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Instructors

Mike Loeffler

Grand Marais, MN
North House Folk School photo of instructor, Mike Loeffler

Mike is a woodworker based in Grand Marais and finds much of his inspiration in the forested landscapes that he loves. He had the opportunity to explore craft through an internship at North House in 2011 and later participated in the Artisan Development Program (2018-2019) deepening his knowledge of craft and education. Mike continues to explore fågelskålar (bird-shaped ale bowls), figure carving, small furniture design, and traditional building techniques. Working as a carpenter Mike began to connect his passion for craft with the larger built environment through timber framing. Inspired by the vernacular timbered outbuildings of Scandinavia, Mike studied grindbygg timber framing with the generous help of mentors and programming at North House. This very specific interest grew into a wider appreciation of the many timber framing traditions around the world. Mike has now worked for many students and clients helping to create special hand made structures. He gets great enjoyment from “lighting the spark” and encouraging people to connect to themselves and a larger craft community through handwork.

Visit Mike Loeffler's Website

Current Courses Offered by Mike Loeffler

Teaser image for Basic Timber Framing

Basic Timber Framing

Learn the planning, layout, and joinery necessary to construct a traditional timber frame (post and…
Thu, May 8th, 2025  –  Mon, May 12th, 2025
9am-5pm each day
Teaser image for Bird Carving

Bird Carving

This course will introduce students to the world of bird carving. This is a great class for…
Sat, Mar 15th, 2025  –  Mon, Mar 17th, 2025
9am-5pm each day
Instructor: Mike Loeffler
Teaser image for Perching Stools

Perching Stools

We all spend a lot of time sitting, so how can we do a better job of it? The key ergonomic feature…
Thu, Feb 20th, 2025  –  Sat, Feb 22nd, 2025
9am-5pm each day
Instructor: Mike Loeffler
Sun, Feb 23rd, 2025  –  Tue, Feb 25th, 2025
9am-5pm each day
Instructor: Mike Loeffler
Teaser image for Wooden Spoon Carving Traditions

Wooden Spoon Carving Traditions

Carving wooden spoons is a tradition in Scandinavia, where carvers crafted spoons for home use, for…
Thu, Oct 10th, 2024  –  Sat, Oct 12th, 2024
9am-5pm each day
Thu, Jan 9th, 2025  –  Sat, Jan 11th, 2025
9am-5pm each day
Instructors: Fred Livesay, Mike Loeffler
Teaser image for Wooden Spoon Carving Traditions: Day 4

Wooden Spoon Carving Traditions: Day 4

This offering is an optional fourth day to extend the Wooden Spoon Carving Traditions course offered…
Sun, Oct 13th, 2024
9am-5pm
Instructors: Fred Livesay, Mike Loeffler
Sun, Jan 12th, 2025
9am-3pm
Instructors: Fred Livesay, Mike Loeffler

Past Courses Offered by Mike Loeffler

Bird Carving: Online Course

Log to Timber Building By Hand

Norwegian Timber Framing: Grindbygg Building

Service Learning Project: Norwegian-Style Timber Framed Grindbygg “Tents” for Campus

Timber Frame: Build Your Own Smaller Frames

Timber Frame: Build Your Own, Grindbygg-Style

Tiny House: Build Your Own

Tiny House: Building Skills Workshop

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