Summer workshops in Ocean Grove

The Ocean Grove Historical Society is sponsoring summer workshops in handcrafts, both vintage and modern, at the Centennial Cottage in this Victorian community by the sea.

The schedule is:

“Magazine Page Bowls and Containers,” Wednesday, July 20, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Instructor Laura McHugh will demonstrate how to transform magazines into interesting bowls or containers. Bring a few favorite magazines to make an eyecatching container. Open to those 12 years and older. Visit McHugh’s blog at http://vintage2glam.blogspot.com/

“Decoupage Vase and Tissue Paper Flowers, Friday, July 22, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. McHugh will demonstrate the art of decoupage using glass containers and filling them with tissue-paper flowers. Participants are asked to bring a glass vase or glass container that is clean and has the labels removed. All other materials will be supplied. Open to those 12 years and older.

“Introduction to Digital Photography,” Thursday, July 28, 4-6:30 p.m. Instructor Margaret Cotton will demonstrate how to use your point-and-shoot camera and improve your snapshots. Participants will learn how to get the most of a camera’s presets and manual settings. The focus will be on the charms of Ocean Grove in this hands-on class to review, refine and extend photography skills. Digital posting offers feedback for photographs taken during class. Bring camera and manual if available. Cotton is a local wedding and family photographer whose work can be found at mjcphotography.com.

“Macramé Bracelets, Key Rings, Necklaces,” Friday, July 29,10:30 a.m. to 1p.m. McHugh is the instructor. While out at sea, sailors would knot thick twine into decorated pieces that they would sell or trade when they went ashore. Participants will make several knotted jewelry pieces such as a bracelet, ankle bracelet, necklace or key ring. The class is open to those 12 years and older, and if participants have favorite beads or shells with holes in them, they should bring them to incorporate into their creations.

“Papercutting,” Monday, Aug. 1, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Instructor is Mindy Shapiro. Papercutting is an ancient art dating back to the creation of paper during the 1st century in China. Since that time, artisans have used paper, scissors and knives to create objects both ornamental and functional. In this workshop, participants will cut a small picture and are asked to bring a cutting mat and an exacto knife if they have one. To see samples of Shapiro’s work, go to www.personalizedpapercuts.com.

“Memory Bracelets,” Thursday, Aug. 4, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Instructor is Vicki Bacolo. Using wire with memory, participants will make a unique three-tier bracelet. Bead history, color palette and placement will be discussed so each bracelet is not just a piece of jewelry but a piece of art. Ages 15 and above are welcome.

“Crazy Quilting,” Thursday, Aug. 18, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Instructor is Vicki Bacolo. Victorian women recycled old, worn garments reusing silks, velvets and cottons, repurposing them into “crazy quilts.” Learn how to stitch the pieces together and add embroidery and beads. You’ll see how you can make unique pillows, sachets, Christmas ornaments or stockings, embellishments for clothing or bags, or larger projects such as baby quilts.

“Altered Book,” Friday, Aug. 19, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. McHugh is the instructor. Learn how to fold and manipulate hardcover books into interesting works of art. Participants will also create wreaths using old book pages and watercolor painting. Open to those 12 years and older; participants are asked to bring in a few old hardcover books.

“Quilting: Hand Piecing Part 2,” Monday, Aug. 22, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Instructor is Carol Grant. This workshop is for students who have a basic knowledge of hand piecing. Last summer, participants were introduced to working on a fourpatch block, and this workshop will continue the process. An overview of the history of quilting will also be provided. Participants are asked to bring small scissors for clipping threads, a thimble and a needle threader if one is normally used.

“Paper Beads,” Wednesday, Aug. 24, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. McHugh is the instructor. Learn to decorate, roll and cut paper into beautiful beads and then use those beads to make one-of-a-kind jewelry. If participants possess unique papers, magazines or maps, which could be used to create their jewelry, feel free to bring them to class.

All classes will be held at Centennial Cottage on Central Avenue and McClintock Street. The fee for each class is $15, and there is a $5 kit fee for additional materials. In the event of rain, classes will be held at the historical society museum.

For more information or to register for classes, call Susan at the museum, 732- 774-1869.