Courses

Remember the last time your feet were too cold to enjoy wonderful wintry weather? Do away with rigid, non-breathing footwear and discover the traditional footwear of the North: mukluks, the perfect footwear for your snowshoeing adventure. The flexibility of the natural materials used in construction allows the foot to generate…

Warm up winter by making your own woolen slippers or short boot liners. Using the ancient no-knitting wet felting technique, you will make a cozy, warm pair of slippers or boot liners. The craft hasn’t changed in centuries except we now use soap instead of ash or urine. It’s a…

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…

Fall is an exciting time on the North Shore of Lake Superior. The leaves are gorgeous and the steelhead and salmon are just starting their spawning run. This class is for those who want to experience an intensive study of this amazing event and maximize their chances of catching mighty…

Learn how to pull delicate strudel dough, explore a variety of fillings and end up with a strudel baking in your home oven. We'll also cover how to make noodle dough and cut a variety of shapes. Plan to end the day with dinner and dessert! You’ll receive the recipes…

Head up the Trail and experience the unique and ancient geology of the Gunflint area. We are pleased to partner with Gunflint Lodge to offer students an opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich history of this special area using one of Minnesota's premier wilderness resorts as a home base…

Spend an evening in a small group getting to explore your questions about German timber framing: styles, techniques and geometry. Gerald will provide an overview of the German timber framing tradition and will share a photo slideshow exhibiting the evolution of the humble class frame and examples of grand buildings…

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…

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…

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…

The three-strand wool braided rug is reminiscent of an era when rag rugs were considered an affordable way to reuse worn clothing and blankets to create a rug for the home.  Early American immigrants and rural pioneers handcrafted the rag rug and created a fiber tradition that has been passed…

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…

Many of the plants which we now consider invasive species were brought to this country for a purpose. This workshop explores several invasive plants which can be used as natural dyes. There's no guilt about peeling off the bark or pulling up the whole plant to make these dye baths!…

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 steering,…