Arts and Crafts Center teaches skills, offers something for everyone Published Nov. 14, 2011 By Laura Mowry Staff Writer EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Looking to surprise her husband, Capt. Dustin Masten, for his upcoming U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School graduation in December, Steffanee Masten looked to the Arts and Crafts Center for some help. With two children happily in tow she stopped by, hoping someone could help her with a custom creation her husband would surely appreciate. After several minutes of creative thought and discussion, the order was placed and Masten and her children were heading out the door -- no waiting, no fuss, and all smiles. It was that easy. "This is great. It's not so easy getting out with two kids, not to mention all that stuff craft stores typically have for them to get into. Coming here is much more convenient," Masten said. The Arts and Crafts Center was recommended by several military spouses as a great alternative to traveling into town. "I heard that the quality was great and you couldn't beat the price, so I thought I would give it a try. They were right; I had a good experience and really appreciate their creative ideas," Masten said. The Arts and Crafts Center is in the business of providing services and creative assistance at a great price; whether it's woodworking, custom framing, engraving, or pottery. Embroidery services are expected to be available again by January 2012. Tina Dorff, director of the Arts and Crafts Center, estimates that just the custom framing service will save customers an average of 30 percent off retail prices. Although programs and classes are the heart of center, there is always someone willing to help patrons with their arts and crafts needs. Chuck Hildebrand oversees the woodshop and will provide assistance on any project from fixing a broken drawer to building custom bookshelves. For those who find themselves intimidated by working in the woodshop, they can just ask Hildebrand and he will custom make whatever they would like. If someone can imagine it, he can build it. Before anyone is allowed to use the woodshop, the Arts and Crafts Center requires each person to take a two-hour safety course, offered one Saturday a month beginning at 1 p.m. The course costs $12.50 and entitles each participant to three free hours of shop time. The cost of using the woodshop is $1.50 per hour or $40 for unlimited monthly use. Projects may be stored onsite, and lockers are available for tool storage. For Dorff, the goal is to increase interest and knowledge of arts and crafts. "Through direction, teaching and training we truly want people to learn an arts and crafts discipline. We want everyone to continue with what they have learned," Dorff said. This year, many pottery students are opting to apply what they've learned in class by creating handmade Christmas presents. "It's really special that they're choosing to do this. Not only is it an affordable option, it's always nice when someone hand makes a present for you," Dorff said. Pottery classes are held Tuesday evenings and typically cost between $65 and $80 for an adult. There are also classes available for children. Classes consist of three to four sessions, approximately two hours each. The pottery instructor, Sarah Thompson, has several pieces of award-winning pottery displayed around the Arts and Crafts Center. Upon completion of a pottery class, students may use the studio free of charge. Blocks of clay can be purchased for $17.50 Pottery lessons are not the only classes offered at the Arts and Crafts Center. Cake decorating classes are also available in beginner through advanced levels -- covering everything from basic decorating skills to flowers and fondants. The cost is $45 per class and includes four sessions. Happy with her first experience in the Arts and Crafts Center, Masten looks forward to using more services and classes offered. "We'll definitely be back. Next I think we are going to check out the pottery studio and classes," Masten said. Open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Arts and Crafts Center is located within the Airman's Campus on Edwards at 200 Methusa Ave., Building 2440. The woodshop remains open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is easily accessible from the Auto Hobby Shop. For more information, please contact the Arts and Crafts Center at 275-2787 (275-ARTS).