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…

Up north, there's a saying that there's no bad weather, just the wrong clothes. Outfit yourself with the right sort of clothing to protect your body from the elements in this course, in which you will design a comfortable and warm pair of deerskin mittens to wear during the winter…

There are many designs for saw horses, as they are one of the most important tools a timber framer or woodworker has in the workshop. Der zimmererbock is the traditional version of a saw horse used and taught throughout Germany where instructor Gerald David did his training in the timberframing. …

This little antler tray basket is perfect for holding your loose change, trinkets, or to hold your mail. It can also be hung on the wall as an art piece. Students will be weaving on a pre-set round rattan reed framework, which incorporates two pre-drilled antlers. The weaving material is…

Woodworkers know the value of a tool box, but craftspeople from knitters to carvers to cooks will find plenty of use for a sturdy tote in which to carry the tools and materials of their trade. In this course, we’ll build a dovetailed pine tool tote with a center divider…

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, get…

Make a sweet little firewood/kindling carrier from three pieces of firewood, straight from the woodpile. We will cut, split and shape using hand tools, and refine our skills with a carving knife for the joints and smaller details. A fourth piece of wood will be split up to load the…

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…

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…

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…

This class is an enjoyable, two-day beginning knitting class which focuses not only on basic stitches and skills, but also on recognizing and correcting common mistakes which often frustrate the beginner. Topics include basic knitting skills, yarn basics and pattern reading. You will be provided with a beginning book, one…

Let your imagination run wild creating a small scene of felted things. You will learn how to make 2D and 3D items using needle felting and wet felting techniques. Create gnomes, bears, dinosaurs, mushrooms, rivers, fish…the possibilities are endless. Adults and children can create a diorama together or each create…

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…