Upcoming Events
The Avon Hills Folk School is a young, growing destination non-profit building community through experiences that explore the intersection of Art and Nature through teaching and learning traditional skills and art.
Come explore with us!
Spring Foraging Pop Up
A beginning class covering a good variety of spring edible and medicinal plants and mushrooms.
Learn to identify edible plants, experience a directed foray to recognize habitat, and the symbiotic trees where plants and mushrooms thrive.
We will spend the majority of our time looking for specimens.
Classroom time learning about culinary and medicinal uses. Samples, handouts and a few basic recipes will be included.
Intro to Birding, Saturday Series, with Jim Millard
Springtime is the time of migration and the largest variety of full plumage birds are most likely to be encountered. As we move into late spring / early summer, migrants have moved to their nesting grounds and pair off for the nesting period. Visual ID becomes much more difficult as the foliage often completely obscures birds, but their habits and audible clues still allow identification and enjoyment.
The Intro to Birding, Spring series will provide students the opportunity to move throughout the folk school property all Saturday mornings during the month of May. We will experience the changes in bird variety and behavior as springtime progresses.
TimberNook - Star Wars Open House - All Ages
May the 4th be with you at TimberNook’s Star Wars-themed Open House! Join us for an intergalactic adventure like no other as we celebrate this special day with a galaxy of outdoor fun. Young Jedi and rebel scum alike will love our nature-based activities inspired by the Star Wars universe. From building Ewok villages to crafting lightsabers from natural materials, the force will be strong with us! Don’t miss this chance to explore, create, and play in a galaxy far, far away. Register now for our Star Wars Open House and embark on an epic adventure that’s out of this world!
TimberNook - Star Wars Open House - All Ages
May the 4th be with you at TimberNook’s Star Wars-themed Open House! Join us for an intergalactic adventure like no other as we celebrate this special day with a galaxy of outdoor fun. Young Jedi and rebel scum alike will love our nature-based activities inspired by the Star Wars universe. From building Ewok villages to crafting lightsabers from natural materials, the force will be strong with us! Don’t miss this chance to explore, create, and play in a galaxy far, far away. Register now for our Star Wars Open House and embark on an epic adventure that’s out of this world!
Intro to Birding, Saturday Series, with Jim Millard
Springtime is the time of migration and the largest variety of full plumage birds are most likely to be encountered. As we move into late spring / early summer, migrants have moved to their nesting grounds and pair off for the nesting period. Visual ID becomes much more difficult as the foliage often completely obscures birds, but their habits and audible clues still allow identification and enjoyment.
The Intro to Birding, Spring series will provide students the opportunity to move throughout the folk school property all Saturday mornings during the month of May. We will experience the changes in bird variety and behavior as springtime progresses.
TimberNook - Colorful Homes & Secret Pizza Party - Ages 4-7
Children are invited to unleash their creativity in the woods as they construct unique homes using an array of loose parts and a splash of vibrant colors! From whimsical treehouses to cozy hideaways, the possibilities are endless. After crafting their magical abodes, kids can delight in meals enjoyed right in their newly created homes.
(Shh… Don’t tell anyone, but there are whispers of a secret pizza party happening!)
TimberNook - Tiny Ones - Box Play - Ages 1.5-4
Together you and your child will enter the forest and embark on a journey of creativity and imagination inspired by the boundless possibilities of a simple cardboard box.
Being in the Woods: Practices to help you ground and grow w/ Betsy Johnson
Join the ancient practice of going out into the wilderness to go deeper into the body and spirit. This workshop will help you find more groundedness, balance, and freedom. Participants will be led in practices of yoga, writing, and walking meditation. All levels are welcome.
Growing Primroses in Your Midwest Woodland Garden
How To Grow Primroses in Your Midwest Woodland Garden with Karen Schellinger
Master Gardener With Thirty Years Primrose Growing Experience
During this three-hour course you will be introduced to primroses that can be grown in your midwest woodland garden We will also discuss companion plants and an explanation of conditions needed for successfully growing primroses for years to come. Given the right care primroses can be perennial plants in our midwestern gardens.
TimberNook - Tiny Ones: Little Blue Truck - Ages 1.5-4
Horn went beep, engine purred, friendliest sound you ever heard! Many young children love the story of the Little Blue truck. Today they get to bring the story to life in the great outdoors!
Intro to Birding, Saturday Series, with Jim Millard
Springtime is the time of migration and the largest variety of full plumage birds are most likely to be encountered. As we move into late spring / early summer, migrants have moved to their nesting grounds and pair off for the nesting period. Visual ID becomes much more difficult as the foliage often completely obscures birds, but their habits and audible clues still allow identification and enjoyment.
The Intro to Birding, Spring series will provide students the opportunity to move throughout the folk school property all Saturday mornings during the month of May. We will experience the changes in bird variety and behavior as springtime progresses.
Join us for our 2024 Workshop Series on May 29, from 7:30 - 9:30 am!
Join us for our 2024 Workshop Series on May 29, from 7:30 - 9:30 am!
Come to the workshop and discover the world of automata! You'll get the chance to create your very own butterfly automaton* (or automata, if you make more than one), a whimsical mechanical toy that moves with just a push or pull. This hands-on experience is perfect for all skill levels, so come join us for a fun and creative morning!
Shane will begin creating about 8:30am- so feel free to come anytime before then.
No registration is necessary!
See you there!
TimberNook - Tiny Ones: Painting - Ages 1.5-4
After a delightful tale of children unleashing their creativity. Young artists will undoubtedly feel inspired to pick up their brushes and let their imaginations run wild. Guided by the story’s playful spirit, you and your child will explore the magic of color and expression as you create your own outdoor masterpieces.
Timber Framing for FLINTA
The purpose of this course is to provide a supportive learning environment for those identifying as FLINTA to work with their hands, using traditional and modern tools to learn the craft of timber frame building.
Timber framing is the craft of joining wooden timbers together without the use of nails or metal fasteners. Timber frames are simple, strong, and elegant, and have stood for centuries around the world. In this class, students will learn the fundamentals of timber framing, from the use of hand and power tools to the layout and cutting of mortise and tenon joinery. On the final day of the class, students will work together to raise the frame and will go home with the knowledge and skills to continue their timber framing practice and build structures of their own.
TimberNook - Dynamic Forts & Food Frenzy - Ages 7-12
On this sensory adventure, kids will explore various activities. On the first day, they can choose to construct a sensory-rich fort deep in the TimberNook woods. They’ll have options like ladders, swings, hammocks, and other unique loose parts to personalize their fort. The second day amps up the excitement with an epic food fight, where kids can not only participate but also unleash their creativity by building their own food launchers for added fun.
TimberNook - Little Ducks - Ages 1.5-4
Today children find out the many things that can be done with one little duck as they play outdoors with water, floating ducks, tubes, and paint.
Playing with rubber ducks in the mediums of water and paint not only provides for great sensory feedback, but this experience also supports other developmental and learning objectives.
TimberNook - Wizard’s Lab - Ages 4-7
Children will step into the enchanting world of magic as they’re given the chance to experiment and concoct potions in a wizard’s laboratory. But no wizard’s lab would be complete without a hand-crafted wand! Join us for a mystical adventure where young wizards will unleash their creativity and imagination as they craft their very own magical wands.
TimberNook - Lord of the Rings - Ages 7-12
Transport your children into the fantastical realm of Middle Earth with our immersive outdoor adventure! Inspired by the epic tales of The Lord of the Rings, young adventurers will embark on a journey through mystical landscapes, encountering wonders and challenges at every turn. Channeling their inner heroes, they’ll have the opportunity to craft their own staffs, and wands, just like the legendary characters from the beloved saga.
TimberNook - Musical Adventures - Ages 4-7
Following a story, children will embark on a musical adventure, transforming ordinary objects into extraordinary instruments. With their creativity ignited, they’ll explore the magical world of sound, using everyday items to create melodies that resonate with imagination and joy. Join us as we unlock the music within, turning stories into melodies and imagination into harmony.
Join us for our 2024 Workshop Series on June 26, from 7:30 - 9:30 am!
Join us for Coffee, Craft and Conversation the last Wednesday of each month from 7:30 - 9:30 am. Enjoy speakers, demos, and make-and-take activities starting at 8:30 am. No registration required, drop in anytime between 7:30 - 9:30 am.
Pulp and Paper Making with Sophia Hotzler (Youth)
Pulp & Papermaking is a half day, entry level class where students will learn the basics of making paper pulp & explore the boundaries of pulp/paper as a medium. Along with learning the basics of making the tools, paper pulp & paper, students will explore coloring the pulp and be encouraged to make creative one-off paper art pieces. Materials such as thread, yarn, dried botanicals & various colored paper pulps will be provided for experimenting with. Students may bring their own exploration materials from home, as well. The paper made in class can go home with the teacher to be professionally dried in a paper drying box or students may bring their sheets home with them. Be aware that any paper that goes home day off will be slightly damp & will need to continue drying at home.
TimberNook - Tiny Ones: Musical Fun - Ages 1.5-4
Through this hands-on experience, young minds will discover the joy of making music while fostering creativity and innovation in the beautiful TimberNook forest. Join us and you can transform moments into melodies and ordinary objects into extraordinary instruments!
Pulp and Paper Making with Sophia Hotzler
Pulp & Papermaking is a full day, entry level class where students will learn the basics of making European style paper & explore the boundaries of pulp/paper as a medium. Students will be guided through the entire process of making pulp and learn how to make a basic mould and deckle, all with supplies that can be found easily at home or at local hardware store.
TimberNook - Star Wars Creature Cantina - Ages 4-7
Inspired by the iconic Star Wars cantina scene, young adventurers will have the thrilling opportunity to step into the shoes of their favorite characters from a galaxy far, far away. From Jedi knights to quirky aliens, every child will have the chance to embody their chosen character and immerse themselves in the magic of the Star Wars universe.
TimberNook - Star Wars Adventures - Ages 7-12
Over the course of three days, kids have the chance to create their own spaceports, hideouts, or Jedi temples using a range of construction materials. Additionally, they can craft their own lightsabers. If they wish, they can also hone their Jedi skills by practicing with training droids.
TimberNook - Muddy Chutes & Ladders - Ages 4-7
Children will have the exciting opportunity to explore tunnels, ropes, and ladders amidst the mud! They’ll navigate through the muddy terrain, conquering obstacles and forging their own paths. Join us for a muddy escapade where laughter echoes through the air and memories are made with every splash and squelch!
TimberNook - Muddy Extravaganza - Ages 7-12
Welcome to the ultimate mud extravaganza—an over-the-top adventure that promises to immerse you in a world of messy, muddy fun like never before!
TimberNook - Tiny Ones: Garden Play - Ages 1.5-4
Engage your little ones and yourselves in a delightful outdoor adventure. We embark on the journey of creating a garden with soil and seeds! Together you will discover the magic of planting and nurturing life from the ground up. With tiny hands and curious minds, we’ll dig into the earth, feeling the texture of soil between our fingers, and sow the seeds of wonder.
TimberNook - Wild Ones: Wild Mix - Ages 4-7
This four day adventure is an eclectic mix based on inspiring children’s books.
Building a Wood Fired Oven: Pizzas, Breads, and More
Join Avon Hills Folk School (AHFS) as they build their community wood-fired oven! This 5-day hands-on workshop will teach you the principles and basic techniques for building your own backyard (or community) brick oven while helping AHFS create the oven they need for big pizza parties and wood-fired breads classes.
Join us for our 2024 Workshop Series on July 31, from 7:30 - 9:30 am!
Join us for Coffee, Craft and Conversation the last Wednesday of each month from 7:30 - 9:30 am. Enjoy speakers, demos, and make-and-take activities starting at 8:30 am. No registration required, drop in anytime between 7:30 - 9:30 am.
TimberNook - Extreme Art: Catapult! - Ages 7-12
Amidst the serene backdrop of the woods, young Picassos are invited to wield their paintball catapults and launch vibrant splashes of color onto oversized canvases stretched out beneath the canopy. Each catapulted canvas becomes a symphony of creativity. This hands-on experience not only fosters a love for art but also encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and imaginative thinking. So, grab your goggles and let your little ones dive into a world where every splat sparks joy!
TimberNook - Painting With Pets - Ages 4-7
Among the trees of the TimberNook forest, children are encouraged to unleash their artistic talents alongside their furry friends. Armed with a palette of colors and an assortment of art supplies, young artist embark on an adventure of self-expression, guided by the whimsy of their stuffed animal companions.
TimberNook - Tiny Ones: Painting - Ages 1.5-4
After a delightful tale of children unleashing their creativity. Young artists will undoubtedly feel inspired to pick up their brushes and let their imaginations run wild. Guided by the story’s playful spirit, you and your child will explore the magic of color and expression as you create your own outdoor masterpieces.
TimberNook - Circus Fun! - Ages 4-7
Step right up and let your child’s imagination soar at our outdoor child-led imaginative play experience! Join us for a magical journey where kids become the ringmasters of their very own circus, with their beloved stuffed animal friends as the star performers. In this enchanting setting, children have the freedom to create, explore, and bring their wildest circus dreams to life. From daring acrobatics to hilarious clown antics, moments are filled with laughter and wonder. With a blend of creativity and adventure, our circus-themed play experience promises endless possibilities for your little ones. Come one, come all, and let the show begin!
Introduction to Timber Framing - August 14-18, 2024
August 14-18, 2024
9 am - 5 pm
Learn the traditional building technique of timber frame construction, which employs large timbers, mortise and tenon journey, wooden pegs, and few or no metal fasteners. If you’ve seen the Sugar Shack or Outdoor Pavilion at Avon Hills Folks School, then you know what we are talking about!
As a class, we will cut and assemble a small timber frame, which we will raise outdoors on the final day. You'll learn how to lay out and cut many types of joinery, using both traditional hand tools and professional power tools. We'll cover frame design, wood species, foundations and enclosures, tool sharpening, and much more. You'll leave the course with enough skills to tackle your own small project.
TimberNook - Tiny Ones: Box Play - Ages 1.5-4
Together you and your child will enter the the woods and embark on a journey of creativity and imagination inspired by the boundless possibilities of a simple cardboard box. After an inspiring story celebrating the endless potential of this humble material, unleash your imaginations. Navigate through tunnels, make rocket ships and castles, every box becomes a gateway to a world of adventure and exploration. Join us for a day of fun and creative discovery as we prove that with a little imagination, anything is possible!
TimberNook - Going Medieval - Ages 7-11
This three day Medieval Experience is full of Castles, Camps, Catapults, Games, Dragons, Gold and Feasts!
Children will have the opportunity to build, create, dress the part and generally live-out all things Medieval.
Fundamentals of Beekeeping 103 - August 24, 2024
August 24, 2024
1 pm - 5 pm
Class 3: Fundamentals of Beekeeping - Honey Harvesting
This class will help you understand the different options for honey harvesting, along with the pros and cons of each type. Information shared will also touch on how to determine when you're ready to harvest, terminology related to honey harvest in the beekeeping realm, and some basic recommended tools to make honey harvesting sweeter and smoother.
Join us for our 2024 Workshop Series on August 28, from 7:30 - 9:30 am!
Join us for Coffee, Craft and Conversation the last Wednesday of each month from 7:30 - 9:30 am. Enjoy speakers, demos, and make-and-take activities starting at 8:30 am. No registration required, drop in anytime between 7:30 - 9:30 am.
Artists and Makers Camp
Join Us for Artists and Makers Camp, Formeraly Known as Hand Camp
Our Annual Artists and Makers Camp for 2024 will be on September 20-22! Registration is not currently open.
This skill sharing event is a great experience for those wanting to learn new crafts and techniques. Every student will leave with their own handmade creations. Learn from our fantastic instructors who are all skilled artisans and craftspeople. You will walk away with an experience you will not soon forget!
Join us for our 2024 Workshop Series on September 25, from 7:30 - 9:30 am!
Join us for Coffee, Craft and Conversation the last Wednesday of each month from 7:30 - 9:30 am. Enjoy speakers, demos, and make-and-take activities starting at 8:30 am. No registration required, drop in anytime between 7:30 - 9:30 am.
Fundamentals of Beekeeping 104 - October 5, 2024
October 5, 2024
1 pm - 5 pm
Class 4: Fundamentals of Beekeeping - Wintering Hives
Gearing up for darker and colder days means it's time to wrap your hives and keep them cozy for the winter. This class will give you a basic understanding of some options for overwintering your hives, winter/early spring feeding, challenges that beekeepers face during the colder months in a northern climate, and commonly practiced alternatives to overwintering hives.
Artisan Bread Making - October 11-12, 2024
Friday and Saturday, October 11-12; Friday 6-8; Saturday 9-5pm
Whether you are a beginner, an experienced home baker or simply a bread lover, this two day course aims to take the fear out of artisan bread making.
We will be making 100% fresh ground Whole Wheat Bread (we will grind the wheat berries for the freshest flour), a French Style Country bread, Cranberry-Walnut loaf, Ciabatta and Focaccia Bread and Baguettes
This is a packed 8 hour workshop of fun with two hours of prep the first evening.
Join us for our 2024 Workshop Series on October 30, from 7:30 - 9:30 am!
Join us for Coffee, Craft and Conversation the last Wednesday of each month from 7:30 - 9:30 am. Enjoy speakers, demos, and make-and-take activities starting at 8:30 am. No registration required, drop in anytime between 7:30 - 9:30 am.
Join us for our 2024 Workshop Series on November 27, from 7:30 - 9:30 am!
Join us for Coffee, Craft and Conversation the last Wednesday of each month from 7:30 - 9:30 am. Enjoy speakers, demos, and make-and-take activities starting at 8:30 am. No registration required, drop in anytime between 7:30 - 9:30 am.
Fundamentals of Beekeeping 102 - April 27, 2024
April 27, 2024
1 pm - 5 pm
Course 2 in a four part series: Fundamentals of Beekeeping - Hive Maintenance
This course will take a deeper dive into common challenges throughout the season, going inside your hive and what to expect, the most common pests and diseases beekeepers come into contact with, along with some practices and folklore to help you better understand and connect with the bees you are guardians of.
Join us for our 2024 Workshop Series on April 24, from 7:30 - 9:30 am!
Join us for our 2024 Workshop Series on April 24, from 7:30 - 9:30 am!
Minnesota Master Naturalist Jeff Velline will share his newly found birding hobby and the magic he has discovered in his own back yard and beyond. During the Pandemic, starting with just one persistent chickadee, Jeff discovered his new passion for watching and photographing birds. That one chickadee led to hundreds of birds around the state of Minnesota and ultimately from coast to coast. Come learn fun and simple birding & amateur photography tips, and how everyday can be an Easter egg hunt for you too!
No registration is necessary!
See you there!
First Annual Avon Hills Maple Syrup Tasting, Waffle Feed and Social
Join us at Milk & Honey Ciders April 21 from 9am-12pm for our First Annual Avon Hills Maple Syrup Tasting, Waffle Feed and Social.
Please ensure that syrup from the Avon Hills is delivered by 10am; a half pint will suffice.
TimberNook - Earth Day Open House - All Ages
Join us for a special Earth Day celebration at TimberNook’s Open House!
Dive into the wonders of nature with us as we explore the outdoors. Our nature-based programs encourage creativity, teamwork, and a deep connection to the natural world. From building sustainable structures to creating art with found materials, your child will discover the beauty and importance of our planet. Come experience the magic of TimberNook this Earth Day and help us cultivate a love for nature that lasts a lifetime! Register now for our Open House and let’s celebrate Earth Day together!
TimberNook - Earth Day Open House - All Ages
Join us for a special Earth Day celebration at TimberNook’s Open House!
Dive into the wonders of nature with us as we explore the outdoors. Our nature-based programs encourage creativity, teamwork, and a deep connection to the natural world. From building sustainable structures to creating art with found materials, your child will discover the beauty and importance of our planet. Come experience the magic of TimberNook this Earth Day and help us cultivate a love for nature that lasts a lifetime! Register now for our Open House and let’s celebrate Earth Day together!
Northwoods Canoe Paddle: Build Your own w/ Zach Fritz - April 20, 2024
This engaging class dives into the interesting history of traditional one piece canoe paddles throughout Minnesota and beyond. Learn about the different styles of paddles, their functions before designing and building your own!
Glass Mosaic Mandalas
Discover the art of mosaic with artist, Laura Ruprecht. You will create your own Mosaic Mandala wall hanging in this hands-on workshop. We will use hand-cut stained glass and glass tesserae to design a radial pattern on a 10-inch wooden backer. Laura's guidance ensures a unique and captivating result all at a beginner-level pace. Upon completion, you will receive a grout kit to finish your masterpiece at home, blending creativity and personal expression in this concise and immersive mosaic art experience.
Flander’s Vases- Build your own Bud Vases - April 6, 2024
April 6, 2024
9a - 12p
Create your own unique bud vases in this fun class. Students will experience the creativity of working with pliable clay slabs which can be stamped or incised with decorative accents. The slabs are then formed into cylinders and finished off with a circular or oval slab for the base.
2024 Maple Syrup Experiences
Gather your family and/or your friends group and join us at the Avon Hills Folk School for the annual rite of going to the woods to make maple syrup and continue the tradition of Sugar Camp begun by the native peoples inhabiting present day Minnesota and Ontario east nearly to the Atlantic Ocean.
You’ll have the opportunity to see our Sugar Bush, experience the woods and water of the Avon Hills as it begins to slowly come alive after a long winter. You can try your hand at tapping some trees, emptying some bags, watching the sap boil and trying some “not quite syrup” out of the pan.
2024 Maple Syrup Experiences
Gather your family and/or your friends group and join us at the Avon Hills Folk School for the annual rite of going to the woods to make maple syrup and continue the tradition of Sugar Camp begun by the native peoples inhabiting present day Minnesota and Ontario east nearly to the Atlantic Ocean.
You’ll have the opportunity to see our Sugar Bush, experience the woods and water of the Avon Hills as it begins to slowly come alive after a long winter. You can try your hand at tapping some trees, emptying some bags, watching the sap boil and trying some “not quite syrup” out of the pan.
2024 Maple Syrup Experiences
Gather your family and/or your friends group and join us at the Avon Hills Folk School for the annual rite of going to the woods to make maple syrup and continue the tradition of Sugar Camp begun by the native peoples inhabiting present day Minnesota and Ontario east nearly to the Atlantic Ocean.
You’ll have the opportunity to see our Sugar Bush, experience the woods and water of the Avon Hills as it begins to slowly come alive after a long winter. You can try your hand at tapping some trees, emptying some bags, watching the sap boil and trying some “not quite syrup” out of the pan.
Workshop Series
Join us for Coffee, Craft and Conversation the last Wednesday of each month from 7:30 - 9:30 am. Enjoy speakers, demos, and make-and-take activities starting at 8:30 am. No registration required, drop in anytime between 7:30 - 9:30 am.
2024 Maple Syrup Experiences
Gather your family and/or your friends group and join us at the Avon Hills Folk School for the annual rite of going to the woods to make maple syrup and continue the tradition of Sugar Camp begun by the native peoples inhabiting present day Minnesota and Ontario east nearly to the Atlantic Ocean.
You’ll have the opportunity to see our Sugar Bush, experience the woods and water of the Avon Hills as it begins to slowly come alive after a long winter. You can try your hand at tapping some trees, emptying some bags, watching the sap boil and trying some “not quite syrup” out of the pan.
2024 Maple Syrup Experiences
Gather your family and/or your friends group and join us at the Avon Hills Folk School for the annual rite of going to the woods to make maple syrup and continue the tradition of Sugar Camp begun by the native peoples inhabiting present day Minnesota and Ontario east nearly to the Atlantic Ocean.
You’ll have the opportunity to see our Sugar Bush, experience the woods and water of the Avon Hills as it begins to slowly come alive after a long winter. You can try your hand at tapping some trees, emptying some bags, watching the sap boil and trying some “not quite syrup” out of the pan.
2024 Maple Syrup Experiences
Gather your family and/or your friends group and join us at the Avon Hills Folk School for the annual rite of going to the woods to make maple syrup and continue the tradition of Sugar Camp begun by the native peoples inhabiting present day Minnesota and Ontario east nearly to the Atlantic Ocean.
You’ll have the opportunity to see our Sugar Bush, experience the woods and water of the Avon Hills as it begins to slowly come alive after a long winter. You can try your hand at tapping some trees, emptying some bags, watching the sap boil and trying some “not quite syrup” out of the pan.
2024 Maple Syrup Experiences
Gather your family and/or your friends group and join us at the Avon Hills Folk School for the annual rite of going to the woods to make maple syrup and continue the tradition of Sugar Camp begun by the native peoples inhabiting present day Minnesota and Ontario east nearly to the Atlantic Ocean.
You’ll have the opportunity to see our Sugar Bush, experience the woods and water of the Avon Hills as it begins to slowly come alive after a long winter. You can try your hand at tapping some trees, emptying some bags, watching the sap boil and trying some “not quite syrup” out of the pan.
Fundamentals of Beekeeping 101 - March 16, 2024
March 16, 2024
1p-5p
This class will share the fundamentals of beekeeping for those that would like to begin their journey into bee guardianship!
You will learn the basics including the biology of the honey bee, hive dynamics, what equipment is needed to get started, recommendations on where to buy equipment, different hive styles, placement of hives on the land and the step by step process of setting up your first hive.
2024 Maple Syrup Experiences
Gather your family and/or your friends group and join us at the Avon Hills Folk School for the annual rite of going to the woods to make maple syrup and continue the tradition of Sugar Camp begun by the native peoples inhabiting present day Minnesota and Ontario east nearly to the Atlantic Ocean.
You’ll have the opportunity to see our Sugar Bush, experience the woods and water of the Avon Hills as it begins to slowly come alive after a long winter. You can try your hand at tapping some trees, emptying some bags, watching the sap boil and trying some “not quite syrup” out of the pan.
Needle Felting: 3D Fly Agaric Mushroom on a base - March 16, 2024
Students will expand upon previous felting experience and learn how to create an object with wire armature. You will learn the use of additional needles to create fine details on the mushroom. We will also cover the mounting of the mushroom on wood and then use additional fibers to create a realistic looking base for the mushroom to “grow from”.
Artisan Bread Making - March 15-16, 2024
Friday, March 15, 2024 6:00pm-8:00pm
Saturday, March 16, 2024 9:00am-5:00pm
Whether you are a beginner, an experienced home baker or simply a bread lover, this two day course aims to take the fear out of artisan bread making.
We will be making 100% fresh ground Whole Wheat Bread (we will grind the wheat berries for the freshest flour), a French Style Country bread, Cranberry-Walnut loaf, Ciabatta and Focaccia Bread and Baguettes
This is a packed 8 hour workshop of fun with two hours of prep the first evening.
2024 Maple Syrup Experiences
Gather your family and/or your friends group and join us at the Avon Hills Folk School for the annual rite of going to the woods to make maple syrup and continue the tradition of Sugar Camp begun by the native peoples inhabiting present day Minnesota and Ontario east nearly to the Atlantic Ocean.
You’ll have the opportunity to see our Sugar Bush, experience the woods and water of the Avon Hills as it begins to slowly come alive after a long winter. You can try your hand at tapping some trees, emptying some bags, watching the sap boil and trying some “not quite syrup” out of the pan.
2024 Maple Syrup Experiences
Gather your family and/or your friends group and join us at the Avon Hills Folk School for the annual rite of going to the woods to make maple syrup and continue the tradition of Sugar Camp begun by the native peoples inhabiting present day Minnesota and Ontario east nearly to the Atlantic Ocean.
You’ll have the opportunity to see our Sugar Bush, experience the woods and water of the Avon Hills as it begins to slowly come alive after a long winter. You can try your hand at tapping some trees, emptying some bags, watching the sap boil and trying some “not quite syrup” out of the pan.
2024 Maple Syrup Experiences
Gather your family and/or your friends group and join us at the Avon Hills Folk School for the annual rite of going to the woods to make maple syrup and continue the tradition of Sugar Camp begun by the native peoples inhabiting present day Minnesota and Ontario east nearly to the Atlantic Ocean.
You’ll have the opportunity to see our Sugar Bush, experience the woods and water of the Avon Hills as it begins to slowly come alive after a long winter. You can try your hand at tapping some trees, emptying some bags, watching the sap boil and trying some “not quite syrup” out of the pan.
Ceramic Luminaries: Create Your Own - March 9, 2024
March 9, 2024
9 am - 11:30 am
Create your own luminaries in this fun class. Students will work with pliable clay slabs which can be incised with decorative accents. Then formed into cylinders and finished off with a circular slab for the base.
Time and materials will allow for students to make two luminaries. Lots of flexibility for design, since we are working with wet clay.
Making the Upper Peninsula Pasty - March 2, 2024
March 2, 2024
1 pm - 5 pm
The savory, meat and vegetable-filled pasty has served as a hearty meal for more than 150 years in Michigan's Upper Peninsula (UP) where the simple but hunger-satisfying meal has become a significant part of the region's cultural identity. “Invented” by Cornish settlers who came to work in the region's iron and copper mines, the hand-held meat pie was an easy meal to transport and eat deep in the mines.
Today you can find pasties across the UP, buying them singly or by the “cooler full” which could be up to 99 pasties. Also popular across the Iron Range of northern MN, our instructor will share that the UP Pasty is the best.
In this course you’ll learn a bit more about the history, the “proper” way to make a UP Pasty and you’ll get to prepare your own start to finish. Beginning with the raw materials, making the dough and taking home up to 12 pasties of your own.
Needle Felting: 2D Bee Design throw pillow - March 2, 2024
March 2, 2024
8 am - 4 pm
Learn how to transfer an image onto fabric. Once the image is transferred, learn the correct needles to use to attach wool to the fabric, filling in the outlines of the design with colored wool. Students will also blend fibers together to achieve texture and sew into a pillow and fill to create a small throw pillow.
Workshop Series
Join us for Coffee, Craft and Conversation the last Wednesday of each month from 7:30 - 9:30 am. Enjoy speakers, demos, and make-and-take activities starting at 8:30 am. No registration required, drop in anytime between 7:30 - 9:30 am.
On February 28th, hear from AHFS team member Zach Fritz about his epic canoeing adventures from the Quetico to the Arctic Ocean, and learn about his upcoming journey from Big Falls, MN to the Arctic Ocean. Don't miss it!
Needle Felting: 3D Owlet - February 25, 2024
February 25, 2024
9 am - 2 pm
Learn how to use core wool to wrap a desired shape onto an object. In this course we'll create the shape of an owlet onto a pencil. After the shape has been made, learn how to layer roving wool to create the look of feathers. You will also learn to insert eyes and wire wrapped legs for our little owlet.
Intro to Pysanky (Ukrainian Easter Eggs) - February 24, 2024
February 24, 2024
9 am - 5 pm
While often identified with the Ukraine, Pysanky (Ukrainian-style wax resist egg decorating) are a traditional folk art practiced throughout Eastern and northeastern Europe. Traditional designs used on the eggs are thousands of years old.
This class will lead participants through the wonderful world of egg writing or "Pysanky" for Easter and beyond. This craft creates beautifully detailed decorated eggs that are fun for the entire family to make and can be a new tradition as it is with instructor, Carol Lane Fortier.
Pruning Back Yard Apple Trees w/ Peter Gillitzer from Milk and Honey Ciders - February 17, 2024
Regular and proper pruning of fruit trees, specifically apples in this case, can contribute to a healthier and much more productive tree over its lifespan.
Students can expect to learn the basics of regular pruning of your apple trees, especially those that may have not received regular pruning for many years. You should be able to return to your apple trees and give them that first good “haircut” in years.