Classes
No classes currently scheduled. Some previous classes below.
Making Maple Sugar
The Indigenous Environmental Network presents a free demonstration of making maple sugar with Nate Johnson and Emily Derke. From 10am-noon we will be go through the process of making granular sugar, exploring the different stages along the way - maple cream, maple taffy, blowing maple bubbles... We'll talk about making candies, sugar cones, and other confections as well. No registration required, see you there!
Nettle String Making and Spoon Carving
Sat, April 27 I'll be at the BSU "Arts of the Earth" Festival teaching nettle string making from 10am-1pm, and spoon carving 1pm-4pm.
Black Ash Pack Baskets
Fri-Sun, May 3-5 (or Sat-Sun, May 4-5), 2019 Comfortable, durable and made to be used! Make your own pack basket using hand pounded black ash splints. This class has two options you can choose from: -Come Saturday and Sunday only and use material that has been pre-prepared for you OR, learn more! -Come Friday, Saturday and Sunday and prepare your own. Learn how to pound the log to get your material, then cut the splints to width using a cutting jig. Class will take place May 3-5 or May 4-5 (depending on which option you choose) and run from 9:00-5:00 each day (noon - 5pm on Fri May 3 if you choose). The cost is a sliding scale $175-$200 (pay what you can afford). Scholarships are available - please ask for more information. To register contact Nate Johnson at nate (at) ivegottwohands.com or (218) 25five-1345
Traditional Hide Tanning
Fri-Sun, May 31-June 2, 2019 Using brains, smoke and hard work, learn this traditional method of "braintanning" - turning a deer hide into a soft piece of buckskin. While physically demanding, with determination anyone is capable of producing their own leather. In this 3-day class, each student will work on their own hide, or may sign up with a partner to work on one together. Class will take place Friday-Sunday, May 31-June 2, and run from 9:00-5:00 (possibly later on Saturday) each day at Rail River Folk School in Bemidji. The cost is $175-200 sliding scale. Scholarships are available - please contact us for more information. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. To register, contact Nate at nate@ivegottwohands.com or 218-255-134five
Classes taught in:
Birch Bark Canoe construction
Basketry – Black Ash, birch bark, cedar bark, etc
Knife Making and Crooked Knife Making
Traditional Hide Tanning and Leather work
Maple syrup and sugar
Various woodworking – snowshoes, paddles, wild rice sticks, spoons, etc
Natural Fiber – string and rope from basswood, nettles, etc
Wild edible plants
etc