2027-03-13 - Learn Kolrosing through Viking, Celtic and Sámi Designs
Class Details
- Schedule: March 13-14 (9:00-5:00 pm CT)
- Location: This is an in-person class held at Vesterheim Folk Art School.
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Instructor: Darlene Fossum-Martin
- Level of Instruction: Beginner Friendly
Description
Explore the age-old folk art kolrosing (coal-rose-ing), also called kolskurd (coal-skerd), decorative fine-line incising on wood in the Norwegian tradition. Kolrosing, often used on utilitarian objects like spoons, bowls, cups, and small boxes, consisting of one cut with the tip of a sharp tool, rubbed with a colorant such as ground tree bark or coffee grounds, then oiled to enhance the design.
You will have a choice of designs, such as simple borders; Viking motifs; geometric lines of the Sámi; or flower, leaf, and vine forms like those in rosemaling. Or, choose your own design.
Class will begin with a short history of kolrosing along with a presentation of pieces decorated with kolrosing from Vesterheim's collection and from museums throughout Norway.
There will be instruction on making suitable wood choices and how to prepare the wood surface. Darlene will demonstrate the basics of kolrosing's incising techniques – both straight and curved lines, cross hatching, and shading with the stippling technique. She'll also show how to use micro tools.
Supplies
A supply list will be sent closer to the start of class.
There will be a $30 fee for woodenware, paid directly to the instructor.
Enrollment Deadline
February 19, 2026
Woodcarving classes supported by a generous gift to the Vesterheim Annual Fundfrom the Eric and Joan Norgaard Charitable Trust.
Figure carving and kolrosing classes supported in part by generous gifts
to the Vesterheim Annual Fund in Memory of Harley Refsal.