Courses

Braided structures are among the oldest examples of human textile work. Learn to create cloth without the use of a loom, an extremely portable method. No previous weaving experience is assumed for the beginners’ class. Using a ready-to-go warp, participants will receive an introduction to the basic techniques. Emphasis is…

The axe is perhaps the most indispensable of all tools in the North Woods. A sharp axe, skillfully wielded, makes tasks from splitting kindling to carving spoons and canoe paddles a pleasure. In this course, students will begin with a pre-made hand-­forged axe head, then make a hardwood handle and…

This course provides beginning as well as experienced carvers with the opportunity to carve several figures in the Scandinavian flat-plane style.  Beginning with an overview of tool sharpening and safety, the course provides hands-on carving experience as you complete each figure in step-by-step fashion. You will then paint the figures…

Why flatbreads? Why NOT flatbreads? They are quick to make, easy to bake on griddles, piles of hot coals, or in a hot oven, and they can bring many new grains into your kitchen that typically aren’t used in loaf breads. One part bread science, one part history and culture,…

Explore the many flavors of rye breads using seeds, spices and fruit to make traditional breads such as Limpa, Pumpernickel, and Raisin Rye. Practice techniques that will allow you to work with a potentially difficult dough. We’ll explore the history and characteristics of this nutritious grain, using pre-ferments and soakers…

This course is an intensive introduction to the ancient textile fiber: flax; and the cloth made from flax: linen. Students will explore all aspects of this traditional material, from seed selection, planting and cultivation, through harvesting, retting, hand processing, spinning, and weaving. We discuss flax’s place in traditional hand textile…

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 you'll be introduced to the basic techniques of dropping a fly 50-60 feet out, as well as the fundamentals of roll-casting. The…

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…

Photography is more than quick snapshots of friends and family. Photography is a rewarding way to explore and discover the world, and engages one's curiosity, creativity and imagination. Merging art with craft, science and math, photography engages the mind completely.  As the modern iteration of the ancient craft of observation…

Have you always been interested in gathering wild foods but just weren't sure where to start? This class is a great introduction to spring edibles as we focus on just five common, nutritious and often abundant plants. These early risers sprout up almost as soon as the snow is gone,…

Learn to forge the quintessential tool of the North Woods. This tool packs big results in a little package: the size of this axe lends itself to be easily portaged yet has enough weight to handle any camp chore. This axe will be constructed out of a single solid piece…

Learn blacksmithing through making several small household items from the Viking age. This class will utilize traditional hand-forging techniques to produce everyday iron items typical of those found in the archeological record from 9th century Sweden. Over the course of three days, students will forge a cloak pin, a firesteel,…

Ten centuries may have passed since the Viking Age, but the components of knife-making remain the same:  fire, steel, skilled knowledge and effort, and the usefulness of a small pocket knife. This class will utilize traditional hand-forging techniques to produce small Viking Age knife blades typical of those found in…

In this class students will start out making smaller projects the first day as they learn the fundamentals of managing a coal fire, understanding hammer control and using jigs. The second day students will continue to refine their skills with a couple more complicated projects and free time to explore…