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The following courses are currently scheduled.
Courses are listed alphabetically by title.
Building
The Classic Rowboat - Build Your Own
John
Beltman
Session Options:
. . .
10/17/2008 - 11/1/2008
This is an ideal boatbuilding course for the invested student who
has always dreamed of building a classic wooden boat and spending the
time to fully enjoy the traditions, smells and trades of the wooden boat
shop. Moreover, in just over two weeks, you go home with a handcrafted
flat-bottomed, square-stern 11-foot rowboat. Working with the talents
of a professional boatbuilder, you build your own Susan Skiff, a classic
wooden boat designed by XXX, with a carvel-planked bottom and lapstrake
sides. Set for rowing or attaching a small outboard motor to enjoy a
fishing outing, this classic wooden boat will provide a lifetime of
memories and skills for the builder. Up to two people may work
together on this project for the same base tuition.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 16
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $3,495 per boat
. . . Materials Fee: Included
. . . Intergenerational Age: n/a
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: Beginner to Intermediate
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Building
The Traditional Inuit Kayak
Mark
Hansen
Session Options:
. . .
5/1/2008 - 5/12/2008
This course is for individuals with a strong interest in creating a
sea-worthy craft with their own hands. The Inuit kayak from Greenland is
a fast and responsive craft for hunting and you design your own craft to
fit your body size. You’ll lay out mortise and tenon joints, steam bent
ribs and cockpit coaming, lash nylon cord Inuit-style and sew the nylon
frame covering. Separate tuition payment and cancellation policies apply
to this course. The kayak paddle and spray skirt making courses are
natural extensions to this course.
Kayaks will be constructed of Sitka spruce, white cedar, white oak,
white ash and covered with 14 oz. urethane-coated nylon for a bomb-proof
skin. The course starts with an on-water paddling session as a way to
test various sizes & shapes of kayaks and assist in the student's choice
of their own kayak design.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 12
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $1,450 per kayak
. . . Materials Fee: Included
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: Beginner to Intermediate
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Canoe for
Sail - Building The Classic Sail Rig
Art Kidd
Session Options:
. . .
11/13/2008 - 11/17/2008
Discover the grace and elegance of powering a canoe by sail. Your
canoe can become an able, fairweather sailing craft. Participants will
work with their canoe in the North House harborside boat shop, buidling
custom fitting, removable sailing parts such as wooden leeboards,
leeboard brackets, spars, masteps and rudders. Included is a sail kit
for a 37 square foot lug rig sail which you will sew during the course.
A wonderful course for the classic canoe enthusiast, boat builder,
sailmaker or recreational boater looking to explore more options for
enjoying time on the water.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 5
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $580 Per Canoe Sail
. . . Materials Fee: Included
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Cedar-Strip Boatbuilding - Build Your Own Canoe or Kayak
Ken Koscik
Session Options:
. . .
9/4/2008 - 9/14/2008 - FULL, call for waiting
list
Enjoy the contrast of light and dark wooden strips, the quiet
lapping of water on wood and the pride of craftsmanship that stems from
building your own cedar-strip boat. From start to finish, you cut thin
cedar planks and learn to assemble an appealing pattern for your canoe
or kayak. Students may choose from three cedar-strip boat projects: an
18 1/2' tandem cruiser canoe, a 16' tripping canoe or a 17’ kayak.
Students are encouraged to register with an assistant.
Separate tuition payment and cancellation policies apply to this course.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 11
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $3,200 per boat
. . . Materials Fee: Included
. . . Intergenerational Age: 14+
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Craft of
Oar Construction
Mark
Hansen
Session Options:
. . . 11/10/2008 - 11/11/2008
Complement your watercraft with a classy set of handcrafted wooden
oars. This two-day workshop provides a thorough, hands-on introduction
to the craft of oar making. You’ll use traditional hand tools including
a spokeshave, drawknife and block plane to construct a custom set of
oars from basswood. Patterns are available for a stock model or you can
design your own to fit your boat.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 2
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $130
. . . Materials Fee: $100
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: Beginner
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Fundamentals of
Traditional
Wooden Boat Building
John
Beltman
Session Options:
. . .
10/23/2008 - 10/27/2008
Explore the grace and craft of wooden boatbuilding and unlock the
secrets of hand-crafting your own wooden watercraft in this five-day
course. You combine classroom sessions with shop time to become familiar
with the entire wooden boat-building process, from transferring boat
plans into real size through lofting to steam-bending and proper
caulking techniques. By the end of this course you’ll feel more
comfortable pursuing your own project knowing you learned from an
experienced boatbuilder.
This course is limited to eight students ensuring maximum hands on
experience.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 5
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $395
. . . Materials Fee: Included
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: Beginner
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Hand
Crafting A Northwoods Paddle
Mike
Schelmeske
Session Options:
. . .
6/19/2008 - 6/20/2008
. . . 7/26/2008 - 7/27/2008
. . . 8/23/2008 - 8/24/2008
Create a traditional paddle used by Northwoods travelers for
hundreds of years. In this course, a North House classic, you learn
about wood selection and wood grain considerations as well as paddle
sizing and the theory of shape as applied to handles, shafts and blades.
You may choose from a variety of different classic paddle designs and
you leave the course with a custom-designed paddle constructed with
simple hand tools, including a traditional spokeshave and blockplane.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 2
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $150
. . . Materials Fee: $40
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: Beginner
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Handcrafting An Inuit Kayak Paddle
Mark
Hansen
Session Options:
. . .
5/13/2008
This course leads participants through the design and construction
of a traditional Inuit kayak paddle. These paddles feature narrow blades
that are well-balanced and light. You learn about wood selection, wood
grain considerations, paddle sizing and the theory of shape as applied
to shafts and blades. You leave the course with a paddle constructed
with simple hand tools that is tailored to your body size and made to
suit the shape and characteristics of your kayak.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 1
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $75
. . . Materials Fee: $35
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Norse Pram
- Build Your Own
Mark
Hansen
Session Options:
. . .
4/9/2008 - 4/21/2008- FULL, call for waiting
list
. . . 10/29/2008 - 11/9/2008
The Norse Pram is an inshore craft that has been rowed and sailed
along the coast of Norway for hundreds of years. The pram makes an
excellent tender or rowboat at the lake, and is often referred to as the
“water wheelbarrow” of the fjords of Norway. You build and design your
own 10’ to 14’ pram using traditional materials including white spruce,
white pine, oak and copper fastening to meet your intended needs for the
boat. Students interested in building the pram as a sailing vessel are
welcome. The Norse Pram is built using old-world, simple and honest
construction techniques, making it a great project for the first time
boatbuilder that results in a lifetime experience. Separate tuition
payment and cancellation policies apply to this course.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 12
. . . Hours: 9am-4pm
. . . Tuition: $4,325 per boat
. . . Materials Fee: Included
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: Intermediate
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
On The
Building Bed - Birch Bark Canoe
Erik
Simula
Session Options:
. . .
6/9/2008 - 6/20/2008
Explore the history, construction and use of the Native American
birch bark canoe in this comprehensive, hands-on course. During the
course you work together with other students to build a single canoe
reminiscent of those used during the height of the fur trade by the
North West Company. You prepare an outdoor earthen building bed, sew
sheets of bark, insert gunwales, stem pieces and bent ribs. Part history
lesson, part apprenticeship, this is a rare learning opportunity for
anyone interested in the construction and history of the canoe.
Ethics of harvest and construction skills using only traditional
materials, tools and techniques will be emphasized. In an
apprenticeship-like setting, Erik will pass along the required skills to
create a full-sized bark canoe by following historical building
techniques. Construction will take place at an outdoor canoe yard of
Grand Portage National Monument’s reconstructed Historic North West
Company Fur Trade Depot (35 miles NE of Grand Marais). The National
Monument is an ideal learning location. Historically, during the peak of
the fur trade era, 60 or more canoes were built each year in Grand
Portage. Presently, multiple birch bark canoes, including a 36' fur
trade canoe, are on site. On the final day of class, the canoe will be
brought back to North House for the Wooden Boat Show and students will
work on the finishing stages, including pitching the canoe. All
students will be encouraged to paddle the finished canoe. This course
is offered in two parts, with two days off scheduled between two
five-day work sessions.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 10 total
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm (this course is offered in two 5-day sessions)
. . . Tuition: $750
. . . Materials Fee: Included
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Sew Your
Own Spray Skirt
Mark
Hansen
Session Options:
. . . to
be scheduled
The spray skirt is an essential item for any comfortable sea
kayaking adventure. It’s designed to fit snugly around the cockpit
coaming and the chest of the kayaker to prevent water from entering the
cockpit in rough seas, high bracing and when rolling the kayak. In this
course you create a version made of durable nylon customized both to
your kayak’s cockpit size and your body. Waves ahead!
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 1
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $75
. . . Materials Fee: $20
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: Beginner
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Techniques
of Cedar-Strip Boat Construction
Ken
Koscik
Session Options:
. . .
5/1/2008 - 5/6/2008
With more than just aesthetic appeal, cedar-strip boats are known
for being lightweight, strong and quick to build. In this course you
will work with other students to build an 18 1/2' tandem in just six
days. You will gain the know-how and confidence to complete a boat
project in your own backyard with instruction in setting up the forms,
planking and fiber glassing techniques and other boatbuilding skills. At
the end of the course interested students have the chance to purchase
the boat built during the class.
Take the first step toward owning a well-built wooden cedar-strip canoe
or kayak by learning the techniques and methods of cedar-strip
construction in a hands-on environment. Students are also invited for
informal evening slideshows that introduces the techniques of birch bark
canoe construction and fiber glass construction. Separate tuition
payment and cancellation policies apply to this course.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 6
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $450
. . . Materials Fee: Included
. . . Intergenerational Age: 14+
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Techniques
of Norse Boat Building
Mark
Hansen
Session Options:
. . .
4/9/2008 - 4/13/2008
. . . 10/29/2008 - 11/2/2008
An old Norse saying goes, “A man without his boat is a mere
prisoner.” This class is an introduction to the techniques of Norwegian
boat builders that are over a thousand years old. You learn how to
design and build a full-size Norse Pram using lapstrake techniques,
beveling watertight planking, cutting compound bevels for framing and
riveting. The design and construction techniques and materials of other
inshore craft that plied the fjords of Norway for generations are also
covered. After this course you’ll be capable of returning to your own
backyard and building a pram of your own at minimal cost. Simplicity of
boatbuilding, use of readily available lumber (from your own lumber
yard!), no mold construction, minimum number of tools including simple
carving knives, versatility of creating different shapes or customizing
the boat to your needs, which may include sailing, iceboating and a
variety of rowing positions depending on how many people wish to use the
boat, make this approach to boatbuilding a well deserved investment of
time and energy.
Students will also learn how to set-up your own mold in the garage or in
the backyard under a tarp for ease of construction space. Rigging this
particular watercraft for sail is also covered in this course. Tools
used for this project are easily constructed including wooden clamps
(patterns available), backing irons and rove sets. Discussions about
how to make a set of oars and spars will also be included.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 5
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $395
. . . Materials Fee: Included
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The
Harvest - Preparing For Birch Bark Canoe Construction
Erik
Simula
Session Options:
. . .
6/2/2008 - 6/6/2008
The intrigue of building a birch bark canoe lies in the fact that
all the necessary materials can be sustainably harvested from a healthy
boreal forest: birch bark, cedar, spruce root and spruce gum. During
this class you’ll spend five days in forest habitats harvesting these
materials and preparing them on a historical bark canoe construction
site. For anyone seriously considering construction of a birch bark
canoe, mastering the harvest process is an essential step.
There are many misconceptions that a birch bark canoe is easy to build.
Harvesting the right materials poorly will cost you dearly. In an
apprenticeship-type of learning environment, Erik will pass along the
required skills to create a desired length and shape of a finished canoe
by better understanding what materials are available and what it takes
to harvest those materials properly. Preparation will take place at an
outdoor canoe yard of Grand Portage National Monument’s reconstructed
Historic North West Company Fur Trade Depot (35 miles NE of Grand
Marais). The National Monument is an ideal learning location.
Historically, during the peak of the fur trade era, 60 or more canoes
were built each year in Grand Portage. Presently, multiple birch bark
canoes, including a 36' fur trade canoe, are on site.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 5
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $350
. . . Materials Fee: Included
. . . Intergenerational Age: 16+
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Wood-Canvas Canoe - Build Your Own
Dan
Strootman
Session Options:
. . .
3/22/2008 - 4/2/2008-
FULL, call for waiting list
Poetry on the water – wood-canvas canoes are the classic boats of
the Northwoods. In this course you are immersed in the complete process
of building your own canoe from steam-bending its ribs to stretching and
filling its canvas. Participants generally build the 17’6” Atkinson
Traveler, but three additional canoe styles may be considered. Canoes
are built, canvassed and filled during the class and then taken home,
painted and varnished – and shortly thereafter paddled. Up to two
students may work together on the project for the same base tuition.
Developed in the 1870s with a design based upon the birch bark canoe,
they feature wide flexible ribs and thin planking covered with a
waterproof layer. Built on forms for uniform shape, wood-canvas canoes
soon became the canoe of choice for backcountry travel. Many people
today feel that paddling a hand-built wood-canvas canoe, beautiful and
quiet on the water, is the only way to travel on wilderness waterways.
Students are strongly encouraged to bring a partner to help…this can be
a great family project. The course offers an intriguing opportunity to
develop a solid base of woodworking skills while crafting an elegant and
inspiring traditional watercraft. Customizing the canoe is an option,
however, some additional costs will apply. Separate tuition payment
and cancellation policies apply to this course.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 12
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $3,200 per canoe
. . . Materials Fee: Included
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: All levels
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Wood-Canvas Canoe Restoration
Dan
Strootman
Session Options:
. . .
4/3/2008 - 4/7/2008 - FULL, call for waiting
list
Breathe some life into that old wood-canvas canoe in the rafters and
turn it into a classic watercraft. In this course you will work on your
own wood-canvas canoe repairs. Dan Strootman of Danncraft Canoes is in
residence at North House to assist you with your restoration. Students
may work alone or with a partner on their canoe but are strongly
encouraged to bring an assistant. If you do not have a canoe but would
nevertheless like to develop your canoe restoration skills, you are
welcome to sign up for the course.
A materials worksheet will be sent to students after they register, and
a phone conference with Dan before the class will cover specific repair
needs. Students may attend as their schedule permits within these
dates. Students looking for a canoe that can be restored are encouraged
to visit the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association web site, contact canoe
organizations in their area, or attend North House's Wooden Boat Show
Auction (in June each year). Each of these offers regular opportunities
for purchasing restorable wood canvas canoes. "Auditing" students will
work on projects that are under way in the shop - the auditing tuition
is $50 per day and a minimum stay of two days is required.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 1 to 5 days
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $125/canoe per day for 1 or 2 people (2 highly
recommended)
. . . Materials Fee: Varies (see description). Should be paid the last
day of the course - add 6.5% MN sales tax
. . . Intergenerational Age: 12+
. . . Intergenerational Tuition: n/a
. . . Level: All levels
Advanced Boat Building - Photo Journal
In addition to hosting regular boat building courses
(please see descriptions below) that range in length from one day to two
weeks, North House also hosts extended/advanced boat building workshops
that focus on building unique traditional wooden craft of a variety of
designs. During December 2005 and January 2006 a classic
double-ended lap-strake Pea Pod took shape in the boat building shop.
Enjoy these photos!
Click on photos to
enlarge
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