Gingerbread Manor School of the Living Arts

Read Diana Louise Carter's July 15, 2010 article in the Democrat and Chronicle Gingerbread Manor offers 19th century pace, philosophy

Music Theory Class

Boost your understanding of how music works. For students who take lessons on an instrument, for singers, for anyone who wants to “look under the hood” and take apart the engine of music! Taught by former High School Advanced Placement Music Theory Teacher. All ages, instruction individualized. Class size limited. Five nights, Sunday, July 31 to Thursday, August 4, 2011 6:30 – 9:00 pm

return to top >

Chicks and Sticks
 

Meet like-minded yarn enthusiasts or start your own love affair with yarn through this fun and educational knitting class. An experienced instructor will be on hand to get you started (you can make and give the gift of a hand-knitted scarf for this holiday season!) or bring a project to work on while you sip Wassail or tea, nibble snacks and make new friends. You need a girls’ night out, don’t you? Call or email to register.

 
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
7 pm – 9:30 pm
 

$10/person each evening

return to top >

Owning and Operating a B&B
 

Yes, it’s romantic, you meet a lot of wonderful new friends, and yes, it’s a lot of work, but, hey, work isn’t a four-letter word! There are a few details you should consider before making your dream come true. Stay for a weekend and see the behind-the-scenes workings of a B&B. Topics include buying your dream place, marketing, daily goings on, schedules, insurance and open Q&A. Chat with a realtor, and of course with me, the Innkeeper at Gingerbread Manor. Includes two nights’ lodgings, two breakfasts, Saturday dinner, drinks and snacks during sessions and all materials. Three couples maximum.

Friday 7:00 – 8:30 pm Where do I start? What do I need?
Saturday 8:30 am breakfast
10:00 Location and guest rooms
11:00 Record-keeping, taxes, licenses and permits
12:00 Free time to shop and get lunch
3:00 Scheduling, marketing and breakfast, oh my!
6:00 Group dinner at D&R Restaurant
8:00 Nitty-gritty numbers
9:00 Free time
Sunday 8:30 am breakfast and question/answer time
10:00 Websites, associations, and other advertising
11:00 Check out

$350/person or $475/couple
Friday, October 7 – Sunday, October 9, 2011
 

return to top >

Vegetarian Cooking 101

Your teen just announced she’s a vegetarian and you don’t know how she’s ever going to get her protein! Bring her along to an introductory class for the new vegetarian and the family. Learn new dishes with tofu and TVP (textured or 'texturized' vegetable protein) so everyone in your family is happy at mealtime! There’s more to vegetarianism than a diet of mac and cheese! Taste everything presented! Call or email to register.

Friday, February 18, 2011
6:00 – 8:30 pm
$20/person
Two people from the same family $15/each
 

return to top >

Scrapbook Your Photos

Tools and artistic advice available. Hearty soup/salad/homemade bread dinner included, with coffee, tea and cocoa served all day. Limited is space. Call or email to register.

Saturday, March 5, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
1:00-9:00 pm
$28/person/session
 

return to top >

“Knitters Only” Overnight

Check in Friday night and get clicking! We serve homemade soup, salad and homemade bread for supper. Big country breakfast in the morning. This is ‘way better than knitting alone at home, and we guarantee you’ll go home with ideas for new projects, special yarns and new techniques. Gingerbread Manor’s library is well-stocked with knitting pattern books and magazines to browse, copy, or share! Bring the sticks and the projects and take a well-deserved mini-holiday for yourself while the coffee, tea and cocoa flow endlessly. Space is limited, so call or email to reserve your spot.
Second Friday evening in January
$75/person
 

return to top >

Dinner Direct from the Earth

So you live in an apartment and have no yard? Your child wants to “grow stuff” and you don’t have tools or a clue what to do? Come on out to Gingerbread Manor where you can farm your own 6’x3’ plot. We have raised beds, each filled with organically enhanced soil and NO chemicals! Raise whatever you want – it’s all Organic Produce! All tools in the garden shed are for everyone’s use, so you don’t need to bring a thing. And if you don’t have a clue how to get started, schedule a free appointment with Darla. Come be a part of a community garden experience. You have access to your garden every day of the growing season, starting April 15.

•  Satisfaction of saying “I grew this”

•  Physical workout – forget the gym membership!

•  Community – meet other folks to share tips and produce

•  Sense of connecting back to Mother Earth

•  One of the most ‘green’ activities you can do
   

My Own Garden $40/first season
$30/second season
$25/third season
or barter for work at Gingerbread Manor any season
Taking reservations for 2011 growing season

 

return to top >

Piano Lessons

You’ve always wanted to learn piano but are too shy to mention it to anyone? Just for fun, just do it! Do this for yourself or drop a big hint for a gift! Lessons are in the barn or in the library on the baby grand. All ages, from four years old.
By appointment only

45 minutes each lesson $22.50


 

return to top >

Unique Christmas Cards from your family this year!
 

Dress your family in our Mary, Joseph and shepherd costumes and join the sheep in their indoor pen to create your best Christmas Card photo ever! The barn’s stone walls resemble a long-ago stable. Bring the camera and someone to snap the shots of your family! Yes, of course there’s a manger, and we will swaddle your infant for the photo shoot!
 

By appointment only, any time of year

$40 for costumes and half an hour photo shoot

Professional photographer available for extra fee
 

return to top >

Christmas Carol Jam

Christmas Carol Jam is a Musical potluck for those of you who just can’t get enough Christmas songs! Come to sing, play or just to listen and meet some like-minded Christmas Carol aficionados. Gingerbread Manor has two acoustic pianos, six and twelve-string guitars, bongos, a lap dulcimer, a cupboard full of percussion accessories and song sheets to get the group started! Bring your own instrument and holiday spirit. Last year we had an accordion and lots of children playing drums and bells. Of course, the Manor will be decked out in holiday style. Wassail will be flowing! Please call to let us know you’re coming.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

return to top >