The first ever advanced horn class was held at the new education center at Jacobsburg Historical Society on June 8 and 9, 2013. The class kicked-off on Saturday morning with 10 students in attendance. The day began with an explanation of the history of scrimshaw and how it became to be called engraving and then moved into the preparation of the surface to engrave. The pre-flattened horn panels were sanded and prepped creating a large cloud that soon covered all and everything in the center in a nice layer of aromatic horn dust. The class then moved on to applying the artwork (a Fraktur design by journeyman John DeWald). A break for lunch and it was then on to engraving. The day ended with students in various stages but all thoroughly enjoying the work and conversation and questions abounded throughout the day.

Day 2 started with a brief overview of lettering and engraving styles and then the students went to work. For several hours with the exception of a helping hand or advice from John DeWald, you could of heard a pin drop in the center. Everyone applied themselves in their own artistic fashion and soon the horn panels were nearing completion. A short lunch break later, as preparations were made to age the panels, Frank Willis took the reins and aspects of staining and coloring horn were discussed and shown. John Dewald also demonstrated engrailing techniques and then it was time for finishing touches on the horn panels. Rit dye was used and then waxing and buffing and the panels were done!! John DeWald spent time adding color to his panel and then graciously donated his original Fraktur drawing and polychrome horn panel for a give-a-way to the students. All names were put in a hat and Gus Tabor’s name was drawn as the recipient.

After all was completed and the center returned to its clean state, Frank Willis asked each student for a critique of the class. Overall everyone conveyed a good response and offered suggestions for improvements for future classes. Additional advanced horn classes are being planned with projects to include: A flat, screw-tip horn; a horn ditty box and a horn cup/tumbler. Details will follow as plans and dates are finalized. We would like to extend thanks to Jacobsburg Historical Society, Roland Cadle, and to all the students for their attendance and patience. It is with great pride that the guild offers these classes; holding to our purpose to remain dedicated to the research, preservation, and education of horn workwork. Stay Tuned as more great times are a-coming.

If you are interested in attending a future horn class at Jacobsburg, please call Frank Willis at 908-246-8935 or email ftwillis@ptd.net. The basic horn class will be held in January 2014 and the advanced horn class will be late May or June of 2014.

>>Click Here to go to the Ft. Defiance website for more information.<<

The advanced horn class at Jacobsburg will be a class focusing on the engraving, engrailing and staining of horn.  All materials will be provided but students are encouraged to bring a finished horn or horn object they wish to engrave, engrail, or stain.  They are also welcome to bring along any engraving tools that they are comfortable in using.  The planned project for engraving is a Fraktur design on a pre-flattened piece of cow horn. The Fraktur design will allow for the teaching/explanation of the different styles of engraving in one piece of artwork.

The class will start with the preparation of the surface by scraping/sanding and then focus on engraving with final steps to be the application of ink to the design and the staining/coloration of the horn to add an aged appearance.

This class will be taught by Journeyman John DeWald and will be held over the weekend of June 8 and 9th at the Jacobsburg Craft Center.  The cost is $120.00.

If any one is interested in more information about this Advanced Horn Decorating Class, please contact Frank Willis at 908-246-8935 or John DeWald at 570-220-6450. Class size is limited, so please let us know if you wish to attend.

 

To see some samples of John DeWald’s work, please go to his website at www.pahorner.com.

 

Clinton Byers is one of our Freeman members. He is known for his traditional styled powder horns with low dome and flat butts. Here he is at the AHEC at the last HCH Annual Meeting.


For more information, please go to the Tryon Arts & Crafts School website  at www.tryonartsandcrafts.org.

The 5th annual HCH sponsored powder horn class was held this past January in the newly renovated craft center at the Jacobsburg Historical Society. Most HCH members know this is site of our annual Summer Reception. Seven students were shown the process of turning a cow horn into a graceful, functional, black powder container.

 

For many years there has been a very successful flintlock rifle class at Jacobsburg. The addition of a horn class 5 years ago, by the Guild, has been a great addition to their craft program and has introduced over 35 people to the art of making a horn.

 

One of the students this year was Jim Newell. Jim has been a member of the Honourable Company of Horners for a number of years and had the following to say about the class:

“Over all these years, I have collected and made horns with little actual training or understanding of the art of horn work. This January, I attended the horn making class at Jacobsburg, where I finally experienced my first thorough understanding of the proper architecture of the classic powder horn. What a wonderful experience it was! I can’t say enough thanks to the many members of the Horn Guild that gave one-on-one help to an old novice. The Horn Guild should be proud of their members who volunteer their time and skills. All the course fees go to the Historical Society.”

 

Plans are now underway to hold an advanced class to teach scrimshaw, staining and decorating the horn. This class will be taught by John DeWald and will be held over the weekend of June 8 and 9th at the Jacobsburg Craft Center. John is an extremely talented Guild member and has recently advanced in the Guild. The cost is $120.00.

 

If any one is interested in more information about the Horn Class or the Advanced Horn Decorating Class, please contact Frank Willis at 908-246-8935 or John DeWald at 570-220-6450. Class size is limited, so please let us know if you wish to attend.