Skip to main content Skip to footer
Instructors

Mike Loeffler

Grand Marais, MN
North House Folk School photo of instructor, Mike Loeffler

Mike is a woodworker based in Grand Marais and finds much of his inspiration in the forested landscapes that he loves. He had the opportunity to explore craft through an internship at North House in 2011 and later participated in the Artisan Development Program (2018-2019) deepening his knowledge of craft and education. Mike continues to explore fågelskålar (bird-shaped ale bowls), figure carving, small furniture design, and traditional building techniques. Working as a carpenter Mike began to connect his passion for craft with the larger built environment through timber framing. Inspired by the vernacular timbered outbuildings of Scandinavia, Mike studied grindbygg timber framing with the generous help of mentors and programming at North House. This very specific interest grew into a wider appreciation of the many timber framing traditions around the world. Mike has now worked for many students and clients helping to create special hand made structures. He gets great enjoyment from “lighting the spark” and encouraging people to connect to themselves and a larger craft community through handwork.

Visit Mike Loeffler's Website

Current Courses Offered by Mike Loeffler

Teaser image for Basic Timber Framing

Basic Timber Framing

Learn the planning, layout, and joinery necessary to construct a traditional timber frame (post and…
Wed, May 3rd, 2023  –  Sun, May 7th, 2023
9am-5pm each day
Instructor: Clark Bremer
Wed, Aug 16th, 2023  –  Sun, Aug 20th, 2023
9am-5pm each day
Instructors: Clark Bremer, Mike Loeffler
Teaser image for Log to Timber Building By Hand

Log to Timber Building By Hand

This course takes us back to a time when the building process was mostly human powered. Starting…
Wed, Oct 11th, 2023  –  Thu, Oct 19th, 2023
9am-5pm each day
Instructors: Gerald David, Mike Loeffler
Teaser image for Timber Frame: Build Your Own Smaller Frames

Timber Frame: Build Your Own Smaller Frames

Tired of unimaginative, small outbuilding kits available from your local lumberyard? Explore all the…
Mon, Jun 19th, 2023  –  Tue, Jun 27th, 2023
9am-5pm each day
Instructor: Mike Loeffler
Sat, Aug 26th, 2023  –  Sun, Sep 3rd, 2023
9am-5pm each day
Instructor: Mike Loeffler
Teaser image for Timber Frame: Build Your Own, Grindbygg-Style

Timber Frame: Build Your Own, Grindbygg-Style

This course offers students the opportunity to immerse fully in the craft of Norwegian timber…
Thu, Jul 6th, 2023  –  Tue, Jul 11th, 2023
9am-5pm each day
Instructor: Mike Loeffler

Past Courses Offered by Mike Loeffler

Bird Carving

Bird Carving: Online Course

Norwegian Timber Framing: Grindbygg Building

Perching Stools

Service Learning Project: Norwegian-Style Timber Framed Grindbygg “Tents” for Campus

Tiny House: Build Your Own

Tiny House: Building Skills Workshop

Wooden Spoon Carving Traditions