Explore Our Classes
February 2019
Soap Making
- Sold out!
Learn to make all natural soap with John Hanson, owner/maker of the Longfellow Soap Company. Due to the use of lye (used as it has been for over 5,000 years in soap making), the soap portion of the class will primarily be a demonstration. Students will leave the class fully prepared to make their own soap and will receive a manual that includes equipment lists, sources for ingredients and where to buy locally, and John’s ‘secret recipe.’ Each student will…
Find out more »Intro to Nålbinding
Missed your chance to take this class? We're pleased that Janet has agreed to a second introductory class! Experience the joy of creation; shaping things out of simple materials. Explore the ancient form of textile construction, Nålbinding (needle stitching), that can be traced back to the bronze and iron age. Nålbinding preceded knitting and crochet and is seen more recently in Scandinavian mittens, hats, stockings and milk strainers. Students will begin by making their own wooden needles from cherrywood (provided) …
Find out more »Imagination + Kids + Camera = FUN! Beginning Photography Age 10+ – 2 half-day classes
A picture is worth a thousand words! This class will empower students to begin to capture images that express themselves in relation to the world around them. Students will be introduced to technical and aesthetic aspects of photography, providing them with the foundation for life-long enjoyment & expression. This class is on 2 consecutive Saturdays: February 16 & February 23, 2019 from 2:00pm - 4:30pm each Saturday. Bonus: At the end of class, each student will own their own digital…
Find out more »March 2019
Knit a Scandinavian Star Hat
Do you know how to knit and purl? Come and have a jolly good time with Kirsten Skoglund, instructor extraordinaire, while we make a beautiful two-color, Norwegian patterned hat with worsted weight yarn. You will learn to read a pattern, decrease, use double point needles, and have the opportunity to practice knitting and purling. You will also laugh a lot, meet new people and learn a technique that is not only beautiful, but very warm. And you will be so proud…
Find out more »Intermediate Nålbinding
We’ve just slipped this in to our schedule! This class is designed as a follow-up to ‘Introductory Nålbinding’ with Janet Ames. Those Vikings never did anything easily, and Nålbinding is no exception – it’s hard to do! Janet is offering an additional day of guidance to give beginning students more time to practice their new craft, ask questions, and share the frustration and rewards of learning a new skill with other beginning students. You’ve learned the basic stitch of Nålbinding…
Find out more »Tool Sharpening Skills
Learn to sharpen hand tools such as planes, chisels, axes, and knives, or other tools with cutting edges such as lawn mower blades or shovels. In this class, general hand sharpening techniques and tools will be reviewed and demonstrated, with plenty of time for students to then apply these techniques as they gain practical sharpening skills. Students will leave with an understanding of edge shaping vs honing, types of cutting edges, how to create sharp edges and different sharpening techniques.…
Find out more »Viking “Knit” Chain Bracelet
Come explore the ancient tradition of chain making! You’ll use “Viking Knitting,” a centuries-old looping technique, to create a beautiful silver bracelet with a variety of unusual clasps. Historically, this unique method of weaving resembles “nalbinding” knitting and was used to fabricate everything from sweaters to netting for catching fish! You’ll have the opportunity to complete a bracelet in a single day – no previous experience required – and all tools and materials will be provided. Add a charm for…
Find out more »Saami Inspired Scandinavian Bracelet
- Sold out!
The dramatic landscape of northern Scandinavia is that of the midnight sun, northern lights, and the Sámi, a nomadic tribal group that follows the migration of the reindeer. Traditional Sámi jewelry incorporates elements of their northern landscape – softened reindeer leather, braided pewter wire, and sculpted antler. Discover this unique tradition with veteran instructor Liz Bucheit and create a beautiful bracelet in one day. Students will explore the traditional jewelry techniques of triple braiding, coiled pewter wire, and sewing the finished…
Find out more »Soap Making
Learn to make all natural soap with John Hanson, owner/maker of the Longfellow Soap Company. Due to the use of lye (used as it has been for over 5,000 years in soap making), the soap portion of the class will primarily be a demonstration. Students will leave the class fully prepared to make their own soap and will receive a manual that includes equipment lists, sources for ingredients and where to buy locally, and John’s ‘secret recipe.’ Each student will…
Find out more »Beginning Handspinning: 2-day class
Discover the age-old craft of handspinning natural fibers to make your own unique yarns. In ancient times twisting fibers together was the original and only way to create clothing and other textiles. Today artisans and students are exploring hand spinning for a variety of reasons, including economy, use of eco-friendly fibers, creativity and interest in traditional crafts. This class will be on 2 consecutive days: 9am-2pm Saturday, March 23 & 11am-2pm Sunday, March 24. Day 1: We will learn the…
Find out more »Imagination + Kids + Camera = FUN! Beginning Photography Age 10+ – 2 half-day classes
A picture is worth a thousand words! This class will empower students to begin to capture images that express themselves in relation to the world around them. Students will be introduced to technical and aesthetic aspects of photography, providing them with the foundation for life-long enjoyment & expression. This class is on 2 consecutive Saturdays: March 23, 2019 & March 30, 2019 from 3:00pm - 5:00pm each Saturday. Bonus: At the end of class, each student will own their…
Find out more »Intro to Traditional Scandinavian Spoon Carving
- Sold out!
This is an introductory spoon carving class. We will start with an overview of traditional knife grips and carving techniques. After applying those skills on practice sticks, students will begin carving a medium-sized serving or cooking spoon. With Michele and Erik providing support and expert guidance, the goal of the class is for each student to complete hand carving a spoon! Class is appropriate for adults and ‘young adults’ aged 15 or above. Each ‘young adult’ must be accompanied by…
Find out more »April 2019
Intergenerational: Sourdough Bread Baking
Intergenerational Age: 10+, each child must be accompanied by an adult. Slow down, get your hands messy, have some fun and learn the benefits of sourdough baking. The class will feature all steps of the sourdough baking process: sourdough culture maintenance and levain (starter) preparation, dough handling and shaping, as well as the final proof and how to bake in a home oven. You will leave with a better understanding of sourdough, a bit of starter, a couple loaves of…
Find out more »Artistic Mending with Sashiko Stitching
Do you have a beloved garment that is a little worse for the wear and could use some sprucing up? Or do you want to add interest to a plain garment? There is no better way to reinforce a worn area or add visual interest than with Japanese Sashiko stitching. A Japanese stitching technique born out of necessity, boro cloths carry the beauty of the many repairs and stitches that embed a unique story into the textile while adding strength,…
Find out more »Leatherworking 2.0- Tote Bag
This advanced leather-working class will build on previously learned sewing skills, allowing students to create a larger, more complex project. Students who have previously taken Beginning Leatherworking will enjoy advancing their craft while completing a larger project. We will focus on refining your hand-sewing technique for speed and accuracy as well as problem-solving during the construction process. Students will work from a custom tote bag pattern while being guided through the basics of leather design and construction - including the…
Find out more »Build a Wooden Paddle
Create a special memory with a young person (age 10+) or build one on your own -- in this class you will build a bent shaft canoe or paddleboard (SUP) paddle. Imagine: finish the paddle and then head out on the St. Croix River, or local lake, to paddle using your own hand-made paddle….what could be better? We can’t think of anything. You will learn about wood selection and grains, use of hand tools and skill saw, paddle design and…
Find out more »Build a Wooden Paddle
Build your own bent shaft canoe or paddle board (SUP) paddle. Students will learn about wood selection and grains, use of hand tools and skill saw, paddle design and considerations, and paddle sizing. Each student will leave with a completed bent shaft paddle ready for varnishing. This class will take place over 1 weekend in April with 3 different class periods for a total of 7.5 hours: Friday, April 26: 6:30pm-8:30pm, Saturday, April 27: 1pm - 4:30pm, and Sunday, April…
Find out more »Kjolvaska: Swedish Skirt Bag
Once these ‘pockets’ or bags were used to carry oats or salt so the cows would follow you home. Today they are more apt to be used for cell phones and car keys. An ideal size, the practical bag serves as a reminder of heritage and as a focal point of beauty as it carries your belongings. Inspired by the "kjolvaska", or skirt purse, which accompanies the Swedish folk dress, you will create a similar multi-purpose pocket. The surface design…
Find out more »May 2019
Making a Slab-built Pottery Mug with Connie Helke
- Sold out!
Beloved potter Connie Helke is generously donating her time to benefit Marine Mills Folk School! Your class fee will go 100% to supporting our new folk school. Be one of the lucky few to spend an afternoon with Connie, learning to create a functional mug complete with handle. You will learn to roll out a slab of white stoneware clay, cut, add texture and then form it into a mug with handle. The class will take place at Connie’s studio…
Find out more »Intergenerational: Beginning Italian Bread Making
Intergenerational Age: 10+, each child must be accompanied by an adult. Another chance to get your hands messy! Have some fun learning to bake delicious Italian breads for summer meals. We'll be making ciabatta and focaccia. You'll learn about pre-ferments, wet doughs, and dough development. You'll leave with a couple loaves of bread and some dough to bake at home. Special Note: Adults are invited to share in the fun of learning a new skill with a younger person. Each child must…
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