Courses

Using tools and techniques of 19 th century tinsmiths, students will learn how to layout projects using patterns, cut tinplate, and assemble tinplate pieces into items they can take home, such as a tin cup or tankard, a tin sconce, tin ornaments and tinsel, cookie cutters, or a lantern. Students…

Scandinavians & Russians commonly kept small, flat birch bark boxes in their pockets for the then-popular taking of snuff. Large finger and lap jointed boxes often held coffee, tea, salt, even butter. Today they continue to hold keepsakes, buttons, spare change, jewelry, dried fruits, oatmeal or a child's found treasures.…

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…

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…

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. Ages 14+, no…

Luffarslöjd is an old craft that is part of the tradition of making beautiful and useful objects for everyday use, using one’s hands and simple tools. Farmers used wire to mend fences and make and repair basic tools around the house and barn. Hobos traveled across the country offering to…

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…

Nets aren’t just for catching fish! In this class you will learn an ancient technique to make a netted sack for everyday use. To make a net, you only need to learn to tie one knot. The craft of net making has remained unchanged for thousands of years, a universal…

"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…

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. Whatever happened to that good old-fashioned soap that Grandma made? Using the same ingredients Grandma used, animal fat and lye, learn how to make…

After a long winter, all northern creatures relish fresh spring breezes, emergent greenery, and the flickering energy of the wild about to burst into bloom. Begin the new season with an inspiring session about attuning to Earth's cycles, foods, herbs, and energies for your health and wellness. Learn to identify…

Bring your worn-out​ ​cane seat chair to class and learn the nearly lost art of traditional, seven-step method chair seat weaving commonly known as "hole-to-hole caning." Whether a family heirloom chair or the one you picked up at the antique store that needs a little TLC, vintage chairs that need​…