Courses

The North House Blacksmith Shop excites the curiosity of adults and kids alike, as hammers pound, sparks fly, and red-hot metal becomes a fire poker, hook, or other tool right before their eyes. Try your hand at the forge in this family class, as kids and adults work together to…

This class explores the history and contemporary uses of flax, the plant fiber from which linen is made. We will work hands-on to learn hand spinning of tow and line flax using tools and materials supplied by the instructor. Topics included: how to source textile flax seed, growing, harvesting, and…

Landing a fly gracefully on a quiet inland lake or gently on a rushing river is an experience everyone should have. In this workshop taught by Erik Swenson and Aaron Gerlovich you'll be introduced to the basic techniques of dropping a fly 50-60 feet out, as well as the fundamentals…

Early July marks the peak of northern Minnesota’s famous hexagenia mayfly hatch, a time when brook and rainbow trout readily rise to a dry fly on Minnesota’s designated streams and trout lakes. This course is scheduled to take full advantage of this fly-fishing opportunity. Beginners, as well as experienced fly…

The North Shore area of Lake Superior provides some highly prized fly fishing opportunities. Many inland lakes are stocked with rainbow, brown and brook trout, and are accessible by float tube. Tributaries to Lake Superior contain trout and salmon species and are accessible by foot. This course is for the…

The Grand Marais and Beyond course is designed for the enthusiastic photographer, amateur or professional, with an emphasis on storytelling with your photography. Led by editorial photographer Layne Kennedy, you will explore and photograph the scenic shores of Lake Superior, create portraits of local folks, photograph history of the region…

Rosemaling is a decorative painting style originating in Norway. The Gudbransdal style of rosemaling originated in the Gudbransdal region and is recognized by foliage of the acanthus leaf. This course emphasizes the basic technique for painting these acanthus scrolls. Students will apply their skills to a 12’’ lidded box. This…

There are so many possible uses for this bag that the only name that does it justice is “project tote.” Carry needlework, kindling, tablet or farmers’ market treasures in style. This durable hand-sewn project tote is made of vegetable tanned leather that will develop a lustrous dark honey patina as…

A beautiful and sturdy leather tote can last a lifetime. This class will introduce leatherworking skills and design techniques that may be applied to a variety of future projects. In this class, we will make a hand-stitched, leather tote–perfect for toting a laptop or several books. The finished bag will…

Design, weave, and sew your own custom wool tote bag, perfect for all of your north woods adventures. You’ll create a custom bag approximately 15” x 15” x 3”, woven with a basic twill structure. After designing and weaving their wool yardage, students will gain experience fulling their wool cloth…

Food is Medicine. This is a simple mantra that can inspire how and what you choose to eat and drink. This workshop will introduce participants to creative, delicious and nourishing ways to incorporate fresh and local medicinal and edible herbs into and onto daily foods. As participants learn several preparations…

Desire to be more self-sustainable with your health care and home? Dipped your toes into the deep waters of herbalism, and ready to learn more? Combine the intuitive art and solid science of botanical medicine, apprenticing with a Master Herbalist for an intensive weekend. Core components include: foundations in natural…

Scandinavians know how to move on snow. Follow in their tracks, and take advantage of snow-covered roads, sidewalks, and trails by crafting a kick sled of ash wood this winter. Learn both basic and advanced woodworking skills. From laminating wood for making runners to shaping a customized handlebar used for…

Let the colors of the Northern Aurora Borealis sky inspire this delightful winter hat knit with traditional Icelandic wool. It is an intriguing design using Scandinavian stranded knitting techniques, corrugated rib and optional fanciful hat toppers that make every hat as unique and magical as the winter night sky and…

Kumihimo is an ancient Japanese technique used to make beautiful cords. Learn a little bit of history about how the braids have been used, then make two different cords which can end up as bracelets or necklaces. Students will learn how to braid on a kumihimo disk, ways to design…