North House Folk School is partnering with Norsk Høstfest, the largest Scandinavian Heritage Festival in North America, to offer three hands-on, educational and inspiring classes in Minot, North Dakota. This Scandinavian heritage based course will be taught by North House Folk School instructor, Charlie Mayo, at the Norsk Høstfest Marketplace October 1-3, 2008. Discover the signature craft tree species of Scandinavia – the birch tree. The pliable bark of the birch tree has been utilized as a Scandinavian resource for a variety of utility items including mats, shoes, storage containers and pack baskets. This is your chance to learn from master birch bark weaver Charlie Mayo, who brings over three decades of birch bark basketry skills. The course will bring North House’s award winning ‘how-to’ book, "Celebrating Birch," alive with a variety of small, hands-on bark weaving projects for participants to choose from. Small woven mats, finger baskets (rings), collection baskets, scissor or knife sheaths, and ornamental stars and hanging figures are just some of the possible projects for participants to try their hand at in this workshop. Your birch bark weaving experience will be complemented with a tour of the Norsk Høstfest Heritage Center, meeting other artisans and craftspeople. No experience necessary. Register by contacting North House Folk School at 888-387-9762.