The following courses are currently scheduled. Courses are listed
alphabetically by title. For a complete list of all courses offered at the
North House go to our chronological list.

Aniishiinabe-Style
    Moccasin and Bead Embroidery
   (Preserving The Past)
Marcie McIntire
Session Options:
. . . 7/17/2009 - 7/19/2009
Discover the designs, color, styles and technique of traditional bead embroidery as you work with Ojibwe cultural specialist and Grand Portage band member, Marcie McIntire, sewing and decorating a pair of moccasins in this course co-sponsored with the Grand Portage National Monument.  The course begins with an overview of the Grand Portage National Monument’s historic collection of footwear and bead embroidery.  You then design a pair of moccasins to make, choosing from either a baby or child’s moccasin pattern or an adult sized pair.  Using quality tanned moose hide, Marcie will teach the steps required for assembly and help you design a pattern to finish your pair of moccasins with bead embroidery.  Your materials fee includes the fabric, interfacing, beads, needles and thread.  The class will take place in the cultural heritage classroom at the new Grand Portage National Monument Visitor Center in Grand Portage, MN (35 miles NE of Grand Marais).

This course offers the students the opportunity to work with Marcie McIntire, an Aniishiinabe beadworker. Marcie was exposed to beadwork from a young age not only from attending pow wows, but because her mother, Ellen Olson, is a well-established beadworker. Marcie's grandmother was also a beadworker, and Marcie believes that beading was a family tradition at least back to the 1850's. In 1969, an early point in her artistic career, Marcie took a tour of a Red Lake museum. It was only a fifteen-minute tour, but the beadwork covering the museum walls made a lasting impression on Marcie. In addition, the beadwork and birch bark work at the Grand Portage Nat'l Monument served as an inspiration.

As a student in this course, you will also have access to the inspiration of the Monument.  Your participation includes admission into the nearby reconstructed Historic North West Company Fur Trade Depot and the number of on-site exhibitions in the Grand Portage National Monument Heritage Center.   The National Monument is an ideal learning location for this course.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 3
. . . Hours: 9am-4:30pm
. . . Tuition: $225
. . . Materials Fee: Varies - $75 for adult size, $65 for child size
. . . Intergenerational Age: 9+
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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Etched Metal Jewelry – Patterns, Textures
Molly Sharp
Session Options:
. . . 9/18/2009 - 9/20/2009
Creating textures and patterns on metal has been both a goal and a challenge for jewelers and metalsmiths throughout time.  Certainly, there are many ways of achieving this goal - the obvious ways are hammering, using stamps, chasing and repousse.  This course allows students to discover something more magical and fun: metal etching.  Using oil-based paint pens, patterns design by each student will be drawn directly onto brass plates.  These plates are immersed into a non-toxic acid bath of ferric chloride for a couple of hours.  The paint acts as a resist so that the acid will etch into the metal surrounding the paint, leaving exquisite patterns, designs and textures on the brass.  Using a jeweler’s saw, the plates will then be cut and filed into shapes to design cuff or link bracelets, earrings and pendants.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 3
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $225
. . . Materials Fee: $25
. . . Intergenerational Age: 13+
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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Felting For Your Feet  
Patty Doherty
Session Options:
. . . 11/21/2009 - 11/22/2009
Keep your feet warm this winter!  Playfully warm!  Discover the blend of heat, moisture and agitation as applied to wool to create your own pair of colorful stockings or booties for your feet.  Even though the traditions of felting predates spinning and weaving and has had many uses over the years from yurts in Mongolia to armor in medieval times to hats, mittens, and booties in Scandinavian countries, felting is a wonderful expression of contemporary styles that's both playful and fun.  These might be the warmest pair of slippers you've ever owned.  Made Mukluks? After this class, you'll now be able to make your own liners.  Using washed and carded wool, students prepare batts and then use a washboard, hot soapy water and a lot of elbow grease to make a pair of felted booties.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 2
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $150
. . . Materials Fee: $40
. . . Intergenerational Age: n/a
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced


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Footwear For the Camp
      - Moccasin Making
Jim Dahn
Session Options:
. . . 11/19/2009 - 11/20/2009
For a soft, kind-to-the-feet, long-lasting experience, consider the leather moccasin as an option. Learn to sew by hand and make your own footwear choosing from a variety of traditional moccasin patterns - from the one-piece moccasin known as the Western style to the Midwest style moccasin that's made from three different pieces, a wide range of traditional Native footwear will be offered.    Elk, deer, and buffalo hides will  be available to you to choose from.  Warm, flexible and sturdy, make this addition to your closet, whether out on the trail or canoe trip, or around the home and yard.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 2
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $130
. . . Materials Fee: Varies ($30-$40)
. . . Intergenerational Age: 12+
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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Lost Wax Casting - North Shore Jewelry 
Stephan Hoglund
Session Options:
. . . 5/1/2009 - 5/3/2009 - Full, Call for Wait List
Imagine walking the cobbled beaches of Lake Superior, picking up a unique rock and transforming it into a piece of jewelry. Herein lies the beauty of wax modeled sculptural jewelry. In this course you’ll use surface-found materials such as beach stones, wood and twigs  and use them to carve a finished design.  Each piece is transformed into a stunning piece of silver jewelry through techniques of wax modeling. You’ll model found objects which were created by generations of geological processes into a lifetime keepsake. The course takes place in Stephan's harborside jewelsmith shop.

The Stephan Hoglund Studio is a shop that provides inspiration and welcomes your curiosity.  For a preview of the varied types of wax modeled jewelry design done by Stephan, visit www.stephanhoglund.com

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 3
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $225
. . . Materials Fee: $25
. . . Intergenerational Age: n/a
. . . Level: Beginner

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Making Moosehide & Canvas Mukluks
Jo Wood
Session Options:
. . . 11/20/2009 - 11/22/2009
Remember the last time your feet were too cold to enjoy wonderful wintry weather? Do away with rigid unbreathable footwear and discover the traditional footwear of the north: mukluks. The flexibility of the natural materials used in construction allows the foot to generate heat and a breathable layering system allows moisture to escape. In this course you’ll be guided through the process of pattern making and handcraft your own pair of moosehide mukluks with knee high or shorter uppers. Booties or liners must be purchased or made before the workshop. Some sewing experience is helpful but not necessary.

You'll learn to make a mukluk pattern on your own foot, then use it to cut out the leather and canvas pieces (an application that may apply to other footwear projects including slippers and liners).  The leather will then be hand-stitched and use of a sewing machine will help with the canvas seams and buttonholes.  Sewing fear?  Not to worry.  Folks who have never sewed on a button have danced out of this class in their own new mukluks!

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 2.5
. . . Hours: Day 1: 1pm-5pm; Day 2/3: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $190
. . . Materials Fee: Varies ($65-$75)
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Level: Beginner

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Nålbinding   
     - The Scandinavian Textile Craft
Larry Schmitt
Session Options:
. . . 7/2/2009 - 7/6/2009
Discover the textile craft tradition known as nålbinding and explore its Scandinavian roots.  As a course project, students choose to create their own pair of mittens, socks, or  a syltemjölkskopp – a “milk strainer” cap. Or draw from tradition to inspire a project of your own design in consultation with the instructor. Nålbinding is a way to make looped structure fabric with a single needle, and, when worked in wool, it is valued for warmth, durability, and practicality. The course covers the basics of nålbinding and explores those related crafts that are often incorporated in Scandinavian-style nålbound items. You will make your own nålbinding needles. Time will be devoted to the history and folklore of nålbinding as well as nålbinding's influence on Scandinavian craft traditions. Scandinavian-style nålbinding so well reflects both place of origin and local culture. Students at North House will create nålbound items inspired by Scandinavia and infused with the spirit of Grand Marais!

Our goal for this course is to achieve the skills of Scandinavian-style nålbinding by completing a project.   Students can make socks, mittens or hats – or a project of their own design.  On day one, you can expect mastery of the three steps - starting out, creating a foundation, and working in rounds - how to make a needle, and learn the styles and patterns and appropriate yarns.  On day two, students resume work on samplers and learn the history of nålbinding and survey of scholarship, select individual projects and materials and demonstration of fulling and finishing techniques.   The final three days, you'll  resume work on individual projects and Demonstration of hand spinning techniques required for appropriate yarns will be shown.  The folklore of nålbinding, survey of nålbinding stitches and stepping beyond the Scandinavian traditions are all included in this 5-day workshop.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 5
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $375
. . . Materials Fee: Varies ($35-$65)
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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Nature's Insulator
       - Sew A Traditional Wool Blanket Shirt
Kevin Kinney
Session Options:
. . . 11/22/2009
Tired of synthetic ‘fluff’?  Clad your torso with the miracle fiber: wool.  Learn the history of wool, why it works, and how to maximize its performance as clothing with outdoor wear designer and owner of Empire Canvas Wear, Kevin Kinney. We’ll start with heavy fabric, shrink it down tight, and cut panels for a thick tunic that’s the cornerstone of a great winter wardrobe.  Learn the basics of patternmaking and construction, as we lay the foundation for a lifelong skill. Savor the joy of stitching by hand, or fire up the industrial machinery to speed your creation, then scavenge your scraps to make mittens, hats, and booties.  You'll leave this course with a sound knowledge of garment crafting, a cozy shirt for the winter, and warm accessories as time permits.

To craft your Wool Blanket Shirt, we’ll travel to the Laundromat, where we thicken our fabric and enjoy a history lesson. Then we’ll walk through the sequence for measuring and cutting flat textile to fit the human form. We’ll build our shirts panel by panel. You’ll learn how to transfer your new skills to the construction of any sewn article.  Embellish your creation with antler buttons and leather trim, or finish with the sleek look of a zipper and cuffs. You’ll leave with a sound knowledge of garment crafting, a cozy shirt for the winter, and warm accessories if time permits.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 1
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $65
. . . Materials Fee: $39
. . . Intergenerational Age: 14+
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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North Shore Pebble Jewelry
Molly Sharp
Session Options:
. . . 9/25/2009 - 9/27/2009- FULL, please call for waiting list
Have you ever collected perfectly smooth, round pebbles from the shores of Lake Superior or other places in the world and then wondered what to do with them?  This course offers the perfect solution.  Students will spend an hour or so the first day gathering pebbles and then will use diamond encrusted drill bits to drill holes in them.  The pebbles can then be made into pendants, necklaces, bracelets and rings.  Sterling silver wire, chain, tubing and sheet will be used to fabricate unique pieces of jewelry based on each student’s own design theme.  Discover the song of the jeweler’s saw, the hum of the drill, the intrigue of cold connections and the thrill of a finished piece using these age-old techniques and go home with three or four handmade works of art to wear…truly treasures from the North Shore.

Soldering skills will also be introduced.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 3
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $255
. . . Materials Fee: Varies ($30-$40)
. . . Intergenerational Age: 13+
. . . Level: Beginner to Intermediate

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Pierced Celtic Knot Pendant 
Liz Bucheit/Kary Kilmer
Session Options:
. . . 8/7/2009
Discover the historical fusion of art and trade among Scandinavian and Irish people by handcrafting your own pierced Celtic knot pendant. The ancient silversmith traveled from town to town with tools in hand, and completing this project in one day will help you appreciate that traditional, transient lifestyle. In this course you’ll learn the techniques of sawing, piercing, soldering and polishing to create a necklace. This one-day course provides immediate gratification and a lifelong keepsake. All tools, patterns and materials are provided.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 1
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $85
. . . . . . Non-peak Tuition (Nov-Apr): $75
. . . Materials Fee: Varies ($75-$85)
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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Saami Friendship Bracelet    
Liz Bucheit/Kary Kilmer
Session Options:
. . . 3/21/2009
. . . 8/8/2009
The serene and dramatic landscape of northern Scandinavia is the land of the midnight sun, the northern lights and the Saami, a nomadic tribal group that follows the migration of the reindeer. Traditional Saami jewelry incorporated elements of their northern landscape – softened reindeer leather and sculpted antler. In this course you’ll explore the traditional jewelry techniques of triple braiding coiled pewter wire and sewing the finished braid to a softened reindeer hide strip. A reindeer antler button finishes off the bracelet.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 1
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $85
. . . . . . Non-peak Tuition (Nov-Apr): $75
. . . Materials Fee: Varies (approx. $95)
. . . Intergenerational Age: n/a
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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Scandinavian Work Shirts - Of Fishing, Farming and Forestry
Carol Colburn
Session Options:
. . . 6/17/2009 - 6/19/2009
It Works! Sew a Scandinavian work shirt, custom made for your comfort and for your favorite outdoor activities. Traditional shirts in the Scandinavian countries are highly functional, adaptable for Northern climates and customized for outdoor life. Different styles and fabrics are used for fishing, farming and forestry. For fishing, the wool over-shirt is made with a longer back shirttail for added comfort in an open boat. For farming, gardening or wood work, lighter weight shirts of cotton or linen feature an adjustable back belt. For working outdoors in the winter, an extra front yoke section provides warmth. When made of colorful blue or red striped traditional fabrics, Scandinavian-Americans wear these comfortable shirts to reflect their family heritage. The sewing patterns and instructions are specific to the course, and are based on a variety of historical examples. Pattern pieces are traditionally squares and rectangles, making frugal use of sturdy fabrics of wool, cotton, or linen. Starting with a basic size and style, students will first customize their pattern for favorite style details, and individual measurements. Patterning, cutting, hand and machine sewing will be guided step by step as you create a shirt for yourself or for a unique handmade gift. Scandinavian styled work shirts are great for men, women and children who enjoy all kinds of outdoor life.


Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 3
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $225
. . . Materials Fee: Varies ($25-$90)
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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Sewing the Saami-Inspired Tuomisalo Hat
Elma Thiele
Session Options:
. . . 9/4/2009 - 9/6/2009
What would you wear to wrestle reindeer on the arctic tundra?  The Saami people dress in warm, functional clothing that is outrageously colorful and unique.  In this course we’ll explore a bit of that cultural playfulness while constructing a Saami-inspired elegant winter hat.  The project includes fine hand sewing techniques and wonderful fabrics – wool outside and cotton inside – with flexibility for your own creativity and preferences.  In addition to sewing demonstrations, coaching, and time to sew, we’ll also enjoy stories, music, pula, and traditional foodways of the Saami.  Treat yourself to three days of peaceful sewing, good company, and come away with a hat that really is both practical and elegant.

In addition to sewing, we will explore Saami culture and how their fashions are designed to be functional as well as beautiful.  Flexibility is built into the course through trim choices and type of tie for the hat to either increase simplicity or complexity and adjust time to completion.  Main topics to be demonstrated and developed during the course include: applying trims with hand stitching, gathers, pleats, blind stitching, and blanket stitch. For those who have not sewn before, or are unfamiliar with hand sewing, join us the evening before the course begins for an introduction to working with fabric, basic tools and their use, hand sewing, machine setup and basics.  You’ll finish a storage bag for your hat before beginning the main project.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 3
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $225
. . . Materials Fee: $40
. . . Intergenerational Age: 14+
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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The Viking "Knit" Chain Bracelet
Liz Bucheit/Kary Kilmer
Session Options:
. . . 3/21/2009
. . . 8/9/2009
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. 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. Students may choose to make the most of their new learning adventure and register for an additional day in “Viking Knit Jewelry – Continuing Techniques.”

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 1
. . . Hours: 9am-4pm
. . . Tuition: $85
. . . . . . Non-peak Tuition (Nov-Apr): $75
. . . Materials Fee: Varies (approx. $95)
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Level: All levels

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Thor's Velvet Hammer
     - An Introduction to Anticlastic Raising
Liz Bucheit/Kary Kilmer
Session Options:
. . . 8/8/2009 - 8/9/2009
Experience the softer side of Molnar the Hammer by forging a silver cuff-style bracelet in this class. Anticlastic raising is a technique in which the edges of a flat sheet of metal are compressed while the center is stretched so the surface develops two curves. While ancient Scandinavians used deer antlers as forms, we’ll use a hammer and a sinusoidal stake for Anticlastic Raising to form sheet metal. Traditional jewelry techniques explored in this course include cutting, annealing, anticlastic forging and polishing.

Ancient Scandinavian goldsmiths actually used deer antlers as forms for creating beautiful Viking "ribbon" torque necklaces.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 2
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $170
. . . . . . Non-peak Tuition (Nov-Apr): $150
. . . Materials Fee: Varies ($85-$95)
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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True North Mittens - Sew Your Own Pair
Kevin Kinney
Session Options:
. . . 11/21/2009
True North Mittens - the name says it all.  These are the true haven for keeping your hands warm in the wintriest of winter conditions.  Made from elk hide,  10 oz canvas and wool liners, these mittens will last a decade.  You will learn to sew your own pair of chopper-style mittens that stand up to years of chopping wood, hauling toboggans, and shoveling snow.  We’ll craft the outer layer with an adjustable wrist strap and removable hardware. Then we’ll shape the cozy liners from washable, pre-shrunk wool blanket scraps. Wear them home at day’s end, then use them for years on end.

During our mitten course, we’ll expand upon some of the differences between modern fabrics and traditional textiles. Learn why ancient technology might be better suited for today’s extended pursuits, and you’ll begin to understand how rugged people wrought our country out of the wilderness long before the discovery of petroleum.  Don’t worry about being too rustic, we’ll still use some of today’s best techniques and machinery to take advantage of the natural durability and longevity of our fine materials.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 1
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $75
. . . Materials Fee: $40
. . . Intergenerational Age: 10+
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced