In this multi-session class each participant will make a coffee table, side table or bench that fits their space and needs. We will adapt a design, mill our own wood, cut joinery including mortise and tenons and bridal joints, and sand and finish our tables.
This is an 8 session class that will run from January 10 - March 7 (No class on Valentine's Day)
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Taught by Stephanie https://www.leftydesignco.com/
Stephanie designs and builds custom furniture and cabinetry out of her studio in Minneapolis.
This class offers two options for materials at two different price points. The cherry option is $65 in materials fees and is included in an admission total of $425. The walnut option is $110 in materials fees and is included in an admission total of $470.
Need a scholarship? We got you! Just email us fireweedwoodshop@gmail.com, tell us what you can afford and we will do our best to cover the rest.
*** This class is limited to 8 individuals to prevent the spread of covid-19. If feeling ill, let us know as soon as possible and please do not attend class. All students are required to wear a mask***
It can be hard to find just the right picture frame--especially for one-of-a-kind art--and custom frames are expensive. Solve that problem by learning how to build your own! We'll use the table saw, chop saw, and drill to construct basic frames out of poplar. Students should come to class with dimensions of the piece they want to frame, and we'll take it from there!
Students will pre-pay for materials- although if you'd like to make more than one, the cost difference can be paid the day of class to Kate.
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Taught by Kate Schiffler (@bbfurnituremn)
Hey there, I'm Kate! I have been a woodworker for over 17 years and I recently transitioned from running my small wood framing company to taking over Butcher Block Furniture Inc. where I build custom wood countertops and furniture. I am a skill collector in all types of materials and dabble in many different media. In my spare time I enjoy all the outdoor stuff, making things, reading, and hanging out with my daughter as much as possible.
Now offering sliding scale pricing! Suggested admission is $60 but we have a $50 sliding scale admission option, and a pay it forward option of $70. Additionally we have micro-reparations pricing for BIPOC students wishing to pay only the consumables and materials fee of $21.
The materials fee for this class is $15 and is included in the class admission cost.
Need a scholarship? We got you! Just email fireweedwoodshop@gmail.com, tell us what you can afford and we will work on covering the rest.
Learn how to carve a spoon from a fresh cut tree using traditional Nordic carving techniques. We cover tree anatomy, knife holds for the hook & sloyd knife, drying, and finishing. This class is great for the beginner or the person wanting to learn Sloyd style carving. The class fee includes tool rental, materials, a finishing kit, and safety gloves. Please wear pants and close-toed shoes as we are going to make some wood chips!
Knowing how to build a cabinet means you know your way around a shop and can handle a variety of tools. In this class we will build a medicine cabinet for you to take home. You’ll learn the basics of how to make a face-frame, working with sheet goods (plywood, melamine, or mdf), and the elements of cabinet making. We’ll work with the table saw, the miter saw, drills, and hand tools. This class is intended to familiarize students with the essentials of a commercial cabinet shop, to both build skills that you can apply at home or potentially assist you towards a career in the trades. All levels welcome. (medicine cabinet image is approximate to what we will be building)
Taught by Jo Manu. Jo specializes in cabinet and trim installation, with 20 years of experience in the trades.
Now offering sliding scale pricing! Suggested admission is $270, but we have a $255 sliding scale admission option, and a pay it forward option of $280. Additionally we have micro-reparations pricing for BIPOC students wishing to pay only the consumables and materials fee of $94.
The materials fee for this class is $70 and is included in the admission cost.
*** This class is limited to 6 individuals to prevent the spread of covid-19. If feeling ill, let us know as soon as possible and please do not attend class. All students are required to wear a mask***
Make a cutting board while learning how to use power tools. We will cover using the electric planer, ripping on the table saw, cross cutting on the miter saw, curved cuts on the bandsaw, and finishing. This is a great chance to get to know, or brush up on the most powerful tools in the shop. Take home your very own cherry or maple cutting board at the end.
Taught by Meena Mangalvedhekar (@meenanew) Bio 1. Bio 2.
Now offering sliding scale pricing! Suggested admission is $80, but we have a $70 sliding scale admission option, and a pay it forward option of $90. Additionally we have micro-reparations pricing for BIPOC students wishing to pay only the consumables and materials fee of $26.
The materials fee for this class is $20 and is included in the admission cost.
Join Erin Melzer to learn about the ins and outs of installing trim. Cut with a miter and coping saw the base, face, and trim and practice installing it with an air nailer. Learn what's behind the wall so your trim is secured properly. This course is designed for beginners. All skill levels welcome.
Please wear closed toed shoes and avoid dangly clothing. During this 3 hour class, students will be standing for the majority of the time. If you have questions about accommodations during class please reach out to fireweedwoodshop@gmail.com
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Taught by Erin Melzer
follow @bluecollarbabe1 - Union Carpenter.
Now offering sliding scale pricing! Suggested admission is $65, but we have a $55 sliding scale admission option, and a pay it forward option of $75. Additionally we have micro-reparations pricing for BIPOC students wishing to pay only the consumables and materials fee of $16.
The materials fee for this class is $10 and is included in the admission cost.
Come learn how to turn your own bowl on the lathe! We will start with a freshly cut bowl blank and take it all the way to its finished shape. You will be learning parts of the lathe, how to mount your blank, and how to use bowl gouges, scrapers, and different chuck attachments. We will also cover how you will later on dry, sand, and finish the bowl. In this 4 hour class we will go at a pace at which everyone is comfortable, leaving plenty of room for demonstration, questions, and hands-on time.
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Taught by Abbey
Abbey Dickhudt lives in Mankato, MN and has been exploring how to be a cabinet maker, bowl turner, farmer and trumpet player. What brings Abbey into each of those spaces and activities is the ability to keep learning and to keep connecting with others over craft and community. She's been able to learn lathe work, along with other woodworking from the Milan Village Arts School, Fireweed, Mankato Makerspace, and local carpenters.
Now offering sliding scale pricing! Suggested admission is $125, but we have a $115 sliding scale admission option, and a pay it forward option of $135. Additionally we have micro-reparations pricing for BIPOC students wishing to pay only the consumables and materials fee of $33.
The materials fee for this class is $25 and is included in the admission cost.
*** This class is limited to 4 individuals to prevent the spread of covid-19. If feeling ill, let us know as soon as possible and please do not attend class. All students are required to wear a mask***
Learn how to use the lathe while making a lovely candlestick holder. We will cover the basic cuts of spindle turning: bead, cove, v-cut, and flat. Learn how to drill on the lathe to make a hole for your candle. This is a beginner-friendly class!
_________________________ Taught by Jess Hirsch LINK to bio. https://jesshirsch.com _________________________
Now offering sliding scale pricing! Suggested admission is $90, but we have a $80 sliding scale admission option, and a pay it forward option of $100. Additionally we have micro-reparations pricing for BIPOC students wishing to pay only the materials and consumables fee of $21.
The materials fee for this class is $15 and is included in the admission cost.
*** This class is limited to 5 individuals to prevent the spread of covid-19. If feeling ill, let us know as soon as possible and please do not attend class. All students are required to wear a mask***
Learn how to carve a spoon from a fresh cut tree using traditional Nordic carving techniques. We cover tree anatomy, axing out a blank (roughed out spoon shape), knife holds for the hook & sloyd knife, drying, and finishing. This class is great for the beginner or the person wanting to learn Sloyd style carving. The class fee includes tool rental, materials, a finishing kit, and safety gloves. Please wear pants and close toed-shoes, as we are going to make some wood chips!
__________________________ Now offering sliding scale pricing! Suggested admission is $65, but we have a $55 sliding scale admission option, and a pay it forward option of $75. Additionally we have micro-reparations pricing for BIPOC students wishing to pay only the materials and consumables fee of $26.
*** This class is limited to 12 individuals to prevent the spread of covid-19. If feeling ill, let us know as soon as possible and please do not attend class. All students are required to wear a mask***
Learn to make two functional and beautiful whisk brooms. This half day introduction class will cover traditional shaker and modern designs of the Turkey Wing and Sparrow tail hand brooms with wrapped or plaited handles. Bonus, you'll also use broomcorn remnants to make a cake tester, burnisher, or pot scrubber! Leave feeling confident and inspired to explore the world of broom making.
Please wear closed toed shoes.
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I started my woodcraft Journey in 2017. Fueled by a desire to learn and create handmade, functional, beautiful objects that I could make for my home. There are so many ways craft and creating has made my life richer. I am grateful to have the opportunity to share what I know, be connected and inspired by others that are drawn to this community.
Now offering sliding scale pricing! Suggested admission is $97, but we have a $87 sliding scale admission option, and a pay it forward option of $107. Additionally we have micro-reparations pricing for BIPOC students wishing to pay only the materials and consumables fee of $32.
The materials fee for this class is $22 and is included in the admission cost.
Learn how to keep your tools sharp!
Tool sharpening is an important part of woodcraft. A sharp tool is a safe tool and makes for cuts that are easier on our bodies. In this class we will review the required materials for sharpening. Students will leave with their own consumable sharpening kits. Instructor Jeanette will demonstrate a few different sharpening techniques and students will have plenty of time to practice sharpening their own tools. At the end of class students will have a basic understanding of what sharpening is and the skills to continue their own tool maintenance.
Students are required to bring their own tools to sharpen. Class will mostly focus on sharpening spoon carving tools (hook and straight knives) but students are encouraged to bring other tools, such as chisels, gouges or axes. No saws or serrated blades please!
This class is taught by Jeanette.
I took my first spoon carving course 3 years ago from Fireweed and was hooked. Like many students, I was stumped when my knives got dull. Learning to sharpen took a long time and was often frustrating but classes helped me a lot. I love the woodcraft community and am hoping to share what I have learned from many great instructors.
Make your own rolling pin!
Learn the ins and outs of spindle turning on the lathe! This is a great intro class for anyone that has been curious about the lathe but is feeling intimidated. Learn to use the roughing gouge, parting tool, and detail gouge.
_________________________ Taught by Jess Hirsch LINK to bio. https://jesshirsch.com _________________________ Now offering sliding scale pricing! Suggested admission is $70, but we have a $60 sliding scale admission option, and a pay it forward option of $80. Additionally we have micro-reparations pricing for BIPOC students wishing to pay only the materials and consumables fee of $24.
This class serves as a perfect introduction to woodblock carving and hand printing. Equally interesting to participants who have worked with wood before and those who are completely new to the medium, this class will teach the basics of how to transfer a pencil drawing onto a flat block of wood and then how to effectively carve the drawing in layers. Once the block is carved, we will then go over how to print it with watercolor pigment onto paper by hand. The entire process is nontoxic, and can easily be reproduced at home!
All community members who identify as women or non-binary are welcome. All skill levels are encouraged to participate, share, and inspire a diversity of ideas. Please come to class with a pencil drawing already prepared that fits within an 8 x 10 inch page, and keep in mind your drawing will be flipped when printed (like seeing your drawing in the mirror).
Taught by Savannah www.savannahbustillo.com
Savannah Bustillo is a queer Latinx printmaker and book artist from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Often through language games, her work takes small, discarded objects, sounds, and movements that seem silent and insignificant and reemphasizes them. Recently this practice has turned to the visuality of sound, as Bustillo creates recordings of popularized American stories and turns them into images that the viewer must decode. She has helped teach workshops and demos in printmaking and book arts at Washington University in St. Louis, Anderson Ranch Arts Center, Women’s Studio Workshop, and the Minnesota Center for Book Arts.
Now offering sliding scale pricing! Suggested admission is $90, but we have a $80 sliding scale admission option, and a pay it forward option of $100. Additionally we have micro-reparations pricing for BIPOC students wishing to pay only the consumables and materials fee of $50.
The materials fee for this class is $44 and is included in the admission cost.
*** This class is limited to 10 individuals to prevent the spread of covid-19. If feeling ill, let us know as soon as possible and please do not attend class. All students are required to wear a mask***
Join us for a special BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) centered class to practice the basics of Power Tools
At long last Open Shop is back!
Open shop is a time for you to bring in any projects or crafts you are working on and have access to the tools and the space. While we will have an instructor on staff to help open shop run smoothly and make sure tools are being used safely, this is a self-directed work time NOT class time. Open shop is capped at 12 participants and needs a minimum of 6 participants to run.
Registrants of open shop MUST have taken power tools 101 or be comfortable and experienced using power tools.
Open shop will run once a month through May.
Please email fireweedwoodshop@gmail.com if you have any questions about open shop or what tools are available to use.
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Facilitated by Jess Hirsch. LINK to bio. https://jesshirsch.com_________________________________
Registration cost is $25 per session.
*** Open shop is limited to 12 individuals to prevent the spread of covid-19. If feeling ill, let us know as soon as possible and please do not attend class. All students are required to wear a mask***
Join herbalist Emily Pearson Ryan and printmaking instructor Jessie Merriam for an exploration of oak as a tree, a remedy, and a muse. Students will spend time with Emily learning about the practice of harvesting wild plant material, focusing on oak bark, its processing and uses. After a tea break, students will then learn the process of woodblock printmaking by carving a design of an oak tree and printing it on different papers, including some pre-printed with information about the oak. There will be space for conversation about these intertwined crafts—the healing arts of plants—during the tea and carving time.
This course is beginner friendly. A short walk up the block from the shop to check out new growth on oak trees will be an option, weather permitting. For this intro to printmaking, the designs will be provided. Students will use sharp tools to carve 4x6" blocks and use water-based inks for printing, using methods easy to replicate at home.
Materials cost for this class is $30 and is included in the admission cost.
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Taught by Jessie Merriam (@wheelbugs) and Emily Pearson Ryan
Get started with a very old, very portable decorative craft! At its simplest, kolrosing is the art of cutting a very thin incision into a wooden surface, filling it with pigmented powder like coffee or cinnamon to reveal the pattern, and burnishing the cut closed to create a smooth and durable decoration. It is a wonderful way to decorate woodenware such as spoons, spreaders, and plates because it doesn’t catch food, but can also be used on any flat wooden surface. It requires no special tools, strength, or studio space; everything you need can be packed up in a pencil case!
Through this course, you will be able to explore kolrosing on your own with confidence and joy through good techniques, practice, and mindfulness. You will be able to make something extra special through kolrosing—like putting someone's name or their birthday or kolrosing an image on a special wooden object like a spoon. Over four sessions, kolrosing teaching artist Liesl Chatman will cover layout and design, surface preparation, knife techniques, cutting straight and curved lines into letters and patterns, and techniques for working on both flat and curved surfaces. Students will work on simple practice pieces such as letterboards and students’ own projects.
The materials fee for this course is $60 and is included in the admission cost. Materials include a complete kolrosing kit with everything needed to get started—and keep going independently. This includes small bottles of various oils, suitable artist’s pencils with point protectors and fine-point sharpeners, a small dot-grid notebook, handouts sized for the notebook, a 6” clear plastic grid ruler, 3x6x3/8” basswood letter boards, craft sticks, and a sturdy canvas zipped bag that everything fits into. Tools are not included in the kit—but are available a la carte. Students will be using Del Stubs kolrosing knives, which can be purchased or borrowed from the instructor. Antler burnishers may also be purchased as available.
Liesl is a queer teacher and all genders are welcomed.
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Taught by Liesl Chatman (@rivchicawarrior)
Make a handmade toy for your little one or a little one in your life! You can design your own or use one of the patterns available. This class will teach a few basic woodworking skills, and you will leave with a finished toy. You will be using a bandsaw, drill press, belt sander, laminate router (optional), hammer, and sandpaper.
--------------------------------------------Class taught by Kate Shiffler (@bbfurnituremn)
The materials fee for this class is $20 and is included in the admission cost.__________________________
Want to make custom hair accessories for your unique hair? This class will allow you to make a hair pin of your own design while getting familiar with using the bandsaw, combo sander, vice, hand sanding techniques, and wood grain. Come with an idea of how many tines your dream hair pin holds and fun shapes. We will have a selection of woods to choose from.
Please wear closed toed shoes and avoid dangly clothing. During this 2 hour class, students will be standing for the majority of the time.
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Taught by Leah Van Tassel
Many spoon carvers struggle with how to safely and efficiently make a beautiful short spoon. Learn to simultaneously make two 5-inch pocket spoons using this unconventional double-blank technique. Called the “gullwing” method, it was created by teaching artist Liesl Chatman and is designed for safety, minimum wood waste, and carving with reduced hand strength. The method starts with simultaneously profiling two 5” spoons, laid end-to-end in one billet of wood, forming a “gullwing” shape. Next, after using a template for the plane view, the bowls are hollowed out while the two spoons are still connected. After additional shaping with the axe, the spoons can be separated and finishing work including chamfers and facets can be completed.
In her teaching, Liesl focuses on mindfulness and creating a trusting learning community. In the first part of this class, students will use a basswood billet, so there is no need to concentrate on keeping greenwood moist and hands won’t become fatigued. The technique also transfers well to greenwood and in the second half of the class, students may purchase blanks to repeat the process with greenwood. Students should have prior experience with spoon carving and/or taken a beginning spoon carving class. Liesl is a queer teacher and all genders are welcomed.
The materials fee for this class is $35 and is included in the admission cost. Materials include a double basswood billet and a spoon template as well as a mini instruction booklet. Although Fireweed tools are available for use during class, it is recommended that students bring their own carving axes, sloyd knives, and small folding saws.
--------------------Taught by Liesl Chatman (@rivchicawarrior)
The materials fee for this class is $20 and is included in the admission cost. __________________________
BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) students are encouraged to sign up to practice the basics of Spoon Carving! This class is sponsored by Hennepin County Library and is available as a free class for everyone! All students must be 18+ years of age.
To the untrained eye, it’s hard to believe these are made from just a single piece of wood! We'll cover making blanks from a log, layout, carving, riving the feathers and finally fanning the wings! Leave this class ready to fly away on your own fan bird journey! This course requires some hand strength and dexterity.
There will be time set aside for a lunch break.
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Taught by Mary Tripoli
Facilitated by Meena Mangalvedhekar (@meenanew) Bio 1. Bio 2.
Learn how to carve a bowl from a log! In this course you will learn to prepare a blank (roughed out bowl shape), hollow with an adze and shape with an axe. If there is time you will clean up the bowl with gouges to add texture. Each session of this 4-session class will begin with axe gymnastics to get comfortable using an axe. The final day will include a demo on finishing with milk paint.
The materials fee for this class is $50 and is included in the admission cost. ---------------------- Taught by Jess Hirsch. Assisted by Jeanette Torkelson
Learn western-style block carving and printing with minimal tools at home, and make a set of prints/cards/stationery. We will learn about how to think in relief, utilize wood grain in design, how to transfer designs to a block, the techniques and different effects of the five basic carving tools and how to handle ink and paper and methods for printing using tools you have at home.
We will print in one color. Follow-up materials lists and resources will be sent to students looking to print more at home.
To maximize the time we have for carving questions, please prepare a 6x8 design (landscape or portrait orientation) for your block in advance. A design on paper can be transferred to the block so that the print will be the same orientation as the paper drawing, so any lettering in your design should be right-reading. Simple designs with bold image areas/texture that work with the grain (think fur, bark, a cloudy sky, or water...rather than curly-cues) without lettering are recommended. You will receive an email from your instructor, jessiemerriam@gmail.com, with more guidance around block design in advance of class.
Materials cost for this class is $22 and is included in the admission cost. Materials include ink, printmaking quality paper and cards, newsprint for proofs, shina plywood block 6x8, pencil, power grip carving tool rental and brayer tool rental.
Taught by Jessie Merriam (@wheelbugs)
Learn how to carve a spoon from a fresh cut tree using traditional Nordic carving techniques. We cover tree anatomy, knife holds for the hook & sloyd knife, drying, and finishing. This class is great for the beginner or the person wanting to learn Sloyd style carving.
Please wear pants and close-toed shoes as we are going to make some wood chips!
---------------------- Taught by Vanessa Walton
Are you wondering what it's really like to work in the trades? Join us for a panel discussion with tradespeople in the Fireweed Community. Learn a little about the varied experiences, identities, skillsets that can exist within the field.
Panelists include:
Erin Melzer — union carpenter and Fireweed instructor
Nancy St. Germaine — relator, general contractor and owner of Raven Construction and Jack's Hardware.
Heidi Wegner — Heidi is a Fireweed board member and has worked both in construction as a carpenter and project manager and also taught construction management.
Fireweed student Erin will lead the discussion for the first hour. The last 30 minutes will be reserved for your questions for the panelists!
Please note this is a virtual event that will be held on Zoom. The panel will be recorded and shared with all registrants. You are welcome to join live to participate in the discussion or watch later.
In this 2-day course students will use the bandsaw to create a box that can be used in countless ways! Working from a solid piece of wood salvaged from lumberyard offcuts, you will learn to design, layout, cut, sand, and reassemble the pieces to form a functional box and lid. Once you learn the basic process, the possibilities are endless! You will learn and use the following tools during class: bandsaw, spindle sander, orbital sanders, clamps.
A 30 minute meal slot will be set aside for all, you are invited to bring something to eat and drink each day.
The materials fee for this class is $48 and is included in the admission cost.
Taught by Gwen Comings
Join us for a special class to practice the basics of block carving & printing! BIPOC Women and Non-binary students strongly encouraged to register .This class is sponsored by Hennepin County Library and is available as a free class for everyone! All students must be 18+ years of age.
All skill levels are encouraged to participate, share, and inspire a diversity of ideas. Please come to class with a pencil drawing already prepared that fits within an 8 x 10 inch page, and keep in mind your drawing will be flipped when printed (like seeing your drawing in the mirror).
This course will be held at Hennepin County Library location: EAST LAKE LIBRARY
Savannah Bustillo is a queer Latinx printmaker and book artist from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Often through language games, her work takes small, discarded objects, sounds, and movements that seem silent and insignificant and reemphasizes them. Recently this practice has turned to the visuality of sound, as Bustillo creates recordings of popularized American stories and turns them into images that the viewer must decode. She has helped teach workshops and demos in printmaking and book arts at Washington University in St. Louis, Anderson Ranch Arts Center, Women’s Studio Workshop, and the Minnesota Center for Book
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We thank the Hennepin County Library for being able to sponsor this class! It is free for students.
Come help us give the shop some TLC. It takes a community to keep a shop going ;)
Snacks and tunes will be provided.
Facilitated by Nia
