| ~ Fine Art Gourds ~ Private Lessons, Class Schedules & Class Descriptions |
Pine Needle Coiling
Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advance
Class Time: 4 hrs. for 1st class to learn the basics and start coiling. Student will
take home piece and finish the coiling up to ... and not doing .... the ending. I suggest
another class will be to learn how to finish the piece and critique what the student did at
home.
NOTE: If student wishes to follow the books directions to finish off, that okay too.
You will learn to sew your stitches where they will be straight on both sides ... not just
one side .... along with learning the basic stitches (Plain, Split, Wheat, V, Fern, and Back
Stitch).
Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advance
Class Time: 4 hrs. for 1st class to learn the basics and start coiling. Student will
take home piece and finish the coiling up to ... and not doing .... the ending. I suggest
another class will be to learn how to finish the piece and critique what the student did at
home.
NOTE: If student wishes to follow the books directions to finish off, that okay too.
You will learn to sew your stitches where they will be straight on both sides ... not just
one side .... along with learning the basic stitches (Plain, Split, Wheat, V, Fern, and Back
Stitch).
| General Information |
I sell books of many techniques that are very, very detailed. Books are great if you are unable to attend an actual class. I strongly
suggest students take at least a few classes to learn the basics of any technique. The "hands-on" experience of a class is hard to
beat. I teach private and classroom lessons and a firm believer that classes are for learning as well for having fun.
All students receive books ... not a couple of pages ... of step-by-step instructions and photos showing the steps.
Please contact me by e-mail (hellenmmartin@gmail.com) or calling (817-907-3320) if you are interested in me teaching at your
retreat, group, and having private lessons.
suggest students take at least a few classes to learn the basics of any technique. The "hands-on" experience of a class is hard to
beat. I teach private and classroom lessons and a firm believer that classes are for learning as well for having fun.
All students receive books ... not a couple of pages ... of step-by-step instructions and photos showing the steps.
Please contact me by e-mail (hellenmmartin@gmail.com) or calling (817-907-3320) if you are interested in me teaching at your
retreat, group, and having private lessons.
| 2012 |
| Pieces Teaching |
Comments:
"Not only are you and Outstanding artist, but also an
EXCELLENT teacher!! I took your painting class at TGS Lone
Start Gourd Festival, and your instructions were clear and easy
to follow. I was so glad when you saw we would not have time to
finish the project in class within the class allotted time and
suggeste you demonstrate all the necessary techniques .... even a
few secret ones!!! I believe I will have no problem finishing by
myself at home. PLEASE let me know when you will be teaching
a class again. I'm ready to sign up!! Thanks for making the class
seem like we were just having a good time and LOTS of fun!!!"
.......... Sylvia Hendrix (Arkansas)
"Not only are you and Outstanding artist, but also an
EXCELLENT teacher!! I took your painting class at TGS Lone
Start Gourd Festival, and your instructions were clear and easy
to follow. I was so glad when you saw we would not have time to
finish the project in class within the class allotted time and
suggeste you demonstrate all the necessary techniques .... even a
few secret ones!!! I believe I will have no problem finishing by
myself at home. PLEASE let me know when you will be teaching
a class again. I'm ready to sign up!! Thanks for making the class
seem like we were just having a good time and LOTS of fun!!!"
.......... Sylvia Hendrix (Arkansas)
The Art of Painting with Acrylics
Skill Level: Beginner, Immediate, Advance
Class Time: 4 hours to start. Additional classes if student would like.
You will learn the basics and introduced to some intermediate painting. Topics
covered are base coating, shading, highlighting, how to give depth to your art, glazes,
washes and tinting.
I discuss different type of brushes, care of brushes, setting up palettes, varnishes,
general supplies, and transferring patterns.
You will leave this class with the knowledge to do just about any painting.
Class projects are done according to preference and skills of the students
Skill Level: Beginner, Immediate, Advance
Class Time: 4 hours to start. Additional classes if student would like.
You will learn the basics and introduced to some intermediate painting. Topics
covered are base coating, shading, highlighting, how to give depth to your art, glazes,
washes and tinting.
I discuss different type of brushes, care of brushes, setting up palettes, varnishes,
general supplies, and transferring patterns.
You will leave this class with the knowledge to do just about any painting.
Class projects are done according to preference and skills of the students
Comments:
Thank you so much Hellen for working me into your busy schedule for
private classes. I know I called just two days prior to being in your area.
You were so nice over the phone and willing to help me. I loved the class
and had so much fun. I learned so much! Also, a big thank you for
schedule me for a painting class the very next day. You made it look so
simple and again I learn more than I expected. You are my hero!
.......... Sara Wilson (Miami, FL)
Thank you so much Hellen for working me into your busy schedule for
private classes. I know I called just two days prior to being in your area.
You were so nice over the phone and willing to help me. I loved the class
and had so much fun. I learned so much! Also, a big thank you for
schedule me for a painting class the very next day. You made it look so
simple and again I learn more than I expected. You are my hero!
.......... Sara Wilson (Miami, FL)
| CLASS DESCRIPTIONS |
Hellen's Painting Style
Hellen's Coiling Style
Class Project
Hellen's Coiling Style
Industrial Metal Coating & Various Patinas
Skill Level: Beginner
Class Time: 4 hours to leave with a finished piece. Additional classes if you would
like to learn how to use the products for a different look.
Use industrial strength metal bronze coating and add various patinas to develop a very
unique piece. Every piece will be different when finished. This isn't a faux patina style
finish, but the real thing!! Students will also use copper metal coating and a wax patina
for accents. There are so many ways to use these products to get endless results.
Students will receive a book with photos giving step-by-step instructions plus
information about the products and distributors.
Skill Level: Beginner
Class Time: 4 hours to leave with a finished piece. Additional classes if you would
like to learn how to use the products for a different look.
Use industrial strength metal bronze coating and add various patinas to develop a very
unique piece. Every piece will be different when finished. This isn't a faux patina style
finish, but the real thing!! Students will also use copper metal coating and a wax patina
for accents. There are so many ways to use these products to get endless results.
Students will receive a book with photos giving step-by-step instructions plus
information about the products and distributors.
FL Class - 2010
Click to Enlarge
Comments:
Click to Enlarge
Comments:
| Class Project Coiling not indluded |
Hellen's Style with Using These Products
Let's Add Texture!
Skill Level: Beginner
Class Time: 4 hours to leave with a finished piece.
Use a very "unique" product that adds texture beyond belief on a gourd. Will paint a
tourquoise finish on the gourd during the class, but I will explain how to get other
painted finishes during the class. There are endless possibilities for final results with
this technique. Students receive a book with photos giving step-by-step instructions.
Skill Level: Beginner
Class Time: 4 hours to leave with a finished piece.
Use a very "unique" product that adds texture beyond belief on a gourd. Will paint a
tourquoise finish on the gourd during the class, but I will explain how to get other
painted finishes during the class. There are endless possibilities for final results with
this technique. Students receive a book with photos giving step-by-step instructions.
AZ Class - 2010
Click to Enlarge
FL Class - 2010
Click to Enlarge
Comments:
"I'm a contemporary artists who sells in galleries. I wanted to learn
how to use this technique in combination with the metal painting and
patinas. Hellen is a joy to have as a teacher. She doesn't hold back
her knowledge and shares everything she knows. She suggested I put
on more layers of the texture to get more texture and suggested
doing the top in a different way. I'm so glad she did. We discussed
what type of gourd I should bring and decided on a nice vase style. I
felt I walked away with an excellent piece. I placed the piece in the
gallery, and it sold for $950 within a week."
.......... Carrie Watson, Oklahoma
Click to Enlarge
FL Class - 2010
Click to Enlarge
Comments:
"I'm a contemporary artists who sells in galleries. I wanted to learn
how to use this technique in combination with the metal painting and
patinas. Hellen is a joy to have as a teacher. She doesn't hold back
her knowledge and shares everything she knows. She suggested I put
on more layers of the texture to get more texture and suggested
doing the top in a different way. I'm so glad she did. We discussed
what type of gourd I should bring and decided on a nice vase style. I
felt I walked away with an excellent piece. I placed the piece in the
gallery, and it sold for $950 within a week."
.......... Carrie Watson, Oklahoma
| Class Project |
Hellen's Style with Using This Technique
Previous discuss will be held with
the student to find out their ability
before a class project will be
decided.
If done as a classroom project,
the piece will be either on various
levels: beginner, immediate, or
advance.
the student to find out their ability
before a class project will be
decided.
If done as a classroom project,
the piece will be either on various
levels: beginner, immediate, or
advance.
| The class project will depend on what the student wants to learn. Each class is design for individual student. |
March 9, 10, & 11, 2012
Lakeshore Gourders - Hobart/Merrillville, Indiana - are
hosting a 'Hellen Martin Retreat.'
If you are interested in attending, please send an
e-mail to ' mpap2@frontier.com ' There are a few
openings left.
Hellen prepares class 'booklets' giving detail
instructions beside photos, not just a page or two.
Why? So when the students are unable to work on
their class pieces for six months, they have the
booklet for reference.
NOTE: Hellen will be having a drawing during each
class for one of her books.
Lakeshore Gourders - Hobart/Merrillville, Indiana - are
hosting a 'Hellen Martin Retreat.'
If you are interested in attending, please send an
e-mail to ' mpap2@frontier.com ' There are a few
openings left.
Hellen prepares class 'booklets' giving detail
instructions beside photos, not just a page or two.
Why? So when the students are unable to work on
their class pieces for six months, they have the
booklet for reference.
NOTE: Hellen will be having a drawing during each
class for one of her books.
| PRIVATE CLASSES |
I give private classes and love teaching one-on-one classes. This gives me a
chance to really get to know the person. We have lots of fun!! My students have all
become very close friends. They are an extended part of my family.
I teach all the classes listed below and special requests.
The painting and woodburning classes are based upon the students ability. No
problem if you've never painted. Everyone states there. ;o)
chance to really get to know the person. We have lots of fun!! My students have all
become very close friends. They are an extended part of my family.
I teach all the classes listed below and special requests.
The painting and woodburning classes are based upon the students ability. No
problem if you've never painted. Everyone states there. ;o)
Comments:
"I am so thrilled to have found Hellen Martin. She is the nicest
lady in the whole world and an awesome artist and teacher. She
has a great personality and makes learning fun and easy. She has
become a great friend and learning from her is really cool. She
does things right and doesn't take shortcuts. Her work is so
beautiful."
................ Brenda Knight Styron (Texas)
Note: Brenda has learned simple woodburning, staining with dyes, and pine
needle coiling as well as cleaning a gourd. She wants to learn everything I can
possibly teach her. GREAT STUDENT and friend!!
"I am so thrilled to have found Hellen Martin. She is the nicest
lady in the whole world and an awesome artist and teacher. She
has a great personality and makes learning fun and easy. She has
become a great friend and learning from her is really cool. She
does things right and doesn't take shortcuts. Her work is so
beautiful."
................ Brenda Knight Styron (Texas)
Note: Brenda has learned simple woodburning, staining with dyes, and pine
needle coiling as well as cleaning a gourd. She wants to learn everything I can
possibly teach her. GREAT STUDENT and friend!!
| Most of the designs within this web site are originals of Hellen Martin. Under no circumstances may they be used or reproduced in any form whatsoever without written permission. |
| Galleries of Pieces for Sale: Additional Pages: Carving, Wildlife, Pyrography (woodburning) & Leather Tooling About the Artist Southwest & American Indian Inspired Favorite Links Christmas & Santa Order Form & Order Information Pine Needle Coiling Why Pine Needle Coiling Cost So Much? Instructional Gourd Books and Patterns: Galleries: Pine Needle Coiling Woodburned Leather Tooling Award Winners Closed Coiling Let's Add Texture My Favorite Sold Pieces Acrylic Painting Bronze & Copper Metal Coatings Santa Pattern with Various Patinas Galleries Representing Hellen Martin: Photos and Information about the galleries Class Descriptions and Schedules Pieces located in each gallery Texas Indian Market & Southwest Showcase Home Photos of the Show I Attended in 2009. Contact the Artist: to discuss a special request, questions about an item, ask about teaching a class, &/or comments. You can also call the artist @ 817-907-3320. E-Mail Me .... or use hellenmmartin@gmail.com |
| Fine Gourd Art Carvings, Paintings, Closed Coiling, Pine Needle Coiling, Pyrography (woodburning) & Western Leather Tooling in Southwest, American Indian Inspired, Western, Wildlife, & Santas Instructional Books & Patterns ~ Gourd Classes |
| Fine Art Gourds by Hellen Martin |
Pyrography - Quail New
Fun piece to do! Learn the basics and more for woodburning: straight lines, shading,
adding depth, highlighting, etc.and learn her tricks for preparing the gourd for burning.
Also learn other tips she has learned along the way. Students receive a 20 page book
with 29 photos with 26 of them being step-by-step instructions. Also learn how to put a
pattern on your gourd.
Fun piece to do! Learn the basics and more for woodburning: straight lines, shading,
adding depth, highlighting, etc.and learn her tricks for preparing the gourd for burning.
Also learn other tips she has learned along the way. Students receive a 20 page book
with 29 photos with 26 of them being step-by-step instructions. Also learn how to put a
pattern on your gourd.
| Class Project |
Hellen's style of woodburning
Comments:
"Your tutorial for the coiling class was the most in-depth and
informative tutorial I've seen for a gourd class. You put a lot of
attention on the details which most instructions leave out. I
enjoyed reading it, and the pictures are right on.
.......... M. A. Koepka (Texas)
"Your tutorial for the coiling class was the most in-depth and
informative tutorial I've seen for a gourd class. You put a lot of
attention on the details which most instructions leave out. I
enjoyed reading it, and the pictures are right on.
.......... M. A. Koepka (Texas)
Pyrography - Flowers, Leaves & Watercolor New
Skill Level: Beginner
Class Time:
1) 4 hours - Student can do at finish one red flower. one daisy, and leaf in the class.
They can continue burning the piece at home.
2) 8 hours - complete the burning.
3) 6 hours - learn the basic of pine needle coiling and start the coiling on the piece.
Student can finish at home by using the information sent home with the student.
NOTE: When a student finishes this class, they will be ready for the any of my
intermediate woodburning classes.
Fun piece to do! Learn the basics of woodburning: straight lines, shading, add depth,
highlight, etc. and learn her tricks for preparing the gourd for burning. Plus, watercolor
the piece so the burned lines show. Learn other tips she has learned along the way.
Students receive a book with photos giving step-by-step instructions.
Skill Level: Beginner
Class Time:
1) 4 hours - Student can do at finish one red flower. one daisy, and leaf in the class.
They can continue burning the piece at home.
2) 8 hours - complete the burning.
3) 6 hours - learn the basic of pine needle coiling and start the coiling on the piece.
Student can finish at home by using the information sent home with the student.
NOTE: When a student finishes this class, they will be ready for the any of my
intermediate woodburning classes.
Fun piece to do! Learn the basics of woodburning: straight lines, shading, add depth,
highlight, etc. and learn her tricks for preparing the gourd for burning. Plus, watercolor
the piece so the burned lines show. Learn other tips she has learned along the way.
Students receive a book with photos giving step-by-step instructions.
| Class Project |
Comments:
"I wanted to take Hellen's tooling class but never burned a thing
in my life. She said I would get frustrated if I took that class first
and suggested I take this class. Like she said, "You have to learn
the basics first." I loved the class! I took the tooling class next
and loved that one also. Hellen walked me through both classes
and made suggestions and kept reminding my to use a "light
touch." I feel I have a new best friend."
.......... Sara Jones, Texas
"I wanted to take Hellen's tooling class but never burned a thing
in my life. She said I would get frustrated if I took that class first
and suggested I take this class. Like she said, "You have to learn
the basics first." I loved the class! I took the tooling class next
and loved that one also. Hellen walked me through both classes
and made suggestions and kept reminding my to use a "light
touch." I feel I have a new best friend."
.......... Sara Jones, Texas
Woodburn Buffalo & SW Mountains NEW
Skill Level: Intermediate (at least three months using a woodburner) or
taken Hellen's Flowers and Leaves class
Class time:
1) 5 hrs to burn the buffalo and introduction of how to do the SW mountains,
ground, and grasses
2) 8 hrs if you would like to finish burning the piece, stain gourd, and "start" pine
needle coiling the rim. Extra pine needles will be sent home with you so you can
finish.
Hellen developed her own style of burning the curly part of the buffalo which gives it
a realistic look. Her buffalo pieces are very popular because of her details. Learn
how to do the curly hair as well as the long flowing hair, muscles, hooves, eye, nose,
horn, etc. You will also learn how to burn using her three level method. This class
will also teach you to draw then burn the SW mountain and the ground that will will
include grasses. It's a fun project!! As always, each student will learn with a book
with detail photos and step-by-instructions.
Skill Level: Intermediate (at least three months using a woodburner) or
taken Hellen's Flowers and Leaves class
Class time:
1) 5 hrs to burn the buffalo and introduction of how to do the SW mountains,
ground, and grasses
2) 8 hrs if you would like to finish burning the piece, stain gourd, and "start" pine
needle coiling the rim. Extra pine needles will be sent home with you so you can
finish.
Hellen developed her own style of burning the curly part of the buffalo which gives it
a realistic look. Her buffalo pieces are very popular because of her details. Learn
how to do the curly hair as well as the long flowing hair, muscles, hooves, eye, nose,
horn, etc. You will also learn how to burn using her three level method. This class
will also teach you to draw then burn the SW mountain and the ground that will will
include grasses. It's a fun project!! As always, each student will learn with a book
with detail photos and step-by-instructions.
Comments:
Note from Hellen: I've been asked by so many people to teach a
class of to woodburn my buffaloes. Well, I decided to share my
"wee" knowledge. This class will be broken down in two choices
so you can decided just how much you want to learn.
Note from Hellen: I've been asked by so many people to teach a
class of to woodburn my buffaloes. Well, I decided to share my
"wee" knowledge. This class will be broken down in two choices
so you can decided just how much you want to learn.
Phyrography - Western Leather Tooling Design
Skill Level: Intermediate (at least three months using a woodburne) or have
taken Hellen's Flowers and Leaves class)
Class Time: 4 hours to learn the middle flower, counter sink the rivet, and burn as
much of one side of the piece.
Detail instructions how to pyrography a western leather tooling design on a gourd.
Learn how to countersink a rivet in the flower, add shading at main locations and
use waterproof leather dye to add highlights and depth. Brief instructions will also
be given on how to design your own tooling design while students are working.
Additional tips will be given in the class. Books with photos of step-by-steps
instructions for students.
Skill Level: Intermediate (at least three months using a woodburne) or have
taken Hellen's Flowers and Leaves class)
Class Time: 4 hours to learn the middle flower, counter sink the rivet, and burn as
much of one side of the piece.
Detail instructions how to pyrography a western leather tooling design on a gourd.
Learn how to countersink a rivet in the flower, add shading at main locations and
use waterproof leather dye to add highlights and depth. Brief instructions will also
be given on how to design your own tooling design while students are working.
Additional tips will be given in the class. Books with photos of step-by-steps
instructions for students.
Class Project
Hellen's Tooling Style
FL Class - 2010
Click to Enlarge
Click to Enlarge
| Hellen's style of woodburning |
Pyrography - Red Roses New
Skill Level: All Levels -
Class Time: Students needs knowledge of woodburner and has used it a few
time. Basic carving will be done around the piece. Will add watercolor to the
roses and leaves.
Time: 4 hours
Skill Level: All Levels -
Class Time: Students needs knowledge of woodburner and has used it a few
time. Basic carving will be done around the piece. Will add watercolor to the
roses and leaves.
Time: 4 hours
| Class Project |
Comments:
Texas Lone Star Gourd Festival
- Date to be Announced
- Date to be Announced
Class:
Day:
Date:
Class #:
Time:
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Class:
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Closed Coiling
Skill Level: Beginner level
Class Time: 4 hours for the 1st class to learn the basics and start the piece. I
suggest returning for another class to do the binding off and learn more information. If
the student would like to use the instructions within the book to bind off, that is fine.
Students will wrap three threads of 4-play was linen around a paper rush coil on top of
a gourd to create a design. You will learn all the basics. Hellen will explain how to
calculate the holes requires for designs.
Skill Level: Beginner level
Class Time: 4 hours for the 1st class to learn the basics and start the piece. I
suggest returning for another class to do the binding off and learn more information. If
the student would like to use the instructions within the book to bind off, that is fine.
Students will wrap three threads of 4-play was linen around a paper rush coil on top of
a gourd to create a design. You will learn all the basics. Hellen will explain how to
calculate the holes requires for designs.
Autumn Leaves New
Skill Level: All Levels
Class Time: You will design your piece with samples of different leaves. After the leaves
are on the piece and outlined, you will learn how to use watercolor pencils to add the
color.
Time: 4 hours
NOTE: Hellen will teach the coiling in private lesssons and extend the class to 6
hours.
Skill Level: All Levels
Class Time: You will design your piece with samples of different leaves. After the leaves
are on the piece and outlined, you will learn how to use watercolor pencils to add the
color.
Time: 4 hours
NOTE: Hellen will teach the coiling in private lesssons and extend the class to 6
hours.
Comments:
Hellen'sStyle of Buffaloes
Class: Buffalo in Southwest Setting
Day: Friday AM - March 9th
Time: to be announced
Technique: Woodburning, pine
needle coiling, Lite coloring with
Colored Pencils
Day: Friday AM - March 9th
Time: to be announced
Technique: Woodburning, pine
needle coiling, Lite coloring with
Colored Pencils
Class: Land of Enchantment
Day: Friday PM - March 9th
Time: to be announced
Technique: Lite Carving, Metal
Coating, Various Patinas, Pine Needle
Coiling
Day: Friday PM - March 9th
Time: to be announced
Technique: Lite Carving, Metal
Coating, Various Patinas, Pine Needle
Coiling
Class: Peek A Boo
Day: Saturday All Day - March 10th
Time: to be announced
Technique: Woodburning, Carving,
Pine Needle Coiling, Coiling Antler to
piece, Lite Woodburning, Coloring with
Colored Pencils
Day: Saturday All Day - March 10th
Time: to be announced
Technique: Woodburning, Carving,
Pine Needle Coiling, Coiling Antler to
piece, Lite Woodburning, Coloring with
Colored Pencils