Make a sweet little firewood/kindling carrier from three pieces of firewood, straight from the woodpile. We will cut, split, and shape using hand tools, and refine our skills with a carving knife for the joints and smaller details. A fourth piece of wood will be split up to load the carrier and it will be all set to bring to your wood stove or campfire, or to serve as a unique and fantastic gift for someone special. This is a woodworking class utilizing hand tools only. The class will utilize familiar tools such as the saw, brace and drill; students will also be introduced to the froe, hatchet, and drawknife--tools rarely found in most modern wood shops. Low-tech, resourceful, and fun, this is a great project for developing a new skillset with quiet and portable hand tools.

A note from the instructor: In the Swedish language, the word slöjd has a nebulous meaning. It starts with a definition similar to our English word “craft”, but it goes beyond that… elements of a “Do It Yourself” attitude are imbedded in its connotation, as well the implication of one’s ability to solve problems creatively. So slöjd not only means crafty and skillful, but it also implies self-reliance, and the empowerment that is gained by making and fixing things with your own hands. The concept of this word, with its expansive meaning, is what I intend to promote through the Everyday Slöjd classes. I use the peculiar word slöjd in their name because I intend to embrace all of these interpretations… my sincere hope is that the experience will instill self-confidence in all of the students involved, and inspire their creativity.

You will need the following tools for this class:

All required tools/materials are provided by your instructor and North House and will be available once the course begins.

Feel free to bring your favorite tools and whatever materials you might feel appropriate for this course.