a picture of the slide closure bracelet. This is similar to the bracelet students learn how to make in classes at North House Folk School and American Swedish Institute
WORKSHOP DATES:
• October 26-29, 2023 (Closed)
• May 9-12, 2024 (Open)
LOCATION:
• North House Folk School, Grand Marais, MN
Overview
Beautiful objects can be made with common and unusual renewable resources. Hairwork, an almost forgotten form and a unique jewelry making folk art, uses one of these resources: human hair. This type of art form is loaded with Scandinavian history and culture. Imagine traveling in the mid-1800s from a Swedish county village to St. Petersburg or London during the winter to make hair jewelry for urban citizens.
In this course, students will learn how to set up and make four patterns on a traditional hairwork table. They will discover the cultural impact of this popular 1800’s adornment practice through artifacts, literature, and story. Careful work will result in lovely and intricate braids to assemble a handmade human hair bracelet. This was a common and highly valued practice for many skilled women from Sweden, especially those from Våmhus, Sweden, the only village that, to this day, has kept this art form alive for over 200 years. Learn more about this unique art form and fascinating cultural history in this Thursday evening to Sunday afternoon course. This course is open to those ages 15+.
Note to returning students - new braid patterns and a new process to finish bracelets will be offered in this course. $15-$30, depending on materials used, will be payable directly to the instructor during class.
A braid being woven on a hair table.
a book describing Swedish hairworkers of the 1800s. Students in the bracelet class learn about the history of hairwork through multiple ways: story, print, video and hands on experience.
A braid being woven on a hair table.
Examples of Karen's work, including pottery.
