Events / Classes
Pole Lathe Turning with Jarrod Dahl and Derek Brabender @ Woodspirit School
July 11-12, 2025
Registration opens January 1st 2025
Woodspirit School of Traditional Craft
Ashland, Wisconsin
Optional: Thursday, July 10 Craft Night & Potluck Meet & Greet with Derek & JD at 6pm BYOB
Description: During this three-day intensive we will learn to axe out blanks from green wood and turn bowls. We will cover the basics of turning, cutting techniques, and bowl design. We will also discuss handling and storing green wood, sharpening, axe skills, and how to dry and finish your bowls. Beginners will be guided through the basics of turning open form bowls while those with experience or those who have taken the class before can take on more advanced techniques like end-grain cup turning, nests (multiple bowls from one piece of wood), and handled mugs. Instruction will be given according to your personal goals and skill level.
Students should be prepared for a very physically demanding class that requires a certain level of stamina, coordination, and physical strength as well as the ability to follow precise instructions with regard to safety. Students must be able to stand on one leg for extended periods of time and have the hand strength to open a sealed jar or swing an axe or hammer repeatedly. Ages 18 and up.
All tools, lathes, and materials will be provided or you may bring your own. There will be an hour lunch break each day.
Registration closes July 3
2 day spoon carving class
Spend a weekend carving spoons from green wood! This class covers carving fundamentals as well as tool maintenance, and the fine details of spoon design. Beginners and experienced spoon carvers welcome.
August 9 & 10, 2025
Folklore Village
Dodgeville, Wisconsin
Presentation: Early Bowl Turning in Norway
Join us for a 1-hour journey into the world of early Norwegian bowl turning. Learn about the lives and craft of traditional pole lathe turners, a nearly forgotten drinking tradition, and have an opportunity to hold a Norwegian ale bowl that predates the founding of the United States.
Photo: Berit Ulvedal? / Norsk Folkemuseum / Id: NF.13955-001 / 1935
Pole Lathe Turning with Jarrod Dahl and Derek Brabender @ North House
Join Jarrod and I at North House Folk School in Grand Marais, MN. North House Folk School is located on the stunning north shore of Lake Superior. Over three days, we will cover the basics of turning, cutting techniques, and bowl design. Students with more experience can move to more challenging projects like nesting and end grain turning.
Fri, Oct 10th, 2025 – Sun, Oct 12th, 2025
North House Folk School
Grand Marais, MN