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!
The materials fee for this class is $25 and is included in the admission cost.
* We do require masking indoors, whatever your vaccination status *
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Taught by Katie Speckman
Learn to make a functional and beautiful whisk broom. In this 5 hour introduction class you will learn techniques to make a strong and sturdy hand broom. We will also learn to process stalks, plait handles and stitch the broom flat. Leave feeling confident and inspired to explore the world of broom making.
The materials fee for this class is $20 and is included in the admission cost.
Taught by Tina Green Krause
You'll learn the basics of making a bowl from fresh (green) wood during this single session, in person class. We will learn how to operate the wood lathe safely, explore form, and turn wood. Class will cover all steps to make a simple bowl and you will leave with our own bowl and a finishing kit to take home.
The materials fee for this class is $30 and is included in the admission cost.
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Taught by Laurie McGinley
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.
Email hello@fireweedwoodshop.org to request ASL interpretation for this course.
Taught by Meena Mangalvedhekar.
The materials fee for this class is $15 and is included in the admission cost.
Taught by Julie Arnold
Customize and build a bandsaw box! This small box is a great table topper to collect little trinkets and practice your bandsaw skills. Students will be provided a piece of wood about 4 inches thick and 8 inches long for the box material. The class will utilize the bandsaw to shape the box and drill press to auger the center. Students are encouraged to explore different shapes and textures with the bandsaw. Finish will also be provided. This class is taught by local woodworker Willie Willete, who has been a long time supporter of Fireweed Community Woodshop. He has generously volunteered his time to teach, so the full cost of admission will be given directly to Fireweed.
Taught by Willie Willette
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~Power tools 101 is a prerequisite for this course~
Learn how to transform rough lumber into finished sizes while making a mitered box. This class will cover how to use the tools to create parallel sides and perpendicular corners before building the box. Through box-making, we will learn how to make several forms of joinery including miters, splines, and dados. 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
Taught by Aria Kampfer
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!
Until further notice, 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.
* We do require masking indoors, whatever your vaccination status * _________________________________
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
This class is intended for BIPOC students.
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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 learning how to build your own! We'll use the table saw, miter saw, and v-nailer to construct basic frames out of oak, maple, or cherry. Students should come to class with dimensions of the piece they want to frame, and we'll take it from there!
The materials fee for this class is $15 and is included in the class admission cost.
This craft hang is gathering in the hand tools classroom at Fireweed Woodshop. The purpose of a Fireweed Crafting Hang 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 up. Other handcraft 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 hand-craft project to the shop for some company, community, and sharing tips and tricks. This is NOT A CLASS, just a hangout.
What to bring:
a mask (fireweed masks up indoors; extra masks are always available too)
-your project (all handcrafts welcome!)
- your carving tools (we usually have some spoon blanks for sale)
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.
Taught by Tiff Tran
Join instructor Theoren Keenan for a walk on West River Road learning about common tree species to the Twin Cities. This course will cover winter identification features including buds, bark, and branch pattern, as well as uses and characteristics of the wood for craftspeople.
This class will be held outdoors despite rain, snow, or cold at the discretion of the instructor. If conditions become unsafe the class may be rescheduled.
----------------------Taught by Theoren Keenan.
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 fireweedwoodshop@gmail.com if you have any questions about open shop or what tools are available to use.
Facilitated by Abbey Dickhudt
You'll learn the basics of making a bowl from fresh (green) wood during this single session, four hour, in person class. We will learn how to operate the wood lathe safely, explore form, and turn wood. Class will cover all steps to make a simple bowl and you will leave with our own bowl and a finishing kit to take home.
Taught by Abbey Dickhudt
These small wooden trays are perfect for holding items (pencils, keys, jewelry) or carrying tea to your friends.Students will start with a block of green wood and shape the tray using handplanes, gouges, chisels, and mallets. Details such as faceted edges will be carved using a Mora knife. Using hand tools allows the grain of the wood to dictate shape and inspire more organic curves. These trays are inspired by the Wagatabon trays from the Wagatani village in Japan.
The materials fee is $15 and included in the admission cost.
Taught by Tina Green Krause and Jeanette Torkelson.
Taught by Jules Bunch.
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
Taught by Melinde Madsen and shadowed by Jules Bunch
The table saw is a staple in any woodworker's shop! Fundamentally, the table saw is thought of as a way to size materials, but it can also act as a substitute for many other tools in the shop. In this class, students will learn through demos and hands-on practice a sample of some of the many ways the table saw can be modified to make special cuts. We will cover ripping vs. cross-cutting, dado set-up, tapering, spline jigs, cove cuts, and tenon cuts. Come to class with all your table saw questions: we will have allotted time to explore further table saw uses based on students' interests. This class is a great opportunity for people who want hands-on practice with the table saw OR to observe: any level of participation is supported! The materials cost for this class will go towards maintenance of the shop and jigs.
The materials fee is $10 and it is included in the admissions cost.
Lets get into greenwood bowl turning! This is a class for newcomers and repeat students of greenwood bowl turning alike. Designed to give folks time to get to know (or reintroduce) the lathe and turning green wood, this multi week turning study will allow a focused immersion into using a lathe to turn functional bowls. Each session will include demonstrations from the instructor, as well as hands-on time for students at the lathe. We will make time for discussion around sourcing material, and finishing bowls as well. Please bring questions, books, water bottle, one paper bag, one plastic bag, and lunch! Students can plan to complete several bowls during this course.
The materials fee for this class is $60 and is included in the admission cost.
*** We do require masking indoors, whatever your vaccination status***
Taught by Bozena
Learn to make a long handle Full Sweep broom. Day 1 Learn to wind the soaked broomcorn onto the handle to build a sturdy, wide shouldered broom. Students will take their brooms home to dry before the next class. Day 2 we will focus on stitching the broom. Participants should have moderate hand, leg and foot strength.
Please wear closed toed shoes.
The materials fee for this class is $53 and is included in the admission cost.
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Taught by Tina Green Krause.
NO GREENWOOD ON THE BANDSAWS.
Please email hello@fireweedwoodshop.org if you have any questions about open turning or what tools are available to use.
Learn to make two functional and beautiful whisk brooms. This introduction class will cover traditional shaker and modern designs of the Turkey Wing and Sparrow tail whisk brooms with wrapped handles. You will also learn how to prep stalks for the woven handles. Leave feeling confident and inspired to explore the world of broom making.
The materials fee is $20 and included in the admission cost.
Taught by Tina Green
This hands-on class combines woodworking skills with an appreciation for local bird life. In this class, students will learn how to safely and confidently build a durable nest box designed for the Black-capped Chickadee, with the option to customize the design for a Bluebird instead. Under the guidance of your instructor, you will learn safe operation and best practices for essential shop tools, including the table saw, miter saw, and drill press. Step by step, you’ll cut, assemble, and finish your own functional birdhouse suitable for outdoor use. In addition to woodworking skills, we’ll spend time talking about birds—who they are, what they need, and how thoughtful design choices can support healthy nesting. You’ll learn about habitat, placement, and the specific differences between nest boxes for chickadees and bluebirds. Differences between chickadee and bluebird nesting needs. No prior woodworking experience is required. By the end of the class, you’ll leave with a completed nest box, new shop skills, and the satisfaction of creating something that supports local wildlife.
What you’ll learn: Safe use of the table saw, miter saw, and drill press Measuring, cutting, and assembling a wooden project Basics of nest box design and bird habitat Differences between chickadee and bluebird nesting needsWhat you’ll take home:A finished nest box, customized for either a Black-capped Chickadee or a Bluebird
Taught by Jules Bunch
In this 2-day course, each student will build a post-and-rung stool out of oak or ash and weave a seat from cotton Shaker tape. This class will focus on hand tools, using spokeshaves and drawknives to shape the posts and rungs. We will go over several methods of cutting the tenons on the rungs, and bore matching mortises in the posts. Our final step will be weaving the tops with a cushion filled with the wood shavings we make over the course of the project. The finished stool will be a beautiful and functional piece of furniture that will last for generations, and the skills learned in this class can be carried forward into future chair-making projects. Chair-making is a complex process, so come prepared for a weekend full of hard work and new knowledge!
The materials fee is $100 and included in the admission cost.
Taught by Mia Ingram and Jeanette Torkelson
The materials fee for this class is $15 and is included in the admission costs.
Taught by Jeanette Torkelson and Ema Thoen
This beginner-friendly class introduces students to the art of creating unique wooden boxes inspired by traditional eastern techniques. Through hands-on learning, students will explore how to design and assemble intricate sliding mechanisms that unlock hidden compartments.
The workshop begins with a collaborative demo followed by a warm-up where each student constructs parts of a simple box to understand the core techniques. Once the fundamentals are covered, students are encouraged to unleash their creativity and design their own secret, to be solved to open the box.
Along the way, the instructor will demonstrate advanced wooden mechanisms and decorative methods to inspire your designs. You’ll leave with a handcrafted puzzle box and the skills to continue exploring on your own.
The materials fee is $60 and included in the admission cost.
Taught by Meena Mangalvedhekar
The materials fee for this class is $10 and is included in the admission cost.
This basket, made with black ash splint, is highly functional for everyday needs. It can appear rustic or refined. It can be filled with veggies from the market, groceries from the store, or binders and paperwork for meetings. It can also be a perfect fit for in-between the bucket seats of most automobiles. The course will start with an in-depth discussion of the harvesting process, including log pounding and material storage. From there, students will try their hand at splitting using two techniques: hands and a "splitting brake," followed by prepping our pre-selected raw materials using sharp knives, scissors and a slitting gauge. Participants will learn about twill and start/stop weaving, and tension and form as we lay-out and weave our baskets. After drying, we will construct the rim system, prep thicker splint for handles, and finally, wrap the handles with choice splint. The finished basket will measure approximately 4" x 13" at the base, 9" x 16" at the opening, with a height of 11". With handles attached, this brings the overall height of the basket to 17". Weighing in at just under a pound, it will be capable of carrying up to ten pounds quite comfortably. Note, this project requires some hand strength to complete.
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