Friday Feb. 20 - Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026
Azan Shriner's Center, 1591 W Eau Gallie Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32935
Friday Classes
Friday MORNING Classes
F-AM-1 Friday MORNING 8:30AM-12:00PM Location: C1
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Seashells and Starfish Pine Needle Basket
Instructor: Barbara Nelson
Skill Level: All
Cost - Members: $60 Non-Members: $65
# Students: Min 5 / Max 12
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​Description: Create a beach-themed pine needle basket or wall decor around a unique handcrafted center of real seashells and starfish. Learn the wheat stitch, fern stitch and wrapped rows. Each center is unique, displaying an array of shells and starfish, then set in resin both sides for a finished look. Holes are pre-drilled for stitching. Pine needles and coordinating threads will be available to choose from. Everything is supplied.​
For more project photos, visit: https://www.dyedpineneedles.com/Classes/melbourne2026.htm
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​Students Must Provide: Instructor will provide all supplies and tools, but feel free to bring your own favorites.
F-AM-2 Friday MORNING 8:30AM-12:00PM Location: C2
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Beach Bum Diorama
Instructor: M.R. Street
Skill Level: Any skill level
Cost - Members: $35 Non-Members: $40
# Students: Min 2/ Max 10
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​Description: Students will decoupage a prepared gourd and insert miniature items to create a diorama scene inside. Students will create a simple rim. Instructor will provide various "beachy" miniature items to choose from, or students may bring items of their own.
​Students Must Provide: Instructor will provide prepped gourd and all materials. Students should bring fast tack glue. May bring an apron and gloves if desired and miniatures for your diorama if you have something special you want to include. If you have a hair dryer or heat gun, please bring (to speed up drying of decoupage); instructor will have a few to share.
F-AM-3 Friday MORNING 8:30AM-12:00PM Location: C4
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Powertex Grape Leaf Bowl
Instructor: Sue Haberer
Skill Level: Any skill level
Cost - Members: $90 Non-Members: $95
# Students: Min 3 / Max 12
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Description: You will learn how to decorate a 7" diameter bowl (approximate) using Powertex (a new universal medium). Watch it crackle and then embellish with grape leaves and grapes that you will paint.
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Students Must Provide: 1" paint brush; 1/4" brush; old scruffy brush 1/4"-1/2"; Fast Tack glue of their preference; and a heat gun. (Hair dryers tend to trip the circuits.)
F-AM-4 Friday MORNING 8:30AM-12:00PM Location: C4
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Bubbles Galore
Instructor: Marla Garber
Skill Level: Any skill level
Cost - Members: $70 Non-Members: $75
# Students: Min 1 / Max 12
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Description: You will learn to use UV Resin, dawn dish soap, and Mica Powders to create a stunning effect.
Students Must Provide: Gourd bowl measuring 5" tall x 6 - 7" in diameter, Apron
F-AM-5 Friday MORNING 8:30AM-12:00PM Location: P4
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Ole Smokey
Instructor: Lisa Mohr
Skill Level: Any skill level
Cost - Members: $50 Non-Members: $55
# Students: Min 4 / Max 12
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Description: Student will be provided with a cleaned and prepared gourd which they will then paint and smoke. They may do ink splatters if they so choose and then the gourd will be finished with a paper twist rim. There will be multiple base colors and paper twist to choose from plus an assortment of beads to hang from the neck.
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Students Must Provide: Scissors, apron, a willingness to have a good time.
F-AM-6 Friday MORNING 8:30AM-12:00PM Location: P6
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Simplifying Carving
Instructor: Chad Bridges
Skill Level: Any skill level
Cost - Members: $70 Non-Members: $75
# Students: Min 7 / Max 12
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Description: In this class, students will explore carving techniques for creating leaves, sticks, and vines on gourd shards, similar to the elements in the objects pictured. They will learn how to understand layers, and practice undercutting. The instructor will provide Gourd Shards in order to participate in the class.
Students Must Provide: Students are required to have their own carving tools and machines. The following bits/burrs are needed (at a minimum): Stump Cutter (Bud-shaped), Blizzard Flame (course), and Inverted Taper. Here are some links where these are available, but feel free to use other sites:
Stump Cutter: https://mdiwoodcarvers.com/shop/ols/products/german-stump-cutter-7mm-bud
Blizzard Flame: https://mdiwoodcarvers.com/shop/ols/products/18-shank-blizzard-flame-coarse-07-bf1c
Inverted Taper: https://www.amazon.com/Luo-Diamond-Grinding-Carving-Triangle/dp/B09WKBK1SQ
Be sure to have the correct size collets for your bits.
Students are responsible for their own safety, so please have your own masks and safety glasses.
F-AM-7 Friday MORNING 8:30AM-12:00PM Location: P3
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Reversible Gourd Pendant
Instructor: Kristin Johnson
Skill Level: Any skill level
Cost - Members: $50 Non-Members: $55
# Students: Min 5 / Max 12
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Description: In this class you will create a unique wood burned gourd pendant all your own using both sides of the gourd shard. We will use alcohol inks to add a gentle color then finish with beading and macrame as time allows. We will have opportunity to do a crackle technique as well.​
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Students Must Provide: Instructor will have everything you need including simple wood burners. If you have a favorite wood burner bring it along.
F-AM-8 Friday MORNING 8:30AM-12:00PM Location: P5
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Fabulous Fall Colors
Instructor: Judi Fleming
Skill Level: Any skill level
Cost - Members: $35 Non-Members: $40
# Students: Min 2 / Max 12
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Description: In this class you'll create a lovely oak leaf gourd bowl with a rim using a wide variety of alcohol inks and acrylic pens for outline and detail. You'll select from a variety of rim treatments in a huge range of colors to personalize your bowl with a stitched on rim.​
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Students Must Provide: Apron.
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Friday AFTERNOON Classes
F-PM-1 Friday AFTERNOON 1:30PM-5:00PM Location: C1
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Abstract Expressionism on a Gourd
Instructor: Deborah Hildinger
Skill Level: Any skill level
Cost - Members: $55 Non-Members: $60
# Students: Min 4 / Max 12
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Description: In this class, I will present a thorough overview of my methodology for initiating mixed-media works. The primary objective will be to demonstrate key techniques and investigate the creative process, rather than to complete a final piece. The session will commence with whitewashing the surface, followed by the application of dyes and paints, and will conclude with the use of iridescent oil paint sticks. Because these paint sticks require a minimum drying time of 24 hours, participants are requested to bring a box or paper bag for safe transport of their work following the class; plastic bags are discouraged, as they may adhere to the iridescent paint. All necessary dyes, paints, and iridescent oil paint sticks will be provided, though attendees are encouraged to bring personal color selections if preferred. The primary image displays a finished sculpture with this technique applied to the entire exterior of the gourd. Please note that this class will focus solely on the techniques; no interior collage or additional finishing elements will be incorporated at this stage. Completion or further embellishment of the sculpture's interior is intended as an independent project.
​​Students Must Provide: Please bring a medium-sized gourd, either uncut or cut and cleaned inside. If the gourd is cut open, it may be done with a straight cut or in another style as preferred. Materials that can be used as stencils may also be brought. Examples of suitable items include burlap fabric, leaves, corrugated cardboard, bubble wrap, or any item that allows paint to be applied and transferred onto the surface of the gourd. This is messy! Bring an apron!
F-PM-2 Friday AFTERNOON 1:30PM-5:00PM Location: C2
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Huichol Beaded Brooch
Instructor: Tina Dull
Skill Level: Any skill level
Cost - Members: $35 Non-Members: $40
# Students: Min 4 / Max 12
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Description: In this class you will learn the basic technique of Huichol Beading while making a beaded brooch you can wear. Everyone who takes my classes will have a chance to win a special raffle held in each class!
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Students Must Provide: All supplies provided by instructor.
F-PM-3 Friday AFTERNOON 1:30PM-5:00PM Location: C3
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Powertex Grape Leaf Bowl
Instructor: Sue Haberer
Skill Level: Any skill level
Cost - Members: $90 Non-Members: $95
# Students: Min 3 / Max 12
​
Description: You will learn how to decorate a 7" diameter bowl (approximate) using Powertex (a new universal medium). Watch it crackle and then embellish with grape leaves and grapes that you will paint.
​
Students Must Provide: 1" paint brush; 1/4" brush; old scruffy brush 1/4"-1/2"; Fast Tack glue of their preference; and a heat gun. (Hair dryers tend to trip the circuits.)
F-PM-4 Friday AFTERNOON 1:30PM-5:00PM Location: C4
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Sand Ornament
Instructor: Marla Garber
Skill Level: Any skill level
Cost - Members: $65 Non-Members: $70
# Students: Min 1 / Max 12
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Description: We will use colored sand and glue to create an unusual ornament.
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Students Must Provide: Small round brush.
F-PM-5 Friday AFTERNOON 1:30PM-5:00PM Location: P1
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Butterflies and Blooms
Instructor: Fonda Haddad
Skill Level: Any skill level
Cost - Members: $35 Non-Members: $40
# Students: Min 2 / Max 10
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Description: Using a prepared gourd the participants will paint the inside. Choose Butterfly and flowers patterns and put them on the gourd by wood burning. Color will be added with inks, colored pencil, with background of acrylics. A rim can be added with fibers and beaded caterpillars. ​
Students Must Provide: Instructor will provide all supplies, but if you have a wood burner, please bring.
F-PM-6 Friday AFTERNOON 1:30PM-5:00PM Location: P2
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Flat Reed Fun Basket
Instructor: Jim Anspach
Skill Level: Beginner
Cost - Members: $50 Non-Members: $55
# Students: Min 2 / Max 10
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Description: This is a gourd with spokes in the gourd painted on the inside and sealed on the outside, ready to weave. The student will receive reed and instruction to make a colorful basket.
​Students Must Provide: Towel and apron.
F-PM-7 Friday AFTERNOON 1:30PM-5:00PM Location: P4
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Sunflower Fun
Instructor: Lisa Mohr
Skill Level: Any skill level
Cost - Members: $55 Non-Members: $60
# Students: Min 4 / Max 12
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Description: Students will be provided with a cleaned and prepared gourd and a base to put it on. They will dye the gourd and then apply an iridescent wax to it. Instructor will have choice of dyes and waxes. A sunflower will be cut out of leather and applied.....they can do multiple ones if time allows. The rim will be finished with seagrass.
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Students Must Provide: An apron, SHARP scissors, and a smile.
F-PM-9 Friday AFTERNOON 1:30PM-5:00PM Location: P3
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Rainstick
Instructor: Deni "delshanay" Halterman
Skill Level: Any skill level
Cost - Members: $50 Non-Members: $55
# Students: Min 4 / Max 12
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Description: Fill a banana gourd with your favorite rain sound and decorate with rice paper and finish with a beaded feather tassel!
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Students Must Provide: Everything provided by instructor!!
F-PM-8 Friday AFTERNOON 1:30PM-5:00PM Location: P6
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Simplifying Carving
Instructor: Chad Bridges
Skill Level: Any skill level
Cost - Members: $70 Non-Members: $75
# Students: Min 7 / Max 12
​
Description: In this class, students will explore carving techniques for creating leaves, sticks, and vines on gourd shards, similar to the elements in the objects pictured. They will learn how to understand layers, and practice undercutting. The instructor will provide Gourd Shards in order to participate in the class.
Students Must Provide: Students are required to have their own carving tools and machines. The following bits/burrs are needed (at a minimum): Stump Cutter (Bud-shaped), Blizzard Flame (course), and Inverted Taper. Here are some links where these are available, but feel free to use other sites:
Stump Cutter: https://mdiwoodcarvers.com/shop/ols/products/german-stump-cutter-7mm-bud
Blizzard Flame: https://mdiwoodcarvers.com/shop/ols/products/18-shank-blizzard-flame-coarse-07-bf1c
Inverted Taper: https://www.amazon.com/Luo-Diamond-Grinding-Carving-Triangle/dp/B09WKBK1SQ
Be sure to have the correct size collets for your bits.
Students are responsible for their own safety, so please have your own masks and safety glasses.
F-PM-10 Friday AFTERNOON 1:30PM-5:00PM Location: P5
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Dancing Bubbles
Instructor: Donna McCarthy
Skill Level: Any skill level
Cost - Members: $55 Non-Members: $60
# Students: Min 2 / Max 10
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Description: What better way to remember our beautiful ocean than to recreate it in our Dancing Bubbles Gourd. A wavy pattern of filigree bubbles floating up from the ocean floor that is covered with sand, colorful rocks and miniature shells. A battery-powered LED light is included to show off your Dancing Bubbles.
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Students Must Provide: Gourd 6 to 7 1/2" dia, 6 to 7 1/2" tall martin gourd with top cut off, clean and paint interior blue or black. Carver with: ball burr, small inverted cone, favorite burr to remove skin, various sanding drums, filigree or zip cutter. If students want to wood burn the circle they would need to bring an adjustable woodburner with a skew tip. I will have a burner available for class use.