Painting: Paint your own rendition of the iconic NC State Belltower. No experience necessary – beginners welcome. All supplies included.
Friday | April 2 | 2:00p.m. – 4:00p.m.
[Instructor: Norah Hoppe; Location: Room 131, Max=10]

Session O – Hammered Copper Earrings: Each participant will have the opportunity to make at least one pair of hammered copper metal earrings. The class will teach the basics of hammered metal for earrings.
Thursday | April 8 | 11:30am – 1:30pm
[Instructor: Gail Kenyon; Location: Room 125, Max = 6]

Session P – Turned Duck Call: Quack! Come learn how to use a wood lathe and turn your very own duck call. Start with a block of hardwood and learn how to shape, sand, finish and assemble the call. Kit included.
Friday | April 9 | 12:00p.m. – 3:00p.m.
[Instructor: Student Staff; Location: Room 127, Max=8]

Session Q – Watercolor Roses: Roses are jewels of the garden; capture their magnificence in watercolor! Join Laura and let her guide you step by step in using watercolor to paint this beautiful flower. No experience necessary – beginners welcome. All supplies included.
Friday | April 9 | 11:00a.m. – 1:00p.m.
[Instructor: Laura Azzi; Location: Room 131, Max=10]

Session R: Handbuilding Clay Mugs: Learn basic handbuilding techniques and design your very own clay mug. Students can embellish clay slab surfaces with sta.m.ps or texture mats then carefully assemble by scoring, slipping, and compressing. Pieces will be fired in the Crafts Center’s gas kiln and available for pick up 3 – 4 weeks after the class session!
Friday | April 23 | 3:00p.m. – 5:00p.m.
[Instructor: Blake Kennedy; Location: Room 101, Max=10]