3-Hour Workshop

Date: Saturday, March 1

Time: 10am-1pm

Description: This workshop is an introduction to sailor’s “Marlinespike Seamanship” decorative knot-tying. Though the word “decorative” implies that little or no function is served, the craft of decorative knot tying generally combines both form and function. ‘Covering knots’ were used historically to protect blown-glass fishing net floats and ceramic jugs of water taken along on fishing expeditions; the style of knotwork also helps identify who they belong to. Many variations of hitching have embellished handrails, mug handles, and the ship’s tiller or wheel, but you will think of countless ways to incorporate them into your artwork – decorate a picture frame, embellish the ears on pots, display translucent glassworks on fancy plaited mats…

We’ll start by identifying lanyard and button knots, plaits, chains, sinnits, turk’s heads, mats, globe knots and hitching then we’ll learn a few really useful functional knots. Then we’ll work together learning to tie the Running Turk’s Head and the Monkey’s Fist- the focus of this class. Christy might even sing some sea shanteys!

This workshop covers vocabulary, tools, rope and twine identification, tying of many knots, plus techniques and resources to further what you’ve learned in this workshop on your own. Materials included. No experience necessary.

Tuition: $55 + $10 materials fee

Materials: All materials will be provided

Location: Contemporary Craft (5645 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201)

Cancellations and Refunds: Workshop cancellations are decided three business days before the start date. If workshops must be cancelled due to insufficient enrollment, the entire class fee will be refunded through Eventbrite, or you may leave your workshop fee in your Contemporary Craft account for future workshops.

Refund Policy: Student refund requests must be made at least three business days before a class begins. There will be a $25 cancellation fee. No refunds will be given without three-business days notice. Processing of refunds takes approximately three weeks.

If you require accessibility accommodations, please let us know by calling 412.261.7003 and we are happy to assist you.

About the Artist

Christy Georg is an Artist / Adventurer. She has worked as a deckhand aboard schooners, thru-hiked the 2,650 mile Pacific Crest Trail and 500 mile Colorado trail, and cruised the Arctic. Her work is inspired by travel and historical research into desolate and harsh natural environments and sites of wonder, like the American ‘Wild’ West and the Arctic. Courage, endurance, and fortitude are recurring themes in her artwork, studio practice, and life. She has her BFA from Kansas City Art Institute and MFA from Massachusetts College of Art, and is a ‘lifelong learner’ frequently enrolling in myriad classes and workshops.