Learn to make a Scandinavian-style hardwood cutting board and “tattoo” it through the traditional craft of kolrosing. Inspired by an antique kolrosed cutting board Liesl found in Norway, this board will have one side for cutting and the other side decorated so that it can hang proudly in any kitchen! Kolrosing uses a very small knife to cut lines into wood that then have pigment (such as ground cinnamon) and oil rubbed into them for a scrimshaw-like effect. Instructor Maeve Gathje will introduce design elements to consider when creating a custom cutting board. She will lead the class in designing and cutting the board into shapes, for example creating a simple handle or the shape of an animal. Then, kolrosing artist Liesl Chatman will cover kolrosing knife techniques used in cutting letters, borders, patterns, and illustration.

A materials fee of approximately $90 will be due to the instructors during class. This includes everything needed for the project, including a hardwood board, a kolrosing kit, and a make-your-own-pocket zine using Liesl’s hand-drawn handouts. Specialized kolrosing knives are not included in the kit but are available to borrow or purchase.

Youth ages 16+ are welcome to register with an adult. Adult/child pairs will complete one project and pay one materials fee. A 25% tuition discount applies to the youth registrant when registering with a full-paying adult; call to register.

Required Tools

• All tools needed will be provided for use in the class. Specialized kolrosing tools will also be available for purchase.

Optional Tools

• Favorite carving knife