North House Folk School - Courses, Classes, Workshops

Hookers & Spooners: Working in Horn, Bone, Antler

Traditional Crafts

Harley Refsal

Fishhooks to spoons, flutes to waterproof containers. Cowhorn, bone and antler have served as valuable materials for northerners since the Stone Age. Each is surprisingly workable once the characteristics of each material are understood. These were the plastics of the pre-industrial age...soft and malleable when heated, hard and consistent when cooled. These intriguing mediums offer a rich and historic arena for exploration and learning. In this course Harley Refsal weaves together history, archaeology, cultural studies, art, and some modern science as we create historic spoons, utensils, a Stone Age-inspired fishhook and decorative jewelry.

In Latin, the word for flute is 'tibia'...a fascinating reflection on one of the many uses found by northern people, among others, for their harvested animals. Meat for sustenance, hide for clothing and shelter, bone/horn for needles, containers, or musical instruments. Horn from the 'bovidae' family (which includes cattle, sheep, goats and bison) are perfect for creating a wide variety of utilitarian objects.

Dates

Wed, Nov 16, 2011 - Fri, Nov 18, 2011 *
Tue, Nov 13, 2012 - Thu, Nov 15, 2012

(Available for registration on 03/01/2012 after 08:00AM)

Course Details

Length in days:

Hours:

9am-5pm

Tuition:

$225.00 per student (May 1-Oct 31)
$225.00 per student (Nov 1 - Apr 30)

Materials:

Varies

Levels:

Beginner to Advanced

Age with adult:

12+ (Review age guidelines/policy)

* The Nov 16, 2011 course is part of the Winterer's Gathering & Arctic Film Festival event

Making it happen:

When should I enroll?
We can't hold classes without students! Decisions regarding course cancellations (as related to minimum enrollment) are made three weeks before the class starts--so if you've got a course in mind, plan ahead and sign up at least three weeks in advance! That way we'll know you're coming, courses are more likely to meet minimum enrollment numbers, and then they'll actually take place.
Also watch for the words "nearly full" next to course dates. When that notation appears it means there are only one or two spots left--so sign up soon!
Do you take last minute registrations?
Of course! Although it's important that courses meet minimum enrollment three weeks before their scheduled start dates, we know that life doesn't always allow for prior planning. As long as there are still spots left in a course we're happy to accept your registration last minute.
When will new course dates be posted?
New course dates are posted both in the spring and fall to coordinate with our course catalog release dates. All the new dates are opened for enrollment on the same day and at the same time, so that everyone gets a fair crack at a spot in the courses they're interested in. As that time rolls around we announce when the new dates will "go live" in our e-newsletter. (sign up here!)

Hookers & Spooners: Working in Horn, Bone, Antler