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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
Teaser image for Craft Exploration Camp for Adults

Craft Exploration Camp for Adults

If there’s one thing that all North House students have in common, it’s curiosity: how…
Mon, Aug 18th, 2025  –  Fri, Aug 22nd, 2025
9am-3pm
Teaser image for Craft Exploration Camp for Families

Craft Exploration Camp for Families

Make this year's North Shore vacation unforgettable: join us for family craft camp! Curious kids…
Mon, Aug 18th, 2025  –  Fri, Aug 22nd, 2025
9am-3pm

Past Courses Offered by Fred Livesay

Birch Bark Boxes: Scandinavian Bark Basketry

Carving Inuit-Style Snow Goggles

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

Wooden Spoon Carving Traditions

Wooden Spoon Carving Traditions: Day 4

Woodwork for Smaller Hands: Carve a Butter Spreader

You Can Handle It: The Custom Slöjd Knife

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