In this course students will learn about the basics of forging a bottle opener. Some of the techniques that will be covered include upsetting, drawing, twisting, bending, cutting, and punching. The design can vary based on student interest and skill level.

Various techniques will be covered but students will not have to use all the techniques in their project to leave with a successful bottle opener.

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Build your rosemaling skills as you explore the graceful scrolls and floral forms of the Gudbrandsdal style, which mimics acanthus carving.

Using a provided pattern, you’ll practice the classic C- and S-strokes, create shaded petals and leaves, and work with the traditional earthy color palette. Step-by-step instruction will guide you in balancing asymmetrical designs while developing brush control and smooth, confident linework.

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Bill Sherburne (1903-1991) claimed that he could hear a tune once, pick up his fiddle and play it. It’s no surprise then that he had an enormous repertoire.

Beth Rotto learned from him through an Iowa Arts Council apprenticeship program and has continued to research his music in the Mills Music Library in Madison, Wisconsin. Beth Rotto has continued to research his music in the Mills Music Library in Madison, Wisconsin.

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Using a simple needle and wool yarn, nålbinding is a method of making fabric from loops of yarn. Nålbinding, also known as needle looping or knotless netting, is found worldwide and dates back to early Bronze or Iron Age cultures. Fabrics made from wool nålbinding were often felted to create warm, airtight mittens, socks, and hats.

In this class, students will be introduced to the nålbinding technique as they learn to make a neckwarmer, a small bag, and mittens.

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Join woodcarving instructor and Vesterheim Gold Medalist Rebecca Hanna in exploring the art of kroting, cutting lines into wood after it has been painted or stained. Inspired by work in the Vesterheim Folk Art School as well as the instructor’s personal work, students will be taught how to start kroting and given a simple design to try themselves.

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Explore the traditional and beautiful Norwegian decorative painting known as rosemaling. In this beginner-friendly class, you will be introduced to and gain confidence in the essential strokes used in rosemaling. By the end, you’ll have a completed piece that highlights your growing skill and understanding of rosemaling fundamentals.

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Himmeli-making is a Nordic tradition brought to the U.S. by immigrants from Nordic and European countries. Students will gain experience working with natural material (straw) as they construct a medium sized himmeli mobile. Focus will also be on the cultural and historic significance of this craft found in Finland, Norway, Sweden, the Baltic countries, and beyond.

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Join us for a special knitting class inspired by the work of Norwegian immigrant Albertina Dickson, a skilled tailor and beloved community member known as “Granny.” In this class, you’ll knit a pair of mittens inspired by Albertina’s original design, learning traditional techniques passed down through generations. Celebrate her life, heritage, and craftsmanship while creating your own timeless piece of Norwegian-American history.

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If you know how to knit and are ready for a relatively quick, stylish, and straightforward project, this class is for you! The Danish-based designer of Petiteknit designed the Sophie Scarf, and it has been wildly popular in Scandinavia and beyond! The instructor will show examples of Sophie Scarves that she has knit in a variety of yarns and lengths, and share how this popular scarf gained popularity in Scandinavia and beyond.

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Join artist Derek Brabender in an exploration of birchbark weaving using recycled Vesterheim Folk Art School catalogues. Inspired by Nordic folk art, as well as the re-use of materials, this program will show families how we can still continue the folk art tradition using recycled materials.

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This class is designed as a KAL (knit a-long), knitting alongside history and modern knitting trends.

Join to learn about sweater history and how traditional designs are carried into modern designs, as well as Norwegian sweater construction variations.

During the KAL, students may choose to knit their own version of the Fana sweater, for which a commercial pattern will be given.

Online on Saturdays, with the option of one in-person visit to Vesterheim.

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Kolrosing is a traditional Scandinavian art form used to decorate utilitarian wooden items such as spoons, plates, small boxes, and lefse sticks. You will be incising/stippling the surface of the wood and backfilling with various pigments. You will be able to complete numerous projects for family and friends.

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In this one-day class students will be introduced to the art of knotwork. Knot tying is a useful and meditative artform that can connect us to the journeys that people took to get to the new world.

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This class will start by viewing the distaffs in Vesterheim’s collections. Then we will practice carving by copying historic distaff designs while learning kroting (carving through painted surfaces) and basic chip carving using a knife. Students will then be able to design and carve their own distaffs, blending traditional designs with their own innovations.

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Join basketmaker Kimberly Crowley as she teaches the methods of creating a basket from black ash splints – a material harvested by local Ho-Chunk makers. Two sessions – one morning, one afternoon – are available. Participants will leave with a small basket.

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