2026-04-17 - Carving the Kveik Ring, a Tool for Traditional Norwegian Beer Brewing
Class Details
- Schedule: April 17-19 (9:00 am-5:00 pm CT)
- Location: This is an in-person class held at Vesterheim Folk Art School.
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Instructor: Fred Livesay
- Level of Instruction: Intermediate to Advanced
Description
Distilling was a regulated business in Scandinavian countries. But beer was commonly brewed and drunk from ale bowls on farms and estates for special occasions such as weddings, holidays, and commemorations. A critical brewing tool was the kveik kranz, or yeast wreath, which had an impressive amount of surface area for capturing the yeast. Good yeast was necessary for consistent tasting beer from batch to batch. From the Middle Ages, Scandinavian people crafted wooden yeast rings to replace earlier types of rings made from braided straw, bark, and twigs.
During this intensive three day course you will craft a yeast ring from wood. Students will refine their understanding of joinery and gain skills including sharpening, layout, knife skills, and simple mortise and tenon work. They'll also gain a knowledge of wood grain and its expansion and contraction. Students will leave class with a yeast ring fit for a homebrewer or an eye-catching decoration.
Supplies
- Mora Knive 106 or 120
- 4mm or 3/16 Chisel
- Fine tooth backsaw
- No. 2 pencils
- Small square
- Block Plane
There will be a $50 materials fee paid directly to the instructor.
Enrollment Deadline
March 27, 2026
Woodcarving classes are supported by a generous gift to the Vesterheim Annual Fund from the Eric and Joan Norgaard Charitable Trust
Learn about Scholarships and Discounts.
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