Workshops at BreyerFest!

A great part of BreyerFest is getting to participate in one of the fun, hands-on hobby workshops that are offered throughout the weekend.  These sessions are limited to VIP and All-Access ticket holders (and a handful of sessions are exclusive to VIP ticket holders), so be sure to purchase one of those ticket types if you want to participate.  Workshops won’t be on sale until March, but who doesn’t love a preview, so they can get started planning their BreyerFest weekend?  As you’re planning your weekend schedule, please be mindful of sessions that overlap so you don’t accidentally double book yourself!

 

Board & Bristol
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Does your favorite room need that special, horsey finishing touch?  Join Jamie Rott as she guides you through the process of taking a plain board and making it into a unique BreyerFest souvenir!  This workshop is geared towards teens and adults due to the nature of the project.  All supplies will be provided and participants will take home a finished, stenciled piece of wood art.

 

Battle’Corns
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Join long-time model horse artist and Breyer carousel ornament creator, Laura Rock-Smith as she teaches you to take a Breyer Freedom Series scale unicorn and turn it into a unicorn that is ready for battle! Learn some of her tricks for creating detailed bridles and armor using things like rubber stamps, beads and hand designs to add fanciful touches with just a touch of history. A Breyer model is includes in this session.
 

Carousel Horses
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Join Laura Rock-Smith, long-time model horse artist and Breyer carousel ornament creator to learn how to take a Breyer Freedom Series scale model and turn it into your very own Coney Island style carousel horse complete with brass pole and wood base. She’ll be teaching you how to use the methods she used in creating both her ornaments and her award-winning carousel customs. You’ll be learning how to create smooth, even trappings, detailed bridles and setting jewels as Laura gives you a bit of history behind the golden age of carousels in America.  A Breyer model is included with this session.
 

Creating Water Bases
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
German artist Vincent Lange will be joining us once again to give you an introduction into creating water effects on bases and dioramas for your model horses. Each attendee will be given a Freedom Series-scale model and Vincent will take you through creating a water scene with splash effects caused by the movement of the horse. You are also at liberty to customize the model afterwards to create an entirely unique scene. This workshop will go through the basics of painting and creating any kind of water surfaces for your model horses. Dive down deep into the magic of water effects to make your model horse stand out from the crowd!
 

Etching Decorators
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Work alongside hobbyist Lauren Hoeffer to learn how to etch your model in the decorator style!  All participants will receive a Freedom Series-scale model horse to try their etching skills on.  For an added twist, this year Lauren will also give participants the opportunity to colorize their etchings with acrylic paints!  Due to the use of sharp objects, this workshop is limited to intermediate to advanced students – adults and older teens only.  A Breyer model is included in this session.
 

Every Day We SCUTTLING – Open to VIP Ticker Holders Only
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
VIP ticket holders can join Canadian artist Shauna McDaniel on Sunday morning to create a unique companion to guard your herd.  We will cover several techniques to turn found objects and pony parts into entirely new creations using standard art supplies and of course a little glitter.  This workshop will suit any skill level – Stablemates models (and parts) and shells will be supplied by Breyer.
 

Fantasy-Inspired Costume – “If There Be Dragons!”
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
Join skilled tack maker Didi Hornberger in this fun session making a fantasy-inspired costume for your Traditional scale model.  This session will include the creation of a “dragon scale-inspired” half-drape blanket, matching breast strap, and “dragon ruff” headpiece!  Some simple hand sewing will be a component of this session.  A Breyer model will be included for all participants.

 

Fleabitten!
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
Join renowned finish work artist Stephanie Blaylock as she teaches students how to paint an incredible Fleabitten grey horse using pan pastels and acrylics.  In this session, Steph will show participants how to create the basecoat and then move on to splattering the fleabites.  A model will be provided to students participating in this session.
 

How to Make a Western Bridle
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
Tack maker Kristian Beverly will teach attendees how to create a traditional scale western bridle. Western bridles are a fantastic piece of tack for beginner and experienced tack makers to create. Then decorate the bridle to make it truly theirs! By learning techniques such as thinning leather and fit, attendees will be able to apply these skills to their future tack making endeavors.
 

Introduction to Collecting and Showing Model Horses
Skill Level: Beginner
Join Liz Isham Cory in this hands-on session as she introduces you to the live show ring, including hidden tips and tricks and a few hints on what the judges are looking for! This class is for anyone who wants to brush up their live showing skills, including newcomers or veterans who have been out of the show ring for a while.  This workshop will cover breed assignment, show classes, and some ins and outs of this fun hobby, as well as host a mini, mock model horse show!  Models will be provided by Breyer, but attendees are welcome to bring a model from their collection for more personalized instruction.
 

Introduction to Leather Tooling
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced, 16+
Take your tack design to the next level in this fun session!  Lisa Smalley, of Smalley Saddlery will teach participants the art of tooling leather in miniature, a skill that you can ultimately use for model horse tack.  In this session, participants will be tooling leather to make a bracelet, which they can wear home, but the techniques taught can be easily transferred to tack making.  This workshop is for all skill levels, but at the instructor’s request is suitable for participants 16 and older only.  A Breyer model is not included with this session.
 

Just for Kids! Painting
Skill Level: Intermediate, 10 & Up
Do you dream of painting your own amazing custom Breyers like the professional model horse painters? Join professional artist Jennifer ODonnell Danza and get the tips and tricks to start creating your own model masterpieces! This class is for kids ages 10 to 17 who want to learn advanced skills for painting their own model horses. Freedom Series-scale model included.
 

KIDS Rainbow Holo Pony Party
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced – Under 21 only
Canadian artist Shauna McDaniel is back at BreyerFest with this sparkly session!  For kids and teens UNDER 21 ONLY, participants in this session will be creating a Freedom Series scale magical rainbow dream horse, complete with holographic markings!  Every horse will be unique based on how magical you want him to be.  This workshop session requires no special skills or knowledge and is suitable for anyone willing to get a little glittery with Shauna.  Freedom series model will be supplied to all participants by Breyer.
 

Leather Chamfron – Open to VIP Ticker Holders Only
Skill Level:  Intermediate to Advanced
Learn how to create your very own Leather Chamfron with Dani Boiko in this fun workshop. You will trace, cut out, and craft your very own piece of horse armor to fit the model provided. Leather armor was used on horses for many, many years as both protection and decoration. Many horses seen in the scifi/fantasy movies are often adorned in armor. Here you will be able to start your very own set beginning with the faceplate known as the Chamfron. A Breyer model is included with this session.
 

Model Horse Photography
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
Whether you’re just looking to document your collection or are preparing for a photo show, this session will show you how to shoot your pony to its best advantage! Join Liz Isham Cory as she leads you through different forms of model horse photography, including some simple and inexpensive ways to enhance your photos using scenery, backgrounds, lighting, and more. This class is open to all, from beginners to veterans looking to sharpen their skills.  Models will be provided by Breyer, but participants are welcome to bring their own camera and a model (limit one) for some hands-on practice!
 

Mosaic Horse Plaques
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
Artist Christina Riley is back again with the Mosaic Horses Workshop! This time featuring an all-new horse silhouette; making the project a little different from last year for those who would like to join again! Let your creativity shine as Christina walks you through the process of creating your very own glass tile mosaic horse plaque from the base board to the finishing touches. Fun for any skill level, adults and kids alike, this very hands-on-craft could get messy so we recommend bringing a smock/apron or wearing clothes you don't mind getting messy. A model is not included with this session.
 

Painting on Canvas – Just for Kids!
Skill level: Beginner to Intermediate, For kids under 13 only!
Painter Laura Thomson guides you through this fun painting project just for kids!  A starter canvas will be provided and Laura will walk students through the steps of creating a beautiful painting on canvas.  This workshop is only open to participants ages 6 to 13 and does not include a Breyer model.
 

Paved Ponies – Open to VIP Ticket Holders Only
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
You may know artist Franceyn Dare from her wild and wacky lollies and weirdlings custom models.  We are thrilled that Franceyn will be joining us in person at BreyerFest to host this incredible customizing session!  Franceyn will show students in this session how to create a 3-D style pony that appears to be made of bricks, complete with flowering vines – all without using any epoxy!  Franceyn will walk students through the sculptural phase, all the way through painting.  Open to VIP ticket holders only, a model is included with this session.
 

Pinots & Pintos Painting
Skill level: All levels. Adults 21 and over ONLY.  ID will be checked
Enjoy a glass of wine as Laura Thomson guides you through this fun painting project.  Prepped canvases and wine will be provided for attendees.  This session does not include a model horse.
 

Polymer Clay & Prop Making – The Ins and Outs of Model Horse Keeping
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
Bring the realism of your model horse stable up a notch with miniatures specialist Kenzie Williamson of Bridle Tree Studios.  In this class you will learn how to sculpt realistic carrots, apples, and manure with polymer clay. You will receive your own set of Breyer’s Traditional Stable Cleaning Accessories and bring them to life with dirt and grime to complete your realistic scene.  This session does not include a Breyer model, but does include Breyer accessories.
 

Quaggas!
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Tegan Davis of Zebrastrepe Studios is an expert in creating zebra patterns on model horses.  In this fun session, inspired by her love of the Quagga Project, Tegan will teach students how to create their own Rau Quagga pattern on a Breyer model.  A Breyer model is included in this session.
 

Rainbow Holo Happy Hour – 21+ ONLY
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
What’s more fun than glitter?  Why not add a little sparkling wine to the mix!  Canadian artist Shauna McDaniel is looking forward to spending happy hour with fans looking to get glittery!  Participants in this session will be creating a Freedom Series scale magical rainbow dream horse, complete with holographic markings!  Every horse will be unique based on how magical you want him to be.  This workshop session is suitable for anyone 21 and over willing to get a little glittery with Shauna.  Freedom series model and sparkling wine will be supplied to all participants by Breyer.  ID will be checked.
 

Repairing Horses
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
Did your favorite model break or get a scratch?  Have you always wanted to know how to fix those breaks and scratches?  Has the task seemed daunting and scary? Breaks and scratches don’t have to be scary any longer.  Now you can learn how to repair your own models with one-on-one instruction with Jennifer ODonnell Danza.  You’ll learn what products to use and how to use them to get the best results.  Broken models will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own favorite broken model.
 

Sculpting Mini Manes and Tails
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
Learn how to transform your Stablemates models in this fun session taught by artist Tiffany Purdy.  You might remember her from her Arabian Halter sessions, but Tiffany is mixing it up this year with a fun sculpting session.  Stablemates will be provided to all students in this class and Tiffany will teach students how to use Aves Apoxie sculpt to give them a whole new look!
 

Seeing Spots!  Painting Appaloosa Blankets
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Join Darynn Bednarczyk of DeeJayBe Studios in this workshop all about painting Appaloosas. You will learn the different patterns, their relation to hair growth and how to achieve realistic spots using various methods with acrylic paints. A Breyer model is included with this session.
 

Shading Dapple Greys
Skill level: Intermediate to Advanced, ages 11+
Artist Sacha Phariss, known for her stunning paintings of horses, is looking forward to helping students bring their sketches to the next level.  In this session, Sacha will be teaching students how to shade a dapple grey horse using graphite pencil, as well as share her tips for drawing more realistic horses.  Learn three key steps that will make your horse drawings look more alive!  A model is not included with this session.
 

Spookology! – Open To VIP Ticket Holders Only
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Fresh off her BreyerWest workshop debut, artist Jenn Constantine can’t wait to bring spooky season to BreyerFest fans!  Known for her supernatural skeletal Spook medallions, paintings, and customs, Jenn will introduce participants to the basics of the equine skeleton, the science of UV paints, and using those paints under blacklights to create their own Spook on a Breyer model! This class is beginner friendly but offers plenty to do for more experienced artists as well.  A Breyer model is provided for this session.
 

Superhero Horses – Open to VIP Ticket Holders Only
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
Hard working lesson pony by day, crime fighter and city saver by night! Let your ponies' wildest dreams gallop true with the skills you’ll learn during this fun and creative workshop! Join Trinity Honaker of Infinity Breyers for her Superhero Costumes Workshop you’ll be able to obtain the skills needed to craft your very own superhero cape, decorated in your model’s style, and learn how to make matching accessories that will help any pony feel like the true hero they are! A Breyer model is included in this session.
 

Traditional Scale Battle’Corns – Open to VIP Ticker Holders Only
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Come join long-time model horse artist and Breyer carousel ornament creator, Laura Rock-Smith as she teaches you how to take a Breyer Traditional scale wild mustang and turn him into an armored battle-ready unicorn in this special VIP workshop. Learn some of her tricks for not only creating unicorn horns, but detailed bridles and fanciful armor with just a bit of history behind their designs. A Breyer model is included in this session.

Watercolor Painting
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
In this fun workshop, instructor and artist Jamie Rott will guide participants through this unique project using watercolors!  Jamie will walk participants through all painting stages, from a simple watercolor silhouette to an embellished, colorful, and inspired masterpiece!  A Breyer model is not included with this session.