Woodspirit School is dedicated to high quality craft instruction in the Chequamegon Bay Region, Ashland, Wisconsin. We offer classes in Textile Arts, Wood Carving, Wood Turning, Basketry, Furniture Building, Green Woodworking and more.
Upcoming Classes & Events
——May 1-3——Bird Carving: Songbirds of Lake Superior with Mike Loeffler
$285.00
Bird Carving with Mike Loeffler
Related Courses/Events: Woodworking Courses
Registration closes April 24 so the instructor can prepare materials.
Dates: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, May 1-3, 2026 9am-5pm
Optional: Thursday, April 30, 6pm Drink Up!Norwegian Ale Hens Craft Night Series slideshow with Mike Loeffler
Description: This course will introduce students to the world of bird carving. This is a great class for beginners and experienced carvers alike. We will focus on song birds commonly found in the sub-boreal forest of the Lake Superior region. Of course, each bird is different, but the general form, anatomy, and carving techniques are transferable to many carving projects. In the course we will acquaint ourselves with bird anatomy to help develop an eye for the finished forms that we’re trying to achieve. Students will learn various knife grasps to shape wooden blanks effectively and safely. We will discuss material selection as well as tool sharpening so students can continue developing their skills at home. The carved and painted details bring these carvings to life. We will discuss paint, painting techniques, and other finishing details along the way. Students may purchase additional blanks to take home with them.
Required Tools:
Pencil
Fixed blade straight knife (I use a Mora carving knife 120).
Optional Tools:
Feel free to bring other carving tools such as small gouges, v-tools, and knives.
Workshop Fee: $285.
Materials fee: $50 to be paid directly to the instructor during class.
MIKE LOEFFLER is a woodworker and carpenter inspired by the natural materials of the forested landscapes he loves. Although he was always fascinated with wood, he had the opportunity to explore craft through an internship at North House in 2011. He later participated in the Artisan Development Program (2018-2019) at North House deepening his knowledge of craft and education. Mike explores fågelskålar (bird-shaped ale bowls), small furniture design, as well as traditional building techniques. During his travels in Scandinavia he had opportunity to work with Nicke Heldorff, a naturalist, avid birder, and carver. Ever since that experience Mike has been sketching and carving the birds that live in his region. He gets great enjoyment from “lighting the spark” and encouraging people to connect to themselves and a larger craft community through handwork. mike-loeffler.com
5 available
——May 16-17——The Willow Laundry Basket with Jarrod Dahl
$200.00
Related Courses/Events: Basketry Courses
Registration closes May 1 so the instructor can prepare materials.
Dates: Sat-Sun, May 16-17, 2026 9am-5pm
Optional: Friday, May 15 Baskets in Lichtenfels: International Basket Festival Craft Night Series slideshow and basket collection exhibition with Jarrod Dahl
Description: Willow laundry baskets are durable, useful and good looking. In this two-day class you will learn the basics of stake and strand willow basketry. We’ll start by learning about growing, harvesting, and preparing brown (bark on) willow for weaving.Then we will learn techniques for weaving a base, ‘pricking up’ the uprights, weaving simple 3 or 4 rod wales, and basic patterns like randing. We will finish up the basket with a nice border and roped willow handles. This workshop has the beginner in mind, but all skill levels are welcome. The aim of this class is to give students enough knowledge and experience to make baskets on their own. This course requires hand strength and stamina.
Tools:
Bring pruning shears (these are good ones Okatsune secateurs)
Craft knife (optional) (Morakniv 106 or 120 recommended)
Rapping iron (optional)
Bodkin (optional)
There will be a few rapping irons, knives, and bodkins to share
Workshop Fee: $200.
Materials fee: $50 cash, payable directly to the instructor during class.
JARROD DAHL is a full-time craftsperson, teacher, and writer. Jarrod has extensive knowledge of harvesting and processing natural materials, forging and using hand tools, and making a wide variety of craft from basketry to canoes. He began making black ash baskets in 1997 and has since made many kinds of baskets including birch bark, knutkorg, split willow, and root. He studied with basket weavers Steen Madsen, Hege Aasdal, Bjorn Majors, Vladimir Yarish and Scogin Zimmerman-Mayo. He takes a philosophical, historical and pragmatic approach to making, teaching, and advocating for handcraft. Jarrod writes a blog on craft and runs Woodspirit Handcraft with his wife in Northern Wisconsin. www.woodspirithandcraft.com instagram: @jarrod__dahl @woodspirithandcraft
1 available
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We began construction in 2021, the same year we ran our first season of classes. We are almost done! Help us with storage sheds, patio paving, classroom set-up, scholarships, and expanding our offerings. Thank you!
What People Are Saying About Woodspirit School
“As a retired educator, I am really critical about the quality of instruction when I attend workshops, and Jarrod was excellent! He introduced the various spoon carving topics, performed demonstrations, and spent time one on one when needed, which is very helpful. I came away from the class feeling like I can carve the next spoon!”
— Spoon Carving Student from Brillion, WI
“It was an all around great experience: awesome instructor, beautiful workspace, and generous hospitality.”
— Danish Cord Stool Student from Bayfield, WI
“I truly appreciated Mike sharing his skills and creative process. He didn’t just have me carve a bird—he taught me skills that I will continue to use and build on.”
— Bird Carving Student from Madison, WI
“Great history/background information and examples, wonderful, casual teaching style, time well managed, left me wanting more! The classroom space was beautiful, comfortable and inviting, and the light was amazing for handwork.”
— Indigo Dyeing & Shibori Class Student from Ashland, WI
The scene was just as I had hoped—a snowy winter morning, candles lit, calming music playing, and a room of students quietly focused on sewing. Initially, I wasn’t sure how many locals would sign up for a class in the winter. With unpredictable weather, travel is tricky. Would they want to hunker down at home or would they feel stir crazy and look for something to do with others?…