Head to School for Printmaking, Gardening, Antiques or Etiquette

If you're interested in learning a new hobby, sharpening existing skills or meeting others with similar interests, taking a class is the way to go. Here is a sampling of classes, workshops and seminars offered in a number of fields. For information on other possibilities, check with local school systems' adult education departments, community colleges, public gardens, museums and county agricultural extension offices.

J.J. McCoy

Antiques & Furniture

"Woven Chair Seats" on Thursdays lets participants cane, rush or splint seats in a hands-on class. Marshall High School, 7731 Leesburg Pike (Route 7), Falls Church. Sept. 15 to Oct. 20, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Fee: $115 (bring chair to first class; students purchase materials for appropriate seat type). 703-227-2261 or 703-227-2340.

Come to "Furniture Repair" over three sessions for hands-on tricks and tips for restoring old or damaged furniture. Chantilly High School, 4201 Stringfellow Rd., Chantilly. Sept. 28 to Oct. 12, 7 to 10 p.m. Fee: $75 (eye protection required). 703-227-2250. http://www.fcps.edu/adult.htm .

"Faux Finishes: Decorative Textures" shows students how to create decorative raised and sculpted paint surfaces. Marshall High School, 7731 Leesburg Pike (Route 7), Tysons Corner. Nov. 12, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fee: $69. 703-227-2261 or 703 227-2340.

A mosaic-mirror workshop will be taught in two parts at Columbia Art Center: On Oct. 3 and 7 from 6:30 to 9 p.m., learn basics of mosaic design, cutting tiles, adhering the tiles and grouting to create a decorative yet functional piece. 6100 Foreland Garth, Columbia. Fee: $65; registration required. 410-730-0075.

Hand-painted furniture is the goal for Tuesday classes at the Columbia Art Center. From Oct. 4 through Nov. 22 (7 to 9 p.m.), learn to prepare a surface, apply a design and finish a small piece of transportable furniture, be it a stool, chair, cradle, lamp, toy chest, mailbox or birdhouse. 6100 Foreland Garth, Columbia. Fee: $125 (resident discount). 410-730-0075.

"Furniture Decoration" lets participants transform furniture or flea-market finds into personalized decorative pieces with simple painting techniques; bring a project to class. Bryant Adult Center, 2709 Popkins Lane, Alexandria. Oct. 8, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fee: $35 plus $15 for supplies. 703-227-2261 or 703-227-2340.

"Textile Painting and Dyeing" lets participants custom-color and decorate fabric for garments and home decor. Robinson High School, 5035 Sideburn Rd., Fairfax. Oct. 19 and 26, 7 to 10 p.m. Fee: $84 includes all supplies. 703-227-2261 or 703-227-2340.

"Picture Framing Workshop" on Wednesdays teaches skills in mat-cutting, molding preparation, glazing and fitting art to frame. Chantilly High School, 4201 Stringfellow Rd., Chantilly. Oct. 12 to Oct. 26, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Fee: $99 includes some supplies. 703-227-2261 or 702-227-2340.

"Build Your Own Picture Frames" in three Monday sessions provides basic instruction to make custom frames to size with molding of your choice. Chantilly High School, 4201 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly. Oct. 17, 7 to 10 p.m. Fee: $97 includes supplies (except choice of molding). 703-227-2261 or 703-227-2340.