Do I need to have any previous art experience?

No prior experience is needed; this workshop is designed for beginners and guided step-by-step.

Can I bring my own design for the suncatcher?

Yes, you can bring a design that fits within an 8-inch circle and has simple closed lines.

Are the silk dyes safe and non-toxic?

Yes, the dyes used are professional-grade and safe when used as instructed in the workshop.

Is the workshop suitable for children?

The workshop is for participants aged 18 and older for safety and complexity reasons.

What is the cancellation policy?

Full refunds or credits are provided with at least one week’s notice before the scheduled date.

Where is the workshop held?

The workshop takes place at Rocky Mountain Folk School, 315 Pitkin St, Grand Lake, Colorado.

Create Vibrant Silk Painted Suncatchers in Grand Lake, Colorado

Set against the striking backdrop of Grand Lake, Colorado, the Silk Painted Suncatchers workshop offers a unique, hands-on introduction to the art of silk painting that goes beyond the typical outdoor adventure. While Grand Lake is known for its dramatic mountain panoramas and pristine waterways, this creative workshop invites visitors to engage with the local culture through an expressive art form that mirrors the region’s vivid natural colors. Held at the Rocky Mountain Folk School located on 315 Pitkin St, this beginner-friendly experience is designed for adults 18 and older to unlock their creativity in a welcoming studio environment.

Participants select from a range of pre-drawn designs or bring a personal motif that fits within an 8-inch circle—perfect for those who want to craft a truly individual keepsake. Using traditional silk painting tools, you trace your design onto fine silk fabric, outline it with gutta—a resist substance that keeps the dyes in place—and then apply richly pigmented silk dyes that flow and blend organically, creating a luminous effect reminiscent of Colorado’s ever-changing sky and wildlife hues. The entire process takes about three hours, an ideal length for those looking for a mindful, artistic recharge after a day of hiking or boating nearby.

What makes this workshop standout in the Grand Lake outdoor scene is its fusion of nature-inspired creativity with tangible artistry. Visitors often find the gentle, flowing movement of the dye and the intense color saturation to be a form of meditation, tapping into the same sense of peace the surrounding Rocky Mountain region offers. The Folk School itself supports local artisans and maintains a strong connection to the area’s cultural roots, making this workshop not just an activity but a meaningful way to connect to the community.

Beyond the workshop, Grand Lake serves as a gateway to the Rocky Mountain National Park and offers access to lakefront adventures and scenic mountain trails. This creative session is a perfect complement or alternative to more physically demanding outdoor pursuits. Whether you're gifting the finished suncatcher or keeping it as a vibrant memory of your Colorado trip, the experience delivers a fresh perspective on the region’s beauty.

Join the Silk Painted Suncatchers workshop to add a splash of handcrafted color to your Grand Lake itinerary and bring home a piece of Rocky Mountain artistry that glows with every ray of light.

About Rocky Mountain Folk School

Rocky Mountain Folk School in Grand Lake, Colorado offers hands-on craft workshops and skill-based classes for adults and children. The school hosts a rotating schedule of experiences led by skilled instructors, including glass artist Linda Dewey and master woodworker Dennis Fanning. Offerings range from short holiday projects — such as Glass Fusing: Christmas Ornaments and Beaded Snowflakes — to multi-session or intermediate classes like Glass Fusion Water Color Technique and Woodturning Workshop. Several sessions focus on fiber and surface design, including Silk Painted Suncatchers, Batik Flowers on Suede, and Watercolor: Holiday Postcards. Leatherwork classes include Leather Belt Making Workshop and Kids Leather Tooling & Bracelet Class, and more specialized options include Flint Knapping 101, Pottery for Adults, and Glass Fusion Butterfly Vase. The school also provides personalized entry points such as Gourd Craft 101, a one-on-one session that introduces new members to the Gourd Patch club and includes a complimentary gourd. Sessions vary in length and skill level — from 1.5- to multi-day workshops — and use classroom space, kilns, and studio tools appropriate to each craft. Rocky Mountain Folk School emphasizes hands-on instruction, safe tool use, and creative exploration in a community-focused setting. Prospective participants can register online or inquire about private reservations to find the right class for skill level, project preference, and scheduling needs.

Classes accommodate beginners through intermediate makers, and materials are provided for specific projects when noted. Workshop descriptions specify duration, required skills, kiln firings, and registration instructions on the school’s online calendar page today.