The Tower of Craft
Curious locals regularly pass by and ask Jarrod, “Hey, what are you building?” Jarrod replies, “I’m building a tower!” and they give him a confused look. So we just had to name it, didn’t we?
Hey everybody!
Read on for the latest update on Woodspirit School—
The course calendar has been set, the website launched, people are signing up for classes and Zoom sessions, and donating too. Now the focus is on completing our second floor addition for the classroom space.
Thanks to Jarrod and his trusty hard working crew, the second floor is rough framed and sheathed—including the new roof structure (phew, just before some rain and snow). Next steps include installing metal roofing, Tyvek, vinyl siding, exterior doors and windows. These will be completed within the next week or two.
Our very first window went in yesterday.
The next challenge will be the interior finish work and securing more funding! Our initial funding went toward the first phase of construction, so we are waiting on a bank loan for a shot in the arm to buy materials for the next phase. Cross your fingers!
There are so many details related to interior work compared to rough framing. It feels a bit daunting. Phase two interior tasks include installing electrical, plumbing, insulation, heating, internet, flooring, sheet rock, an upstairs bathroom with all the fixtures, lighting, stairway, ceilings, and more. We’ll break those details up between the first and second floors. Once the first floor is completed Jarrod will be able to move his shop into the lower level and get to turning (and forging) again. Do you feel tired just reading about it?
Phase three will be outfitting the classroom with chairs, work tables, a tea/snack area, classroom storage, tools and supplies in time for the first Spoon Carving Intensive with Jarrod at the end of May. We are hoping to launch a proper fundraiser for those finishing touches at that time.
Send us your good thoughts as we plough ahead. Motivation and determination are high. Our mantra: We can do it! and we will do it.
The second floor classroom space has great light and already looks inviting now that the window spaces have been cut out. You can even see Lake Superior out the north windows between the neighborhood treetops.
So did you check out our Zoom series and classes yet?
Jazmin is working on promoting classes through local venues and through social media. We would really appreciate your help passing on our course offerings to people who might be interested. Your recommendations could contribute to our success in a big way.
Please share our website www.woodspiritschool.com and our instagram @woodspiritschool. Thank you!
Our spoon collection is a great place to start discussions on spoon design. Jarrod will use these in his upcoming Spoon Carving Inspiration & Design Zoom presentation April 23.
LOOKING AHEAD——————————
Here’s what’s happening for the next few months at Woodspirit School:
In April and May Jarrod will be interviewing four formidable craftsmen about their work & life as makers as well as discussing spoon carving design and demonstrating pole lathe turning.
These sessions are free with a suggested donation to support our developing school.
April 9 Barn the Spoon & Jarrod Dahl Talk Shop via Zoom
April 23 Spoon Carving Inspiration and Design with Jarrod Dahl via Zoom
Meet Yoav Elkayam, UK wood turner, on April 30 via Zoom
April 30 Yoav Elkayam Shop Tour, Pole Lathe & Electric Lathe Turning via Zoom
May 7 Dawson Moore of Michigan Sloyd Shop Tour & Interview via Zoom
May 14 JW Swan & Sons Boatworks, Mill Tour & Interview via Zoom
May 28 Pole Lathe Turning Demonstration with Jarrod Dahl via Zoom
We have a steady flow of students registering for classes. Class sizes are limited, so plan your trip to the North and register today!
May 21-22 Spoon Carving Intensive, Ashland, WI with Jarrod Dahl
June 4-5 The Hundred Stick Willow Basket with Scogin Zimmerman Mayo
June 18-19 Spoon Carving with the Spoon Mule with Dawson Moore
Learn with Dawson Moore, June 18-19, 2022 at Woodspirit School in Ashland, WI
June 24 Steam Bending Basics with Josh Swan at JW Swan & Sons Boatworks, Washburn, WI
June 24-26 Pole Lathe Turning with Jarrod Dahl
Jarrod demonstrates pole lathe turning via Zoom as well as teaches it a few times this season.