Events

Come and experience proof that the sun is still shining, even in the darkness of a Northern Michigan winter. Learn the art of camera-less photography, and explore the poetic possibilities of nature-based image making. In this hands-on workshop, participants will collect and prepare plant specimens, coat paper with light-sensitive chemistry, and harness the power of […]

Learn the craft of the beloved winter sport of cross country skiing! In this day long workshop, we'll cover the basics of cross country skiing from equipment to clothing, waxing, and technique. We'll spend some of the day out exploring on skis! This is a great opportunity to learn more about your own pair of […]

Do you like to write? Have you ever been curious about a creative writing workshop? Come join us in an engaging, hands on class where participants explore poetic expression through writing, collaboration, and peer feedback. We will experiment with form, language, different media, and voice while exploring our own style as poets. We will be […]

The vision of a space that feeds the whole ecosystem and yourself is a dream for many. Plucking apples from trees that grow amongst berries, flowers, and plants that feed the soil microbes below so the process is simpler, easier, and more holistic. Come learn just how to create a space that does just that […]

What is the rollout cookie? Perhaps you know its more common name, the "sugar cookie." Rolled out and shaped cookies and biscuits have been a part of human traditions since ancient times. As the craft of tin smithing became more popular, these cookies began to take more intricate forms. Europeans perfected the craft of the […]

Michigan winters are not so different from the dark, cold winters in the forests of central Norway, from which the Gudbrandsdal style of rosemaling hails. During its height in the 1800s, Rosemaling was a way to bring the beauty of nature inside for the long winter months. Rosemaling is a folk art of Norway that […]

Learn the ancient art of making yarn by hand using simple tools. In this two-day class, you’ll explore the basics of spinning on a drop spindle, transform raw fleece into beautiful yarn, and sample a variety of spinning tools from around the world. Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned fiber artist looking for […]

Add some new life to well-loved clothing using basic darning and mending techniques! Students can bring some of their own clothes to darn and mend using tools and supplies provided by instructor Riley Kleve. Students will learn to select materials, use various tools, and care for mended and darned clothing in class. Students will leave […]

Come on out to Green Door Folk School for an evening presentation on growing willow from instructor Beth Bridgeman. Learn about the practice of growing willow. According to Beth, it's easy and well worth the effort. Willow can be used for basketry, stream bank remediation, living structures, fencing, garden trellises, etc. and is fabulous for […]

In this two-day workshop, you will make your own beautiful, unique, asymmetrical basket. Suitable for willing beginners and also for those who have made a basket before. You can use this basket for a variety of purposes, from gathering things from the garden to storing kitchen utensils or tools, holding a sewing project, foraging, etc. […]

Learn the basics of sewing by hand for a variety of uses in this half-day mini course. Have you ever wanted to do some basic mending? Would you like to create small projects by hand? Would you like to sew some of your own wardrobe, but don't have a sewing machine? In this class you will […]

Learn the craft of fly tying in a region with a wealth of freshwater streams and rivers! Go beyond the sport of fly fishing. Discover the world of hand-sourcing and crafting flies using natural or found second-hand materials. We'll begin with introductions and share our backgrounds and interests in fly tying and fishing. Then we'll […]

In this class, you'll learn the foundational skills needed to approach the craft of hand sewn leatherwork. You'll begin by creating a pattern, selecting your leather, and stitching a small piece together before moving onto a second small project. With a balance of demonstration, hands on practice, and instructor guidance, you'll leave this class with […]

Everyone has a story — the art is in how you tell it. Join storyteller and coach Shea Petaja for a hands-on, heart-centered day of crafting a story to be told. Whether you're re-writing the stories you tell yourself, interested in building storytelling skills for your social life, or preparing to bring your stories to […]

Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to keep bees? Whether you’re just beginning to explore the idea or you’ve done the research and aren’t sure how to take the first step, this hands-on class will guide you from curiosity to confidence. Join us for an engaging afternoon exploring the fascinating world inside the […]

Learn to garden with nature at the forefront. Megan Gilger of Perma Studio will bring her knowledge of Permaculture and regenerative garden design as well as farming to this course. In this three day retreat, you will learn about working with soil and designing a garden that accommodates your space no matter the size. You […]

Transform fluffy wool into a sturdy, whimsical sauna cap! Sauna caps are designed to support the ritual of sauna by regulating your body temperature. Just in time for Traverse City's Sauna Festival, you'll learn about the properties of wool, and how the material lends itself to being the ideal sauna cap. You'll also gain introductory […]

Practice the craft of willow basketry while creating the perfect vessel for hiking in the woods or toting things around town. In this three-day workshop, you will learn to make a willow backpack with straps. We'll begin by making an oval base and inserting stakes. Then we'll weave the upsett, and begin weaving the sides, […]

In this class, you'll learn the foundational skills needed to approach the craft of hand sewn leatherwork. You'll begin by creating a pattern, selecting your leather, and stitching a small piece together before moving onto a second small project. With a balance of demonstration, hands on practice, and instructor guidance, you'll leave this class with […]

Spend two days immersed in the craft of hand sewn leather as you learn all of the skills necessary to take on your own leather-working projects. Students will have the opportunity to design and cut their own patterns before stitching their pieces together in a rhythmic and meditative flow! Watch your handwork transform into an […]

One of our favorite classes is back again! Described by artist Claire Wellesley-Smith as “no rules, no projected outcome. A record of days, but not a daily record,” slow stitching, or stitch journaling, is not about having a plan or creating a finished item. Instead, it is a meditative approach to stitching. This fiber-based equivalent […]

This class is a beginner's introduction to basic woodworking skills using power tools found in a standard workshop. The day will culminate in a completed charcuterie board that each participant can take home and enjoy for years to come. Everyone will be required to bring their own safety glasses and hearing protection. We’ll start the […]