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
Birch Bark Boxes: Scandinavian Bark Basketry
9am-5pm each day
Knife Skills are Life Skills
Wooden Spoon Carving Traditions
Thu, Jan 8th, 2026 – Sat, Jan 10th, 2026
9am-5pm each day
Thu, May 7th, 2026 – Sat, May 9th, 2026
9am-5pm each day
Wooden Spoon Carving Traditions: Day 4
9am-3pm
9am-3pm
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
