Name: Illuminated Letter Fraktur - May 6
Start: 2023-05-06T10:00:00-04:00
End: 2023-05-06T13:00:00-04:00
Location: PA Guild of Craftsmen

Instructor: Emily Smucker-Beidler

Skill Level: Beginner

Learn how to use pen and ink to create an elaborate letter in the Fraktur style of the late 1700s. Participants will also have the option to grain-paint their own frame to fit their finished 8×10 piece. Perfect to give as a gift or keep as your own.

All supplies are included. Bring your own watercolors, colored pencils, or another medium of choice to add color to your finished ink Fraktur.

Watercolor sets in the traditional Fraktur colors will be available to purchase from the instructor for $20.

New for 2023! Make a grain-painted frame for your Fraktur with Jim King for an additional $25. If you wish to make a grain-painted frame, please arrive at 9 am the day of the class and select the frame painting option when registering below!

About Fraktur:

Fraktur was created by Pennsylvania Germans during the eighteenth through the mid-nineteenth centuries and features calligraphic text decorated with colorful birds, hearts, and flowers. The tradition has its roots in the illuminated manuscripts of medieval Europe but evolved into a distinctive part of the local Pennsylvania German culture. Today, those who appreciate this colorful folk art enjoy drawing their own fraktur designs based on the work of the early fraktur artists.

About the Instructor: Ever since sixth grade, Emily Smucker-Beidler has been creating Fraktur after learning from Roma Ruth, a well-respected Fraktur Artist from Montgomery County, PA. After receiving an Art Education degree and Master’s degree in Art Education, Emily has made her 29-year career in teaching art her passion, while continuing to create custom Fraktur for hundreds of clients. She brings her experience and enthusiasm for teaching to her Fraktur workshops and welcomes artists of all ages and ability levels.

Creating a covid-safe environment: Emily will remain masked unless presenting from the table. All demonstrations will be projected on the screen so that participants can watch from their seats or come closer, depending on their comfort level. Sharing supplies will be at a bare minimum, with hand sanitizer available for use.

Cancellation/Refund Policy:

The Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen does not provide cash refunds for the cancellation of classes unless the class is canceled by the instructor or the Guild.

In order to request a withdrawal from a workshop, students must contact the Guild by phone at 717-431-8706 or contact us here at least 7 days prior to the class. Students who request a withdrawal at least 7 days prior to the class will receive a credit that can be used toward another workshop. No refunds or transfers will be given to cancellation requests made with less than 24 hours’ notice of the class.

Please note that we are unable to provide refunds for missed classes due to personal scheduling conflicts. If you are sick with Covid-19 or believe that you may have been recently exposed, please email kelly@pacrafts.org.

To purchase a ticket at the member discounted rate, please login here.