The materials fee for this class is $25 and is included in the admission cost.
* If you require an accommodation to take this class, please indicate so in the registration form. Read about our accommodations policy here. *
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Taught by Jules Bunch.
In this beginner friendly class students will learn to make a traditional turkey wing whisk broom using broomcorn, twine, and simple hand tools. You will learn how to shape, tie, and weave natural materials into a functional, handcrafted broom with a woven plaited handle. This class is rooted in traditional broom-making techniques. Each student will leave with a finished whisk broom and a working understanding of the foundational skills used in Broom making. Basic hand and body strength needed.
The materials fee is $12 and is included in the admission cost.
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Taught by Pamela Meiners
{Put class description here. Courier 16 pt font. Include masking note in bold below.}
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The materials fee is {insert materials fee} and included in the admission cost.
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* We do require masking indoors, whatever your vaccination status *
Taught by {Insert Instructor name here}
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 7 participants and needs 5 participants to run.
Registrants of open shop MUST have taken power tools 101 or be comfortable and experienced using power tools. Every attendee of open shop must register. Please no guests without registration!
NO GREENWOOD ON THE BANDSAWS.
NO LATHE USE AT OPEN SHOP. Instead please register for one of our Open Turning Sessions.
Please email hello@fireweedwoodshop.org if you have any questions about open shop or what tools are available to use.
* If you require an accommodation to take this class, please indicate so in the registration form. Read about our accommodations policy here. * _________________________________
Facilitated by Aria Kampfer
Join us for a special BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) centered class to practice the basics of Power Tools
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.
The materials fee for this class is $20 and is included in the admission cost.
This class is intended for BIPOC students.
Email hello@fireweedwoodshop.org to request ASL interpretation for this course.
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Taught by Meena Mangalvedhekar (@meenanew) Bio 1. Bio 2.
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 building your own!
You will learn in this class:
- How to use the table saw to make a rabbet
- How to cut miters with a miter saw
-How to reinforce corners with a brad nailer and glue
Students are provided with one-inch wide hardwood.
Come to class with dimensions of the piece you want to frame, and we'll take it from there!
Using the power tools involves standing, bending, and light lifting. Students are able to sit when they are not using the tools.
The materials fee for this class is $15 and is included in the class admission cost.
Taught by Lauren James
Calling all bakers, chefs and hobbyists! Novices and pros alike!
Learn the basics of spindle turning in this fun, beginner-friendly course. Class will introduce the anatomy of the lathe and students will learn the techniques to turn a maple or walnut French rolling pin. Course will also cover sanding and food-safe finishes.
The materials fee for this course is $20 and is included in the admissions cost.
* Masking is required in this class *
Taught by Tiff Tran
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!
Taught by Katie Speckman
This volunteer opportunity is reserved for Fireweed Woodshop Members who have taken Power Tools 101 or have a good understanding of the jointer, planer, table saw and miter saw. You are welcome to join for Saturday or Sunday, or both days! This registration is for Saturday, July 25.
We are building new workbenches for the shop! We will be replacing the three tall workbenches with solid wood, mortised and tenoned benches. To build these, we will be using dimensional lumber that will be cut down and laminated (glued together) to create the top, legs, and base of the table. The work bench tops will be finished in advance.
On Saturday, we will be using the table saw and miter saw to size the lumber then laminate the boards to create the legs and stretchers. Through this process, we will be making mortises and tenons as the joinery.
On Sunday, we will use the jointer and planer to finish sizing the legs and stretcher pieces. To assemble the tables, all the joinery will be mortises and tenons reinforced with pegs. Learn how to drill and "drawbore" peg holes!
We appreciate all the help we can get! Throughout the day, you will be working in a group or partners. This activity will involve standing, bending, gripping, and lifting. The shop is warm in the summer so bring something cold to drink and a snack. We will take breaks as needed.
Taught by Aria Kampfer
This volunteer opportunity is reserved for Fireweed Woodshop Members who have taken Power Tools 101 or have a good understanding of the jointer, planer, table saw and miter saw. You are welcome to join for Saturday or Sunday, or both days! This registration is for Day 2 on Sunday, July 26.
In this class, we will learn how to step up your framing skills! You will learn the basics to understand the structure of staircases, including elements of a staircase, necessary math, and building code. We will then apply that knowledge to building your own stepstool. Students will leave with a lumber stepstool and the ability to operate tools commonly used in framing projects- circular saws, jigsaws, drills, squares, and impact drivers. This class is great for anybody looking for hands-on framing experience, and for homeowners who may see a repair project in their future!
The materials fee is $22 and is included in the admission cost.
Taught by Kate Hill.
Make two 3-foot, short handled stitched brooms! Brooms can be stitched flat or round. This is a perfect broom size for kids to use, kitchens, stairs, porch and as a hearth broom.
Participants should have moderate hand, leg and foot strength. Please bring a snack we will take a 15-20 minute break.
The materials fee is $50 and is included in the admission cost.
Taught by Tina Green Kraus
Taught by Meena Mangalvedhekar.
Learn how to create beautiful wood images using a technique called marquetry! Marquetry is a form of wood art that uses a variety of veneers cut out and glued together to create images and patterns.
On day 1, students will learn how to use an X-Acto knife to cut wood veneers and glue to join pieces together. We will practice cutting techniques and learn how to use wood grain and shades to create images that hold depth.
On day 2, students will be able to bring a photo or pick from provided templates and create their marquetry masterpiece. Finished images will be glued on to a 5x7 inch substrate.
Each student will receive a take-home marquetrate kit that will include an X-Acto knife with extra blades, self-healing mat to cut veneers on, sandpaper, and a small package of self-selected veneers. The kit is included in the cost of the class. Marquetry is a quiet activity that can be enjoying in a seated position. We encourage everyone of all abilities to attend this class.
The materials fee is $35 and is included in the admission cost.
Taught by Gwen Comings
Taught by Lars James
Join herbalist Emily Pearson Ryan and printmaking instructor Jessie Merriam for an exploration of mullein - a powerful plant for respiratory health and so much more!
Mullein grows voluntarily throughout our part of the world. It addition to providing stark beauty to the landscape, all parts of the plant can be used medicinally.
Students will first spend time with Emily learning about the botany and ecology of this Mullein, and will be part of a discussion on the medicinal and other uses for this abundant herb.
After a snack break where we’ll sample some mullein tea/infusion, students will then work with printmaking artist Jessie Merriam to carve a 4” x 6” woodblock print depicting the plant. Paper will be provided, and students will leave with several prints and their own block to continue practicing. We’ll encourage continued discussion on this powerful plant ally while we carve!
Email jessiemerriam@gmail.com with any questions. The materials fee for this class is $35 and is included in the admission cost
Taught by Jessie Merriam (@wheelbugs) and Emily Pearson Ryan
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 airnailer. 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 4 hour class, students will be standing for the majority of the time. If you have questions about accommodations during class please reach out to hello@fireweedwoodshop.org
The materials fee for this class is $15 and is included in the admission cost.
Taught by Jules Bunch
Open shop but for turning! This open shop is only for students with previous turning experience or those who've taken a turning class with Fireweed. Bowl blanks will be available for purchase but feel free to bring your own prepped wood if you've got a project you are working on. Instructor Abbey Dickhudt will be at the shop to make sure everyone is staying safe. This IS NOT a class. This is a time for self-directed work to make shavings, make mistakes, and ask questions. *Woodshop lathes accommodate limited size blanks. If you have any questions about the wood you want to bring or the lathes, please reach out in advance.
Registrants of open shop MUST have taken Bowl Turning or be comfortable and experienced using turning tools and the lathe. Every attendee of open shop must register. Please no guests without registration!
Please email hello@fireweedwoodshop.org if you have any questions about open turning or what tools are available to use.
* We do require masking indoors for this class, whatever your vaccination status * _________________________________
Facilitated by Abbey Dickhudt
Learn the basics of making a bowl from fresh (green) wood during this single-session class! You will learn how to operate the wood lathe safely, properly use a bowl gouge, explore form, and turn wood. From hunk of wood to beautiful table piece, this class covers all the steps to make a simple bowl. You will leave with your own bowl and a finishing kit to sand and oil your bowl at home.
The materials fee for this class is $30 and is included in the admission cost.
* We do require masking indoors for this class, whatever your vaccination status *
Taught by Abbey Dickhudt
This craft hang is a gathering in the hand tools classroom at Fireweed Woodshop. The purpose is for students and members to get together around making and crafting, share skills and chit chat, get to know each other, enjoy the woodshop's space, community, and belonging. It's also perfect for students who started a spoon in class and would like to use Fireweed's carving knives to finish it.
Other handcrafting projects could include woodblock carving, figure carving, Kolrosing, chip carving, hand sanding, knitting, crochet, etc....
6:30-8:30pm Registration is free or give what you can without pressure!
Bring your own project to the shop for some company, community, and sharing tips and tricks. This is NOT A CLASS, just a hangout.
What to bring:
-your project (all handcrafts welcome!) Spoon blanks and dala horse blanks available for purchase
- your carving tools (we can loan fireweed's carving tools if you do not have your own)
~Power tools 101 is a prerequisite for this course~
Learn how to transform rough lumber into finished sizes while making a mitered box with splines. This class will cover how to use the jointer, planer, table saw, and miter saw to create parallel sides and perpendicular corners before building the box. Through box-making, we will learn how to make mitered corners and spline inserts with the table saw and dados with the router. There will also be a demonstration on how to make a homemade veneer press. This class is open to students of all levels of ability, and we will make accommodations for anyone with a disability.
The materials fee for this class is $25 and is included in the admission cost
Learn the basics of spindle turning in this fun, beginner-friendly course. Class will introduce the anatomy of the lathe and students will learn the techniques to turn a maple or walnut rolling pin. Course will also cover sanding and food-safe finishes.
Taught by Jess Hirsch
Learn how to carve a Dala horse using traditional Nordic carving techniques. We'll cover grain direction, knife holds for the hook & sloyd knife, and finishing. This class is great for the beginner or the person wanting to learn Sloyd style carving. Please note: we will not be painting these horses.
Please wear pants and close toed shoes, as we are going to make some wood chips!
The materials fee for this class is $20 and is included in the class admission cost.
* If you require an accommodation to take this class, please indicate so in the registration form. Read about our accommodations policy here. * ________________________
Taught by Meena Mangalvedhekar
Learn the basics of green woodworking by exploring shape in this tray-making class! These small wooden trays are perfect for holding important items or carrying tea to your friends and are inspired by the Wagatabon trays from the Wagatani village in Japan!
This class covers introductions to gouges, chisels, draw knives, and hand planes. Students will learn how to properly use these tools and how wood responds within the parameters of a tray. Using hand tools allows the grain of the wood to dictate shape and inspire more organic curves. Because greenwood is fresh, it needs to fully dry out before the tray can be finished. Students will go home with instructions on how to finish their tray individually.
Tools used in this class are available for students to use during our monthly "craft hang." A moderate to high level of grip strength is needed to use these tools.
The materials fee is $25 and included in the admission cost.
Taught by Jeanette Torkelson and Tina Green
Got a dull chisel, plane, carving tool, or knife (including kitchen knives!) that could really use some love? Always been curious about hand-sharpening but not quite sure where to start? Or are you an experienced sharpener just looking for a fun chance to sharpen in community? Join us for a Community Sharpening Hangout!
Available for use: Tormek Sharpening System, wet sandpaper, strops, and an eclectic collection of wet stones and diamond stones. If you have your own sharpening supplies, please bring them! There will also be opportunities to learn some basics about hand sharpening theory and practice, and most importantly, a space to connect and relax with other woodworkers and crafters.
Please note: While we will do our best to assist you with sharpening your tools, we can't guarantee we will have the experience or equipment necessary to sharpen every tool. If you have any concerns about your specific tool, please email Jeanette at jeanette.torkelson@gmail.com! We will not be able to sharpen lathe tools at this event.
Taught by Jeanette Torkelson and Matte Segal
This adjustable display wall is made with pegs, shelves, and boxes to create a stylish space to show off your treasures! Have in mind what you want to store on the wall because students will be able to design the shelves and boxes to fit their needs. Students will learn how to make dado and rabbet joinery using the table saw to create the shelves and boxes. The peg board and accessories will be made out of 1/2" paint grade plywood. Plan to apply finish or paint at home. You will be provided with a 2-foot by 3-foot shop-made peg board with 1/2" peg holes. You will be able to choose the depth of the shelves and boxes with a maximum depth of 5 inches. A shelf or box will have a maximum weight capacity of 10 pounds. This class is open to students of all levels of ability, and I will make accommodations for anyone with a disability.
The materials fee for this class is $60 and is included in the admission cost.
Join herbalist Emily Pearson Ryan and printmaking instructor Jessie Merriam for an exploration of goldenrod, the classic flower of late summer. Students will spend time with Emily learning about the botany, harvesting practice, and medicinal uses of this abundant native perennial, which is more likely an ally for allergy sufferers than an enemy! We'll discuss herbs and allergy season in general, and students will have the opportunity to sample goldenrod tea during a brief snack break. We will then learn the process of woodblock printmaking by carving a goldenrod design with Jessie and printing it on different papers. For this class Jessie provides a template, which students can adapt or come prepared with their own 4x6” design (in pencil/ok to draw over it in pencil to transfer to block). Students will use sharp tools to carve 4x6" blocks and use water-based inks for printing, using methods easy to replicate at home.
For designing your own goldenrod image, check out basic woodblock design guidelines here: Intro to Relief Printing Design Guide
Images of Minnesota goldenrod (and information about them!) can be found here: Minnesota Wildflowers. Stiff goldenrod is one of the easier species to adapt for woodblock—which lends itself to symbolic representation rather than highly detailed renditions of plants.
The materials fee for this class is $35 and is included in the admission cost
In this class, we will learn how to step up your framing skills! You will learn the basics to understand the structure of staircases, including elements of a staircase, necessary math, and building code. We will then apply that knowledge to building your own stepstool. Students will leave with a lumber stepstool and the ability to operate tools commonly used in framing projects- circular saws, jigsaws, drills, squares, and impact drivers. This class is great for anybody looking for hands-on framing experience, and for homeowners who may see a repair project in their future! BYO snacks and water.
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. Standing is required to use the power tools, but seating is available in between tool use. There is a scheduled ten minute noise break halfway through class.
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.
Learn the ins and outs of the bandsaw in this skills-building course! In the first half of the class, we will learn how to properly set up the bandsaw by changing a blade. In the process, we will cover tensioning, tracking, and proper bearing and guide set up. Then, we will walk through some of the bandsaw's most popular uses, including using a fenced and cutting curves. In the second half of the class, students will be provided with wood to explore using the bandsaw hands-on to practice making shapes and angles.
The materials fee is $10 and is included in the admission cost.
Students will learn the fundamentals of woodturning a spindle by practicing four forms: bead, cove, vee, and tapers. Each student will be provided with practice material to play around with shape and one hardwood blank to turn their finished tool handle. For a tool, the instructor will provide a tool steel option (driver extension that accepts hex bits as well as a long phillips bit to make a screwdriver), or students are welcome to bring in any tool they want to re-handle. The first day will be practicing the different forms as we make our tool handle. The second day will be focused on sanding and finishing techniques. No previous woodturning or power tool experience is required.
The materials fee is $30 and is included in the admission cost.
Taught by Laurie McGinley
* Masking is required in this class. *
* Masks are required in this class. *
Learn how to make your own spoon blanks with an axe! Students will learn how to split a log into wedges and then process those wedges into spoon blanks. Students will be introduced to splitting wedges, axes, and saws to make a spoon blank and have an understanding of how to make a butter knife blank. There will be lots of practice axing time. Bring a water bottle and snack, axing is very physical! We will emphasize safety techniques and explore a few different types of axes.
The materials fee for this class is $15 and is included in the admission costs.
Taught by Jeanette Torkelson
This class provides a perfect introduction to the fundamentals of staked furniture and techniques that are essential for chair-making. We’ll use a small kit of hand tools (with the occasional assist from the band saw!) to create a low staked stool from red oak and elm, with plenty of opportunities for students to customize the design to their liking. These stools are perfect for setting and sitting — use them as side tables, extra seating, plant stands, and more. They'll find a home in any room of your house!
On Day One, we’ll make tapered, tenoned legs and drill holes in the seat, learning the basics of how to lay out rake and splay angles for the legs. On Day Two, we’ll shape our stretchers and assemble our stools. Bring a lunch, we will take a 30-minute break each day.
Expected Skills: Students should be able to stand for extended periods. Some familiarity with hand tools is great, but a good attitude and curiosity are the only prerequisites.
Tools: Fireweed and the instructor will provide all necessary tools and materials, but if you have a jack plane you like (a Stanley #5 or similar), bring it! Other useful tools include a pencil, combination square, and a block plane.
The materials fee is $100 and is included in the admission cost.
Taught by Grace Ambrose
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