2025-11-08 – Making a Distaff (In-Person)
Schedule:
November 8-9 (9:00-5:00 pm CT)
Instructor:
Fred Livesay and Alex Clarke
Location:
This is an in-person class held at Vesterheim Folk Art School.
To all spinners, weavers, and textile artists who are curious about carving wood, we have the class for you! And to anyone who wants to learn the basics of wood design, this is a great class to begin!
There is evidence of the long history of use of distaffs in the folklore and traditions of Nordic people – there is even a St. Distaff’s Day. A distaff is a tool, traditionally a staff or stick, used in hand spinning to hold fibers like flax, wool, or hemp, keeping them readily available for the spinner. Distaffs are pillars of creativity and form, variety and whimsy, each unique and reflective of its maker.
This class will start by viewing the distaffs in Vesterheim’s collections. Then we will practice carving by copying historic distaff designs while learning kroting (carving through painted surfaces) and basic chip carving using a knife. Students will then be able to design and carve their own distaffs, blending traditional designs with their own innovations. Students can expect to complete one, or possibly two, distaffs in class and go home with new carving skills!
Level of Instruction:
Beginner to advanced (all skill levels)
Materials & Supplies:
There will be a $35 fee paid directly to the instructor for the materials that they provide.
Students are responsible for bringing the following tools, some of which may be available for purchase at the Museum Store.
Required tools:
- Ruler
- Pencils (Mechanical or wood)
- Mora Knife with long or short blade
Optional Tools:
- Fine back saw
- Low angle block plane
- Small tri-square or square
- Your own sharpening stones
- Your own strop
Enrollment Deadline:
October 18, 2025
Click here to learn more about instructor Fred Livesay.
Click here to learn more about instructor Alex Clarke.
This program is supported in part by the Reverend Glenn and Mary Borreson Endowment for Woodworking Education.
Woodcarving classes are supported by a generous gift to the Vesterheim Annual Fund from the Eric and Joan Norgaard Charitable Trust.