Artisan Development Program
A Garden to Dye For
Greater biodiversity, more vibrant colors, taking the time to slow down—there are myriad benefits to growing plants for natural dyes. In this post, Resident Artisan Liz O'Brien writes about growing a garden to dye for.
Trial and Error: Working with Mockups
Why make a sample when you can get straight to the fun part? In this post, Caroline Feyling writes about an integral part of the sewing process: working with mockups.
Rosemaling Patterns on Trunks
Rosemaling is more than mere decoration; its patterns can convey a sense of belonging and love for community. In her newest blog post, Tara Austin writes about participating in the historic tradition of rosemaling trunks.
Friends at the Table Every Day
Craft is about more than just products—it's about bringing people together. In her newest blog post, Mary Tripoli writes about the connections made on her craft journey, and the meaning carried in handmade objects.
Finding inspiration outside your wheelhouse
Sometimes, finding inspiration for what you do best comes from trying something totally different. In this post, Liz O'Brien writes about the importance of moving beyond the familiar to try new things.
New Year’s Reflections
New year's reflections from a fiber artist: in her latest blog post, Caroline Feyling writes about stepping out of her comfort zone, growing her skills, and about how failing means that you're learning.
Paints and Plants: Finding Rosemaling Inspiration Along Lake Superior's North Shore
In her newest blog post, rosemaler Tara Austin writes about the connection between plants and painting, and the never-ending inspiration found in Minnesota's boreal forest.
Hidden Treasure Behind the Milling Shop: Turning Spalted Wood
Moldy wood may look like trash, but woodturners know a treasure when they see one. In this blog post, Mary Tripoli turns a bag of moldy birch found on campus into stunning spalted bowls.
Shibori: A Short History and a Few Techniques…
Delve into the world of shaped-resist dyeing with Liz O'Brien. In this blog post, she explores the art of shibori, using everything from stitches to tongue depressors to create eye-catching patterns.
Outfit Repeater: Recreating Childhood Folk Costume Twenty-Two Years Later
Caroline Feyling brings things full circle by creating a Gudbrandsdal bunad, designed after a bunad she wore as a girl. In her newest blog post, she shares about the rich history and family connections found in this Norwegian folk costume.