Norwegian Knife Making: Beginning with Jon Roisen
Level: Beginner. Minimum age 15
Date: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, January 12, 13 & 14, 2024
Time: Friday & Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: December 23, 2023
Location: Milan Village Arts School
In this class, students will have the opportunity to make a fine “tollekniv” – a Norwegian work knife. Students will work with “Flame or masur birch” Norwegian birch burl and German leather. At the end of the class, students will have their own knife and sheath.
Tuition: member $145 non-member $160
Supplies: $95. The supply fee is paid to the instructor at the conclusion of class.
For questions, email Jon.
Click here to register.
Read Jon Roisen’s bio.
Norwegian Knife Making: 5-Day with Jon Roisen
Age/Level: Beginner to experienced. Minimum age 15
Date: Friday through Tuesday, January 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: January 1, 2024
Location: Milan Village Arts School
Returning students will have the opportunity to hone their skills, using more advanced techniques that take more time to learn and execute. Students will make either a Telemark- style knife or a knife consisting of multiple traditional materials used in Nordic knives. Possibilities include bone and birch bark stacked handles, Damascus blades, and the use of sterling silver, birch bark, and reindeer horn.
Tuition: member $230 non-member $245
Supplies: $120. The supply fee is paid to the instructor at the conclusion of class.
For questions, email Jon.
Click here to register.
Read Jon Roisen’s bio.
Norwegian Skinnfeller with Karen Aakre
Age/Level: Beginner and above. Minimum age 12
Date: Saturday & Sunday, April 13 & 14, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: March 23, 2024
Location: Milan Village Arts School
In this class, students will have the choice of sewing a pair of beautiful Norwegian mittens, boots or a hat in the size they choose. The project will give the student all the skills necessary to move onto other projects such as boots, wristlets, winter caps and blankets. At least one project will be completed in class. Students can cut additional patterns from their sheepskin and block print the patterns in class. Students will have the skills and enough material to complete several more projects at home.
Skinfeller is a Norwegian craft of sewing sheepskins together and then decorating with birch blocks and natural boiled tree bark to leave a beautiful image. The sheep blankets were passed on as a wedding gift to the daughter of the family.
Please go to www.youtube.com and enter “Karen Aakre skinnfeller” in the search engine to watch a short program on Prairie Public Broadcasting.
Tuition: member $145 non-member $160
Supplies: A $50 Supply Fee is paid to the instructor at the end of the class. Students will choose a full sheepskin which ranges from $100 for a basic sheepskin up to $300 for a full- sized quality Scandinavian sheepskin. Roughly 4 pairs of mittens, or projects of equal size, can be sourced from 1 skin. The cost of the skin is in addition to the $50 Supply Fee. Please contact Karen to discuss the pelts available: 218-731-0072 | kaakre53@icloud.com
Click here to register.
Read Karen Aakre’s bio.
Scandinavian Flat Plane Figure Carving with Charles Banks
Age/Level: Beginner and above. Minimum age 15
Date: Saturday & Sunday, February 10 & 11, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: January 20, 2024
Location: Milan Village Arts School
In this 2 day course, students will use just a knife to carve a Nordic-inspired character in
this introduction to the world of Flat Plane carving. This style of woodcarving is simplified and stylized so that even beginning carvers can generate results that are whimsical and satisfying. Students will be introduced to the history, past and present carvers, a multitude of figure carving options, necessary cuts and finishing techniques all culminating in a finished carving or more. This class does require a modest amount of dexterity and hand strength.
Tuition: member $130 non-member $145
Supplies: Blanks cost $5 to $15 depending on the size. Required tools: Flat/ straight edged carving knife 1 1/2 to 2 inch works well. Cut resistant glove. Carvers are welcome to bring whatever tools they own.
Click here to register.
Read Charles Banks’ bio.
Scandinavian Lintel Carving with Jim Paulson
Age/Level: Beginner and above. Minimum age 16.
Class 1: Thursday through Sunday, October 12, 13, 14 & 15, 2023
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration deadline: September 23, 2023
Class 2: Thursday through Sunday, October 10, 11, 12 & 13, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration deadline: September 21, 2024
Location: Milan Village Arts School
You can make a hand carved Scandinavian style lintel in this four day hands on class. Lintels are architectural elements placed over a doorway and these features were often elaborately carved in Norway. The instructor has done commissioned carving work for church buildings that are being adapted for reuse in North Dakota. Work has included creating carved lentils and creating other carved folk art like those featured in 12th century church buildings. Participants will tackle low relief carving which depicts dragon style designs with intertwined tendrils on a 3’ long panel.
Tuition: member $240 non-member $255
Supplies: $60. The supply fee is paid to
the instructor at the conclusion of class. A supply list will be supplied. Tool rental will be available from the instructor.
Click here to register.
Read Jim Paulson’s bio.