Crucible Academy ~ ROPE #2

	Artemis Hunter ~ Web Site Artemis Hunter is an artist, a photographer, and student of erotic rope bondage located in Atlanta, Georgia. She was introduced to Japanese Rope Bondage in January of 2005 and was immediately fascinated with being in rope and the challenge of controlling them artistically. Described as sexually liberated, Artemis uses rope as a tool to share with open minded and inquisitive people erotic ideas about unexpected excitements that await them in the BDSM world. Artemis is a founding member of Knot Guilty, a Metropolitan Atlanta Community of unique people who enjoy incorporating Rope Bondage into their personal adult play. She spends much of her time gathering knowledge with some of the world's finest rope artists so that she may help bring those ideas (and sometimes the artist themselves) back to the South to foster interest in shibari and rope bondage art.	All Class Descriptions subject to change From Spool to Drool: Moving Rope from the Basement into the Bedroom A fine quality set of Bondage ropes will cost you a hunk of change... and with good reason for all the labor that goes into creating them. However, you can buy ropes in bulk at half the cost and with a bit of know-how learn to prep them for your own personal perverted use. Come pick up tips on creating a customized set with your own signature touch. * Buying in Bulk: How much do I need? * Choosing lengths: Don't be afraid, Just cut it! * Natural Fiber Ropes * Care and Conditioning * Artificial Fiber Ropes * Removing rope cores * Color Dye Baths * Finishing End Options: Heat Sealing, Adding a Wall Knot, Sailmaker's Whipping
	Rope Enhanced Predicament Scenarios There just isn't anything like the delight of a good self struggle. Artemis Hunter guides you through some playful and sadistic Predicament Bondage Scenarios. This interactive class will pull you in and put you right in the middle of the fun action. BYOV (Bring Your Own Vibrator) encouraged. * Fun situations to explore: * Scrotum Hobbling for fun and games * Anchoring in an interactive anal hook * Enhancing muscle fatigue * Time control as an element of restraint * Encouraging Knotty Competitions between two Naughty Bottoms * And Much More!	From the Inside Out: What Bottoms Should Know about Rope Bondage What do first time bottoms need to know about rope bondage so that they can relax into the experience? This class, designed with the bottom's perspective in mind, focuses on helping the bottom identify what they need to know to insure a Risk Aware, hence safer, rope experience: * Reasons why people enjoy getting tied up * Different kinds of rope bondage experiences * Physical and emotional impacts on the body * Negotiating rope play in combination with other play * What good verses bad bondage feels like * Techniques for communicating valuable feedback to the rope top * How to evaluate hard points (weight bearing overhead points used partial and full suspension bondage)
	Rope, Check! Victim, Check! Tie, Check! How Come It Still Doesn’t Look Like Shibari? Ever finished a tie to find ropes sagging in strange places and not looking at all like the shibari styled picture you pulled off the internet and were SURE you could recreate? Do you catch your submissive (in an effort to not bruise your ego) "pretending" that they can't get away because the knots you tied are slipping? Ever look in your toy bag and see that rope as something that is a source of higher-than-average agitation? Think you can't tie well because you aren't any good at knots? Well, help is on the way. Artemis Hunter heads your direction to share with you key fundamental concepts that make rope ties "Shibariish". Come follow this Rope Rigger's stream of thought as she lays out the fundamentals for fine rope bondage construction. In no time, you'll be saying, "So THAT'S how they do it!"	Bondage 269: Bondage with a Purpose Got the rope basics of 101? Excellent. Now, come experience what is possible once the basic are out of the way. See what happens when your mind clicks over from the basics of rope bondage, to fun purposes of rope bondage. * Immobilization * Adding leverage * Limiting movement * Forcing positions * Changing body positions * Unpleasant positions * Positions for physical pleasures & whatever else we think!
	Graydancer ~ Web Site Graydancer, Ninja Sex Poodle & Ronin of Love, comes from the venerable rope bondage tradition of Madison, WI, where he honed his craft to become the world premiere podcaster of rope bondage with “the Ropecast“. He is the author of three novels including Nawashi (which climbed to #1 on the Podiobooks.com charts) as well as numerous short stories and essays. Graydancer’s writing has been published in several anthologies edited by Rachel Kramer Bussel, Secret Magazine, Power Exchange Magazine, and most recently “Ropes, Bondage & Power” (edited by Lee Harrington). A veteran of the stage, Graydancer serves as a feature performer and M.C. for Madison’s hottest burlesque company, Foxy Veronica’s Peach Pies, as well as regularly appearing at the Miramar Theatre as part of “Erotic Milwaukee.” He has also been featured as a reader of several fiction podcasts including Nobilis Erotica and Escape Pod. You can browse the images in the Graydancer Style gallery to see some of his work, and feel free to use them on your site provided you A) only use them to reference Graydancer’s work and B) Let him know where the image is being used. Drawing upon a background in performance video and technology, Graydancer’s company satorimedia also professionally rigs, photographs, shoots, edits, and works as a web designer for several clients ranging from Kink.com to Costume Cuties. You can also hear Graydancer as a guest on various other popular podcasts such as Polyamory Weekly and Dart’s Domain. Currently he plies his trade as an itinerant Rope Artist, Kink Educator and Sex-Positive Activist, smiting the evil of sloppy ends wherever they may lie. You can follow his general exploits at his Ropecast Twitter page, or simply email him at graydancer@gmail.com.	Class Descriptions TIE ‘EM UP & FUCK ‘EM: Rope Bondage for the Impatiently Kinky “I don’t do rope; it takes too long!” It’s a common refrain heard from people all over. This class aims to dispel that myth, with practical, speedy, and above all erotic techniques to bring rope into your kink. Fast body harnesses to improve your fucklife, methods of handling rope in a sensually effective way, and ideas for to keeping a scene hot from the first wrap to the last tangled ropegasm on the floor. Graydancer will share all the Great Secrets of Rope. Whether you’re an experienced rigger or just took Basic Bondage, this class will have something in it to help you tie or be tied.l
	Basic Suspension One of the many thrilling ways to play with rope lies in the realm of suspension - taking away not only the movement of the bottom, but even their connection to the earth. At the same time, suspension can be very dangerous, and there are many safety concerns to be dealt with long before the rope ever touches the body. In this class, Graydancer will explain the various aspects of creating a suspension scene Ð hard points, hardware, rope choice, basic knots, safety concerns, and more. He will also teach a basic hip harness and chest harness that can be used for a safe and relatively comfortable horizontal face-up suspension.	Intermediate Suspension: (Prerequisite: Basic Suspension or Consent of Instructor) Continuing from where the basic suspension class leaves off, Graydancer will explore the physiology of suspension, and how that affects strategies of rigging for other kinds, such as face down, sideways, and inversions. Alternative harnesses and hardware such as swivels will be discussed, as well as some talk about "Ok, the bottom's up. Now what?" Depending on class size and time, this will be a combination hands-on/demo, with the conclusion being a fast Japanese-inspired rope suspension performance.
	Knot So Fast: Rope as a Means, Not an End This is a class for rope tops and bottoms to learn how to use rope bondage not as an end unto itself but rather a vehicle into transcendent scenes and intense connection. It's a combination of practical rope handling techniques to get the rope out of the way and speed bondage to get from point A to point B faster. Learn how to be more present and graceful in your rope bondage on the top and the bottom and have that mind-blowing scene you've wanted.	Rope Fetish Performance Techniques Let's face it, some of us do rope not for the hot sexy flesh andcords, but because it looks COOL! This class will start with a demonstration of how NOT to stage a bondage performance (whether with rope or other toys). We'll then discuss the aspects of performance that can apply to the art of fetish and bondage, using examples and workshopping it with participants. The class will close with an example of what Graydancer considers to be adequate performance technique, with the demonstrative help of his Filthy Assistant.
	David Lawrence ~ Web Site David Lawrence has been a master of expressive portrait, fashion, social function and people photography for more than 30 years. During that time styles and fads have come and gone but David’s methods have remained true and effective. The tenets his work is based upon are not a matter of style but of substance. David became interested in Shibari, the Art of Japanese Rope Bondage, in early 2003. With a keen artist’s eye, David recognized the inherent beauty of rope on skin. Shibari quickly became a passion, one that developed more intensely as he worked with and experienced the magic of rope. David’s talent and skill truly emerged as he delved deeper into the art of tying rope. His ties are meticulous, intricate, intense and beautiful. In fact, they are all true works of art. David’s gift to us is his ability to expertly blend his two passions; rope and photography. As a result, his striking images communicate sensuality, eroticism, and the force of raw emotion. His use of lighting, angles, and sheer creativity is the key to his poignant imagery. In June of 2005, David Lawrence’s diligent efforts resulted in the publishing and release of his first book, “BOUND Shibari Style Impressions.” In early 2005 David launched phase II of his Shibari project. He completed the shooting for this project in March 2009. The design of his new book reBOUND, Shibari Style Impressions followed. reBOUND is in the Pre Print Sale Phase now and once David has 150 commitments he will then have the book printed in Hong Kong. This book has 312 pages and over 500 images housed in a museum quality binding on archival photographic paper. Not only did David rig and photograph the models but he also designed, and will publish and distribute the book.	Class Descriptions Getting Down and Dirty with Your Rope Play This class is all about creating strong connections with your partner. All to often we forget the connection when tying our partners. This class explores creating and heightening the experience of the bottom and of course the top in the scene. How to open up the lines of communication, both verbal and non verbal, to allow for HOT~ HOT~ HOT playtime with rope. Is there a sexual component in rope play? We'll explore that too!
	Breast Bondage Simplified with a Twist Taking basic breast harnesses and tweaking them on the fly - this class explores how to take some basic breast harnesses and tweaking them on the fly which opens up your mind to exploring something more creative in breast harness design and functionality. There are so many variations to explore Just be open to start with a solid foundation and let your mind and creative spirit take over. You will be glad you did.	Freestyle Styling with Rope Exploring how to just go with the flow creating one of a kind ties that are fun, artistic, functional and binding. There is no rhyme or reason to the ties other than what is in your creative mind. Knowing the basics of anatomy is important and the basics of how to support the bottom with safe wraps.
	Rope, Hot Wax and More Rope and hot wax are one of my favorite combinations to play with at home. The combination or rope and wax adds a dimension to play that is beyond exciting. It is TITALLATING!!! Come and join me for a class demonstration and discussion on how to include hot wax in your rope play. Wwant to know how to remove the wax from your ropes? I will share with you my tried and true methodÉit works every time. This class it hot and sensual with a BDSM twist	Open Discussion on Photography and Rope with Hands on Coaching Rope scene shooting for the amateur especially working with what you have in a minimalist environment. The participants that are shooting will be required to have a 35mm format digital or film camera with adjustable settings (f-stops, shutter speeds and ISO). Tripods are optional. No on camera lighting will be allowed. This will be all about what is available in the environment. Requirements for class participation are; no preconceived notions, rope bottom ready and willing, rope, 35mm camera either digital or film, tripod is optional and an open mind.
	Dov ~ Web Site Dov is a NYC based artist, photographer, sculptor, educator; Japanese rope bondage and single tail whip fanatic, computer geek and just has way too many hobbies. He has been in the NYC scene for about 8 years, and served 4 years on the TES board and was TES’s webmaster for 7 years and was also a founding member of TEC at TES He has been involved for years both politically and artistically, creating works at Burning Man and other venues. His work varies from installations to performance art, both vanilla and fetish. Most recently his work was featured at Diesel Denim Gallery in SoHo NYC, where he created a Shibari rope window to highlight a photo series of their jeans by Japanese erotic photographer Araki. And was an expert witness on behalf of TES in the Barbra Nitke V. Ashcroft lawsuit against the DCMA. As an educator he has given numerous presentations and classes on everything from rope bondage and Japanese rope bondage to canes and whips at TES , Bondage SIG at TES, GMSMA, Black Rose, Shibaricon, Leather Leadership Conference 7 in Boston, The Tannery (Philly), Passional (Phily), TES2000, Purple Passion, Silk at Bard College, Conversio Virium at Columbia, and WHAP at NYU. As a Top/Dom and equal opportunity sadist, his areas of interest in BDSM and fetish and kink in general are a bit broad and include, but are not limited to: flogging, single tails, rope corsets and rope bondage in both Western and Japanese Styles, pony play, objectification, humiliation, knives, fire play, impact play (punching slapping etc.), pressure points, breath play, water sports. And that’s just the short list. He’s been tying things up since he was 5 and just keeps buying more rope for nefarious purposes and to feed his passion for rope bondage	Class Descriptions Basic Rope Bondage Workshop This is a hands on workshop where we will cover rope bondage basics such as one column and two column ties. Some prior experience with bondage basics is helpful but not required. We encourage you to bring a partner and some rope. Class materials: * Minimum 6 ropes Length 30 foot each * Diameter = 6 mm each Floor work. How to have fun on the ground or in bed with rope This hands on class focuses on how to restrain and manipulate your partner with rope. Before you get fancy you need to work on your basics.ÊWe will be focusing on how to restrain and manipulate your partner with rope in fun and creative ways. Knowing how to tie consistently and confidently makes for a richer and more expressive rope experience. We will be exploring various basic structures to restrain your partner comfortably and securely. We will also discuss how to visualize and create the ties you want.
	Japanese Bondage Fundamentals This is a basic class for anyone just starting out. we will be covering the various fundamental Japanese bondage forms, takate kote (chest tie), shinju, karada ebi , gyaku ebi (Japanese hogtie) one column, 2 column ties. Class materials: * Minimum 6 ropes Length 30 foot each * Diameter = 6 mm each - preferrable hemp	Intermediate Level Skill-building Workshop in Japanese Style Bondage of Various Classic Shibari/Kinbaku Forms and Elaborations This hands-on course will assume some pre-existing skills in Japanese style tying; all participants are encouraged to acquaint themselves with one of the many on-line resources for basic Japanese bondage practice. Bring a partner or friend to tie up and 8 or more sections of rope (15 to 35 feet) in a natural fiber (hemp, jute or cotton) or whatever rope is in your favorite rope bag.
	Riffing with Rope / Japanese Flower Arranging or How to Think on Your Feet and Put All the Parts Together / Symmetry Isn’t an Option Knowing the different elements that make up the look and feel of Japanese bondage is all well and good, but how do you mix and match? In this class we will experiment with how to riff it and make it happen on the fly; throw it all together and come out with something that looks more complex than it is. As in flower arranging, simple patterns and ideas lead to more complex structures. This is a hands-on and informal class: questions and an inquisive mind are required and encouraged. Bring rope and preferably, a partner to tie	Bondage for punishment and pain Who said rope had to be all about being nice and sensual? This class focuses on nasty things you can do with rope to punish and manipulate your subject. Various prisoner style ties and endurance positions will be explored - as well as positions designed to hold your subject in place so they don't go anywhere as you administer their just rewards. Show up ready to tie / with bottom/ with rope