Courses

The honeybee tends to grab the headlines these days, but the reality is that there are thousands of species of native bees that play a crucial role in ecosystems and pollination. Renowned biologist and author Bernd Heinrich has been particularly fascinated by the bumblebee and its role in northern ecosystems…

Minnesota's history is interwoven with the history of hat-making. Europe's hunger for beaver felt top hats drove the voyageurs into the heart of fur country. Most of the fur traded at Grand Portage eventually became felt hats. There is no softer, warmer or more pliant fiber as fur-felt. We will…

The between-twill twine pouch blends weaving techniques and materials to create a patchwork of nature that you can carry. There will be two project size options; a small pouch (approx. 6” x 1” x 4”) or a medium pouch (approx. 7” x 2” x 6”). The first day will mostly…

Using spring and winter birch bark harvested in Angora, MN, students will weave one basket necklace on a mold. The course will cover a simple start and stop basket weave for the body with a choice of rim treatment, waxed linen colors and bead embellishments. The necklace hanger can be…

Fully experience the craft of making a traditional birch bark basket for the gathering and storage of berries or anything you please. This course includes time focused both on basket making and on material preparation. Day one includes an extended session in the woods to harvest the birch bark in…

Explore the history, construction and use of the Native American birch bark canoe in this hands-on course. Paddled for centuries on the lakes and rivers of the interior, all the necessary materials can be sustainably harvested from a healthy boreal forest: birch bark, cedar, spruce root and spruce gum. During…

This birch bark basket is a relatively simple square or horizontal weave basket. The weaving is done in the traditional Scandinavian and Russian style. The material used to make the basket is split inner bark of the birch tree. The birch bark is harvested from timber sale areas in Itasca…

Stacked handle flatware is classic aesthetic of the Nordic kitchen. From cheese planes to spatulas, serving spoons to filet knives, the handles of these items are a reflection of three basic Scandinavian natural materials – birch wood, stacked birch bark and reindeer antler. Starting with these essential materials, learn to…

Most birds are not known for sitting still. By learning to recognize their songs, calls and the habitats they live in, you can have a satisfying birding experience every time you step outdoors, with or without your binoculars! In this one day workshop we’ll travel to various habitats and birding…

Many birds have left the area for their wintering grounds, but while the number of bird species may have dwindled, the possibility of spotting rarities increases during the late fall migration. On this birding scavenger hunt, we will search the Lake Superior shoreline and adjacent land areas for waterfowl and…

This course is a great introduction to the magical qualities of the black ash tree. Experience pounding the ash log and how it releases the splints, which are the materials needed for basket-making. Students will learn to prepare splint by cutting, splitting, scraping and using hand tools to make their…

The black ash pack basket: It's beautiful, highly functional, and can be made using simple materials. The first part of the class will be spent preparing black ash splint for your basket by pounding a locally harvested log. Next, you'll weave the basket and finish it with a rim, handle,…

Outfit your own blacksmithing tool chest while developing and refining your skills on the forge. In this course, you will create the set of tools needed to become a backyard blacksmith, while simultaneously learning the basics of blacksmithing. Initial tool projects will include tongs and fire-tending tools. Heat treatment, forging,…

Always wanted to try your hand at the forge? This is the place to start and continue to develop your blacksmithing skills. You will be introduced to the basic skills of the blacksmith including safety, fire control, tools and equipment in both a classroom and 'on the forge' setting. Student…

Bobbin lace making is one of the traditional forms of making lace. In most lace techniques such as crochet, knitting, tatting and needle lace, a single thread is used to make the lace. Bobbin lace is the only technique that uses multiple threads at one time to create the lace.…