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 be made and hold keepsakes, buttons, spare change, jewelry,…

Learn the foundational skills of leatherwork while making a fun and funky clutch that will turn heads at the co-op and coffee shop. This bag has pockets, a removable wrist strap, and brass hardware. We will use the traditional two-needle saddle stitch and hand tools to make a beautiful case…

Experience traditional broom making from start to finish as you prepare broomcorn and tree sapling handles and explore design and construction methods. This five-day exploration into broom-making will cover a variety of styles including full-size sweeping brooms, whisks, cobwebbers, pot scrubbers, and more. Students will dye broomcorn and experiment with…

There are so many possible uses for this bag that the only name that does it justice is “project tote.” Carry needlework, kindling, tablet, or farmers’ market treasures in style. This durable hand-sewn project tote is made of vegetable tanned leather that will develop a lustrous dark honey patina as…

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 encouraged to experiment…

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…

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…

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…

It’s especially gratifying to have handmade everyday objects you touch on a daily basis. You’ll be proud to pull out your handmade wallet, capable of containing cards and cash. Using the saddle stitch and vegetable-tanned leather, you’ll create a simple piece that will be useful for years to come. Ages…

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…

Healing traditions, like all crafts, reflect the landscape and stories of the people who create them. Explore Norse and Sami-inspired herbal medicine in this workshop based around the handcrafting of seven herbal medicines, each tethered to a particular story and made from northern plants. Rooted in her own Nordic ancestry,…

The love of gathering beach rocks combines with the craft of twig mosaic. Twig mosaic is an early American folk art form using full or half-round branches nailed over a frame, creating a pattern that provides volume and intricacy, delicacy and geometry. The addition of pebble mosaic satisfies all our…

Pysanky (Ukrainian-style wax resist eggs) are a traditional folk art once practiced by families to celebrate the return of spring. The designs found on the eggs are thousands of years old and can be found in artisanal work throughout Eastern and northeastern Europe. Students will learn about the history of…

"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. This comprehensive overview of sharpening will help you understand the types of cutting edges,…

Soap—so simple, yet so misunderstood. Have you ever pondered the ingredients contained in a typical bar of soap? Petroleum distillates, sulfates, and many other unpronounceable additives. Using the same ingredients Grandma used, animal fat and lye, learn how to make gentle, natural soaps, and explore the history and science of…