Here are some of the MuseCon programming offerings for this year. Of course, all
things are subject to change.
Webmaster's note: I am working on getting the rest of these entered.
Programming at MuseCon runs from Friday at 1:30pm until 4:15pm
Sunday.
Basic belly dance for fitness and fun! 
time: Saturday, 7:30 - 8:45 pm
location: Hampton
Deborah Jablonski / MUSE Chicago
Belly dance is a non-impact, weight-bearing exercise and is thus
suitable for all ages.
We will learn a few basic moves and then
combine them to make a basic choreography at the end of class. Then, if
you wish, you can apply your skills at the drum jam! Bring a scarf to
tie around your hips and get ready to "hip-notize"!
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Basic Jewelry Stringing 
register ($4.00)
time: Saturday, 4:30 - 5:45 pm
location: Edwardian
Brooke Wiewel
How do we go from having beads, to actually being able to put on and wear a piece of jewelry? What are all these pliers and wires? Come to this class to find out the basics of stringing on wire and headpins, and create your own bracelet and earrings to take home.
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Beginning Harp Workshop 
register ($10.00)
time: Sunday, 9:00 - 10:15 am
location: Lakeshore
Jen Midkiff
A first step in the wonders of playing the harp. A hands-on workshop with the heavenly Jen Midkiff that lets your fingers dance with the joys of the strings.
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Beginning Vocal Workshop 
register (free!)
time: Saturday, 1:30 - 2:45 pm
location: Edwardian
Mark Bernstein, Jen Midkiff
A perfect place to get the basic skills you need to let your voice soar
under the guidance of the marvelous Mark Bernstein. From breathing to
posture to tone, this workshp is about understanding and is focused on
those who have had little to no vocal training.
Note: this
session is open to registered attendees only.
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Build a Birdhouse 
register (free!)
time: Friday, 1:30 - 2:45 pm
location: Stanford/Tech
Dwayne Forsyth
We have all the parts needed to create a simple cedar birdhouse, and a
workshop ready to go.
Although only about 85 of the hundreds of
North American bird species nest in cavities, there is so much
competition for natural holes, that man-made nest boxes are appreciated
by many of them and are an important conservation tool.
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Build a Catapult 
register (free!)
time: Sunday, 9:00 - 10:15 am
location: Stanford/Tech
Dwayne Forsyth
2DKits fired up the power tools and created another wood kit project, a table-top catapult! We typically think of a catapult being used in the Middle Ages to destroy the walls of a castle, but catapults have a very long history dating long before the time of castles. Catapults were developed in many different ways by many different cultures over the centuries (Yawn). Ok, enough history, we know we all just want to build one to launch mini marshmallows and dominate in the cubicle wars!
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Conquering Cables in Knitting 
time: Saturday, 1:30 - 2:45 pm
location: Stanford/Fiber
Elliot Mason
Cables look really impressive when done well, but aren't nearly as
complicated to knit as they look. Come learn to tame cables of all
shapes and sizes and bend them to your will. New knitters looking to
add this technique to their tool kit and veterans who've experienced
traumatic cable encounters are both welcome. Bring your needles and
yarn, and (if you like) a pattern or example of cables that confuses or
intrigues you, and leave with greater confidence.
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Dabke (Arab folk dance) 
time: Friday, 9:00 - 10:15 pm
location: Lakeshore
Deborah Jablonski / MUSE Chicago
Come and learn to dabke! A line dance, it is widely performed at
weddings and joyous occasions, it emphasizes unity and fun, playfulness
and joy! This dance is done together, all ages and skills. Prepare to
laugh and enjoy line dancing with an Arabic flavor!
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Etextiles 
register ($25.00)
time: Saturday, 9:00 - 10:15 am
location: Stanford/Fiber
Alyse Middleton
Light up your clothing with LEDs - no soldering required. Using basic sewing skills we will decorate any item of clothing you bring with LEDs.
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F-Stop, Shutter Speed, and Focal Length - Oh my: Better photography with your 'old school' film camera 
register (free!)
time: Friday, 4:30 - 5:45 pm
location: Edwardian
Lowell Lutman
We will try to demystify the working of the camera. Have you always
been confused by all the settings on your camera? Are you frustrated by
your images always being blurry, out of focus or too dark/light to see?
Learn how f-stop and shutter speed effect the exposure and can also
affect the sharpness of the image.
Please bring your camera with you so that you can get the hands on
experience with your own equipment. Fresh film & batteries are
reccommended.
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Fiber Zoo 
time: Friday, Saturday and Sunday (all day)
location: Standford/Fiber
Sewing machines! Fabric! Spinning and knitting and more! Come and play with us and let your creativity loose! Bring your current project, teach someone else, learn something new, just hang out with other creative people.
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Freeform Creativity 
time: Friday, Saturday and Sunday
location: Leighton
Sharon Price
Open crafting, costuming, and creativity, geared towards our younger members.
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Glow Costuming 
time: Saturday, 1:30 - 2:45 pm
location: Leighton
Sharon Price
Who doesn't love dressing up as someone, or something else? We'll have
supplies for the kids to put together their own fun wigs, masks, and
costumes that GLOW! Even better - you'll have a chance to show off your
creations at our Glow Dance a couple hours later!
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Glow-in-Dark Dance 
time: Saturday, 4:30 - 5:45 pm
location: Leighton
Sharon Price
Not just a dance, a glow-in-the-dark dance! Jump, jive, and have a good
time under the black lights!
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Guitar Circle 
time: Sunday, 1:30 - 2:45 pm
location: Lakeshore
Robert Little
The guitar circle invites guitarists to perform in an ensemble, arranged
in a circle with the audience seated in the middle. Thus the audience
will be literally surrounded by sound. We will perform easy songs,
drawing heavily on the filk tradition. Audience seating will be
limited, so plan to show up early if you wish to sit in the middle.
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Hardbound Journal Making 
register ($20.00)
time: Saturday, 9:00 - 11:45 am
location: Leighton
Sally Childs-Helton
In this 3-hour workshop you will make-and-take a hard-backed journal or
blank book. You'll learn to make a book with inexpensive and
easy-to-find materials and hand tools, so no special book presses or
other binding equipment is needed. You'll also take home complete
directions and a supply list.
Supplies are included in the workshop
price, but please bring these things if you can or want: any special
paper you want to cover the boards (bring 2 sheets 6X11 or larger; the
weight of gift wrap is good); 2 large glue sticks; scissors; a bone
folder/creaser; a rotary paper cutter (letter size is fine) or a razor
blade knife and self-healing cutting mat; any special color book binding
thread (embroidery floss works fine); and any small beads or other
decorative charms, etc. Otherwise, I'll have plenty of decorative paper
and hand tools. We'll need every minute, so don't be late!
This
workshop is limited to 15 people and costs $20.
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Improv Games for Performance 
time: Saturday, 1:30 - 2:45 pm
location: Lakeshore
Moebius Theatre
You know those workshops where you unleash your inner creativity in a
supportive and nurturing new-age environment? Yeah, you know us better
than that. We're talking cheap laughs and proud of it.Come play the
games that bring the funny onstage at The Second City and make for a
silly time at Musecon with Moebius Theatre.
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Leather Sewing Basics 
register (price varies)
time: Friday, 9:00 - 10:15 pm
location: Stanford/Tech
Liana Winsauer (Otter Necessities)
Learn the basics of hand-sewing leather by making your own key fob, or
take on a larger project. We have four projects this year: two key
fobs, a paperback book cover, and a small belt pouch. As various sharp
and pointy tools will be used, participants should be age 10 and up.
All four projects are suitable for beginners, but the book cover and
belt pouch will likely require completion outside of class.
See
the registration page for the different projects/prices.
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Lyric Writing I 
time: Friday, 7:30 - 8:45 pm
location: Hampton
Bill Sutton, Brenda Sutton
Bill and Brenda Sutton teach lyric writing techniques to develop
structure, scansion, internal and external rhymes, cadence, and active
word choice. Working from a common brain-stormed theme and word list,
participants leave with tools and direction to complete the assignment:
create lyrics for a basic three-verse and chorus song. Some previous
musical experience helpful. Space limited to ten people.
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Lyric Writing II 
time: Saturday, 9:00 - 10:15 am
location: Hampton
Bill Sutton, Brenda Sutton
Participants from Lyric Writing I read their lyrics aloud, receiving
gentle guidance and techniques to edit and polish their work into a
stronger song.
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Making the most of LEGO 
register ($15.00)
time: Friday, 9:00 - 10:15 pm
location: Edwardian
Chris Doyle
Most everyone has had a chance to build with LEGO brick over the
years...but there's more to do than just stacking one brick on top of
another. Join LEGO-enthusiast Chris Doyle in this hands-on workshop as
we apply advanced building techniques in the creation of a mini MuseCon
Mascot.
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Music Theory Workshop 
register (free!)
time: Friday 3:00 - 4:15 pm
location: Lakeshore
Jen Midkiff
Ever wondered why some notes work together and some don't? Ever wanted
to know how to tell the difference? Here's where you can start! A
beginning understanding of the basic theory as well as a good place to
refresh your knowledge and ask questions.
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Needle-felt a Feline 
time: Saturday, 3:00 - 4:15 pm
location: Stanford/Fiber
Bonnie Somdahl
Create your own miniature soft sculpture. This is a beginners class.
WARNING: extremely sharp needles are used.
Note -
students under age 8 must be accompanied by a parent/adult.
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Netted Beadwork for Beginners 
register ($7.00)
time: Sunday, Noon - 1:15 pm
location: Stanford/Fiber
Elliot Mason
Learn basic netted beadwork while making a keychain or bracelet. Students will learn the skills needed to make and design 'African net' beadwork. Kit includes all needed beads & supplies as well as class documents.
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Outdoor play session 
time: Saturday, 3:00 - 4:15 pm
location: outdoors (weather permitting)
Sharon Price
Weather-permitting we'll be headed outdoors for relay-races, bubbles,
and more creative fun.
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Painting Wargaming Miniatures 
register ($4.00)
time: Saturday, 3:00 - 4:15 pm
location: Stanford/Tech
Robin Winsauer
In this workshop, participants will learn basic techniques for painting 25 and 28 mm (about 1" tall) fantasy war gaming miniatures by painting a their own miniature. Advanced techniques can be discussed if time allows. A selection of miniatures will be provided for participants to choose from. Materials fee covers the miniature, as well as use of paint and brushes. Paints to be used are water-based acrylics, but please plan accordingly and wear appropriate clothing (a limited number of aprons may be available). For ages 12 and up.
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Paper Pop-ups for Beginners 
time: Sunday, 10:30 - 11:45 am
location: Leighton
Bonnie Somdahl
Create a fun frog face pop-up. Just bring your paper scissors.
If you have a favorite pop-up book feel free to bring it to
share.
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Post-swim breakfast gathering 
time: Saturday, 10:30 - 11:45 am
location: Hospitality Suite
Sharon Price
Now that the kids have gotten their early-morning exercise in the pool,
it's time for breakfast! We'll gather together in the Hospitality Suite
to eat.
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Show & Tell 
register (free!)
time: Friday, Immediately following Opening Ceremonies
location: Lakeshore
Rachel Tucker
You will have two minutes on stage to show something you have made.
Tell a little about the technique, the materials, the artistic choices,
or whatever. Any medium is fair game -- sing a verse of a song you
wrote, show off your fiber or metal or wood creation, display a
painting, wear your costuming work, etc. If you wish, you may submit up
to 5 photographs of your work to be projected behind you while you
speak; email files (jpg, png, or gif; maximum 5Mb each) to Zelda.Stoa AT
gmail DOT com ahead of time or bring a USB drive to the event.
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Silver Wire Bracelets 
register ($50.00)
time: Friday, 3:00 - 4:15 pm
location: Stanford/Fiber
Loren Damewood
A hands-on workshop to introduce the student to the principles of tying complex two-dimensional knots in precious wire resulting in a silver bracelet you can wear with pride. Fee includes silver wire and as well as tool loan.
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Stained Glass 
register ($25.00) or register ($20.00)
time: Saturday, 10:30-11:45 am
location: Edwardian
Dwayne Forsyth
Oooh - shiny and colorful! And, as a bonus, requires molten metal to
build! You get a kit with the glass already cut for the pattern, copper
foil, brass wire, and lead-free solder. A short class to get you going,
and then as much (or as little) help as desired. There are two most
excellent kits to choose from. There is a fee to defer the cost of
materials.
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Studio Lighting Use in Photography 
time: Sunday, 9:00 - 10:15 am
location: Carlyle
Richard France
Are you interested in learning how to use standard studio lights for
your photography? Lear the answers to questions like: What do strobes
give you that speedlights (flash) don't? Aren't they super expensive
and hard to use? Learn camera techniques to control your exposure while
using external lights.
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Ukelele Summit 
time: Saturday, 3:00 - 4:15 pm
location: Hampton
Moebius Theatre, Bill Higgins
Show your love for the instrument Krusty the Clown calls "the thinking
man's violin." Bring a uke if you've got one; come and borrow one if
you don't. Beginners and total newbies welcome, also seasoned players,
recovering guitarists and Eddie Vedder fans jumping on the
bandwagon. We'll share some songs and chord charts and make plans for
world domination.
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Viking Braid Jewelry 
register ($15.00)
time: Saturday
location: Stanford/Tech
Isaac Armstrong
Learn how to make a bracelet out of wire by using the Viking Braid.
Those worried about precision needs in jewelry should not fear -
precision is not required with this technique. Your entry fee will
cover enough wire to make one bracelet and the loom to make them on.
Wire cutters and pliers will be available; however bringing your own is
welcome as well.
Wire draw plates will be provided for use, and
may also purchase for an additional $5.
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Youth Drum Making 
time: Saturday, 4:30 - 5:45 pm
location: Leighton
Sharon Price
We're having a drum making workshop for our youth, followed by a rhythm
band/dance jam. Join us!
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Youth Swim 
time: Saturday,
location: Hotel Pool
Sharon Price
Time to throw the kids in the pool! Big kids welcome, too.
No
lifeguard on duty! You must provide supervision for your kids!
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Mobile Programming instructors will be roaming the convention area during the
convention offering lessons on basic skills, when and where you find them.
Mobile Programming instructors may carry a sign or flag, so if you see one, ask
about what they have to share!
If you have something that you would like to do as mobile programming,
contact someone at the convention.
We have some more formal programming...
** free = no additional charge with your paid membership. Space in these
sessions is limited. Register to insure yourself a spot in this class.