In Person Coursework
North House Folk School
Hardcover Codex Bookbinding
North House Folk School
Hand-bound hardcover books are not only functional and beautiful, but they hold a certain metaphysical weight beyond that of a mass market paperback. They are created by human hands to pass on human knowledge: maybe a recipe, maybe a personal reflection, maybe just a to do list. No matter what’s in them, hand-bound books bring a certain gravitas to any writing. This course will cover the basic tools, techniques, and design elements involved in the construction of a hardcover book. While some glue is used in this process, this style of hardcover codex bookbinding involves sewing the text block together for added strength. It is then placed inside a hard case. The pacing of the course will allow time for students to explore other types of bookbinding, including slab and accordion binding. Students will leave the class with at least one finished hardcover book and the knowledge to continue experimenting in the craft of bookbinding.
Belt Making: Forge and Stitch
North House Folk School
Sure, there are many ways to keep your pants on, but a handmade belt and hand-forged buckle is arguably the coolest way. Learn blacksmithing and leatherwork in this unique course offering. The first two days students will be in the forge learning basic techniques while making at least two different style belt buckles. Students will start off with Nordic Viking and Celtic-style belt buckles and move on to more modern designs the second day, learning about finishes. The third day, students will jump into the world of leatherworking, making belts from vegetable-tanned leather. Students will learn about cutting, thinning, riveting, and finishing leather with various techniques and tools. Some tooling and stamping of the leather will be optional. To practice and learn these leather techniques, students will also make a leather key chain. After this, you’ll never get caught with your pants down.
Old World Games
North House Folk School
An engaging class for woodcarving and board game enthusiasts, Old World Games delves into the construction, embellishment, and strategy of two classic games: Fidchell and Hnefatafl. Celtic in origin, Fidchell is a game famous in legend and lore as the game played by the Gods. Hnefatafl, sometimes called Viking Chess, is of parallel Scandinavian origin. Both games involve strategy in battle, are easy to transport, and quick to play. This class is a beginner-level woodworking class focused on safe knife cuts and the exploration of embellishment techniques.
American Swedish Institute
Carve a Heart
American Swedish Institute
This beginner-level course will introduce students to the tradition of Scandinavian-style flat plane carving, including basic knife grips and carving techniques. Related topics such as acquiring and preparing tools and materials will be covered throughout the class. The finished hearts will be perfect for display, gifting or even making a statement necklace.
Woodcarving 101 Intro to Green Woodcarving
American Swedish Institute
If you know nothing about carving green wood, or what green wood means, or even what kind of knife to use for carving and how to keep it sharp, this course is for you! We will cover the basic techniques, handholds, and safety in beginning to learn how to carve. Students will leave with a butter spreader or other small object, but most importantly, they will leave with the basic knowledge of how to carve green wood and what you need to get started.
Woodcarving 102 a closer look at Green Wood
American Swedish Institute
Ready to dive into Scandinavian style green wood carving? Join Sam Gathje for this weekend long course designed to introduce students to everything they need to know to start a carving practice, from fresh cut log to finished project. Students will try several types of hand tools, with focus on the slojd (Scandinavian-style carving) knife and discuss building a tool set, acquiring green wood, tool maintenance and sharpening, drying, finishing projects with milk paint or oil, and more. Over two days students will complete several small projects such as a wall hook, spatula, or shrink pot.
Ornament Carving
American Swedish Institute
Try your hand at carving while creating a totally unique wooden ornament to spruce up your holiday tree! This beginner-level carving course with Sam Gathje will introduce students to the tradition of Scandinavian-style flat plane carving, including basic knife grips and carving techniques. Students will pick a few pre-cut shapes to finish shaping or freehand your own design and see where the carving process leads. Students should expect to take home a few ornaments that can be painted or oiled after class, and then displayed or gifted. This class is the perfect way to connect with family over the holidays and maybe even start a new tradition. Open to ages 16+, or ages 11–15 accompanied by a registered adult.
Hooks and Hangers
American Swedish Institute
Put your carving knife to work carving hooks and hangers in this one-day class! Alongside woodworking instructor Sam Gathje, students will practice carving in the traditional green wood style, starting with a small branched length of wood. Using the natural shape of the branch, students will shape it into a useful hook. From there, students will tackle simple pegs and attach them to a board for any hanging storage needs. Decoration and finishing, such as additional carving, paint, or other finishes will be discussed and demonstrated if time allows.