Courses

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 kneading and…

From fireplace tools to shelf brackets and kitchen racks, decorative ironwork can highlight any part of the Northern home. This course will enable beginner and intermediate blacksmiths to work alongside master blacksmith, Michael Jones, to design and build their own unique piece of ironwork. The course will start with a…

Decorative and functional ironwork has a long history throughout the North Country. Hinges, gates, fire place tools, or even the humble candlestick: the most ordinary of objects becomes a striking work of art. In this class, students will work with blacksmith, Michael Jones, to create their own unique candle holder…

Up north, there's a saying that there's no bad weather, just the wrong clothes. In this course, you'll outfit your hands to protect them from the elements by designing a comfortable and warm pair of deerskin mittens to wear during the winter months. The mittens are ideal for daily wear,…

There are many designs for the sawhorse, as it is one of the most important tools a timber framer or woodworker has in the workshop. Der Zimmererbock is the traditional version of a sawhorse used and taught throughout Germany, where instructor Gerald David did his training in the timber framing.…

If you have ever dreamed of building your own small home, shop, sauna, studio, or cabin, this course is for you. Designing a space according to your own values and needs is a creative and satisfying endeavor. Instructor Mark Hansen has been designing and building small shelters for a variety…

Join us for a day of exploring the world of drink-able medicine, aka herbal tea. As participants learn several techniques for making medicinal drinks, Monarda will weave in herbal wisdom, knowledge and stories. We will start the day with a plant walk, learning how to identify common weeds and wild…

Berry or custard, savory or sweet, in a tin or on a cookie sheet, pies offer endless possibilities. Discover why this versatile dish has been around since the ancient Egyptians (and other fun pie trivia). We’ll learn how to turn butter, lard, flour and water into a flakey crust and…

Travel across Europe from the comfort of your own kitchen in this intensive, hands-on one-day exploration of beloved ethnic pastries. We’ll make a classic Danish pastry, a German kasekuchen or cheesecake, and French arlettes, also known as elephant ears. We’ll use the commercial ovens in the North House teaching kitchen,…

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 flexibility of the natural materials used in construction allows the foot to generate heat, and a breathable layering system allows…

North House is pleased to announce an opportunity to experience the rich ecological beauty and cultural history of the Gunflint Trail AND immerse in the traditional northern craft of mukluk making. This session of Expedition Footwear: Making Mukluks will be taught by long-time North House instructor Jo Wood at Gunflint…

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…

Kombucha—or fermented sweet tea—is an emerging beverage in the U.S.  While it seems like a trend, this fermented beverage is far from new.  Much like bread, cheese, yogurt, and wine, the origins of kombucha are a bit murky. We will explore the history and reputed health benefits. After tasting a…

Walk along the shores of Lake Superior and it’s hard not to pick up pebbles that catch the eye. Turn your favorites into a wearable piece of art in this intermediate level jewelry course. Students will learn cold connection construction, starting with some simple projects and then designing their own…

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…