Workshops
slave Marsha - "This Could Be Heaven or This Could be Hell: living 24/7 as a slave"
Master DJ & slave september dragon - "The 3 R's: Rites, Rituals and Routine"
Master Morris – “If It’s Not Fun, Why Bother!?”
Laine - A Servant's Guide to Being Prepared: “The slave's Toolkit"
Daddy Wendell – Leathercrafting; “Make It & Take It!”
Daddy Ken & slaveboy tim – “Coping with Depression in M/s Relationships”
Master Obsidian and slave namaste - "The Alchemy of Compatibility"
Lady Hilary - "Building Dynamic Leather Families"
The Marine – “Authenticity: living in your power”
Angela and Iain – “Building Nimble Organizations”
Kelly Chance (aka TeachMeTonight) - "The Switch Challenge; the Switch Reward"
Master Rick – “Mindful Mastery”
Dr. Richard Sprott – “The Medicalization of BDSM – Diagnoses”
Master Bob & slave jan – “Transformation: power struggle to power dynamic”
Gauge Strongarm – “Where Angels Fly: play piercing for ecstatic release”
Master Gallad & slave kelly- "Rough Body Play"
Daddy Wendell - Cigars & Cigar Play
Mistress Leia – “Dungeon Design and Kinky Craftsmanship”
Blast and Scout- Bootblack Lounge Mini-Classes
So you think you want to be a slave? Do you think it’s all about hot sex, hot scenes and good times? Do you think you’ll be naked and chained 24/7? Or have you just always wondered what these people who live as slaves do all day? Join slave marsha, who has served for more than 12 years in a Master/slave relationship, as she talks about the good, the bad, the ugly and the glorious life of a 24/7 slave.
How do the 3 R’s fit in to your D/s and M/s relationships?
Can they create sustainability in relationships?
Where does Spirituality fit into yours?
How can you transform routine into a meaningful exchange?
What is it about the “woo woo” that attracts so many people?
Please join Master DJ and slave september dragon, Northwest Regional Master and slave 2009, in a facilitated discussion about creating meaningful moments and connections with your D/s and M/s partner(s). Create meaningful moments by adding Spirituality to your routines and transform them into rites and rituals that sustain your relationships.
Join us for an intimate and in-depth look at how our beliefs can shape our behaviors and affect our interactions with our D/s and M/s partners. We look forward to sharing with you some of the magic that keeps our M/s growing and strong.
(For experienced players. Novice players are welcome to attend but should know that important basics of SM play will not be covered in this workshop.)
Cast aside everything you've been taught about how SM should be done. Go to the edge of control and experience what exists in the primitive part of your brain.
Learn about threat response, the primitive human mind and how to achieve this state of mind and play with it in SM. Learn what you can expect from the participants when in this state of mind and learn how to bring the participants back to a functioning state of mind.
Join Master Morris for a lively and entertaining presentation designed to make you feel more at ease here at NWLC and BDSM in general. New players discover how to fit in, make friends quickly and get what you want. Veterans will find new clues for attracting and keeping the novice in the power dynamic.
The demos will include practical and popular types of play with some unexpected twists. There will be a quick introduction to common terms, useful postures, dungeon etiquette, safety issues, plus tips for getting the hot scene you desire.
We’ll also talk about what to expect at a play party, how to “dress for success” at BDSM events, how to approach a potential play partner, and how to gracefully decline (or accept!) an invitation to play. The focus will be on actual cases studies and practical solutions.
Just as with the boyscouts, one of the many mottoes a servant should have is “be prepared”. In this class, we discuss the principles of preparedness, working from the Dominant's expectations, tools in research and preparedness and example methods of preparedness for day to day, cars, special events and travel. Handouts of sample checklists and planning methods will be provided, but the focus is on building a mindset and skills to allow one to prepare for situations that may come up in service.
This is a 90-minute discussion and demonstration of the basics of leather working without a sewing machine. Included will be how to locate suppliers of tools and materials, how to select supplies and equipment, and how to make basic leather gear such as chest harness, strap-on harness, armbands, suspenders, sam browne belt, cuffs, restraints and floggers. During the presentation we will demonstrate the skills and equipment needed to make each of the pieces of gear. By the end of the session, participants will have the knowledge to make basic leather gear.
If you'd like to make a set of bondage cuffs during class there is a materials fee of $15 per person (cash only, please; payable directly to the instructor). Take home a set of bondage cuffs that you made yourself!
(You may also attend and just observe without paying the materials fee.)
Secondaries. It is a word that we use often in the BDSM/poly community but what does it exactly mean? How does a person who finds themself in these kinds of relationships manage it? Is it really possible to make these kinds of relationships work or is it just some overblown fantasy that is destined to be smashed to bits with nothing but bruised egos and hurt feelings left behind? Can we really get our needs met without trampling on the needs of the primary -- coming from a place of compassion and love instead of from a place of fear? And what exactly is the etiquette for approaching the slave of that Dominant with whom you wish to play?
In this class we will discuss all of these things and more including poly etiquette, communication, and self preservation as it pertains to the secondary in poly relationships. The class is for those who are currently in poly relationships, couples who are considering bringing another person into their relationship and for single persons who wish to play or date those who already have primary partners.
How does clinical depression impact us as kinky folk and especially how does it impact the power exchange in M/s and D/s relationships? Daddy Ken and his slave, tim discuss their own experiences and strategies and invite audience members to share as well.
Most of us realize that it takes compatibility to make a relationship work, but what does compatibility look like within a Power exchange dynamic? Do opposites attract or do birds of a feather flock together? As a Master/Dom does it matter if the slave/submissive is compatible, can't you just mold them into whatever you want? As a slave...where does compatbility fit in and can it be found without creating a co-equal dynamic? What is this magical alchemy that makes two (or more!) people a good fit together. Obsidian and slave namaste will explore this topic sharing their perspectives and experiences as well as helpful pointers and red flags.
This workshop’s focus is the construction of lasting leather families. We’ll discuss how to design and develop your chosen family to support and reinforce each member individually and collectively. We will explore various types of structure while comparing and contrasting style and preference to help you design the leather family of your dreams (or enhance your existing family).
This workshop is presented by a charismatic, dynamic, ‘piece of human property’ who believes serving from a place of power and leadership creates an authentic life. This workshop will challenge the idea that to be submissive--to serve--requires relinquishing one's power and leadership. Instead, we will discuss the power that rests in constructing an authentic life where you emanate your true self and where others recognize you for who you really are. The workshop will focus on how to build authentic relationships (with yourself and others) and the rewards that come from being true to your nature and living in your own power.
Many leather organizations evolved in a different environment than today. Leather/BDSM was more closeted, it was harder to find or host events, etc. Many forces, including the Internet, have changed things. Now there are more people identifying as leather/BDSM/kinky/fetish, yet we're seeing leather bars and older BDSM clubs declining.
We look at the contemporary role of leather organizations. We distinguish seven types of groups. In particular, the new "nimble" organizations are thriving. We look at their characteristics, and see how to create new successful organizations and events. We'll look at case studies from diverse parts of the leather and alternative sexuality communities. We also discuss ways to apply these same principles to existing groups.
Attendees will develop a clear understanding of what makes nimble organizations successful, and how to apply those principles to new and existing groups. We'll examine techniques in identity, membership, communication, structure, financing, innovation, and motivation.
The Switch Challenge; the Switch Reward
Join "TeachMe Tonight" as she discusses the various challenges and rewards when developing a relationship with a partner that switches. With the growing number of people who identify as switches in our community, we often find outselves meeting a potential partner who identifies as a switch. It seems conventional wisdom is that these relationships come with too many challenges so many people avoid them. What is not conventional is thinking about the rewards these relationships can bring to both partners. Teach Me Tonight will address this paradogm with personal experiences and also highlight the rewards that can be a part of a relationship with a switch. You need not identify a a switch to attend, just have an interest in expanding your relationship options.
Part of being Master is accepting service from and authority over someone who willingly gives that service and grants that authority. Mindful Mastery is understanding that for each measure of authority accepted, an equal measure of responsibility is attached. It is knowing that services rendered to fulfill Master’s needs deserve recognition, and that those who serve Master also have needs. It is being “present with intent”, understanding that slaves crave and deserve validation of who they are and the place they hold. Here we see the great contradiction to the fantasy novel image of the Master/slave dynamic, that in real life the slave is a vital, vibrant being who also has needs, and to keep both the slave and the relationship healthy. It is the Master’s responsibility to provide and “serve” those needs. A Master who fails their slave, fails themselves.
We will discuss the Master’s responsibilities for keeping the dynamic and relationship healthy and fulfilling for all involved, the hierarchy of needs and how it applies to the Master/slave relationship, and discuss the concept of “The Master’s Call to Service” and that role in maintaining the dynamic.
Medicalization describes a cultural process by which nonmedical problems become defined and treated as medical problems, usually in terms of illness and disorders. The primary and secondary consequences of medicalization on the BDSM community includes the following: Problems in receiving competent care in mental health services, medical and healthcare services; loss of custody of children; increased severity of criminal charges against BDSM practitioners; loss of access to public or private resources; and discrimination in employment. This presentation reviews the history of medicalization of BDSM, discusses some of the current issues regarding the DSM (the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders - the authoritative resource for diagnosing mental illness), and reviews the impact this has had on the Kink/Fetish/Leather communities.
Master Bob and slave jan
After celebrating twenty plus years together, Master Bob and slave jan discuss their personal journey, which transformed a difficult marriage fraught with power struggle to the dynamic M/s relationship they enjoy today. A few of the questions they will address are: How was the struggle in their relationship a reflection of an inner struggle? Where did they start the process of dramatic dynamic change? How did they pace and manage the changes? What were the challenges? In this conversational workshop we will be sharing our own personal experiences on this journey and will be inviting discussion and questions from the audience. It is never the same from one journey to the next.
Join Gauge Strongarm in a dance of ecstatic fire and release. Experience the connection between body, mind and spirit. In play piercing the skin is opened, gradually increasing tension, shifting and heightening energy to an altered state. With prolonged rhythmic breathing and manipulation of the flesh the body releases opiates. When done with shamanic intent there are often visions, healing, travel to unseen worlds and going to the core to touch the void. Dare to tread where only angels fly!
Temporary insertion of needles under the skin can produce a psychological and endorphin rush resulting in intense euphoria – the ultimate high. Play piercing can be practiced as a sacred body art or sexual ritual, as well as for S/M and dominant/submissive play. Because of potential risks, play piercing is categorized as "edge play.” Precautions are necessary to minimize potential safety hazards. Essentials covered will include safety guidelines, preparation, equipment, piercing techniques and aftercare. Sterilization methods, appropriate areas of the body to be pierced and scene negotiation will also be addressed. We’ll discuss pain, health, aesthetic concerns and how to maintain a piercing. Included will be a live demonstration. Your questions, comments and participation are welcome!
This class provides an introduction to takedowns and heavy impact play, from throwing, sweeps, punching, kicking, slapping and heavy two handed flogging to and deep tissue impact with black jacks and brass knuckles. We will cover some of the more extreme examples of BDSM play and how to employ them safely during play. Students will gain a broader perspective on high heavy impact play and how it can be safely employed for an expression of boldness.
This is a discussion and demonstration of how to select, store, cut, light and smoke cigars. We'll talk about where (and where NOT) to purchase premium cigars and what to look for when buying a cigar. This is especially useful for the novice or a non-smoker sent to purchase cigars for someone else.
After selection, we'll talk about storing cigars -- the ideal temperature and humidity, plus different storage options. We will demonstrate various pieces of gear and techniques for presenting, cutting and lighting cigars.
If you bring cigars, we'll give you an opportunity for guided practice and feedback at cutting, presenting and lighting cigars. Once we've got a lit cigar (or twelve) we’ll segue into discussion of different techniques and options for cigar play (and if possible) demonstrate on willing subs.
Just as a flogger is more than a wooden stick with some strips of leather attached to it, a personal dungeon is more than four walls and a some two-by-fours bolted together into a St. Andrew's cross. Your personal dungeon plus the toys and furnishings that fill it are an expression of your personality as well as a haven and sanctuary for you and your Leather family.
Join Mistress Leia for a multi-media presentation about creating your own kinky haven. Dungeon layout, logistics, materials and furnishings will be discussed, as will the nuts-and-bolts of dungeon equipment construction and the magic of color, texture, music and lighting to enhance your dungeon's ambiance.
Located in the Bootblack Lounge, Room 206-
Saturday, 10am - 11am "Boots 101" Mini-Session
Saturday, 11am - 12pm "Bootblack Skillshare"
Saturday, 12pm - 12:30pm "Titleholder Q&A"
* Standard Disclaimer: presenters and presentation topics remain subject to change due to unforeseeable circumstances and unfortunate twists of fate.
