Hands on Gatlinburg

May 5, 6 & 7, 2023

Going into it's 8th year, Hands-On Gatlinburg is going into it's 8th year as an immersive three-day experience which allows you the opportunity to learn from The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. This event is a unique, one-of-a-kind experience where you get the chance to learn how to be a crafter. 

Whether you are an expert or beginner in the arts & crafts world, you have the chance to participate in Hands-On Gatlinburg. It’s an immersive three-day experience allowing you to learn from The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, featuring over 100 artists and craftsmen. It’s home to the largest group of independent artisans in North America.

These professional craftsmen have spent years and even decades perfecting their art. Now, you can learn from them and become a pro yourself. The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community will host an abundance of do-it-yourself style classwork. All art supplies and materials are automatically provided for you. You are encouraged to take any of the classes listed below. This list showcases everything from pottery to soap-making. By the end, you’ll not only have a new skill set to show off, but memories that will last a lifetime. You can register for as many classes as you want and can attend for this 3 day event.

So whether you are looking for a cute mother-daughter bonding activity, trying to figure out an enchanting date idea with your significant other, or are looking for a way to get out of your comfort zone, this event is the perfect way to experience the heart and soul of Gatlinburg.

Deadline to Register:

FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2023

2 Cat with Pumpkin Light

Steve will instruct you on how to paint this cute 2 Cat w/Pumpkin Light. You will base-coat and dry brush the piece. Includes the light kit. This shop...

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A Trio of Porcelain Pieces

Painting on 3 porcelain pieces using Alcohol Inks. Tools and Tips that may be new to you as you dip into this more recent art form. You will paint an...

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Bluebird Remark Watercolor

Students will paint a 5x7 watercolor of an Eastern Bluebird. Next, the painting will be placed in an 11x14 Mat and Louise will instruct them on...

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Butterflies and Cherry Blossoms

2 1/2 hr. watercolor workshop featuring pro-grade materials and techniques to enhance your "loose & juicy" style of painting. Little-known tools...

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Chair Bottoming 101

Eighth generation East Tennessean David Weaver will teach you how to bottom a vintage child's chair using reed in the herringbone pattern. This is a...

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Chick-a-Dees

Students will paint An 11x14 acrylic on canvas. The finished painting will have at least one bird, but two if time allows. Some painting experience...

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Cobwebs and Fireflies

2 1/2 hr Watercolor Workshop. Pro Grade materials furnished as well as "secret" tools in addition to brushes giving you positive results in a...

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Crackpot Bears

Steve will show you how to paint this adorable set of Crackpot Bears. You will base-coat, dry brush and detail this set of black bears. This shop is...

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Crackpot Penguins

Steve will instruct you on how to paint this adorable set of Crackpot Penguins. You will base-coat, dry brush and glitter this set of Crackpot...

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Earrings are like onions...they can have many layers

Using various lightweight mixed color metals, wires, and beads, we will create earrings that have many layers to add movement and interest. We will...

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Flint Knapping

Safety First- please bring eyeglasses or shop glasses. I give an overview and demonstrate each step many times. This will hand out lasting skills as...

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House Number Sign

Steve will instruct you on how to paint this nice House Number Sign. You will learn how to base-coat and dry-brush this piece. Photo shows sign done...

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Imprinting Art with Leaves & Plants

Create original artwork from leaves and plants --- and cook in a turkey roaster! Stack bundles with watercolor papers, botanicals, color influencers...

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Magic Tricks You Can Make

Each student will learn to make simple magic tricks from common items. You will learn to predict an item a spectator will chose from multiple choices....

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Making earrings and a pendant with UV resin and Giltter Rox

Jan is teaching students to make a pair of earrings and a pendant using a special type of UV resin. Unlike other resins, this type can be dried in 20...

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Modern Lava Tree

Steve will instruct you on how to paint this believe and unique Modern Lava Tree. The project will include the light kit. Students will have a choice...

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Oil Painting the Smoky’s

Painting lesson that includes drawing, color mixing with a limited palette, brush work, perspective and design! You will paint a landscape painting in...

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Raku and Horsehair Pottery Class

Fire your own Raku or Horsehair pot to keep. Each participant will have a choice of glazing and firing a Raku pot or creating a horsehair design on a...

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Rings, Rings, Rings

Students will create several designs of wrap style rings with copper or brass using simple forging and metal working techniques. As the grand finale,...

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Stained Glass Angel

Students will learn two basic skills of making stained glass. Students will learn the basics of the two most important skills in stained glass as they...

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Stained Glass Square Suncatcher

Students will learn three basic skills of making stained glass. Students will learn the basics of the most important skills in stained glass as they...

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Weave a Bear

We will weave a bear that can be an ornament or a necklace. Each bear will have its on personality by choosing different textures of yarns and...

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Weave a Necklace

We will weave a necklace on a small loom. There will be a choice of yarns to choose from. If you wish you can add buttons to your small weaving. This...

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Weave a Round Basket

East Tennessee Native Becky Weaver will teach you how to weave a round basket on a slotted wooden base. You will be able to choose your accent colors....

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Weave an Ornament

We will weave an ornament that can be used for a Christmas tree, a pin or necklace. You will have different yarns to choice from. There will be a...

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