Join Good Local Markets for the 2015 Urban Homesteading Summer Series which includes instruction from the markets own culinary artisans and craftsmen. Learn to make cheese, pickles, soap, preserves, cookies, soap and scarves.  Classes take place at Noble Coyote Coffee Roasters (819 Exposition Avenue) and Makers Connect (10242 East Northwest Highway).

Kathy Neumuller from JJ&B Jellies, Jams and Butters kicks-off the series June 20 (3-5pm) at Noble Coyote Coffee Roasters.  Students will make a seasonal fruit preserve and jam from start to finish and take home a jar of each ($40).

Fernando Moreno from Pachi Pachi Valley Cheese navigates the cheese-making process utilizing Noble Coyote Coffee to make a unique fromage to enjoy in class and take home. Making Cheese with Pachi Pachi takes place June 27 (3-5pm) at Noble Coyote Coffee Roasters ($40).

Make Soap with SoapGirl at Makers Connect June 28 (2-4pm).  In this introductory class to soap-making, learn the basic skills involved in cold-processed soap, using organic vegetable oils and natural ingredients. Students choose natural clay colors, scents, botanicals and essential oils, resulting in five unique, custom bars to take home ($50).

Chef/Owner Mark Wootton of Garden Cafe teaches this peak season summer class, canning and pickling summer’s bounty, demonstrating hot bath canning, brine and spices for quick pickling, and shelf safe pickling. Students will go home with their own pickled veggies.  Pickling with Good Local Markets takes place July 11 (3-5pm) at Noble Coyote Coffee Roasters ($40). 

Beginning knitters learn basic skills during Knitting 101 with Shabby Sheep July 12 (2-4pm) at Makers Connect.  instructed by Rhonda Van Dyk, proprietor of the popular yarn boutique, novice knitters will use home spun yarn with Texas wool to master different techniques ($40).

Baking Cookies with the Swedish Sisters on July 25 (3-5pm) offers students hands-on tips and tricks for baking superb cookies.  Taught by Bella, Julia and Ava from Swedish Sisters Bakery at Noble Coyote Coffee Roasters, participants take home dough made in class and some delicious treats ($30).

Participation is limited.  For more information and to register online, go to www.GoodLocalMarkets.org.  All ages welcome, children need to be accompanied by an adult.  Sign up for all or just one class.  All class package is just $175.

Good Local Markets operates three farmer’s markets in Dallas and includes only local growers and makers.  The Lakeside Market is on the first and third Saturday of the month at Lakeside Baptist Church (9150 Garland Road), White Rock Market is the second and fourth Saturday at Green Spot Market and Fuels (702 N. Buckner Blvd.) from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.  The Vickery Meadow Market is from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. every Sunday at Half-Price Books (5803 E. Northwest Highway).

Good Local Markets is a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt nonprofit organization which supports local farmers, ranchers and artisans by providing a public space to sell fruits, vegetables, cheese, meats, hand-crafted foods and other products while serving thousands of residents looking for healthy and locally sourced foods.    Additionally Good Local Markets offers the Lone Star food stamp program, Love Your Farmer volunteer days, educational programs and workshops. 

For more information, event calendar, vendor listings and sponsorships go to www.GoodLocalMarkets.org.