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Instructors

Fred Livesay

St. Paul, MN
North House Folk School photo of instructor, Fred Livesay

Fred Livesay made his first spoon at age seven and has focused his life and career on traditional handwork ever since.  He trained formally as a wheelwright and carriage-builder and then went on to study Scandinavian folk art, decorative arts and art history, eventually receiving an M. A. in history museum studies.  Forty years of teaching and study here and in Sweden and England, give him a clear understanding of the joy handmade objects bring to everyday living, the healing art of craft & the mediative connection between head, hands & heart.  Fred is a founding instructor of North House Folk School, the Spoon Gathering, Milan, MN. and is a widely, respected sought after teacher of craft nationally and internationally.  He was recently made an Associate Professor of Fine Handcrafts, Luther College.

Current Courses Offered by Fred Livesay

Teaser image for Birch Bark Boxes: Scandinavian Bark Basketry

Birch Bark Boxes: Scandinavian Bark Basketry

In this class, students will make durable, airtight birch bark boxes that are perfect for storage of…
Thu, Oct 30th, 2025  –  Sun, Nov 2nd, 2025
9am-5pm each day
Thu, Mar 26th, 2026  –  Sun, Mar 29th, 2026
9am-5pm each day
Teaser image for Knife Skills are Life Skills

Knife Skills are Life Skills

Using a knife efficiently is a core skill for anyone interested in slöjd-style woodworking. The…
Sat, Mar 7th, 2026  –  Sun, Mar 8th, 2026
9am-5pm each day
Instructor: Fred Livesay
Teaser image for Wooden Spoon Carving Traditions

Wooden Spoon Carving Traditions

Carving wooden spoons is a tradition in Scandinavia, where carvers crafted spoons for home use, for…
Thu, Jan 8th, 2026  –  Sat, Jan 10th, 2026
9am-5pm each day
Instructors: Fred Livesay, Mike Loeffler
Thu, May 7th, 2026  –  Sat, May 9th, 2026
9am-5pm each day
Instructors: Fred Livesay, Mike Loeffler
Teaser image for Wooden Spoon Carving Traditions: Day 4

Wooden Spoon Carving Traditions: Day 4

This offering is an optional fourth day to extend the Wooden Spoon Carving Traditions course offered…
Sun, Jan 11th, 2026
9am-3pm
Instructors: Fred Livesay, Mike Loeffler
Sun, May 10th, 2026
9am-3pm
Instructors: Fred Livesay, Mike Loeffler

Past Courses Offered by Fred Livesay

Birch Bark Boxes: Scandinavian Bark Basketry

Carving Inuit-Style Snow Goggles

Craft Exploration Camp for Adults

Craft Exploration Camp for Families

Make Your Own Japanese Woodworking Tool: The Kebiki

Make Your Own Kebiki: The Essential Japanese Woodworking Tool

Plane Talk: Restoring & Tuning Hand Planes

Plane Talk: Restoring & Tuning Hand Planes

Sharpening Tutorial

Spring Break Makers Camp

Swedish Classic: 18th Century Style Lyre-Base Trestle Table

Swedish Classic: 18th Century Style Lyre-Base Trestle Table

The Art of Spoon Carving

Unlocking the Secrets of the Yeast Ring

Wanigan: The Traveling Box

Woodwork for Smaller Hands: Carve a Butter Spreader

You Can Handle It: The Custom Slöjd Knife

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