Ukuqasha kokuvakasha e-Newport

Seaweed pressing was a popular art form during the Victorian era when people summered on the coast and has a direct history to Newport. We will be working at tables set up with seaweed filled trays to study the different species and speculate on collage combinations. Other materials are rag paper, blotter paper, towels, nylon cloth, cardboard and weights. Small tools, such as tweezers, scissors, toothpicks and soft bristle brushes are also used as needed. Once the seaweed is positioned on the paper as desired, and the excess water removed, it is ready for pressing. The collage is transferred to fresh blotter paper with the nylon cloth placed on top to prevent sticking, then sandwiched into cardboard. The package is placed onto a flat surface and weighted down. The element of surprise is also a factor in this process and you won’t know what the end result will be until it is completely dry. The drying time is usually a couple of days to a week and you will leave with your pressing to continue the process at home. Other things to note In this workshop you will definitely be getting your hands wet! Handling seaweed and working with ocean water are part of the tactile process.

Must love goats is our motto here at Hidden Brook Acres! Come explore the daily happenings on a goat dairy farm. Immerse yourself in the presence of our nigerian dwarf goats, the miniature breed of dairy goat. Goat snuggling is always a big hit with adults and children alike! Come spend some time sitting in the pasture with our herd. Depending on the season we could be on dry lot (dirt paddock) or green grass. Kidding season begins in the spring, book for April/May sessions to snuggle newborn (goat) kids! Our seasoned farmers, as your hosts, will provide you with information on dairy goats and answer all of your questions as you relax within the herd. This experience guarantees time relaxing in a field of goats, observing herd dynamics, an educational Q&A with a knowledgeable goat farmer, and if you choose there are plenty of farm chores for getting your hands dirty! Farming and working with animals can be unpredictable so you never know what you might experience making each visit unique. The nigerian dwarf goats that reside on our homestead receive quality humane care. We adhere to the American Dairy Goat Association’s 5 Freedoms of Dairy Goat Well-Being. This is an outdoor experience and weather can play a factor in bookings.

Once we have arrived at the parking area, we will take a short walk on a cobble-lined beach to one of Rhode Island's prime fossil hunting areas. I will provide an overview of the geological history of the area, show a few examples of the fossils that may be discovered, and go over basic techniques for fossil hunting. Guests will have a little over an hour to hunt for fossils. I will be right there with you, lending a helping hand and helping you identify any potential fossil finds! Other things to note Walking to the site may involve walking on slippery rocks. Fossil hunting is a physical process, so please make sure you are capable of using a hammer and lifting rocks. I am more than happy to help you! Finally, fossil hunting is fickle... there are no guarantees on what you may find on any day.

I will explain the history of the art of scrimshaw from early whaling to modern. I explain the materials used and the laws governing the materials. Guests will be shown examples of all materials such as whale teeth and woolly mammoth ivory as well as several 19c original sailor made artifacts such as a whalebone fid, clothes pin and sailmakers seam rubber. We then will take a studio tour of my work space where I will show guests how to prepare materials for engraving. We will sand and polish an antique piano key ivory so it is ready to engrave. Afterwards I will demonstrate the art of engraving step by step before instructing guests how to make their own piece of scrimshaw. You will leave with a finished piece along with a small bag of ancient mammoth ivory, a scribe and ink to continue creating scrimshaw at home.

Your tour begins at the famous Boston Harbor - starting with a walk through a scenic waterfront park, with views of the harbor, East Boston, and nearby historic wharfs as we make our way to the heart of the North End. We'll visit a hidden Italian bakery serving up fresh bread daily. Break bread with your fellow travelers and let the carbs give you the energy to continue your adventure! A proper Italian salumeria is next, and you have a chance to enjoy Italian meats and cheeses at their finest and freshest. Then, we'll head to the North End’s busiest corridor, Hanover Street. It’s time for a mid-tour break at a traditional Italian café. Here, you have a chance to purchase your choice of a classic cappuccino, espresso, or tea, or just rest your feet. Let the caffeine kick in as we go back in time into North End history. Hear stories about some of the most influential events that have happened in Boston. We will make our way to the Old North Church and step inside the hallowed walls. To this day, North Enders still attend this church, which is famous for its role in the Revolution. After church, we dive deeper into the local side of the North End. A taste of pizza awaits at a neighborhood favorite and the stories are endless. We cap off your North End food experience with samples of the best of the best Italian pastries along the backstreets of this delicious neighborhood! Other things to note This tour features visits to locations that are not always able to cater for vegetarians and other dietary requirements. Discounts are available and I can assist you with recommendations on where to purchase alternative diet-friendly food during the tour. Please contact me ahead of time, if needed.