Courses

Composite canoes are light, efficient and paddle like a dream. But canoe country granite can chew them up if you’re not careful. It can seem a bit daunting to use modern resins and fabrics but fear not. We’ll take the mysteries out of repairing that faithful paddling friend safely with…

Spend a fun evening in the kitchen as you learn new cooking skills and share great culinary fun with other students who love to cook. In this hands-on, participatory cooking class, you’ll prepare and enjoy a delicious summer evening meal, including wine pairings and craft brews. Take home a recipe packet…

Coopering — the craft of joined wooden staves to create a vessel — was an integral skill in many cultures worldwide; from Japan to Ireland, every meal had a food or drink that had at some point been stored in a coopered vessel. The skill and product is still relevant…

Discover the secrets of the old Saami school of ski construction by crafting a custom pair of birch skis to meet your needs. In this course you'll learn about the origin of ski design, function and construction. We'll also cover topics such as wood grain, bending wood, types of bindings,…

Popularized today by many historical re-enactors of the fur trade era, the throwing axe is a weapon that is deeply embedded in North American history. Akin to the hatchet it offers the ability to split and chop wood but is also designed to be used as a hand to hand…

Rediscover ancient techniques and combine them with modern expressions and materials in a 2.25 day mosaic class. Learn mosaic techniques including ceramic and glass cutting, use of different adhesives, and grouting. Each student will design and then create a small project for the home or garden. By the end of…

A pair of sandals that fits just right is a highly prized possession—and all the better if they are attractive and one-of-a-kind. Create a pair of custom hand-stitched leather sandals to enjoy for years to come. Students will spend some time sketching ideas and discussing execution, working from a few…

Combining blacksmithing and jewelry-making, this course offers an opportunity for beginning and advanced students of any interest to develop their skills as they forge and craft a Damascus ring with a silver liner. Students will begin by forging a piece of damascus steel, a particularly beautiful and ornamental steel filled…

Highly prized for centuries for its uncanny strength, ability to hold an edge and distinctively beautiful swirling and flowing patterns, Damascus steel is art: forge welding at its finest as you combine different types of steel, forge them through fire and hammer into one solid billet. Like a baker uses…

Remember the last time your feet were too cold to enjoy wonderful wintry weather? Do away with rigid unbreathable footwear and discover the traditional footwear of the north: mukluks. The flexibility of the natural materials used in construction allows the foot to generate heat, and a breathable layering system allows…

Fermentation…not just for brewers anymore! These days, fermented foods that can be easily prepared in the home are increasingly popular, as people begin to appreciate the healthful and delicious qualities of this ancient method of food preparation. In this overview course, you’ll explore the science behind fermentation and various cultural…

Did you know that for spinning some fibers, you have to do a long draw? Did you know that you can’t get a true woolen spun yarn without the long draw? Did you know that, in the end, spinning with a long draw is faster? This class will not only…

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…

Those of us in the rocky, Northern climes know that the world is a cold hard place. Luckily there’s a felted solution: the wool seat cozy. Add a beautiful and warm wooly cushion to your favorite chair, car seat, canoe or take it with you and sit in snug serenity…

Felting is based on three main principles: flat, sculptural and open form. Featured international guest instructor Karin Flatøy Svarstad will explore all three of these techniques in this three day workshop, using birds as inspiration, though students will be free to take inspiration from whatever forms they like. Karin is…