Pottery studio time

 

 $25 drop in fee, we will work on projects like Salad tossers, spoons, fish wall hangings, crazy faces,  miniatures for tiny gardens, doll parts for marionette dolls or whatever your imagination can come up with. 

Bags of clay for sale $15. We work with white clay only. Wheel work is for experienced throwers only or schedule a private lesson for throwing.  

*Firing included... though you Must return and pay for second class to finish pieces for firing.
I offer studio time for 4 weeks at $125, includes all glazes. Open studio time is on Saturdays/Sundays 10-4, Wednesday evenings 5-9pm. Other times by appointment.
If you have interest in a kids/parent workshop, and can get 2 other families together, I’m happy to put together a class.

 

Blacksmith workshop

Basic introduction to blacksmithing. 3 workshops to choose from. Skill level, beginner to intermediate. 
8 and up is best, adults are welcome to sign up with kids!
I can only take 2 people at a time in the shop.
Learn how to taper, draw out and scroll hot steel to form shapes for functional items, such as a fire poker, a towel rack or camp cook set.  A lesson in Physics!       I am not a knife maker. knives require special heat treating and annealing, however we can make the shapes if return student would like to try it.
S1,  10-2  Saturday/Sunday Dec 26/27  (2 day workshop) $210 10-2 pm (includes materials)
S2  10-2   Saturday/Sunday January 2/3  or Jan 30/31 (2 day workshop) $210 10-2 pm  (includes materials)
S3  10-1pm  begins Wednesday's in January Drop in workshop $95 person, plus $25 materials fee. Just try out the smithy.  (must confirm with Vera beforehand)


Must sing a waiver. Village Green/Vera Johnson is not responsible for any injuries

 
We'll hammer iron, learn proper posture and holding techniques, shop safety and more
I'll demo then you can try your 'arm and hammer'
Must wear canvas or denim pants, fitted cotton long sleeve shirt, wear layers. Flannel shirt, denim shirt, leather shoes. No synthetic materials. They can melt and burn skin.
Hair must be tied back. NO Fleece, no baggy clothes.
I would be willing to discuss the hourly rental of the studio with interested adults.
I have been a practicing blacksmith for over 15 years, taking classes from Scott Shattuck at the Duwamish trade center through SSCC, Continuing my education through weekend workshops with David Lisch, master damascus knife maker (I do not make knives, we practiced other skills) and apprenticed for Shannon Buckner of 'Bent productions'

camp cook set

Vera 206-819-8544

10223 26th Ave SW Seattle Wa 98146 

Street parking. Shop is onsite at Village Green

Blacksmith workshops

Basic introduction to blacksmithing. 3 workshops to choose from. Skill level, beginner to intermediate. 
8 and up is best, adults are welcome to sign up with kids!
I can only take 2 people at a time in the shop.
Learn how to taper, draw out and scroll hot steel to form shapes for functional items, such as a fire poker, a towel rack or scrolled trivet.  A lesson in Physics!       I am not a knife maker. knives require special heat treating and annealing, however we can make the shapes if return student would like to try it.
S1,  10-2  Saturday/Sunday September 26/27 (2 day workshop) $210 10-2 pm (includes materials)FULL
S2  10-2   Saturday/Sunday beginning October 17/18 (2 day workshop) $210 10-2 pm  (includes materials)
S3  10-1pm  begins Wednesday's in October Drop in workshop $95 plus  $25 materials fee. Just try out the smithy.  (must confirm with Vera)
    
Must sing a waiver. Village Green/Vera Johnson is not responsible for any injuries
 
We'll hammer iron, learn proper posture and holding techniques, shop safety and more
I'll demo then you can try your 'arm and hammer'
Must wear canvas or denim pants, fitted cotton long sleeve shirt, wear layers. Flannel shirt, denim shirt, leather shoes. No synthetic materials. They can melt and burn skin.
Hair must be tied back. NO Fleece, no baggy clothes.
I would be willing to discuss the hourly rental of the studio with interested adults.
I have been a practicing blacksmith for over 15 years, taking classes from Scott Shattuck at the Duwamish trade center through SSCC, Continuing my education through weekend workshops with David Lisch, master damascus knife maker (I do not make knives, we practiced other skills) and apprenticed for Shannon Buckner of 'Bent productions'

camp cook set

Vera 206-819-8544

10223 26th Ave SW Seattle Wa 98146 

Street parking. Shop is onsite at Village Green

Early dismissal clay genius

March 25th, early dismissal clay genius workshop   2:30-5 pm.  $40.
5 kids max, ages 9 and up
  
clay/handbuilding workshop for 9yrs and up
need a safe place for your kids for the early dismissal? Does your child love to play with clay and art materials?
We will explore hand building by creating interesting shapes that can later be used in mixed media projects.
Each class comes with unlimited potential, unbridled creative abilities and certainly some laughter and fun. Oh, we’ll work with clay, too. Fearless exploration. No specific agenda.
Pack a snack, bring water. Wear older clothes that can get dirty
Parent release form required for each child. Please be certain this is a class your child will enjoy.

Park out front and walk down the driveway to the rear of the house, the studio is under the deck through the purple door.
Vera  206-819-8544 call to confirm sign up

Blacksmith classes

Basic introduction to blacksmithing. 3 workshops to choose from. Skill level, beginner to intermediate. 
8 and up is best, adults are welcome to sign up with kids!

I can only take 2 people at a time in the shop.
Learn how to taper, draw out and scroll hot steel to form shapes for functional items, such as a fire poker, a towel rack or scrolled trivet.  A lesson in Physics!       I am not a knife maker. knives require special heat treating and annealing, however we can make the shapes if return student would like to try it.
S1,  11-1  Saturday's beginning October 18 (runs 4 weeks) $180 11-2pm
S2  6-9pm  begins  Wednesday October 22nd,  evening  6-9pm (special 2 night project/class) We will make  a camp cook set. A very useful camping tool! This class is $190 plus $25 materials fee.S3 6-9pm begins Wednesday November 5,  evening  6-9pm (special 2 night project/class) We will make  a camp cook set. A very useful camping tool! This class is $190 plus $25 materials fee.
S4 6-9pm begins Wednesday November 19,  evening  6-9pm (special 2 night project/class) a small trellis for your garden plants/vines.   This class is $190 plus $25 materials fee.
    
Must sing a waiver. Village Green/Vera Johnson is not responsible for any injuries
 
We'll hammer iron, learn proper posture and holding techniques, shop safety and more
I'll demo then you can try your 'arm and hammer'
Must wear canvas or denim pants, fitted cotton long sleeve shirt, wear layers. Flannel shirt, denim shirt, leather shoes. No synthetic materials. They can melt and burn skin.
Hair must be tied back. NO Fleece, no baggy clothes.
I would be willing to discuss the hourly rental of the studio with interested adults.
I have been a practicing blacksmith for over 15 years, taking classes from Scott Shattuck at the Duwamish trade center through SSCC, Continuing my education through weekend workshops with David Lisch, master damascus knife maker (I do not make knives,
we practiced other skills) and apprenticed for Shannon Buckner of 'Bent productions'

camp cook set

Vera 206-819-8544

10223 26th Ave SW Seattle Wa 98146 

Street parking. Shop is onsite at Village Green

Blacksmith workshop

 March 15 and 16  or March 29 and 30th (two classes per session )     11-2  hammer iron and learn to make some useful household items. return students can choose a project, perhaps window treatment or towel holder
1 child or adult $245 or  with a buddy  $460  ($230 each)
Sign up with a friend and save $15 ea.              (please call or email to confirm)

Must sing a waiver. Village Green is not responsible for any injuries
 
8 and up is best, adults are welcome to sign up!

Very basic introduction to blacksmith. 
Skill level, beginner to intermediate. We'll make an easy project, an S hook and a plant hanger.
**Return students will make a  fire poker, towel bar or coat hook. I am not a knife maker. That requires special heat treating and annealing, however we can make the shapes if return student would like to try it.
 
We'll hammer iron, learn proper posture and holding techniques, shop safety and more
I'll demo then you can try your 'arm and hammer'
Must wear canvas or denim pants, fitted cotton long sleeve shirt, wear layers. Flannel shirt, denim shirt, leather shoes. No synthetic materials. They can melt and burn skin.
Hair must be tied back. NO Fleece, no baggy clothes.
I would be willing to discuss the hourly rental of the studio with interested adults.
I have been a practicing blacksmith for over 15 years, taking classes from Scott Shattuck at the Duwamish trade center through SSCC, Continuing my education through weekend workshops with David Lisch, master damascus knife maker (I do not make knives,
we practiced other skills) and apprenticed for Shannon Buckner of 'Bent productions'

Vera 206-819-8544

10223 26th Ave SW Seattle Wa 98146 

Street parking. Shop is onsite at Village Green

Parent/child blacksmith class

One class per session, choose one of these dates, please call to confirm your date.
Call to schedule a class
only 1 parent/child per class, so please call or email to confirm.
Must sing a waiver. Village Green is not responsible for any injuries
7 and up is best,
Very basic introduction to blacksmith
Skill level, beginner. We'll choose an easy project, a fire poker, or an S hook.
We'll hammer iron, learn proper posture and holding techniques, shop safety and more

I'll demo then you can try your 'arm and hammer'
Must wear canvas or denim pants, fitted cotton long sleeve shirt, wear layers. Flannel shirt, denim shirt, leather shoes. No synthetic materials. They can melt and burn skin.
Hair must be tied back. NO Fleece, no baggy clothes.

Vera 206-819-8544

10223 26th Ave SW Seattle Wa 98146 

Street parking. Shop is onsite at Village Green

Vera Johnson BIO

My bio and community involvements...this is hard to do! 

About me...

 I'm a plant nerd. Really. 

I have a long story about how I came to Village Green, but will leave that for a blog post.

 I'm a spring born baby, an Earth sign, Taurus if you must know...  Growing plants keeps me grounded.  My mom had the GREENEST Thumb ever... and we consistently had roughly a million plants indoors and out- so I have been gardening all my life in one way or another. 

 I don't claim to know everything about plants or know all the Latin names, but I'm pretty good/intuitive with almost all things green and growing. 

   My way of learning has always been by way of doing. I've killed many a plant to get where I am. Some plants are just harder than others. Period. 

 What I hope to achieve here is teach others how to grow plants and have success AND FUN doing it. I want to encourage early/new gardeners to experiment, but also answer questions and trouble shoot about what, how and why things do and do not work. 

  So, I am here. 

 I want to be involved in my community. I want to educate and provide a place for students - therefore we host classes and workshops-taught by the many qualified educators we have around the Puget Sound.

We host

• Rose experts (antique roses as well as modern)
• Rain garden experts, Permaculture experts, Sustainable living experts, 
• Urban Farmers, 
• Organic gardening experts, 
• Perennial experts, 
• NW Natives experts,
• Wildlife Restoration experts,
• Beekeepers,
• Foodies, 
• Chefs...the list is endless- so we invite them to come and share their knowledge...and they do. 

 I love music, Art, wine, food and all things that are experienced and created through the use of our senses. 

 These things must be felt. 

I love my life.  I want to share these joys and pleasures.  We host live music in the garden throughout the summer and feature local artists to show their hand crafted items. 

  I am a resident and HUGE supporter of White Center. As a member of a community, I believe it is important to know my neighbors and fellow business owners.    I  want to participate in helping my neighborhood be even better than it already is, not just wait for it to happen. I have been a resident in West Seattle (multiple areas) for over 15 years and WC (DubSea) is my favorite neighborhood- hands down. 

 I work with the White Center Community Development Association every year to help with the WC spring clean up, leading groups of volunteers as well as making plant donations. I am involved with NHUAC, I am a member of the WC Chamber of Commerce, the Business owners association. I maintain a close connection to the White Center Sheriff deputy. I am my neighborhood Block watch captain and I occasionally write for the White Center Blog. 

   

  I work with many area schools to provide plants for Garden installations to attract wildlife, as well as many Donations for fundraisers including Community School of West Seattle, West Seattle Montessori, Alki Elementary, Schmidtz Park (funds raised for 2 of my custom sculptures was $4700)   I'm also a founding member of the Family learning center program at SWCC. 

 I am a homeschooling parent-over 8 years now, and as a homeschooling parent I want to teach my kids the impact we can have on our lives and the lives of others by simply showing up to do our part, but also by the choices we make and the huge impact they have on the lives of others as well. I am a very strong believer of sustainable living and supporting local businesses. That is why I make the choices I make about the plants I carry and grow. I make very effort to buy only from local independent growers. Smaller operations. Keeping the money local. Chain stores can drive little busineeses out very quickly if we aren't thoughful and intentional. 

 Organic is very, very important to me. I have very strong convictions/opinions about the use of pesticides and chemicals.

 I'll save that for another Blog post-but feel free to ask me sometime.

  I know the positive impact gardens can have on our environment, our health and well being and our food systems.

 I know the impact our choices make.

 I want to 'be part of the change I want to see...'

Lemon Verbena simple syrup

Lemon Verbena simple syrup

Refreshing, delicious and versatile simple syrups made at home with herbs grown right in your garden!

In this HOW TO video I explain and demonstrate how easy it is to create flavorful syrups from lemon verbena. Simple syrups are so easy to make and have so many uses.

video

The recipe I use is...1 to 1 a ratio sugar to water

Gather herbs, clean  sterile jar with a lid, cooking pan (non-reactive), spoon, measuring cup, sugar and water
1 cup sugar (white, raw, rapadura-whatever kind you choose)
1 cup water
1/4 cup to 1/2 cup fresh herbs....lemon balm, mint of any kind, lemon verbena, rosemary...the choices are many

Use a non-reactive pan
place water in pan and bring to a boil
add sugar, let it dissolve
add herbs, tear the leaves to help release the oils and flavors
allow to gently boil for one minute
turn off heat and allow to cool slightly
Pour into clean jar, cap it and let it sit for 8 hours.
Strain it and place in the fridge for up to a month
You can extend the shelf life by adding a shot of vodka.

this is very concentrated-less is more, add in small increments to taste.
Get creative....you can make amazing cocktails, Popsicles, sparkling summer drinks,
use in frosting's, make sorbet, salad dressings or share with us what you came up with!

For non alcohol spritzers...
2 tbsp syrup in a 12-14 oz glass
ice
10 oz sparkling water
dash of fresh lemon or lime juice
stir, taste, adjust
add a fresh leaf of herb of choice-flower petals add a nice touch
Enjoy!

my children-our journey

Homeschooling is a journey-and a very personal one at that.
I think my favorite quote is "necessity is the mother of invention"
that quote best describes me and the way I move through life...some may not agree with this way of living and may think it downright absurd to actually live this way...but for me-it's the only way...

When I became a mother, I made some radical lifestyle changes-some need not be written in this blog post, but let's just say that I decided it was time for some changes-being that I had a child (2) to care for.

Somewhere along the line I started reading all sorts of books about learning styles and education...Waldorf and Montessori to name the top 2.
I became increasingly interested in all types of philosophies about nurturing healthy development, individual learning styles and whatever I could get my hands on. I read every book I could, I wanted to know all about Maria Montessori, Rudolph Steiner and bio dynamics.
    At the time I also became increasingly interested in herbal healing-it all tied in together. I just dove into as much of it as I really could.  I was on a mission to be a conscientious parent. I'm not sure if I was fully aware of that mission, but looking back at how I went about it, it was some serious dedication and stemmed from necessity I wanted to raise a healthy, well rounded children -and be the kind of parent I never had. 
 I wanted a close relationship with my kids. I can't say when I knew for sure, but somewhere around year 3 with my first child I knew that homeschooling was in our future. It came about a few ways..
first, she just wanted to be with me and I was not comfortable pushing my child away when I'm the safety net at such a young age....and I read the Continuum concept. That book solidified all my intuitive parenting ideas and was like a permission slip to be the parent I felt inclined to be, free from societal 'norms' and standard parenting 'tips' and childhood benchmarks/pressures.
 I am not a fan of all the rules and regulations...I don't think the schools or government knows better than me what my individual child needs-and honestly, I don't believe the government has my best interest and health in mind when they are busy making rules/laws that don't include health care and food additives, so WHY should I trust them with my kids?  Have you seen the junk foods they serve at schools?       YUCK...case in point...
off my soap box now....
so-the truth is there are so many ways to home school it's dizzying. However, I personally do what feels right. I have had to really search into myself to define my values and to follow them as well as pass them along to my children.  I make mistakes and own them when I do.

We do not do a traditional curriculum as many other families do-we just don't feel it necessary, we do more child led interests. The kids choose from a pool of classes of their interest.
As one of the founding members of the Family Learning Center at Southwest community center  It's really easy to provide them with opportunities-we live in a city full of it! The SHG (Seattle Home school group) is an invaluable pool of resources with over 450 families from all over Seattle and outlying areas. There's NEVER lack of activities and classes offered.
 I want to mention another book Under Pressure ...a book that also gave me permission to allow my kids to be kids, not managed-and I gotta just say-I've heard it from hundreds of people-all ages and stages-my kids are kind, well adjusted and well socialized. They know how to communicate with adults and how to express their thoughts and feelings, clearly.
 I have not been the wonder parent and don't feel like i know any better than anyone else how to do it any better, I only know our  way has worked and it's still working, so I'm in no hurry to make any big changes.
 The Desire to home school led me to the information I needed to follow the path I have chosen and trust that things will work out just fine. And so far-it's been a wonderful rewarding journey. I wish that for everyone who decides to take the road less traveled. I have learned so much about myself and that is probably the best reward. I trust myself more now than ever. My kids and I are very close.  Teaching was not my goal. We have a mutual respect for each other. We have trust. That was my goal.

Peace
Vera





 

A feast of tarts! Homeschool mom's dream!

 Here we are, back home in Seattle after the most amazing trip of my life. (the kids agree-theirs, too!)
Ok, let's get just to the point, the FOOD in France was beyond delicious.
   We ate croissant every day- I mean- when in France do as they do! I'm not referring to the croissant we are used to here in Seattle, I'm talking about the light, flaky, buttery yumminess of a croissant. A slight hint of salt, as well as light mellow sweetness. Are you salivating yet?
I am. It's just not the same here. I am on the hunt for croissant and baguettes that even fall in the realm of 'good' here. I'm now officially a snob of some foods and beverages. I admit.
  Espresso... being from Seattle, you'd think we would be a shoe in for a good shot of espresso. The rich creamy texture, somewhat frothy on the top. Low acid, full flavor. I'm now much more of a snob when it comes to a good shot of espresso. I have had some good coffee here...but it's harder to find.


 I now share the satisfaction of a good cup of coffee with my teenage daughter. She quickly adapted to the rich creamy shots of espresso, having never been a coffee drinker. She found enjoyment in what she always thought was horribly bitter. She started with espresso, and now, at home, can't find the 'right flavor'....I understand her dilemma. We commiserate together, and search for that simple pleasure.


 As we try to accept that we are home now, and things are the way they are here, we try to re-create the flavors at home. We want to continue to eat the foods we so enjoyed while we were in France.
We don't want to let the trip slip away, only hazy memories. Food really can capture a moment in time and inspire memories. So we cook, or more accurately... she bakes. 
   Baguettes are definitely in a category all alone. She keeps trying. Although the loaf is good, it has not achieved baguette status, but will make great sandwiches. She tries again. I love that she can just keep trying, and not get discouraged.
 The entire inspiration for the trip was a 4 day cooking class in Agen, with Kate Hill and Kate McDermott (Art of the pie-Seattle). It was like being in the presence of not just one Julia Child, but 2 Julia's. Just like we've been told, it is true....the food was prepared as food should be... With love and BUTTER. 
 The essence of food.    Slow food. Real food. Farm to table. The traditions and direct relationship of people with the land are things I knew in my heart, but somehow I have a much deeper understanding now, thanks to the Kate's.
 We learned all manner of kitchen wisdom from the Kate's....salted butters, lard, cream, cheeses, foie gras, flour... all the way to butchery. The hot water and cold water crust recipes, as well as the tart recipe have proven to be the most used recipes in our repertoire right now, and I could not be more delighted! Sweet and savory options....Fear not the crusts, and go forward.
Johanna has been experimenting with her new love...Baking. Every mom's dream, a child who makes entire meals and dessert. To feed the whole family. 
 To perfect the tart was the first goal. And try as many times as we need to get it right. Scrumptious!!!


 How lovely to open the fridge and see creme fraiche on the shelves, drawers full of Swiss chard in bright rainbow colors, red onions in piles in a bowl waiting for their turn to be caramelized. Pine nuts, kalamata olives....these are not foods I tire of easily. I feel great comfort and satisfaction in having them around, knowing we will combine them to create a savory feast.
It is true, once you taste something so good, there is no turning back.


This is a common thread in my life. I am living a life that is full, joyous and abundant. I have faced fears and am gaining my strength and courage in myself, there is no going back.  I will continue to seek balance. We are meant to enjoy life, there is but one loaned to us for such a short time. Eat well.

Southwest community center is at risk of closing!!!

Homeschoolers!!! community members!!!

 The time to act is NOW if we want to save SWCC!!

 WHAT YOU CAN DO

 Take 5 minutes of your time TODAY and:
 *Write to the members of the CityCouncil: http://www.seattle.gov/council/guide.htm

 Before September 26th, have each member of your family (including your kids) write a letter or email.  Let's flood city council members' offices with stories of how SWCC has positively impacted the lives of people and families in our community.

  *Contact the Mayor: http://www.seattle.gov/mayor/contact.htm

 *Join us on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-Southwest-Community-Center/126477817454076?sk=wall

 Create a stronger impact and:

 * Attend a City Council Meeting and let yourvoice be heard
There will be a public hearing this Thursday, September 22nd at 9am. It will be held at City Hall (600 4th Ave.) Plan to attend if at all possible. This will be our best opportunity to make our case before the council prior to the Mayor's budget presentation. Consider attending with signs and/or speaking for three minutes.

 *Attend the Brainstorming Meeting for our Family Learning Program
We are organizing a brainstorming meeting to map out our plans for the future of our homeschooling program on the morning of October 30th. Details will follow once confirmed.

 

 *Ask everyone you know to join, share and spread the news. We hope to rapidly spread awareness of these proposed changes so we can fight in numbers. Tell all your friends (even those who may have never used SWCC) what an asset the center is to our community.


 Just think of what a fantastic civics lesson this could all be for all our kids! Let's show them that we CAN make a difference.