A one-day workshop that will cover the construction techniques and hands-on building of several styles of split rail cedar fences common to this area.
July 13
A two-hour walk in the woods, discovering the medicinal plants growing all around us. What most people consider weeds are often powerful medicines growing in plain sight. Learn how to identify and safely use this natural medicine chest. A discussion of Lyme disease and tick borne infections and treatment will be part of the walk.
July 14
A two-day workshop exploring the captured hues unique to our local landscape, reflective of particular soil types, weather conditions, time of year and a myriad of other factors. Learn how to select, scour and mordant protein-based yarn; identify local dye plants; harvest sustainably; prepare a dyebath; and modify dyebaths to achieve colour variations.
July 20 & 21
A 6-day course where you will gain the confidence and skills to build your own timber frame structure. Learn traditional mortise and tenon joinery, layout and cutting procedures, assembly procedures, proper use of hand and power tools, and safe raising/rigging techniques. Students apply theoretical and practical skills while working together, learning time-honoured basic timber framing principles.
August 5-10
A one-day workshop where you will learn two different garlic braiding styles and hear about the history, cultivation, varieties, storage and medicinal value of this pungent bulb. Traditionally, garlic was braided as a space saving, practical way to dry and prepare it for long term storage. These braids, especially when decorated with flowers, become beautiful accent pieces in our kitchens and constant reminder of the summer’s bounty and colours.
August 17
A one-day workshop where you will learn to make pickled cucumbers (infamously known as Dawn’s Delicious Dills, circa 1978), pickled green beans, and canned tomato sauce. We’ll spend a brief time in the garden harvesting and the rest of the day in the kitchen, learning the age-old practices of pickling and canning. This is a wonderful way to extend the bounty and flavours of our short growing season here in Eastern Ontario.
August 18
A one-day introductory workshop in stone carving. Participants will carve an ornamental floral motif in limestone using traditional hand tools and methods. They will learn how to prepare the stone’s surface, set out and draw an ornamental design, practice various hand-carving techniques and explore finishing details.
September 8
A one-day workshop covering a wide range of powerful natural treatments to keep your family and community healthy – from hydrotherapy to fever management. You will learn homeopathic remedies, the uses of healing plants, treatments for infections, injuries, fractures, concussions, burns, bladder infections, poison ivy and much more. Participants will also make a healing salve to take home with them.
September 14
A half-day workshop which aims to extend your garden harvest and expand your seasonal palate through vegetable fermentation. Explore the basics of lacto-fermentation while mixing locally grown vegetables and herbs to create interesting condiments. Fermentation boosts the nutrient value of food. The cultured bacteria act to allow more absorption of minerals into our bodies, while also producing vitamins and enzymes that benefit our digestion.
September 22
Two different one-day workshops. Both are suitable for beginners and more advanced felters.
Forming 3-Dimensional Wet Felted Objects
June 9, October 28, October 30
Designing & Making Wet Felted Fabric
May 5, May 11, October 22
A two-day workshop offering participants the chance to make either a round basket or a large bird feeder. You will learn basic, traditional weaving techniques – weaving a round base with twining, staking up, creating a border design and adding an optional handle (or two). Those who have experience will be able to explore and practice more advanced techniques including ropecoil, fitching, and slewing.
October 24 & 25
October 26 & 27
A 3-day course on making a fully functional ulu and learning about the history of this tool in Inuit culture. An ulu is a all-purpose, traditional Inuit tool used for cutting a wide variety of objects – from skinning animals, to trimming blocks of ice, to general kitchen chopping. Students will have the chance to choose their own blade and handle style and learn about the origins of these different designs.
This course will be scheduled again for Summer 2020