Courses

Scandinavians and Russians commonly kept small, flat birch bark boxes in their pockets in the 18th and 19th century for the then-popular taking of snuff. Larger finger and lap jointed boxes often held coffee, tea or salt. Today they continue to made and hold keepsakes, buttons, spare change, jewelry, dried…

Calling all carpenters, metal workers, and latte slingers — come to North House and make the leather shop apron you’ve always wanted! Students will make a durable hand sewn apron with custom pockets for their favorite tools and a strap system that distributes weight comfortably and keep stress off the…

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…

One whisk broom is never enough! Great for cleaning off car seats or work benches, whisking dirt out of the tent while camping, sweeping those dust bunnies into the dustpan, brushing fur from clothing, or using around the wood stove for little bits of wood and ash, you'll wonder how…

Here it is — a perfect shoulder bag for everyday errands! This classic yet funky crossbody bag is where traditional saddle-making techniques meet contemporary styling. You will learn how to hand sew vegetable tanned cowhide with a two-needle saddle stitch, along with wet-molding, hardware application, and leather care. Students are…

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…

Get a taste and feel for chair caning during this one-day beginner class. Students will learn the traditional 7-step method of hand caning on a preassembled and lightly stained footstool. Once the basic techniques are mastered in class, you will be ready to conquer more difficult chairs, maybe even going into…

Where did you get that bag? You can make it! Leather handbags are both durable and fashionable and need not have a fancy name brand to reflect your personal taste and preferences. Design and sew your very own handbags in this hands-on course with Molly Grant, who has been designing…

Learn the foundational skills of hand-sewn saddle-stitched leatherwork as you make a small pocket wallet and a beautiful case for a journal. We will discuss construction, surface decoration, basic wet molding, and leather care, and you will leave with a case that will develop a deep, rich color as it…

Tote your tools in style in a sturdy, hand-sewn leather tool tote. This open-top hold-all is perfect for anything from carving tools to knitting supplies. In this course, students will learn foundational skills that can be applied to future projects. We will use the traditional two-needle saddle stitch and hand…

Wire work, or luffarslojd, is a craft that is limited only by one’s imagination. After gaining some basic skills in the one day intro course, students in this course will make large wire bowls. We will experiment  with a variety of new techniques, including weaving the base of a bowl,…

Inspired by traditional wirework, instructor Faith Clover has developed a whimsical project that flies in a new direction, so to speak. Using wire and pliers, students will construct a bird sculpture using new techniques of bending and twisting wire. Students will be encouraged to take their work in a creative…

Explore nature-based green medicines in this intensive botanical class. You'll discover a bounty of foods and plants to use during the seasons and cycles of plant life to create your very own natural medicine kit, including over 30 botanical and herbal mixes and applications. The course tailors to individual needs…

Pysanky (Ukrainian-style wax resist eggs) are a traditional folk art once practiced by families to celebrate the return of spring. The eggs have a rich historic background, and the designs found on the eggs are thousands of years old and can be found in artisanal work throughout Eastern and northeastern…

"Get the Edge" might be another appropriate title for this course. Chisels, planes, gouges, knives, scissors, spokeshaves, and more--these tools of the trade function at their best when the cutting edge is truly prepared for business. Ready to slice butter? This comprehensive overview of sharpening will help you understand the…