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  On The Harbor in Grand Marais, Minnesota 

 
 

 

 

Woodcarving Courses

The following courses are currently scheduled.
Courses are listed alphabetically by title.

Welcome Frithof Runhall
    - 2009 Featured International Artisan
 

North House is honored to welcome Frithoff in September 2009 as part of its Unplugged/Northern Harvest event.  Frithoff will teach two woodcarving courses (see descriptions below).

Fritiof received his formal training in woodworking at Sweden’s acclaimed craft school,  Säterglantan, 1996-98. " The style of woodcutting I’m teaching can be described as, simple hand-cutting-tools crafted in green wood with technical and stylistic origins in Swedish history, from Vikings to farmers of 18th century; all with a focus on contemporary uses for today."

   
Gardensljod   
     – Handcrafting Wooden Gardening Tools
Frithof Runhall
Session Options:
. . . 9/23/2009 - 9/25/2009
Explore the whimsical enjoyment of pre-industrial Swedish farmlife in this woodworking course offered by North House’s featured international folk artisan, Fritiof Runhall. Before the production of hand and garden tools were replaced by industrial methods, wooden farming implements were made with simple hand tools from local natural materials. As time allows, students in this course will learn to carve a wooden rake from freshly harvested birch wood and wooden tines, a traditional apple picker to help with the harvest, and a wooden weathervane carved with Swedish folk art motifs.

A trained woodworking instructor from the acclaimed Swedish craft school, Sätergläntan, a college of handcraft located in the Dalarna region of Sweden, Fritiof Runhall is this year’s international folk artisan attending North House’s fall special event, Unplugged – the Northern Harvest. Fritiof brings with him the Swedish slojd approach to handcraft, best summed up in his own words. “Thrilled with the intimate work of using basic hand tools” Fritiof learned to appreciate the value of working with natural materials (mostly freshly harvested wood), “full of odors, strength and thoughtfulness. I love making functional things where the wood provides inherent useful and aesthetically charged characteristics and qualities.” Craft and art educators are encouraged to attend and enjoy Fritiof’s use of handcraft as an educational tool.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 3
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $295
. . . Materials Fee: $20
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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Swedish Farmlife
     – Carving Wooden Spoons and Drinking Vessels
Frithof Runhall
Session Options:
. . . 9/26/2009 - 9/27/2009
In this woodcarving course, Fritiof Runhall, an accomplished instructor from the Swedish handcraft school Sätergläntan, instructs students on the enjoyment that comes from working with simple hand tools and using natural materials to create useful objects as was done in 18th century farms across Sweden. Students will learn to carve wooden serving spoons and drinking vessels, using the same techniques and styles used on many farmsteads across the northern part of the country. Instruction includes the thorough use of hand tools (axe, carving knife and gouge) to carve from freshly harvested birch wood following the natural bends and shapes that the tree provides. As interest and skill level permit, students will learn to carve traditional drinking vessels with bird motifs and Swedish folk art influences. Previous woodworking experience helpful, but not required.

A trained woodworking instructor from the acclaimed Swedish craft school, Sätergläntan, a college of handcraft located in the Dalarna region of Sweden, Fritiof Runhall is this year’s international folk artisan attending North House’s fall special event, Unplugged – the Northern Harvest. Fritiof brings with him the Swedish slojd approach to handcraft, best summed up in his own words. “Thrilled with the intimate work of using basic hand tools” Fritiof learned to appreciate the value of working with natural materials (mostly freshly harvested wood), “full of odors, strength and thoughtfulness. I love making functional things where the wood provides inherent useful and aesthetically charged characteristics and qualities.” Craft and art educators are encouraged to attend and enjoy Fritiof’s use of handcraft as an educational tool.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 2
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $190
. . . Materials Fee: $10
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

   
Carving the Swedish Shrinkbox (Krympburkar)
Tom Dengler
Session Options:
. . . 10/9/2009 - 10/11/2009
Explore a generations-deep Swedish carving project, krymburkar, also known as the birch shrink box. Starting out with an elemental green birch log, participants hollow out the center with boring drills, gouges and carving knives.  A dry piece of birch is carved out and placed at the bottom, allowing the hollowed out section to shrink to the base of the container and create a watertight seal...krympburkar!  The instructor will also give an overview of painting and decorating techniques, drawing inspiration from traditional and contemporary Swedish folk art patterns as well as an evening slide show of traditional and contemporary shrink boxes from across Northern and Eastern Europe.

Whether you’re a  beginning woodcarver or seasoned with experiences, the ‘krympburkar’ project offers endless numbers of design options – from size to function, large containers to store things to small containers with more decorative work.  We’ll discuss options for your design at the start of course, marking steps and timeline to match up with your carving interests and abilities.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 3
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $225
. . . Materials Fee: $15
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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Celtic Carving
     - Relief Celtic Knot & Leprechaun Figure Forms  

Keith Anderson
Session Options:
. . . 3/12/2010 - 3/14/2010
The British and Irish Isles have a rich folk art tradition of Celtic design in fabrics, painting, graphics and carvings. The centerpiece of the Celtic carving tradition is the "woven" Celtic knot, which finds expression in a wide variety of subjects, including mythical dragons, plants and abstract designs. More contemporary carvers express the joy and humor of another Celtic tradition, by carving leprechaun figures in the caricature tradition. This course welcomes entry level carvers, introducing techniques and methods of relief and figurine carving, including tool selection and sharpening. For continuing carvers, the course content and subject matter offers a fresh look into the carving techniques and folk art of the Celtic tradition. Just in time for St. Patty's day

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 3
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $195
. . . Materials Fee: Varies ($10-$25)
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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Scandinavian Bowl Carving
Jon Strom
Session Options:
. . . 9/4/2009 - 9/6/2009
. . . 11/13/2009 - 11/15/2009
From log to bowl!  The graceful lines and smooth surfaces of a hand-crafted Scandinavian bowl are unmistakable.  In this course we'll discuss the selection of wood stock, design, hand hewing and finishing of traditional Scandinavian bowls. You will put those skills into practice as you make your own bowl which reflects a graceful Scandinavian style through the linear form and grain of a half log. During the shaping of your piece, you will learn to use appropriate tools and holding devices including the traditional bowl adze, axe and push knife - and how to keep your carving tools sharp!  Techniques for drying and finishing will also be covered. As time allows, students may experiment with a second bowl style if desired.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 3
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $225
. . . Materials Fee: $15
. . . Intergenerational Age: 16+
. . . Level: Beginner

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Scandinavian Style Flat-Plane Figure Carving
Harley Refsal
Session Options:
. . . 1/29/2010 - 1/31/2010
This course provides beginning carvers with the opportunity to carve several figures in the Scandinavian flat-plane style. Beginning with tool sharpening, the course provides hands-on carving experience as you complete a figure in step-by-step fashion.  You will then paint the figures and apply a final oil finish.  After this initial figure, you will carve additional pieces independently while the instructor offers assistance on an individual basis.  Sharpening equipment and finishing supplies are also covered.  Band-sawn wooden cutouts may be purchased directly from the instructor and he will also have a supply of basic carving tools for purchase for students who do not have their own.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 3
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $255
. . . Materials Fee: Varies (see description)
. . . Intergenerational Age: 12+
. . . Level: Beginner to Intermediate

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Scandinavian Style       
     Flat-Plane Carving - Continuation
Harley Refsal
Session Options:
. . . to be scheduled
Students with prior carving experience, including seasoned carvers as well as new-to-carving folks who will have just completed the three-day Scandinavian Style Figure Carving course, can continue on in this three-day "let's keep on carving" course.   You should be able to complete a figure or two (or three) during this class.  If you've carved in the past and would like to get back in the groove under the tutelage of master carver Harley Refsal, or if you are continuing on from Scandinavian Style Figure Carving, this is the class for you!

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 3
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $255
. . . Materials Fee: Varies (see description)
. . . Intergenerational Age: 12+
. . . Level: All levels

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Scandinavian Style Spoon Carving
Fred Livesay
Session Options:
. . . 8/29/2009 - 8/30/2009
From log to spoon! Discover the craft of green woodworking.  Starting from a green log collected in the field by participants and instructor, students will use traditional hand tools to carve out a butter knife and then a spoon.  Learn to split and rough out a spoon blank in green wood with an axe and carve and detail the spoon with a knife and scorp using Swedish knife techniques.  Your spoon will be ready for use the next day at breakfast. Selecting, gathering, designing, sharpening, finishing and the history of Scandinavian green woodworking will be covered.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 2
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $170
. . . Materials Fee: $25
. . . Intergenerational Age: 12+
. . . Level: Beginner to Intermediate

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Viking Dragon Relief Carving  
Keith Anderson
Session Options:
. . . 7/24/2009 - 7/26/2009
The "Dragon" or "Stave Church Style" of carving is perhaps Norway's greatest contribution to the carving world. Found primarily on the magnificent wooden churches built between 1050 and 1350, Dragon Style carving encompasses a number of stylistic variations. In this course you will complete a Dragon Style relief carving in Urnes Style, which is a reproduction of an actual panel found in the Urnes church. First, you are introduced to basic relief carving tools and techniques. Then with a provided practice blank you gain the basic skills needed for the class project. You will then choose a project from among several Urnes Style patterns. Sessions on tool selection and sharpening and finishing techniques are included. Tools are available for loan and/or purchase.

Following an introduction to Norwegian Dragon or Stave Church Style relief carving, students complete relief panels with patterns of their choice. The patterns are based on actual carvings found in 800-year-old Norwegian stave churches.  Tool sharpening and finishing techniques are covered. Tools for loan or purchase are available from the instructor.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 3
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $225
. . . Materials Fee: Varies ($15-$25)
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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Acanthus Relief Carving
Keith Anderson
Session Options:
. . . to be scheduled
The Mediterranean acanthus plant first caught the eye of ancient Greek stone carvers and in the Baroque period it was further developed as part of carved ornamentation.  The style reached northern Europe in the 17th century and reached a high point in Scandinavia in the 18th and 19th centuries.  Today, it is a primary form of adornment in Scandinavian woodcarving.  In this course, you will be introduced to basic relief carving tools and techniques.  Practicing on a provided "blank," you'll learn the standard forms of the acanthus figure, then choose individual projects, including such household items as plate shelves, candleholders or bread servers.  Sessions on tool selection and sharpening, and on finishing techniques, are included. Tools are available for loan and/or purchase.

Following an introduction to Scandinavian relief carving based on the acanthus plant, students complete selected projects in the form of household objects, such as bread boards, plate shelves, candle holders, etc.  Tool sharpening and finishing techniques are covered. Tools for loan or purchase are available from the instructor.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 3
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $225
. . . Materials Fee: Varies ($10 to $25)
. . . Intergenerational Age: 12+
. . . Level: Beginner to Intermediate

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Nordic Drinking Vessels In Wood  
Phillip Odden/Else Bigton
Session Options:
. . . 3/6/2009 - 3/8/2009
Nordic cultures have created ornate wooden drinking vessels for centuries. Phillip and Else have been studying these designs for over 20 years. Under their tutelage, you will explore the process of designing, forming, and decorating a variety of drinking vessels. Drinking cups and ale bowls, large and small, will be the focus of the class, as many have interesting heads in the form of chickens, dragons, ducks, or horses. You first sculpt the piece and then decorate it with acrylic paint, kolerosing and traditional carving patterns.  We will use a variety of woodworking tools and the working time will be accented with mini lectures on aspects of technique, creativity, ornamentation styles, form and function, wood selection, tool sharpening, and finishes.

There will be a focus on  the creative process in making a drinking vessel of wood. The instructors will set the different forms in the context in which they were used.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 3
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $255
. . . Materials Fee: Varies ($6-$25 per blank)
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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TAKE  A  LOOK  BACK !!

Welcome Per Helldorff
   - 2008 International Artisan
     during 2008 Unplugged/Northern Harvest Weekend
The work of Swedish woodcrafts person Per Helldorff is a mix of mechanics, master woodcarving, and visual poetry. Per has been a master carver for many years, merging the traditions of functional wooden gears and cogs with expressions of Swedish folk art objects within the Swedish slöjd tradition. In addition to this workshop, Per will provide an evening presentation on Swedish material culture as it relates to his work interspersed with classic Swedish troubadour music, sung and accompanied on guitar by Per himself. For a detailed look at Per’s work, visit www.bilderikvadrat.se

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Whimsical Wooden Mechanics: Carving Swedish Folk Art
Per Helldorff
Session Options:
. . . 9/24/2008 - 9/25/2008
Hailing from the acclaimed Swedish craft school, Sätergläntan, a college of handicrafts located in the Dalarna region of Sweden, Per Heldorf is this year’s international folk artisan attending Unplugged – the Northern Harvest. This special workshop, designed for the experienced woodcarver and traditional craft educator, provides the student with a hands-on look at the creative and practical engineering ideas behind his handmade wooden cabinets, with their movable parts and whimsical themes. Using simple carving tools, each student will carve a simple mechanical object, incorporating handcrafted handles, wheels and wooden gears and mechanically engineered wooden parts into a traditional Swedish folk art object.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 2
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $190      
. . . Materials Fee: $15
. . . Level: All levels

# # # #


Carving The Swedish Bread Bowl: Wooden Bowls
    Within the Swedish Slöjd Tradition
Per Helldorff
Session Options:
. . . 9/26/2008 - 9/28/2008
At crossroads of function and beauty, risk and technique, lies the Swedish slöjd tradition of hand carved wooden bowls. This course, led by visiting international folk artisan, Per Helldorff, investigates the Swedish techniques and traditions of hand carving wooden bowls from green, or freshly cut, wood. Each student will use the simple hand tools of the Swedish bowl carver, such as the axe, gouge and knife, to shape, gouge and finish a wooden bowl starting from a birch log. No prior woodcarving experience is required, but repetitive chopping techniques are physically demanding.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 3
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $285      
. . . Materials Fee: $15
. . . Level: All levels



 

General Information:1-218-387-9762
Registration: 1-888-387-9762

 

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