Elements of Craft

In this episode, hear master boatbuilders talk about their craft and the materials they build their vessels with. Find out why certain types of wood are preferred for certain parts of a boat, and get to know the basics of celestial navigation. Featured crafters: Josh Tolkan, Josh Swan, Mark Hansen, Mark Gordon

The shores of Lake Superior are well known for being shaped by both sharp cliffs and countless rocky beaches, covered in smooth stones and if you're lucky, precious agates. Listen to find out about the region's geology, and what kind of things can be made from these rocks, from tools to jewelry. Featured crafters: Robert Keiper, Beth Carter Gautsch, Jim Miller, Michael Seiler

Cedar is a wood that comes in many colors and species, and is used to make beautiful carvings, canoes, and more. Learn more about this sought after wood in this piece from some master craftspeople. Featured crafters: Eric and Dana Mase, Jay Haavik, Ken Koscik

We've looked at iron in a previous episode, but there are so many other metals with their own unique properties and purposes. Learn about the strengths and weaknesses of copper, bronze, tin, and silver in this episode, and what can be made from each metal. Featuring: Karl Schmidt, Michael Seiler, Todd Hawkinson, Doug Swenson

The North Woods of Minnesota and Wisconsin are bountiful with all sorts of plants with medicinal properties, but it takes an expert eye and a wealth of knowledge to know which plant can be used for what, and how to prepare it. Explore the world of herbal medicine in this piece. Featured crafters: Gigi Stafne, Monarda Thrasher

Rosemaling is a traditional style of painting from Scandinavia, used in decorating everyday objects with patterns of flowers and curves. Learn about the history of the art and how different areas created different styles. Featured crafters: Kim Garrett, Mary Schliep, and Tara Austin

Leather can be a very dynamic, durable and versatile material. Explore how these three skilled women use it to make long-lasting shoes, bags, and more. Featured crafters: Candace Lacosse, Beth Dow, Molly Grant

This episode takes a look at willow and how it's harvested both in the wild and as a cultivated plant before being woven into baskets or furniture. Featured crafters: Emily Dierke, Lindsay Lee

In this jam-packed episode, you'll hear about edible plants and foods you can find in your local environment. Hear about traditional Viking foods, methods of harvesting wild rice, and how to forage for mushrooms. Featured crafters: Daniel Serra, Eric Edgin, Michael Karns, Lisa Golden

Black ash is a versatile wood with unique properties and found in Northern Minnesota. Listen to how it's harvested and what makes this tree so special for use in a variety of crafts. Featured crafters: Ian Andrus, April Stone

Baking classes are a cornerstone of North House Folk School. Hear some experienced instructors talk about what the art of baking means to them, starting with raw grain and ending with delicious bread. Featured crafters: Erin Swenson-Klatt, Amy James, Caleb Mattison

Wool is an incredible substance and crafting material made by some of our fluffiest animal friends. Explore how it gets sheared from the sheep and turned into felt and dyed with natural substances. Featured crafters: Elise Kyllo, Theresa Hornstien, Mary Reichert, Heidi Quist

In this episode, we learn about the different types of trees that grow in Northern Minnesota, and how they've been used to build structures for generations. Also features a look inside Hedstrom Lumber Co. in Grand Marais, MN. Featured crafters: Peter Henrikson, Tom Healy, Trond Oalann, Tina Hegg-Raway

In this episode of Elements, learn about blacksmithing and the process of creating steel out of iron, including ancient practices using ore from Northern Minnesota Featured crafters: Robert Burns, Wayne Potratz, Cody Myers

In this episode, listen to the great sounds of how birch bark is sustainably harvested from trees, and what items can be crafted from it - from canoes to baskets. Featured crafters: Beth Homa, Lindy Lind, John Zasada, Jarrod Dahl

In this intro to the series, we hear about the mission of North House Folk School and the nature of material craft. Why do people want to make things from the natural materials around them, and why is that important today? Featured crafters: Jessa Frost, Mark Hansen, Philip Odden, Harley Refsal