UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

The Porcupine Mountains Folk School will host several workshops throughout 2010. Most classes have a limited number of spaces. Registrations and fee payments are accepted by calling
906-884-4188. All workshops are held at the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park of Michigan in the Folk School Building which is located near the Union Bay Campground.

Please note that in addition to the class fee, a Michigan State Park motor vehicle permit (MVP) will be collected during the class period. More information about the permits can be found below.

To enroll please call 906-884-4188 or e-mail us, .

Please call 906-884-4188 for more information
Please call to pre-register for classes
Pre-payment is required

2010 Winter/Spring Class Schedule

Pre-payment and registration are required
Please call 906-884-4188

• Crocheting 2010 with Sherry Havela •

There are 4 dates:
Friday, January 15, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (ET)
Saturday, February, 6, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (ET)
Friday, February 26, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (ET)
Saturday, March 20, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (ET)
Cost: $30 is a one-time fee for one or all 4 sessions of any combination of crocheting &/or knitting classes. The classes will run concurrently. Students may work in either or both classes.

Minimum number of students: 6 total for the combined crocheting and knitting classes. (No maximum)

The Crochet Class welcomes all skill levels, from beginners to advanced. A simple scarf pattern and a limited supply of yarn and hooks will be available for practice. You may bring a project of your own choice. Come and enjoy 3 hours of uninterrupted time with friends.

We will discuss the latest in yarns and tools, places to obtain materials, and the history of crocheting.

If you wish to use the pattern provided, or you have questions, please contact the Instructor who will advise you about materials. Sherry Havela, 906-575-3319.

Please register for class(es) by January 11, 2010, even if you can't attend the first one. It will be helpful if you indicate what classes you MAY attend. It's OK if you are not sure. It is important for us to know that we will have at least a total of 6 students in the combined Crocheting and Knitting Classes. If not, the classes will be canceled. 

• Winter Knitting 2010 with Sarah Wagner and Karen Berg •

There are 4 dates:
Friday, January 15, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (ET)
Saturday, February, 6, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (ET)
Friday, February 26, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (ET)
Saturday, March 20, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (ET)
Cost: $30 is a one-time fee for one or all 4 sessions of any combination of crocheting &/or knitting classes. The classes will run concurrently. Students may work in either or both classes.

Minimum number of students: 6 total for the combined crocheting and knitting classes. (No maximum)

The Winter Knitting Class welcomes beginners and experienced knitters alike. The informal 3-hour sessions are designed so that you may come and go as you wish. Beginners will be taught to cast on stitches and will learn the knit and pearl stitches. There will be a limited supply of yarn and needles available to practice with. You may choose to knit the scarf pattern we will provide. For that you will need 132 yards of super bulky yarn and size 17 needles. Whether you are a beginner or experienced knitter you are welcome to bring a project of your choice. Come and enjoy 3 hours of uninterrupted knitting time with friends.

We will discuss the latest in yarns and tools, places to obtain supplies, and the history of knitting.

Contact Persons: Sarah Wagner 906-884-2630
Karen Berg 906-884-4340

Please register for class(es) by January 11, 2010, even if you cannot attend the first class. It will be helpful if you indicate the classes you MAY attend. It's OK if you are not sure. It is important for us to know that we will have at least 6 students in the combined Knitting and Crocheting Classes. If not, the classes will be canceled.

• Making an Apron with Edna Harbison Yonker •

Time: Sunday, January 24, 2010 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $25 plus approximately $15 for materials

Minimum number of students: 6; maximum 12

You may choose to sew a plain or striped canvas Bar-B-Q type apron or a Vintage style apron. All sewing is straight...no fancy stitching...no experience necessary.

Materials needed: Each student will need a sewing machine, fabric (no stretchy type) and thread. For the Bar-B-Q Apron you will need 1 1/2 yards of medium weight cotton fabric and a spool of matching thread. For the Vintage Apron you will need 1 yard of cotton fabric plus 1/2 yard of coordinating fabric and matching thread. If you need to borrow a machine or have questions about materials call Edna 906-884-4713 (H) or 906-884-2279 (W).

Edna's website shows some of her aprons: www.nonesuchgallery.com.

• Snowshoeing Hike with Bob Wild •

Time: Saturday, February 6, 2010 at 1:00 p.m.
Cost: Free

Bob Wild will lead a Snowshoe Hike. He will provide snowshoes. He will meet you at the Whitetail Cabin parking lot, just a short distance beyond the turn-off to the Ski Hill. Please register for the class by February 1 so that he will know how many pairs of snowshoes are needed. Of course you may bring your own snowshoes if you have them. You are welcome to take the Hike whether or not you are attending a Folk School class.

• Practical and Decorative Rope Work with Jared Smith •

Time: Saturday, February 20, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $10 (No materials cost)

Minimum number of students: 5
Maximum: 20

Students will become familiar with rope and cordage. They will be instructed in basic and decorative KNOTS as well as splicing and rope whippings. For registration call Beth at the EDC Office at 906-884-4188.

• Ukranian Egg Decorating Class with Jody Maloney and Jim Michie •

Time: Saturday, March 13, 2010 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $10 + $20 for Materials (Materials fee includes a basic kit of delrin kitsky, dyes and beeswax.)

Minimum number of students: 5 registered students by February 18, 2010
Maximum: Any number

Learn the basics of creating Ukranian Eggs (Pysanky) for hobby or fun. The class will teach you about basic materials, dyeing techniques, using kitska, designing an egg and more. For registration call Beth at the EDC Office at 906-884-4188.

• Wooden Spoon Carving with Jarrod Stone Dahl •

Time: Saturday, April 17, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (ET)
Cost: $34

Minimum number of students: 6
Maximum: 7

Students will learn how to choose appropriate wood for spoon carving, what tools to use, and how to care for wooden ware. They will learn the proper wood grain orientation which follows the Swedish design for spoons. Jarrod will offer ideas for decorating the spoons.

Materials: Students will purchase a spoon blank from Jarrod at class for $15. All other materials will be provided.

• Above Ground Container Gardening with Carol Huntoon and Sherrie McCabe •

Time: Saturday, April 24, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon (ET)
Cost: $8 plus $12 for materials

Learn to garden without a plot...garden made easy. Plant you seeds in containers/buckets, and move your garden to suit the sun and the weather. Be eco-friendly be saving soil (from year to year) and using recycled materials to make a "funnel bucket" to take home with you. In addition, you will receive written instructions.

Any number of students are welcome. 

• Bead Making (Lampworking) with Sherrie McCabe •

Time: Saturday & Sunday, May 15 & 16, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
One hour for lunch; bring your own. Water, tea and coffee will be available.
Cost: $85 plus $30 for materials

Minimum number of students: 6
Maximum: 7

Students will be provided detailed instruction in the safe operation of a torch and the traditional Italian methods used to melt glass and manipulate it to produce glass beads. You will use glass rods in a variety of colors to create designs and patterns. Techniques such as centering, shaping, applying dots and stripes, raking, feathering, and plunging will be demonstrated and practiced. There will also be an introduction to sculptural beads.

Because the class could have a combination of beginning and more advanced students, Sherrie will begin by introducing the basics but is happy to add advanced techniques such as hollow beads and making murinni canes for those who have previously taken the class.

Special Note: When you  register and pay at the EDC (906-884-4188) please give your name, address, phone number, and email address. The Instructor, Sherry, will send you specific information about preparations for the first day.

What To Bring:

Winter: In the winter, come dressed and prepared for lake-effect snows! Our building is quite warm, but you may want to get out and enjoy the fresh air. (Winter interpretive programs) We recommend bringing boots, a warm coat, a hat, gloves/mittens, and a scarf. You may want to think about bringing cross-country skis or snowshoes to enjoy an afternoon hike or lantern light skiing on Saturdays from 7 to 9 p.m.

Summer: Please bring your favorite folding chair, bug dope, sunscreen, sunglasses, an extra layer of clothing, and a rain jacket. There are lots of things to see and do in the park after hours; it stays light until about 9:30 p.m. (Interpretive programs) The Porcupine Mountains Folk School site is quite close to Lake Superior, so be prepared for cool mornings.

What to bring in all seasons: We also ask that you bring a bag lunch or some money to purchase lunch from one of the local eateries. We will provide menus, phone numbers, and driving directions for each. All locations are within 5-15 minutes of the Folk School. Meals are quite affordable ($5-$15), and some of the restaurants will deliver. We have a refrigerator to store lunches and beverages. Bottled water, coffee, tea, and a variety of sodas will be available throughout the day. In addition to these items, some workshops require other materials. Please check the details below. If needed, bring personal safety equipment (eye protection, hard hat, gloves). We will have some of these items if you do not bring them, but please bring gloves. You will be attending class in a Michigan state park; a motor vehicle permit will be required. They can be purchased at the park office or campground. No smoking please.

MOTOR VEHICLE PERMITS (MVP)

Annual Motor Vehicle Permits give each vehicle’s occupants access to any of the 97 state parks throughout 2010 except the three Mackinac Island Historic State Parks. All vehicles registered in Michigan will qualify for a resident MVP. As part of your Folk School fee, you can choose to pay for an MVP when you register for a workshop if you do not already have a sticker. We can have the stickers (except Senior Annuals*) available for you upon your arrival to your workshop. Alternatively, you may purchase your MVP sticker on-line at the DNR E-Store. You may also call 517-373-9900 with a valid credit card and order your annual sticker by mail.

Here is a complete breakdown of the permit pricing:
Annual Resident: $24
Annual Non-Resident: $29
Daily Resident: $6
Daily Non-Resident: $8
Senior Annual*: $6
Towed Vehicle: $6
Commercial Coach Daily: $15

*In order to qualify for a Senior Annual permit, the individual must be over the age of 65 and must have a car registered in Michigan to establish residence. You must present documents indicating proof of age (such as a driver’s license) and vehicle registration when purchasing a Senior MVP. Parks will sell a Senior MVP when the names on these documents are the same. The Senior MVP immediately must be installed on the vehicle. These permits are not available by mail.

To reach us at the Folk School call 906-884-4188.

The Porcupine Mountains Folk School is sponsored in cooperation with the Porcupine Mountains State Park and the Friends of the Porkies, whose mission is to promote and enhance the use of the Porkies. The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural resources for current and future generations.