Fiber Fest Weekend Retreat
farm@shepherdscross.com July 17, 2024 No Comments
August 8, 9, & 10, 2024 – Thursday, Friday, & Saturday 8:30 am – 3:30 pm Three days of learning how to process any kind of fiber (we teach with wool) Includes washing, dyeing, wet felting, carding, picking, spindling, spinning, needle felting, and weaving and some history of fiber arts with practical technology. Great skill to add for homesteading, being able to process wool from your own sheep to make your own natural items. Each participant will make and keep multiple projects. Virtual or onsite Retreat fee is only $297 (all three days); all materials provided. Any single day of the Retreat is available for $99 per day. Retreats are augmented by hands on learning tools available in the Educational Farm Museum and with a collection of fiber arts from around the world. Registration is required. Information and registration form is online or call 918-342-5911. Shepherd’s Cross offers these classes year-round, on an individual or group basis. Shepherd’s Cross is an accredited Agritourism facility, an Oklahoma Museum Association member, and a Made in Oklahoma Company that processes Animal Welfare Approved fiber (that is chemical free, hormone free, free range, all natural). Shepherd’s Cross hosts a mini wool mill, processing the wool from their own sheep raised on site. Heart of the Shepherd is a non-profit organization (501-C3) that operates at the farm and establishes wool mills in remote, impoverished areas around the world. Heart of the Shepherd teaches Biblical references to the harvest, the animals, farming, and gardening. Shepherd’s Cross and Farm Shop is open Tuesday through Saturday 8:30 –
Read MoreShepherd's Cross Participating in 2024 Oklahoma Yarn Crawl
farm@shepherdscross.com July 16, 2024 No Comments
Get together with fellow fiber enthusiasts to celebrate the fiber and yarn community of Oklahoma. Shepherd’s Cross is one of 12 participating yarn stores in the inaugural Oklahoma Yarn Crawl, Aug 16-17 & 19-24, 2024. Shepherd’s Cross will be open 8:30-5:30 each of the days of the yarn crawl. Shepherd’s Cross has daily fiber arts classes during the Oklahoma Yarn Crawl dates. Carding with Hand Carders and Drum Carder Rigid Heddle Loom Weaving Mug Rugs Intro to Triangular Shawl Knitting Washing Wool & Other Natural Fibers Drop Spindle Spinning Yarn on a Spinning Wheel Hand Dyeing Made Simple with Gaywool Dye Needle Felting a Landscape Portrait Each yarn crawl participant will receive a free “sheepish” stitch marker, no purchase required. All purchases will receive a free mini-skein of Shepherd’s Cross yarn. All spinning items will be 10% off during the yarn crawl, including spinning wheels, drop spindles, and spinning accessories, as well as free drop shipping. Pre-registration is required for the classes and spaces are limited. More information about the classes is available on our website: https://shepherdscross.com/oklahomayarncrawl.html You can register online or by phone. In addition, our agritourism activities will be available – including Fiber Arts Demonstrations, Tours of the Wool Mill, Pet the Farm Animals, Watch the Sheep in the Pasture, Visit the Farm & Fiber Arts Museum, and Tour the Bible Garden. Picnic tables are available in the Bible Garden. Shepherd’s Cross is an accredited Agritourism facility and a Made in Oklahoma Company that processes Animal Welfare Approved meat (lamb and beef) as well as fiber (that is
Read MoreFall Internship Program at Shepherd's Cross
farm@shepherdscross.com June 19, 2024 No Comments
Fall Semester Early September – December The internship program at the farm equips students with basic farming skills and with Biblical references to farming and shepherding. Students are taught historical agriculture, mixed with a healthy appreciation for industrialized agriculture and exposed to agricultural parables found in The Bible. Shepherd’s Cross is a working sheep farm. There are many other animals and activities on the farm. Other areas of the farm include a Farm Museum, a Farm Store, Wool Mill, and Bible Garden. The internship is under the direction of Dr. Diane Dickinson, an agriculturalist with a Bachelor’s in Agriculture, a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine, and over five decades of farm and livestock experience. She serves as an on-site veterinarian and operates a veterinary care unit on the farm. The fall semester is a busy evangelism outreach with the Pumpkin Festival and Christmas at the Farm. A great season to learn about agritourism and harvesting both produce and souls through our outreach. This is also pecan and walnut harvest season and haying season. This is an authentic working farm, not a hobby farm. More information is available online: https://shepherdscross.com/intern-residency.html Apply in-person or online. Experience is advantageous, but not required. High school or college students as well as any age adult are welcome to apply. College credit may be received for students enrolled in college classes. Following successful completion of the Internship, the student may apply for the Apprentice/Residency Program. This program allows the student to remain at the farm for eight additional months to experience all the activities of a farm
Read MoreFiber Fest Weekend Retreat
farm@shepherdscross.com May 23, 2024 No Comments
June 20, 21, & 22, 2024 – Thursday, Friday, & Saturday 8:30 am – 3:30 pm Three days of learning how to process any kind of fiber (we teach with wool) Includes washing, dyeing, wet felting, carding, picking, spindling, spinning, needle felting, and weaving and some history of fiber arts with practical technology. Great skill to add for homesteading, being able to process wool from your own sheep to make your own natural items. Each participant will make and keep multiple projects. Virtual or onsite Retreat fee is only $297 (all three days); all materials provided. Any single day of the Retreat is available for $99 per day. Retreats are augmented by hands on learning tools available in the Educational Farm Museum and with a collection of fiber arts from around the world. Registration is required. Information and registration form is online or call 918-342-5911. Shepherd’s Cross offers these classes year-round, on an individual or group basis. Shepherd’s Cross is an accredited Agritourism facility, a Made in Oklahoma Company that processes Animal Welfare Approved fiber (that is chemical free, hormone free, free range, all natural). Shepherd’s Cross hosts a mini wool mill, processing the wool from their own sheep raised on site. Heart of the Shepherd is a non-profit organization (501-C3) that operates at the farm and establishes wool mills in remote, impoverished areas around the world. Heart of the Shepherd teaches Biblical references to the harvest, the animals, farming, and gardening. Shepherd’s Cross and Farm Shop is open Tuesday through Saturday 8:30 – 5:30, year-round (closed some holidays). Shepherd’s
Read MoreGospel Sing – Classic Auto & Tractor Cruise-In – Spin-n-Knit-In
farm@shepherdscross.com May 18, 2024 No Comments
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Gospel Sing – Classic Auto & Tractor Cruise-In – Spin-n-Knit-In Saturday, June 15th, 2024 Shepherd’s Cross is hosting its annual Gospel Sing. All individuals, families, or church groups are invited to listen or participate. Gospel, Country Christian, Worship and Hymns will be enjoyed inside the Tour Barn. The Gospel Sing is 1pm to 4pm. We need volunteer musicians to bring your instruments, your voice, and your favorite songs. Folks can pick, sing, and play together – like the good old days! Those who register in advance are given priority on the roster that fills quickly. However, we will allow walk-ins as time allows. The Classic Auto & Tractor Cruise-in is from 10am to 5pm. Come enjoy restored cars, tractors, and equipment as you learn about America’s rich agricultural heritage. Priority will be given to pre-registered autos and tractors; however, we will allow last-minute cruise-ins as space allows. You can call (918) 342-5911 or register online: https://shepherdscross.com/gospel-singing.html You may even participate in our monthly “Spin-n-Knit-In” where individuals bring and work on their fiber arts projects such as spinning, knitting etc. This is our monthly free help session for fiber arts. Spin-n-Knit-In is from 1pm to 4pm. There is no charge for the day’s activities, donations accepted. In addition, the following activities are always available at the farm (on a donation basis): Touring the educational & interactive Farm Museum & Silo Touring the Bible Garden – Self-guided – Podcasts available online Spinning and Wool Mill demonstration See and Pet the Farm Animals Shepherd’s Shop will be open, featuring a
Read MoreSummer Barn Sale & Plant Exchange
farm@shepherdscross.com May 2, 2024 No Comments
Summer Barn Sale (Garage Sale) & Plant Exchange Thursday June 6, Friday June 7, Saturday June 8, 2024 7:00 am – 6:00 pm Barn Sale: Donated items graciously accepted. Please drop off your donations at the barn Tuesday through Saturday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm through June 1st. Huge, Multi-Family Garage Sale of donated articles including appliances, antiques, farming items, furniture, wall décor, housewares, DVDs, farm and garden items, children’s games and toys, home decorator items, bedding, office supplies, books, and collectibles, as well as clothing for the entire family. Photographs of sale items can be found on our Facebook page the week of the sale at: https://www.facebook.com/ShepherdsCross Indoors and air conditioned. Sale benefits Farming Missions, Starter Flocks, and Wool Mills in remote locations around the world. Locally, the sale benefits Baby Blessing Bags. 100% of funds from the barn sale will go directly towards the projects. Monetary Donations towards these missions are greatly appreciated. A tax-deductible receipt is provided upon request. Plant Exchange: Bring a plant to leave and take a plant home. Plant selections will include bulbs, tubers, bushes, trees, grasses, seeds, herbs and much more! This is a great way to expand your garden. Please be prepared to identify the plant you leave with its name, color, and planting characteristics. Great fun! This year, we have the Master Gardener Association joining us. They will have a table set up and will be glad to talk all about the plants, including care and upkeep. In addition, the following activities are always available at the farm (on a donation
Read MoreSmall Ruminant Animal Husbandry Training
farm@shepherdscross.com April 30, 2024 No Comments
Saturday, May 18, 2024 8:30 am- 4:30 pm For those interested in returning to the basics of farming, small ruminants present a great option for sustainable living. Our small ruminant class is a great place to start learning how to be more self-sufficient and for homesteading. Learn how to care for small ruminants such as sheep, goats, alpacas, and llamas. Class includes instruction, handouts, videos, tutorials, and hands on experience. The primary instructor for the class is Dr. Diane Dickinson, a licensed veterinarian and an agriculturalist, with over 40 years of livestock and farming experience. Her unique perspective of animal husbandry care includes that of a producer, a veterinarian, and a small flock & herd owner. She also shares her experiences in global agriculture, Biblical agriculture, sustainable living, natural production, agritourism and niche markets. The Dickinsons have owned and operated Shepherd’s Cross, a working sheep farm, for over 30 years. Their livestock include sheep, cattle, alpacas, llamas, donkeys, horses & poultry. Their farm is Animal Welfare Approved with their livestock pasture raised and pasture fed. Class Topics Include Vaccinations Feet Trimming Tail docking Bloodless castration Managing pasture & Feeding Parasites & Worms Practical profitable flock herd health for working shepherds FAMACHA Sheep, goats, alpacas & others Lambing & birthing Neonatal care – lambs, kids & others Tubing Wool management AWA Shearing Classes are limited to 20 participants and fill quickly. Beverages are provided. Bring your lunch. Cost is $99.00 per person, $179.00 for 2 family members, or $259.00 for 3 or more family members (age 16 & over). During these
Read MoreHand Dyeing Yarn Day Retreat
farm@shepherdscross.com April 19, 2024 No Comments
Hand Dyeing Yarn – Day Retreat Saturday May 11th, 2024, 8:30 am Learn how to easily create vibrant and uniquely colored yarns & roving. Gaywool Dye is an easy, safe, economical, color fast and dependable dyeing product. Class includes all materials needed to take home beautifully dyed yarn and roving. The class is taught by a Gaywool Dye Instructor. Choose between a full day, half day, and if you prefer onsite, or virtual class. (Virtual class participants will need to pick up or make arrangements for supplies ahead of class time.) Full Day Make 3 colorful skeins and one colorful braid of roving 8:30 am – 4:00 pm Class Fee: onsite $79, virtual $89 (Virtual class take home packs includes 4-15g dye packets, yarn & fiber, with curbside pick-up available) Half Day Make 2 skeins of colorful yarn 8:30 am – 12:00 noon Class Fee: onsite $49, virtual $54 (Virtual class take home packs includes 2-15g dye packets & yarn, with curbside pick-up available) Bring a sack lunch. We provide beverages. There is a class minimum of five, and a maximum of 20 participants. You may also host a hand dye class at your location, or better yet become a Gaywool Dye Wholesale Dealer. Retreats are augmented by hands on learning tools available in the Educational Farm Museum. There you can find a collection of fiber arts from around the world. Other fiber arts classes are offered on an individual or group basis throughout the year. Shepherd’s Shop is open Tuesday through Saturday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm, year-round, offering
Read MoreWoolly Weekend
farm@shepherdscross.com March 21, 2024 No Comments
Thursday April 25, Friday April 26, & Saturday April 27, 2024 10:00 am – 7:00 p.m. Woolly Weekend is a “sheep to shawl” festival held at Shepherd’s Cross, an authentic working sheep farm, just north of Claremore OK on Scenic Route 66. Come to the farm and watch as the sheep are shorn (given a haircut). Sheep shearing occurs throughout the day. After the fiber is shorn from the sheep, visitors can watch the wool being processed on site. It will be combed, spun, woven, knit, crocheted, and felted into finished products. This is a true Sheep to Shawl Event. Over the three-day period at least three shawls will be created entirely from the wool shorn on the first morning of the event. It is rare to find a true Sheep to Shawl experience. Shearing and demonstrations take place inside the Amish built tour barn, which houses some of the animals as well as the wool processing, farm museum, and the gift shop. There are Short Course Fiber Classes available; learn drop spindling, hand carding, or needle felting during the event. Be sure to visit the Farm Animal Barn & pet the barnyard animals. Tour the educational interactive Farm Museum & Four-Story Observation Silo, as well as the Bible Garden. Bring the entire family. Children’s activities include weaving, games, wool project, and coloring contest. This is a free event. Donations are welcome – suggested donation of $5 per person. Groups of twenty or more, please pre-register. Volunteers are needed to demonstrate fiber arts. If you spin, weave, knit, crochet, or
Read MoreSpring & Summer Field Trips
farm@shepherdscross.com February 28, 2024 No Comments
Beginning Mid-March 2024 Spring & Summer Field Trips or Road Trips to the Farm Sheep & Shepherd Tours begin when the lambs are born each spring here at Shepherd’s Cross, an authentic working sheep farm, just north of Claremore OK on Scenic Route 66. Come to the farm and watch as the sheep peacefully graze the pastures and rest by the still waters. The newborn lambs jump for joy and frolic in the pastures. Sheep & Shepherd Tours: Self-guided Tour – Donation Based (suggested $5 per person) Enjoy watching the sheep in the pastures as you stroll the grounds in the visitor areas. Virtual Tours: https://www.youtube.com/user/ShepherdsCrossInc/videos Sheep & Shepherding Guided Walking Tour – Donation-based (suggested $5 per person) Drop in or schedule. Please Note: Walking Tour is not in the pasture with the sheep, but adjacent to the pasture per Animal Welfare guidelines. Sheep & Shepherding Guided Wagon Ride Tour – $7 per person Wagon Ride in pasture with the flock Must be pre-scheduled. Holds 20+ passengers per wagon load; ramp-loading. Springtime also brings blooms in time for Bible Garden Tours. Shepherd’s Cross is home to one of only a handful of Bible Gardens in the U.S.A. Over 100 plants in this garden have Biblical references. Bible Garden Tour Options: Self-Guided Tours – Donation based (suggested $5 per person) Enjoy the English Country Garden, read the placards, pick up a brochure with map. Audio Tours Available online: https://shepherdscross.com/bible-garden.html All Tours also include the following: Visiting the sheep, lambs, and other farm animals at the petting barn area. Teaching Nomadic and
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