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Fire Arts workshops

Registration Opens June 1!

Iron Scratch Tile
Aluminum Casting
Glassworking
Raku
Candle Alchemy
Pottery
Iron Bowl
Blacksmithing
Pysanky
Hat Burning
Craft Cocktail

What is a Scratch Tile?

This is a tile that can be sculptured and iron poured into it to create an art piece. Pouring hot iron is an old art which is only being done by a select group of artists choosing to keep the art alive.

The general premise of an iron pour is the recycling of cast iron radiators into sculpture. In this process, scrap cast iron is repurposed by first being broken into small fragments and heated until molten. The molten metal is then poured into a hardened sand mold which has been custom-carved by an iron pour participant. Once the metal has safely cooled, the resultant artwork can then be removed; a process not unlike soap or candy making.

Scratch Tile Workshop

You can either pick up an 8” x 8” sand block from us and carve your design on your own time or attend the workshops on Friday, September 25 between 2 PM - 9 PM or Saturday, September 26 between 9 AM - 4 PM. Come and work on your project as long as needed. Help and teaching will be available.

In addition to our previous offering of an 8” x 8” square scratch tile at a cost of $65 each, we are also giving you the opportunity to carve your artwork into five different 5” x 5” scratch tile shapes for a cost of $45. The shapes are Heart, Square, Star, Circle and State of Michigan.

To carve the block, use an old screwdriver or utensil you have around the house. Some have carved their entire block with an old nail and some choose to use a Dremel Tool. (Dremel Tools will not be provided at workshops). It’s really what is most comfortable for you to work with and what you have handy at home. (Simple tools will be provided at workshops, but feel free to bring tools you think may work).

Helpful Hints
  1. Be sure to keep your carving within the 8” x 8” square working space.
  2. Maximum carving depth is ½” but should not be used on the entire 8” x 8” working space or the mold may crack when cast.
  3. You are working in the reverse. If you plan to add letters and numbers, they must be carved backwards. The deepest marks you make will be the lines that are the highest portion of your relief sculpture. You can add texture by crosshatching.
  4. Keep your block safe. Do not get it wet, do not drop it - it will melt or break.
  5. Come prepared with a sketch or design.
  6. If you are using text or numbers, you may want to first draw your design on a piece of paper. Flip the paper over when finished and using a light source (such as a window), trace your design. This will reverse your design so that it will be easier to reference.

Your tile will be poured with iron at dusk on Friday, September 25 or Saturday, September 26.

Finished piece pick-up: Should you decide to clean your own piece by aggressively scrubbing with a steel brush, your piece will have cooled sufficiently by the next day and can be picked up from our site on Sunday, September 27. If we sandblast for you, your piece will be completed during the week following the event. You will receive communication for pick-up.

  • The cost for the workshop and piece is $65.
  • The cost for the workshop and piece with sandblasting is $75.
  • FREE ADMISSION to the festival is included with each online workshop PRE-REGISTRATION
Register Now!
  • Sand Tile Questions? Contact Mary Anne Schrems
    989-295-4888 or maschrems@gmail.com

What is Aluminum Casting?

We also offer aluminum casting. The artistic process is the same technique used in carving a sand tile for iron. This workshop is a great way to explore the metal casting process and try something new! No prior experience or artistic background is necessary. Take a class with a friend to create a special and unique piece of art.

Aluminum Casting Workshop

In this workshop, you will learn how to create your pattern. You will be given the choice to carve an approximate 5” x 5” sand tile in the shape of your choice: Heart, Square, Star, Circle or State of Michigan. Plan to spend about an hour to carve your piece, reserving more time to carve a more intricate piece.

Aluminum is able to be cast and cooled much quicker. Once your sand tile is carved it will be poured and required to cool for an hour. You do not need to remain to see your piece poured or wait for it to cool, but may pick-up at a later time.

We also plan to offer “make and take” experiences for those who have not previously registered.

  • The cost for an 8" x 8" square is $45. The cost for the shapes is $35.
  • FREE ADMISSION to the festival is included with each online workshop PRE-REGISTRATION
Register Now!
  • Aluminum Questions? Contact Mary Anne Schrems
    989-295-4888 or maschrems@gmail.com

What is Glassworking?

Solid glass work—often referred to as "solid sculpting" or "solid working"—is the process of shaping dense, molten or heated glass into solid forms. Unlike traditional glassblowing, which creates hollow objects like vases and bowls, solid working introduces no air bubbles. It is entirely focused on mass, shape, and internal patterns.

For furnace or glass sculpting, artists gather massive amounts of molten glass (heated to around 2000 degrees) from a furnace onto a metal rod. They sit at a bench, using gravity, centrifugal force, and hand tools like jacks and tweezers to shape the dense mass into figures, abstract art, or paperweights.

Joining us at the Frankenmuth Fire Arts Festival is Mattew Paskiet, the owner of Firenation Glass Studio and Gallery from Holland. Matt first studied glassblowing at The Toledo Museum of Art in 1993. In 1998, Matt continued his studies at the Pilchuck Glass School in Washington State before moving onto the Fundacio Centre del Vidre in Barcelona, Italy in 2001. By assisting other reputable artists, including Chihuly’s Boathouse Studio Team in 1999-2000; Matt was able to refine his skills. Firenation is returning after a year’s absence due to family obligations.

Glassworking Workshop Details

Step into the world of glass art with our hands-on glassworking workshop. Guided by the talented artists from Firenation, you'll have the opportunity to create your own solid glass sculpture. This immersive experience is perfect for anyone looking to explore the captivating art of glassmaking.

What to Expect

EXPERT GUIDANCE: Work alongside skilled glass instructors who will handle the tricky parts, like adding the 2000 degree molten glass to the rod, ensuring your safety and success. Each workshop will last approximately 15 minutes.
PERSONALIZED CREATION: Choose your item's base color and any secondary colors to make your glass piece truly unique. The instructors will guide you through the process, helping you roll and form your piece using all the necessary tools.
ANNEALING PROCESS: Once your sculpture is complete, it will be placed in an annealer. This essential step allows the glass to cool down slowly from 2000 degrees, preventing breakage and ensuring durability. Your piece will be ready for pickup the next day at Firenation's booth area.
PICKUP / SHIPPING: If you cannot pick it up until later, please leave instructions with Firenation. The piece can also be mailed to you for an additional cost.

At the time of your workshop, you will be given the opportunity to choose from the following:
• Heart
• Pumpkin
• Paperweight

  • The cost for the workshops and piece is $60
  • FREE ADMISSION to the festival is included with each online workshop PRE-REGISTRATION
Register Now!
  • Glass Questions? Contact Mary Anne Schrems
    989-295-4888 or maschrems@gmail.com

What is Raku?

Raku is an ancient Japanese technique which has been rediscovered by modern potters who appreciate its unique beauty and metallic luster and color. The raku process involves reducing (starving the oxygen) the glazed raku pottery in combustible materials such as leaves, sawdust, newspaper, etc. When the pieces are taken out of the kiln, they are placed in galvanized trash containers with combustible material and covered. Once the pieces are cooled, they are removed from the containers, washed, and will reveal the rich warm effects of raku.

Please be aware:

Raku Firing is a volatile process in the ceramic world. There is ALWAYS a chance for pieces NOT to survive the process. This is why we will allow for two pieces to be made in the workshops. HOWEVER, if both pieces do not survive, we will try our best to retrieve the remains. THIS IS AN UNAVOIDABLE FACT OF RAKU. Should our spots not all fill, every effort will be made to bring you back to try the process again. The process is a large part of the experience.

Raku Workshop Details

Time slots are available Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26. Time slots are first come, first serve so register today!

Each workshop will take approximately 1½ hours from start to finish. You will be able to take your piece home when the process is completed.

  • The cost for the workshops and piece is $65.
  • FREE ADMISSION to the festival is included with each online workshop PRE-REGISTRATION
Register Now!
  • Raku Questions? Contact
    Mary Anne Schrems
    989-295-4888 or maschrems@gmail.com

What is Candle Alchemy?

Candle alchemy, in its most literal sense, is about the creative process of crafting candles. This involves selecting waxes, fragrance oils, wicks, and containers, and then combining them in a way that achieves a specific scent profile, visual appeal, and burn quality.

Candle Alchemy Workshop Details

The Candle Alchemy sessions are hosted by the Frankenmuth Historical Association. Register for this session where you will make and take a hand dipped, old-fashioned beeswax candle, along with creating a colored and scented poured soy candle to take home.

  • The cost for the workshops and piece is $20.
  • FREE ADMISSION to the festival is included with each online workshop PRE-REGISTRATION
Register Now!
  • Candle Questions? Contact
    Mary Anne Schrems
    989-295-4888 or maschrems@gmail.com

What is Hand-Thrown and Hand-Building Pottery?

Hand thrown pottery is a pottery technique where a potter uses their hands and a pottery wheel to shape clay into a desired form. This method involves spinning the wheel and using the potter's hands to mold the clay into symmetrical, rounded shapes. Hand building in pottery refers to creating ceramic forms using only hands and simple tools, without a pottery wheel. This ancient technique involves shaping clay into various forms through methods like pinching, coiling, and slab building. (Google)

Pottery Workshop Details

Led by the talented James Kaiser and his skilled assistant, you will discover the joy of creating with clay in our pottery workshops. Back again this year, is learning how to throw your own pottery piece on the wheel. New this year, is learning to hand-build a pottery piece of your choice, such as a small vase with flowers. Samples of different ideas will be available.

Whether you are a beginner or looking to hone your skills, this workshop is perfect for all levels of experience.

What to expect in the workshops

Step-by-step instructions: James will provide expert guidance, demonstrating each step of the pottery wheel process. You’ll learn how to center the clay, pull up the wall, and shape your piece with precision and care. If you choose to hand build your piece, the same explanatory instructions will be given. Each process will take approximately 45 minutes, giving you ample time to perfect your creation.

Personalized Glazing: At the workshop, you will have the opportunity to choose from a selection of glazes to personalize your piece. After the workshop, James will take your piece to his studio for completion. Your pottery will undergo a drying process and then fired. After the glaze has been applied it will undergo another kiln firing. This process with take 4 to 5 weeks until your piece will be returned to you.

Finished piece: Once your masterpiece is completed, you can pick up your piece at a location in Frankenmuth to be announced. You may opt for an additional cost to cover postage to have your piece mailed to you. You will be notified via text or email when your piece is ready to be picked up or mailed.

  • The cost for the workshops and piece (for either hand-throwing or hand-building) is $65.
  • FREE ADMISSION to the festival is included with each online workshop PRE-REGISTRATION
Register Now!
  • Pottery Questions? Contact
    Mary Anne Schrems
    989-295-4888 or maschrems@gmail.com

Iron Bowl

Join us for an exceptional Iron Bowl Workshop led by Amanda Partridge Nordin, an acclaimed artist from Detroit. Amanda will guide you in transforming a pre-cast sand mold of a bowl into your unique vessel. Using provided tools, you will learn to "scratch" away at the sand, creating intricate designs on both the inside and outside of your bowl.

Iron Bowl Workshop Details

This is a two-day class that gives you the unique opportunity to learn how to make an iron bowl with designs on the inside and outside. Come to one or both of the days! All pieces poured during the Iron Pour Performance. Sculpture pickup is Sunday morning after the pour from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

Day 1: Thursday, September 24 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Optional, if you'd like to get an early start)
Day 2: Friday, September 25 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Day 3: Saturday, September 26 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM At this point the bowl must be finished in order to prepare it for the pour. All pieces poured at the Iron Pour Fire Performance at 7:00 PM

This workshop is perfect for all skill levels and offers a unique opportunity to create a personalized iron bowl. The culmination of your hard work will be showcased at the spectacular Iron Pour Fire Performance, where your mold, poured with molten metal will create a stunning piece of art.

This is a two-day class that gives you the unique opportunity to learn how to make an iron bowl with designs on the inside and outside. Come to one or both of the days! All pieces poured during the Iron Pour Performance. Sculpture pickup is on Sunday, September 27 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. If you are unable to come at that time, other arrangements can be made for pickup.

Don't miss this chance to learn from a talented artist and be part of a unique and exciting experience. Register now to secure your spot!

  • The cost for the workshops and piece is $175.
  • FREE ADMISSION to the festival is included with each online workshop PRE-REGISTRATION
Register Now!
  • Iron Bowl Questions? Contact Mary Anne Schrems
    989-295-4888 or maschrems@gmail.com

What is Blacksmithing?

Blacksmithing is the craft of heating and shaping metal, primarily iron or steel, into desired forms using a hammer and anvil. Blacksmiths create a wide range of items, from decorative metalwork to functional tools and repairs, by heating metal in a forge until it becomes malleable and then hammering, bending, and shaping it. (Google)

Blacksmithing Workshop Details

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and work with fire and metal. In this immersive workshop, you'll use traditional blacksmithing tools to create your own masterpiece.

One-on-One Instruction: Receive personalized guidance from our expert blacksmith, ensuring you learn the proper techniques and safety measures while crafting your piece.

Troll Cross with Garrett Waterman

In Sweden there is an old superstition that a troll cross will ward off evil from supernatural powers and creatures. It consists of a cross carved or decorated into an object and being flanked by two horns. The name “troll” does not refer to trolls in their modern sense.

Troll crosses were often put onto entrances, such as above a door or window, and on posts near an entrance. Troll crosses have been seen applied to cast metal cookware. Troll crosses can also be carved into loafs of bread when baking.

Garrett will be able to teach the making of a troll cross to two persons at one time. The class is expected to last approximately a half hour. Must be at least 18 years old to participate.

  • The cost for the workshop is $55.
  • FREE ADMISSION to the festival is included with each online workshop PRE-REGISTRATION
Register Now!
  • Blacksmith Questions? Contact
    Mary Anne Schrems
    989-295-4888 or maschrems@gmail.com

What is Pysanky?

Pysanky are eggs that are decorated using an ancient wax-resistance method. This traditional folk art has been practiced in Ukraine, Poland and other Slavic countries for centuries. The designs are "written" in hot wax with a kistka – a tool which has a small funnel attached to hold a small amount of liquid wax. The wax protects the pores of the shell from the dye. After the egg is dyed one color the artist will write on the egg with more wax, creating a design through many layers of colored dyes and wax. Once completed, all the layers of wax are melted away magically revealing the gorgeous bright colors of the design.

Pysanky Workshop Details

Jozefa Rogocki has been creating Pysanky eggs for 25 years and was named an Arts Midwest 2025 Culture Bearers Award winner. She was recognized as one of nine practitioners who are preserving traditions and passing them on to the next generation. She was born in the UK of Polish descent and now lives in Michigan. Join her in a three hour class to learn the intricate art of Pysanky eggs.

Jozefa will share her process for decorating these colorful eggs, demonstrating the tools and techniques used in the wax-and-dye batik process. Enjoy hearing some of the ancient myths and seeing traditional symbols used in the rich variety of designs. You will have an opportunity to create your own unique design on a chicken eggshell and experience the complete process. Your egg will be varnished and ready to take home at the end of the class.

Useful links:
https://jozefa-rogocki.weeblysite.com/
https://artsmidwest.org/stories/jozefa-rogocki-midwest-culture-bearer/
https://crees.ku.edu/pysanky

  • The cost for the workshop is $35.
  • FREE ADMISSION to the festival is included with each online workshop PRE-REGISTRATION
Register Now!
  • Pysanky Questions? Contact
    Mary Anne Schrems
    989-295-4888 or maschrems@gmail.com

About Hat Burning at AR Workshop in Midland

AR Workshop Midland is owned by Leslie Toland and her daughter, Amber Shmidt. This dynamic mother/daughter duo knows all things DIY. Amber has always dreamed of having her own business, so when Leslie announced her retirement as a financial advisor in December of 2019, they put the plan into motion. Both are born and raised in Midland, MI and graduates of Northwood University.

Amber & Leslie both love to craft and DIY, so owning an AR Workshop is PERFECT for this dream team. They are very excited to provide Midland a place where creativity can flow freely, where friends can relax and laugh, couples can reignite love, and children can discover self-expression, and find inspiration in art.

AR Workshop Midland: We offer hands-on DIY craft classes, art classes, and woodworking workshops perfect for all ages and skill levels. Create custom wood signs, paintings, jewelry, and more in our creative studio. Whether you're looking for a unique girl’s night out, memorable date night, engaging team building activity, fun family experience, or summer camp for kids, we have the perfect workshop for you. Our instructor-led classes guide you step-by-step as you craft something special to take home. No experience necessary – just bring your creativity! AR Workshop Midland provides a DIY workshop experience for surrounding areas of Midland, Bay City, Freeland, Auburn, Saginaw, Mt Pleasant, Sanford, Coleman, and Clare.

Hat Burning Workshop Details

Create a custom statement piece that’s uniquely you in this hands-on workshop experience! Choose your hat color and style, then learn how to use specialty burning tools to design and burn beautiful patterns, florals, western details, initials, or custom accents into your hat.

Whether your style is boho, rustic, western chic, or simple and classic, you’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind accessory made by YOU. No experience needed—just bring your creativity

Workshop Includes:

• One premium hat in your choice of color (one size fits all--each hat is adjustable)
• Guided instruction and design inspiration
• Use of all tools and supplies to decorate hat
• A custom piece ready to wear home

  • The cost for the workshop is $75.
  • FREE ADMISSION to the festival is included with each online workshop PRE-REGISTRATION
Register Now!
  • Hat Burning Questions? Contact
    Mary Anne Schrems
    989-295-4888 or maschrems@gmail.com

What are Craft Cocktails?

A craft cocktail is a meticulously prepared mixed drink that emphasizes high-quality, often artisanal or locally sourced, ingredients and creative flavor combinations. It's a more elevated and skillful approach to classic cocktails, focusing on fresh juices, premium spirits, and unique garnishes, often with a focus on presentation and technique. (Source: Google)

Craft Cocktail Workshop Details

Join us for an exclusive Craft Cocktail Workshop led by Travis York from Just The Essentials. This immersive 2-hour (Saturday, 2-4pm) session is perfect for both cocktail enthusiasts and beginners looking to elevate their mixology skills.

Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your cocktail-making skills and enjoy a fun, educational afternoon. Spaces are limited, so be sure to secure your spot! Reserve your place today and get ready to shake, stir, and sip in style!

Flavor Profiles: Understand the art of balancing sweet, sour, bitter, and umami to create harmonious cocktails.
Infusions: Learn how to infuse spirits with fresh herbs, fruits, and spices to add unique twists to your drinks.
Recipes: Get hands-on experience crafting classic and contemporary cocktails under the expert guidance of Travis York.

What to expect:
--Interactive demonstrations and practical exercises
--Step-by-step instructions on creating your own infused spirits
--Tasting sessions to refine your palate
--Take-home recipes to impress your guests

  • The cost for the workshop is $40.
  • FREE ADMISSION to the festival is included with each online workshop PRE-REGISTRATION
Register Now!
  • Cocktail Questions? Contact
    Travis York @ 989-262-8008