Gong Fu Cha: The Chinese Art of Tea Service

Learn how to brew tea using the classic steeping vessel, the gaiwan, and learn the techniques that prepare you to intuitively steep any tea that comes your way.

Gong Fu Cha is the traditional method of serving tea in China. This introductory class teaches the foundational skills of gong fu cha, or the skill of brewing tea through mindful practice. Learn the traditional Chinese vocab for many tea terms, try different grips to help you pour your tea safely and confidently, and begin to build a foundational understanding to different modalities for pouring different types of teas.

Join us for an educational afternoon and learn how your favorite crafting supply is made!

In this in-depth exploration, fiber-expert Nicole will take a deep dive in to the different ways we spin yarn, why one method may be preferred over another, and best uses for all our favorite fibers.

Meet other fiber enthusiasts and nerd out together as you take a deeper plunge into one of your favorite hobbies!

This workshop includes a 2 hour presentation and Q&A about how different yarns are machine and hand-spun, including information on different types of fibers, spinning, plying, and finishing.

Each student will receive small yarn samples and reference handouts to compare against yarns at home.

Walk away with resources for learning more and lots of ideas of how to think about yarn structure into your future making!

Gain confidence in your knitting practice by learning to recognize and rectify common mistakes, as well as how to prevent them in the first place!

In this workshop Julie will show you how to fix dropped stitches in both stockinette and garter stitch, twisted stitches, unintentional yarn-overs and more. Julie’s tips and tricks for understanding how to “read” your knitting will empower you to tackle more challenging projects knowing that when – not if – mistakes happen, they will be no match for you!

Intro to Gong-Fu Cha — The Chinese Art of Tea Service

Experience tea brewed using the gaiwan, a classic Chinese steeping vessel.

Gong Fu Cha is the traditional method of serving tea in China. This introductory class gives students experience and exposure to the traditional Gong Fu tea service.

This class is geared toward new tea drinkers or anyone unfamiliar with the Chinese tea service called gong fu cha. Come learn the foundations and see if it is the right practice for you. We will go over what gong fu cha is in depth, give a little history, and most importantly drink some tea.

Bring your questions and a notebook if you’re a notetaker.

Gong Fu Cha: The Chinese Art of Tea Service

Learn how to brew tea using the classic steeping vessel, the gaiwan, and learn the techniques that prepare you to intuitively steep any tea that comes your way.

Gong Fu Cha is the traditional method of serving tea in China. This introductory class teaches the foundational skills of gong fu cha, or the skill of brewing tea through mindful practice. Learn the traditional Chinese vocab for many tea terms, try different grips to help you pour your tea safely and confidently, and begin to build a foundational understanding to different modalities for pouring different types of teas.

Meet "Grape" the French Angora rabbit while learning about what it takes to keep your very own fiber producing animal! In this workshop, Jasmine will cover rabbit husbandry, grooming requirements, how to take care of fiber, and what's it's like to spin and knit angora/angora blends.

Get your questions answered while petting and grooming Grape, see how Angora fiber works up and acts as a knit, and get an opportunity to “spin from the cloud” for students who are familiar with spinning.

Space is limited, so click below to learn more and reserve your spot!

Indulge your senses as you explore the delightful pairings of fine wines and luxurious yarns with this special and unique event! Firefly is partnering up with our neighbor, Deep Red Wine Merchants, for an evening of delightful conversation, laughter, and camaraderie as you savor the interplay of aromas, tastes, and tactile sensations. Whether you're a yarn enthusiast, an avid knitter, or a wine connoisseur, this event promises to deliver a delightful fusion of artistry and opulence.

Immerse yourself in the elegance of yarn and wine, and discover the intricate interplay between these two beloved crafts. Limited tickets available, so reserve your place now for an unforgettable yarn and wine pairing experience!

This introductory class teaches the foundational skills of gong fu cha, the Chinese art of tea service. Learn how to brew tea using the classic steeping vessel, the gaiwan, and learn the techniques that prepare you to intuitively steep any tea that comes your way.

Originally developed 19-years ago by So-Han Fan, owner of West China Tea, this course aims to spread gong fu cha culture across the country.

Meet Your Facilitator:
Grant Kettering has taken several courses through West China tea’s education track. In addition to being certified in teaching Intro to Gong Fu Cha, they are also certified in Intermediate Tea Arts, a 10-week course led by Yao Yao.

They are invested in teaching this Intro course because this very course is where their gong fu cha journey began. What once began as a passing interest became a full time passion, and Grant has been hooked ever since!

Reserve your spot by clicking the button below!

Join us for an exciting and creative workshop where you can hone your crochet skills while crafting a fabulous tote bag using the classic granny square technique!

Granny squares are a crochet classic, and a great technique for any adventurous beginner looking to level up their crochet skills. Learn the skills to create the fabulous Battenberg Bag. Skills covered will include double crochet, chaining, switching colors, and joining squares together.

Yarn and pattern are included for this workshop and Jane, Firefly’s crochet instructor, will help you level up your crochet in no time!

Prerequisites
Familiar with single crochet stitch and double crochet stitch

Space is limited, so click the button below to reserve your spot!

Learn to weave and create a unique handmade bookmark! Weaving is a centuries-old craft that not only produces stunning textiles but also provides relaxation and a sense of accomplishment. By learning to weave, you gain the ability to create unique and personalized handcrafted items, and a bookmark is a perfect project to start with.

Our experienced instructor, Sarah, will guide you through every step including loom set up and several weaving techniques. Throughout the workshop, you'll receive personalized guidance and tips from Sarah, ensuring that you gain a solid foundation in weaving techniques.

Workshop includes all materials needed, including handmade collapsable travel loom.

Space is limited, so reserve your spot below!

You know Merino yarn, now try other breeds of wool! Join us for a yarn tasting workshop and experience new fibers!

This workshop includes guided discussions on wool characteristics, different categories of sheep breeds (fine wool, medium wool, down, long wool, primitive/non-industrial). The yarn tasting pack includes samples of five breed specific wools for each student to knit and crochet, and additional breed specific fibers and wool to examine in the class.

We will discuss the history of select sheep breeds, resources for learning more, and what types of wool are typically suited for what purposes. You'll work out with hands-on experience with different breed specific yarn, and lots of ideas of how to incorporate it into your making going forward.

Click below to learn more and sign up!

This introductory class teaches the foundational skills of gong fu cha, the Chinese art of tea service. Learn how to brew tea using the classic steeping vessel, the gaiwan, and learn the techniques that prepare you to intuitively steep any tea that comes your way.

Originally developed 19-years ago by So-Han Fan, owner of West China Tea, this course aims to spread gong fu cha culture across the country.

Meet Your Facilitator:
Grant Kettering has taken several courses through West China tea’s education track. In addition to being certified in teaching Intro to Gong Fu Cha, they are also certified in Intermediate Tea Arts, a 10-week course led by Yao Yao.

They are invested in teaching this Intro course because this very course is where their gong fu cha journey began. What once began as a passing interest became a full time passion, and Grant has been hooked ever since!

Reserve your spot by clicking the button below!

Due to popularity, we have added an additional class! Class #2 is from 3pm - 4:30pm. Click the button to reserve your spot!

Tunisian crochet is a great technique to learn if you want to expand your skills as a crocheter or try your hand at crochet as a knitter. 

Tunisian crochet is a unique subset of crochet that combines techniques from both knitting and crochet to create a smooth and plush fabric that works up quickly; perfect for blankets, sweaters, and everything in between!

Leslie will present an overview of the wonderful textures and patterns possible using Tunisian crochet.  We will explore the basic concepts and stitches used to create luscious Tunisian crochet sweaters and accessories. Warning: Tunisian crochet is addictive and Leslie is a Tunisian crochet evangelist!  

No prerequisites required for this class

Space is limited, so reserve your spot below!

Learn the basics of cross stitch all while stitching a little moth friend! Choose one of the four moth designs to work on during the workshop. Sarah will guide you on the basics of preparing your thread, how to read a cross stitch pattern, and the techniques used to create a beautiful cross stitch!

This workshop is beginner friendly, with no sewing experience needed.

Workshop Includes

• Embroidery hoop

• Cross stitch fabric

• Cross stitch sewing needles

• All colors of embroidery needed for your pattern

• Printed pattern by White Raven Patterns

• 2 hours of instruction by Sarah

Space is limited, so reserve your spot by clicking the button below!

This introductory class teaches the foundational skills of gong fu cha, the Chinese art of tea service. Learn how to brew tea using the classic steeping vessel, the gaiwan, and learn the techniques that prepare you to intuitively steep any tea that comes your way.

Originally developed 19-years ago by So-Han Fan, owner of West China Tea, this course aims to spread gong fu cha culture across the country.

Meet Your Facilitator:
Grant Kettering has taken several courses through West China tea’s education track. In addition to being certified in teaching Intro to Gong Fu Cha, they are also certified in Intermediate Tea Arts, a 10-week course led by Yao Yao.

They are invested in teaching this Intro course because this very course is where their gong fu cha journey began. What once began as a passing interest became a full time passion, and Grant has been hooked ever since!

Reserve your spot by clicking the button below!

Gain confidence in your knitting practice by learning to recognize and rectify common mistakes, as well as how to prevent them in the first place!

In this workshop Julie will show you how to fix dropped stitches in both stockinette and garter stitch, twisted stitches, unintentional yarn-overs and more. Julie’s tips and tricks for understanding how to “read” your knitting will empower you to tackle more challenging projects knowing that when – not if – mistakes happen, they will be no match for you!

Space is limited, so reserve your spot by clicking the button below!

This introductory class teaches the foundational skills of gong fu cha, the Chinese art of tea service. Learn how to brew tea using the classic steeping vessel, the gaiwan, and learn the techniques that prepare you to intuitively steep any tea that comes your way.

Originally developed 19-years ago by So-Han Fan, owner of West China Tea, this course aims to spread gong fu cha culture across the country.

Meet Your Facilitator:
Grant Kettering has taken several courses through West China tea’s education track. In addition to being certified in teaching Intro to Gong Fu Cha, they are also certified in Intermediate Tea Arts, a 10-week course led by Yao Yao.

They are invested in teaching this Intro course because this very course is where their gong fu cha journey began. What once began as a passing interest became a full time passion, and Grant has been hooked ever since!

Reserve your spot by clicking the button below!

Come join us for an introduction into zine making! Learn how to make a simple one-sheet zine, as well as pamphlet stitched/staple bound zines and some affordable techniques to making them!

With the popularity of zines growing, many now are akin to art books and anthologies. While those are beautiful pieces of work, in this back-to-basics workshop, Charlotte will be emphasizing the original zine, meant more like a personal newspaper made to be given away or sold for cheap to peers.

This workshop is a great introductory course for those interesting in making zines—no drawing skills necessary!

Click the button below to learn more and to reserve your spot!

Learn how to brew tea using the classic steeping vessel, the gaiwan, and learn the techniques that prepare you to intuitively steep any tea that comes your way.

This introductory class teaches the foundational skills of gong fu cha, the Chinese art of tea service. Originally developed 19-years ago by So-Han Fan, owner of West China Tea, this course aims to spread gong fu cha culture across the country

Meet Your Facilitator:

Grant Kettering has taken several courses through West China tea’s education track. In addition to being certified in teaching Intro to Gong Fu Cha, they are also certified in Intermediate Tea Arts, a 10-week course led by Yao Yao.

They are invested in teaching this Intro course because this very course is where their gong fu cha journey began. What once began as a passing interest became a full time passion, and Grant has been hooked ever since!

UPDATE: SOLD OUT

Up your crochet skills and learn to work in-the-round! Learn the skill to create a fun and utilitarian basket with colorful t-shirt yarn for an easy project that works up quick!

This workshop is perfect for the adventurous beginner looking to move past making flat objects to working in three dimensions. Yarn and pattern are included for this workshop and Jane, Firefly’s crochet instructor, will help you level up your crochet in no time!

Click the button below to learn more and to reserve your spot!

Learn to steek without fear!

Steeking is a technique in which you cut your knitting to transform items knitted in-the-round into flat fabric — especially helpful for stranded colorwork so you’re never purling with multiple colors.

You will learn a few methods to reinforce a steek, how to muster the courage to cut into your work, and different methods of beautifully and securely finishing a steek. We will also discuss how to use a steek to convert a pullover to a cardigan and to knit a flat colorwork pattern in the round. Students should come to class with a small colorwork swatch to steek.

Click the button below to learn more and reserve your spot!

UPDATE: SOLD OUT

Learn the basics of cross stitch all while stitching a spooky little friend! Choose one of the three ghost designs to work on during the workshop. Sarah will guide you on the basics of preparing your thread, how to read a cross stitch pattern, and the techniques used to create a beautiful cross stitch!

This workshop is beginner friendly, with no sewing experience needed.

Click the button below to learn more and to reserve your spot!