Basic Powder Horn Class with Henry Bowman

April 10, 2021, 8am-8pm

7436 S Co Rd 575 E, Versailles, IN, 47042

This class is specifically designed for the entry-level powderhorn maker and/or those seeking remedial instruction. Students will learn an overview of powderhorn history and detailed fundamentals of powderhorn making as they create their very own personalized powderhorn. Participation by, and financial sponsorship of, younger students is highly encouraged

Class fee is $125, lunch and materials will be included.

Max of 8 Students

Please visit NMLRA.org/education to sign up

To see more of Henry's work, visit Henry Bowman Horner on facebook

OVERVIEW:

This class is specifically designed for the entry-level powderhorn maker and/or those seeking remedial instruction. Students will learn an overview of powderhorn history and detailed fundamentals of powderhorn making as they create their very own personalized powderhorn. Participation by, and financial sponsorship of, younger students is highly encouraged.

PRE-REQUISITE:

Students must be old enough and/or otherwise able to perform the following tasks:

• handling and using very sharp blades

• performing simple cutting, carving, and scraping

Students are expected to wear clothing appropriate for shop work (i.e.: short sleeves, closed toe footwear, clothing anticipated to get dirty, etc.)

PRODUCT:

Students will leave the class with a powderhorn constructed and decorated with their own hands. Subject horn will be of simple construction and will be based upon documented historic examples made by professional horners or other skilled craftsmen. The model powderhorn will include a lathe-turned base plug and hand-carved spout. This is not an advanced class and will therefore not include making applied bands or tips. Such advanced classes may be available at other times.

CLASS STRUCTURE:

The class will consist of a series of modules each targeting a specific skill. Each module is constructed of a brief classroom teaching session immediately followed by hands-on shop application.

This will be a one day, 9 to12-hour class for up to eight students. Students will be provided materials and handouts. Tools will be available for use. Lunch (only) will be provided. Students just show up, learn, and leave with a nice powderhorn.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

Class will begin at 8:00 sharp. Please arrive early. Coffee will be ready around 7:30.

CLASS OUTLINE

1. Introductions and Housekeeping (~10 min.)

2. History and Styles of Powderhorns (~15 min.)

3. What is a Good Powderhorn?(~5 min.)

4. Selection of Your Class Project Powderhorn (~15 min.)

5. Cow Horn Basics (15 min.)

6. Preparing the Spout End* (~150 min.)

7. Shaping and Scraping the Body* (~60 min.)

8. Creating the Base Plug End* (~150 min.)

9. Final Surface Prep and Cleanup (~60 min.)

10. Decorating/engraving your Powderhorn (~120 min.)

11. Color, Faux Aging, and Final Finish (~90 min.)

NOTE: Drying time is required so, we'll discuss interesting horn stuff while we wait

1. Care and Feeding of your Powderhorn (~10 min)

2. Other Forms of Horn Work (~30 min.)

3. Closeout, Class Photos, and Farewells

• Spout, Scraping, and Base Plug modules will overlap for the sake of time and personal attention

STUDENT POWDERHORN KIT (provided at class)

• Horn (selected from pile on floor)

• Wood (selected from pile on table)

• Stopper

• Leather Thong Strap

• Other materials and supplies (i.e. dyes, sealers, ink, etc.) will be on hand for use.

HANDOUT PACKET

• Lunch Menu and Order Form

• Class Agenda

• Illustrated Spout Styles

• Fonts and Figures for Classroom Horn Decoration

• References

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