The Elder Futhark is the Old Norse runic alphabet. These ancient symbols can be used for spiritual guidance, magical divination, and personal understanding and have been etched, carved, and otherwise “written” in many forms for centuries. In this course, we’ll use the old Nordic technique of kolrosing to “tattoo” our own set of Elder Futhark runes into wood. Kolrosing uses a small knife to cut fine lines into wood. Adding pigment (like ground cinnamon) to the lines creates a scrimshaw-like effect with endless design possibilities. As we build our kolrosing skills, we’ll explore making custom bind-runes, which are combinations of runic symbols used to focus personal intention. Students will leave with a piece that’s unique to them and kolrosing skills that can be used on a myriad of future woodworking projects.

Required Tools

• All tools will be provided

Optional Tools

• Favorite carving knife
• Kolrosing knives, though we do not suggest purchasing a kolrosing knife prior to this class. If you’ve already got one you like, please bring it, but you’ll be in a better position to choose the right tool for your needs after the class. The instructors will have plenty to lend and some available for sale.
• Reading glasses or eye magnification if needed

This course will be part of Wood Week 2027. Plan to arrive a day early for the Carver’s Conference on Friday, March 12, which features demonstrations, speakers and community gatherings all day, offered as a benefit to students enrolled in Wood Week coursework. Full schedule available online in early 2027.