Wood Spoon Carving with Fred Livesay
Level: Beginner and above
Date: Saturday and Sunday, February 22 & 23, 2020
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: February 8, 2020
Location: Milan Village Arts School
Scandinavia and other countries have folk traditions of carving spoons for personal and home use and as gifts. The two day class aims to continue this craft. Come and discover why the satisfaction of spoon carving has taken Europe and the U.S. by storm. Spoon carving opens the door to a host of other woodcraft skills using axes and knives.
The focus of the class is to develop the student’s confidence in the use of an axe and knife for roughing and finishing of a beautiful, durable, and usable wooden spoon. During the first morning session, students will learn carving strokes using “try” sticks, then move to making a set of chopsticks to improve their skills. The afternoon session and following day are devoted to carving the spoon.
Other aspects of the class will cover sharpening, design, decorating, and finishing of your spoon. In addition, stretching and exercises, as well as posturing for fatigue-free carving will be covered to make your carving experience more enjoyable.
Please bring your own old and new spoons to share with the class. Fred will assist returning students with additional techniques to improve their skills.
Tuition: member $150 non-member $165
Supplies/materials: $30.00 payable to the instructor. Fred will have some tools for student use and additional spoon blanks for sale.
Click here to register.
Read Fred Livesay’s bio.
Scandinavian Flat Plane Carving with Harley Refsal
Level: Beginner and above
Date: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, February 14, 15 & 16, 2020
Time: Friday & Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: February 1, 2020
Location: Milan Village Arts School
In this course, open to beginning as well as experienced carvers, students will complete a figure (or two) of their choice, rendered in the Scandinavian flat-plane style. Special emphasis will be placed on carving facial features, hands, etc. After painting the figure, a final finish will be applied. All participants, even fresh beginners, ought to be able to have at least one figure completely finished and shelf-ready by the end of the course.
The instructor will supply band-sawn wooden cutouts for sale and a supply of basic carving tools for sale to students who do not have their own tools. One basic carving or whittling knife is the principal tool; feel free to bring along whatever carving tools you might already own, but only one knife is really necessary.
Tuition: member $160 non-member $175
Supplies: Whatever carving tools student might already own. Instructor will have along a supply of basic tools for sale. Finishing materials (paint, wax, etc.) furnished by instructor.
Click here to register.
Read Harley Refsal’s bio.
Scandinavian Flat Plane Carving with Bill Jaeger
Level: Beginner and above
Date: Saturday & Sunday, March 21 & 22, 2020
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: March 7, 2020
Location: Milan Village Arts School
Bill provides carving students with carving designs for this class that highlight the historical and unique aspects of traditional Scandinavian style figure carving. Students will practice the particular knife strokes and techniques to achieve the look of the old carvers. A good carving knife is the only tool needed, but students should bring their palm gouges. Carvers with some experience should be able to carve and paint a figure in this weekend class.
Tuition: member $135 non-member $150
Supplies: Students should bring their carving tools. Bill will provide band sawn blanks out of basswood and Pinewood Forge Knives for purchase. Finishing materials such as paint and Danish oil will be supplied by instructor.
Click here to register.
Read Bill Jaeger’s bio.
Flat Plane Carving: Scandinavian Folk Tale Characters with Harley Refsal
Level: Beginner and above
Date: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, September 25, 26 & 27, 2020
Time: Friday & Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: September 12, 2020
Location: Milan Village Arts School
This 3-day course, open to seasoned carvers as well as beginners, will focus on carving a figure (or more, based on prior experience) inspired by Scandinavian folk tale characters.
The instructor will supply band-sawn wooden cutouts for sale and a supply of basic carving tools for sale to students who do not have their own tools. One basic carving or whittling knife is the principal tool; feel free to bring along whatever carving tools you might already own, but only one knife is really necessary.
Tuition: member $160 non-member $175
Supplies: Whatever carving tools student might already own. Instructor will have along a supply of basic tools for sale. Finishing materials (paint, wax, etc.) furnished by instructor.
Click here to register.
Read Harley Refsal’s bio.
Tool Sharpening Demystified with Paul Linden
Level: Beginner and above
Date: Thursday, June 4, 2020
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: May 23, 2020
Location: Milan
In this class, we will focus on what can be an illusive process of sharpening and maintaining various edge tools for woodworking. Making tools sharp is essentially a very straightforward process in theory, but the proliferation of advice and equipment can be very confusing.
We will practice sharpening several different tools, using both simple and sophisticated methods. We will discuss and analyze various types of steel, as well as several different variations of sharpening equipment and technique. Students will get a hands-on opportunity to take a tool to perfect sharpness, learn how to assess when the tool needs more attention, and try some quick and convenient methods for maintenance.
Tuition: member $75
Supplies: A Supply Fee of $25 is payable to the instructor at the conclusion of the class. Supply List: nothing required; but students should feel free to bring a small hand tool for practice—carving knife, chisel, plane blade, cabinet scraper, pair of scissors.
Click here to register.
Read Paul Linden’s bio.
Tool Sharpening: Feeling Dull? Learn to Keep Your Edge with Fred Livesay (Minneapolis Class)
Level: Beginner and above
Date: Saturday, To be determined
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: To be decided
Location: Ingebretsen’s Nordic Marketplace
1601 East Lake Street
Minneapolis, MN
Are you tired of dull inefficient tools? Sharpening is not magic and you can learn to create, keep and hold an edge. Bring your kitchen knives, pruners, plane and even mower blades and and make them bright again. During this one day class, we will discuss edge geometry, sharpening stone types, technique and edge triage and how to deal with it. Lots of hands on experience and demonstrations will provide clear direction towards keen edges. Open to sharp-minded of all skill levels.
Tuition: member $65 non-member $80
Supplies: All tools and supplies will be provided.
Click here to register.
Read Fred Livesay’s bio.
Introduction to Ale Bowl Carving with Jim Paulson
Level: Beginner and above
Date: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, July 17, 18 & 19, 2020
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: July 4, 2020
Location: Milan Village Arts School
If you have admired wooden ale bowls as wonderful examples of Scandinavian folk art, here is your chance to craft one yourself. Ale bowls have a long history going back to the Vikings, of holding and sharing homemade beer for special occasions like baptisms, weddings, and funerals. They were often elaborately carved and painted. Our goal is to create a personalized ale bowl that celebrates this rich cultural tradition.
Since chickens and other birds were commonly depicted in the design of ale bowls, we’ll begin there in teaching the art. You’ll learn how to shape the outside and inside of a small rooster ale bowl using hand tools like spokeshaves, a sloyd knife and hook knife, and carving chisels. Once the bowl shape is established, we’ll pick a design and add the carving. Finally, there will be the opportunity to finish the ale bowl using acrylic paints or stain.
Tuition: member $180 non-member $195
Supplies: A Supply Fee of $20 is paid to the instructor at the conclusion of class. A Supply List will be sent on registration.
Click here to register.
Read Jim Paulson’s bio.
Kolrosing: A Scandinavian Tradition with Ty Thornock
Level: Beginner and above
Date: Saturday, June 20, 2020
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: June 6, 2020
Location: Milan Village Arts School
Kolrosing is the traditional Scandinavian decorative art of incising wood and backfilling with pigments. Join me for a day as I walk you through both the basics and intermediate techniques of kolrosing, including selection of tools and wood, layout and design, types of cuts, clean junctions, and finishing options. Each student will leave with a finished project and the knowledge to create more on their own. Most anything can be kolrosed, including wood spoons, wood bowls, and decorative items. Design is only limited by your imagination!
Tuition: member $75 non-member $90
Supplies: I will have a selection of knives available to use, but it is highly recommended that individuals bring their own knives. I recommend kolrosing knives from Pinewood Forge: pinewoodforge.com
Click here to register.
Read Ty Thornock’s bio.
Wood Bowl Turning on a Lathe with Steve Mullins
Level: Beginner and above
Class 1: Saturday & Sunday
Date: October 26 & 27, 2019
Registration Deadline: October 12, 2019
Class 2: Saturday and Sunday
Date: March 7 & 8, 2020
Registration Deadline: February 22, 2020
Class 3: Saturday & Sunday
Date: October 24 & 25, 2020
Registration Deadline: October 10, 2020
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Milan Village Arts School
In this class, we will focus on developing the basic skills needed to turn a wooden bowl from “green” unseasoned wood.
Working at the power lathes, students will learn how to properly execute bevel rubbing cuts and scraping techniques using bowl gouges. We will also cover wood selection, bowl blank preparation, bowl mounting methods and lathe safety. Each student will turn bowls they can take home.
The instructor will provide all necessary tools and equipment, but students may bring their own tools if they wish. Please note that tools with carbide cutters will not be used. Students will need to provide their own face shield.
For questions, please contact Steve at info@mullinswoodworks.com.
To view examples of Steve’s bowls, please visit: www.mullinswoodworks.com
Tuition: member $215 non-member $230
Supplies: A supply fee of $45 is payable to the instructor at the conclusion of the class. All supplies and materials will be provided.
Click here to register.
Read Steve Mullins’s bio.
MVAS has a fully operational lathe equipped with tools and sharpener available for member use. Access is by appointment. Students either need to have taken Steve’s class or have similar experience.
Acanthus Carving with Jock Holmen
Level: Beginner and above
Class 1: Monday through Friday
Date: March 23, 24, 25, 26 & 27, 2020
Registration Deadline: March 7, 2020
Class 2: Monday through Friday
Date: August 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14, 2020
Registration Deadline: July 25, 2020
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Milan Village Arts School
Learn to carve elegant, ornate leaf designs in wood. Acanthus carving dates back many centuries and is used to add beauty to both structural and decorative woodwork. In this class, we will learn the basic techniques of working with wood grain, the elements of design, and the use and care of woodcarving tools. You will learn to carve all the way around the piece, including the back side. It will be possible to carve a panel or a clock in this style.
If you have never carved this style before, you will start with a simple scroll and there will be numerous projects to choose from. You may bring your own projects, or the instructor will provide patterns and blanks.
Tuition: member $310 non-member $325
Supplies: Materials: $25-$75, payable to the instructor. Bring your Acanthus carving tools. Jock has sets of tools for rent for beginning students.
Click here to register.
Read Jock Holmen’s bio.
Open Carving Night
Wood carving can be a solitary pursuit or it can be an activity enjoyed with a group of people. On a cold winter’s evening in Scandinavian countries it is not uncommon for friends and family to sit around the warmth of a fire and carve spoons or figurines. In Minnesota, wood carving is becoming increasingly popular as more and more people discover the creativity and relaxation carving brings to their lives. This growth in popularity has led to carving groups springing up across the Midwest. Open Carving Night was created to provide a wood-carving friendly environment where carvers would have the opportunity to meet, carve, socialize, and share their knowledge of carving with fellow artists.
All carvers, no matter their choice of carving style, are invited to attend Open Carving Night and enjoy an evening of carving and friendship. On any given evening, a visitor to the school may observe acanthus, flat plane, figure, spoon, bowl or chip carving artists at work.
Carvers of all persuasions are invited to meet at the school on the first Tuesday of each month to carve and network.
Requirements: Some experience in wood carving. Students must supply their own carving tools and wood. It is not necessary to be a member of MVAS to attend.
Fee: There is no fee for Open Carving Night.
Time: First Tuesday of each month from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Please contact the school for more information or to be included on the Open Carving Night email list.