Classes & Workshops
We're excited to begin offering classes to those interested in learning traditional crafts and skills. If there is an area you are interested in but do not see a class listed, please contact us.
2024 Community Agriculture Opportunity
We’re excited to be back out working in our gardens and preparing for another growing season. While many of us in the Heritage Idaho community have extensive gardens at our homes, we have found that some field crops are well suited to our combined efforts in our community garden.
Not only does this yield the practical efficiency of growing together, we also savor the community interaction of working together with our neighbors for a common end.
This year we would like to share that experience with those of you who have expressed interest in agricultural events and classes.
Weather and growing conditions depending, on roughly a weekly basis we will offer an evening session from June-October to learn some of the basics of growing at our farm near Deary Idaho, as we work together to raise a crop of potatoes, beans and sweetcorn.
Not only does this yield the practical efficiency of growing together, we also savor the community interaction of working together with our neighbors for a common end.
This year we would like to share that experience with those of you who have expressed interest in agricultural events and classes.
Weather and growing conditions depending, on roughly a weekly basis we will offer an evening session from June-October to learn some of the basics of growing at our farm near Deary Idaho, as we work together to raise a crop of potatoes, beans and sweetcorn.
Past Classes:
02/15 Blacksmithing I - $250
This blacksmithing course is a one-day hands-on introduction to the art of forging hot steel on the anvil. No prior experience is necessary to take this class.
We begin by discussing equipment and tools needed for basic forging. Next we move on to teaching you how to light and maintain a coal fire. Then we proceed to help you develop proper hammer technique and control as you learn to draw, round and shape simple scrolls. In this exercise, you will begin to become familiar with how to work the fire, how to heat the bar in the forge and how the hot steel responds to your hammer.
The project for the day will be a simple three-hook wall rack. Making the hook is a perfect foundational project, requiring seven basic techniques to finish. Yet it is simple enough and small enough that you can complete it quickly. There will be ample time for you to repeat the process several times, in order to gain confidence through practice and repetition.
Splitting and scrolling the ends of the wall plate is a rewarding challenge—blacksmithing requires some accuracy! Then you will finish by fastening your hooks to the wall plate with soft steel rivets.
You will take home not only a handsome piece for your home or shop, but also and even more importantly, the beginning skills that you will need to become a blacksmith. These foundational skills will help prepare you for whatever type of blacksmithing you choose in the future, from tool-making to ornamental work.
This class meets from 9 a.m – 5 p.m.
Since we will be working with hot steel, we recommend that you wear leather shoes and bring gloves and safety glasses to the class.
Note: Since our workshops are specifically designed for adults, an individual must be 18 years old to enroll in a class. All students should wear practical work clothes and shoes. For your safety, we ask that you do not wear shorts or sandals to a class you are attending.
A deposit of $125 is required at registration
We begin by discussing equipment and tools needed for basic forging. Next we move on to teaching you how to light and maintain a coal fire. Then we proceed to help you develop proper hammer technique and control as you learn to draw, round and shape simple scrolls. In this exercise, you will begin to become familiar with how to work the fire, how to heat the bar in the forge and how the hot steel responds to your hammer.
The project for the day will be a simple three-hook wall rack. Making the hook is a perfect foundational project, requiring seven basic techniques to finish. Yet it is simple enough and small enough that you can complete it quickly. There will be ample time for you to repeat the process several times, in order to gain confidence through practice and repetition.
Splitting and scrolling the ends of the wall plate is a rewarding challenge—blacksmithing requires some accuracy! Then you will finish by fastening your hooks to the wall plate with soft steel rivets.
You will take home not only a handsome piece for your home or shop, but also and even more importantly, the beginning skills that you will need to become a blacksmith. These foundational skills will help prepare you for whatever type of blacksmithing you choose in the future, from tool-making to ornamental work.
This class meets from 9 a.m – 5 p.m.
Since we will be working with hot steel, we recommend that you wear leather shoes and bring gloves and safety glasses to the class.
Note: Since our workshops are specifically designed for adults, an individual must be 18 years old to enroll in a class. All students should wear practical work clothes and shoes. For your safety, we ask that you do not wear shorts or sandals to a class you are attending.
A deposit of $125 is required at registration
02/16 - 02/17 Blacksmithing II - $500
In this two-day class, we will reinforce, build upon and expand the skills you learned in the Blacksmithing I course. This will help you develop increased confidence and accuracy in your work.
Each student will build and complete a simple fire-place toolset that includes a fireplace poker, shovel and broom. You will also make a cold chisel. We will guide you through the forging of the ornamental leaves that will grace the handle of each tool and introduce you to forge welding, as you forge out the end of the fireplace poker. In addition to deepening and strengthening the skills you learned in the previous class, new skills you will learn include working plate steel, simple forge welding and working and heat treating carbon steel.
To begin learning about tool making, in the class, you will forge a cold chisel from a length of oil field sucker rod. We will explain physical metallurgy and the process of heat treating that is used to transform the chisel into a useful and durable tool.
As in the Blacksmithing I workshop, we encourage students to wear leather shoes and bring gloves and safety glasses.
This class meets from 9 a.m – 5 p.m.
Prerequisite: Blacksmithing I
Note: Since our workshops are specifically designed for adults, an individual must be 18 years old to enroll in a class. All students should wear practical work clothes and shoes. For your safety, we ask that you do not wear shorts or sandals to a class you are attending.
A deposit of $250 is required at registration
Each student will build and complete a simple fire-place toolset that includes a fireplace poker, shovel and broom. You will also make a cold chisel. We will guide you through the forging of the ornamental leaves that will grace the handle of each tool and introduce you to forge welding, as you forge out the end of the fireplace poker. In addition to deepening and strengthening the skills you learned in the previous class, new skills you will learn include working plate steel, simple forge welding and working and heat treating carbon steel.
To begin learning about tool making, in the class, you will forge a cold chisel from a length of oil field sucker rod. We will explain physical metallurgy and the process of heat treating that is used to transform the chisel into a useful and durable tool.
As in the Blacksmithing I workshop, we encourage students to wear leather shoes and bring gloves and safety glasses.
This class meets from 9 a.m – 5 p.m.
Prerequisite: Blacksmithing I
Note: Since our workshops are specifically designed for adults, an individual must be 18 years old to enroll in a class. All students should wear practical work clothes and shoes. For your safety, we ask that you do not wear shorts or sandals to a class you are attending.
A deposit of $250 is required at registration
Rigid Heddle 200 - Basics of Weaving
Available class dates:
Friday and Saturday, February 12-13, 2021 - Past
Minimum Class Size: 3
In this two day workshop you will review skills and weaving terminology learned in the beginning rigid heddle class, practice basic weaving skills and complete a 13“ x 26“ table runner. You will also learn how to create patterns using a pick up stick.
We will be using the book, Hands-On Rigid Heddle Weaving by Betty Linn Davenport. This is an invaluable resource for all rigid heddle weavers. Materials and the Betty Davenport book are included in the cost of the class.
We will provide the use of a loom. (You may bring your own loom with a 10-dent reed, two to four 16-20″ stick shuttles, and one 16-20″ pick-up stick. If you are bringing your own loom, please let us know when you sign up for the class.) We also have looms for sale if you wish to purchase your own. If you’d like to purchase your own loom, please call us at (208-892-9168) at least two weeks before the class. (You are eligible for a 10% discount on purchases made at the time of class.)
All our classes close 24 hours before the class date with the exception of classes that start on Monday, which will close the Friday before. If there’s a class that closed early that you’d like to attend, please call us at 208-892-9168 to check for availability.
Note: Since our workshops are specifically designed for adults, an individual must be 18 years old to enroll in a class. All students should wear practical work clothes and shoes. For your safety, we ask that you do not wear shorts or sandals to a class you are attending.
Friday and Saturday, February 12-13, 2021 - Past
Minimum Class Size: 3
In this two day workshop you will review skills and weaving terminology learned in the beginning rigid heddle class, practice basic weaving skills and complete a 13“ x 26“ table runner. You will also learn how to create patterns using a pick up stick.
We will be using the book, Hands-On Rigid Heddle Weaving by Betty Linn Davenport. This is an invaluable resource for all rigid heddle weavers. Materials and the Betty Davenport book are included in the cost of the class.
We will provide the use of a loom. (You may bring your own loom with a 10-dent reed, two to four 16-20″ stick shuttles, and one 16-20″ pick-up stick. If you are bringing your own loom, please let us know when you sign up for the class.) We also have looms for sale if you wish to purchase your own. If you’d like to purchase your own loom, please call us at (208-892-9168) at least two weeks before the class. (You are eligible for a 10% discount on purchases made at the time of class.)
All our classes close 24 hours before the class date with the exception of classes that start on Monday, which will close the Friday before. If there’s a class that closed early that you’d like to attend, please call us at 208-892-9168 to check for availability.
Note: Since our workshops are specifically designed for adults, an individual must be 18 years old to enroll in a class. All students should wear practical work clothes and shoes. For your safety, we ask that you do not wear shorts or sandals to a class you are attending.
- Prerequisite: Rigid Heddle 100- Introduction to Rigid Heddle Weaving
- 2 day class, 9:00 a.m – 3:00 p.m.
- 4 additional sessions every 2 weeks (optional)
- $245 per student
- Includes coffee or tea and pastries. Lunch may be purchased on site from The Pie Safe Bakery & Kitchen.
Rigid Heddle 100 - Introduction to Rigid Heddle Weaving
Available class dates:
Saturday, March 6, 2021 Past
Saturday, March 13,2021 Past
Minimum Class Size: 3
We are now offering a rigid heddle loom workshop. The first of the day-long sessions will be an introduction to direct warping in the morning and weaving of a scarf in the afternoon. We will also offer four follow up classes for those interested in continuing. These will cover different scarf projects (plaid/check, houndstooth, pick-up stick) with each warping pattern building on the next.
We will provide each student with a loom to borrow and all of the tools and material needed for the class. Or, students may bring their own rigid heddle loom (in good working order) so that they can continue weaving at home. If you have any questions about your loom or wish to purchase a loom and/or stick shuttles from us please contact us.
Saturday, March 6, 2021 Past
Saturday, March 13,2021 Past
Minimum Class Size: 3
We are now offering a rigid heddle loom workshop. The first of the day-long sessions will be an introduction to direct warping in the morning and weaving of a scarf in the afternoon. We will also offer four follow up classes for those interested in continuing. These will cover different scarf projects (plaid/check, houndstooth, pick-up stick) with each warping pattern building on the next.
We will provide each student with a loom to borrow and all of the tools and material needed for the class. Or, students may bring their own rigid heddle loom (in good working order) so that they can continue weaving at home. If you have any questions about your loom or wish to purchase a loom and/or stick shuttles from us please contact us.
- 1 day class, 9:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m.
- $125 per student.
- 5 optional subsequent classes ranging between $70-$110/each.
- Includes coffee or tea and pastries. Lunch may be purchased on site from The Pie Safe Bakery & Kitchen.
Foundational JoineryOffered in collaboration with The Ploughshare
Available class dates: PAST Tuesday, May 7 2019 We are excited to collaborate with master woodworker and instructor Mark Borman from The Ploughshare School of Woodworking for this class!In this workshop we will demystify the art of hand-tool woodworking through practical demonstrations and hands-on instruction. We will teach you a simplified process of edge-tool sharpening as you learn how to get a razor-sharp edge on your woodworking tools, including chisels, hand planes and hand saws. You will also learn how to hand cut many of the traditional joints, including a dado, a dovetail and a mortise-and-tenon joint, through hands-on exercises. These three joints are the primary joints traditionally used in furniture construction. After completing this course you will leave with the skills and confidence to go home and start working wood by hand. Feel free to discuss specific areas that you are interested in, so we can customize the class to fit your needs and desires.
Canning & PreservingOffered in collaboration with Brush Creek Farms
Available class dates: PAST Monday, July 24th 2017 Learn the joy and fulfillment of preserving produce from your own garden, orchard or vineyard produce. In this hands-on workshop, you learn many practical ways to prepare and preserve fresh fruits and vegetables along with meats. You will learn water-bath and pressure canning methods; how to make and can preserves, jams and jellies; how to lacto-ferment cabbage to make sauerkraut; as well as how to dehydrate foods and freeze foods. We will also discuss which preservation methods are the best for each type of food. In keeping with our desire to prepare as wholesome and healthful foods as possible, we will be using all natural ingredients and sweeteners. Please bring an apron to protect your clothing.
Introduction To BakingAvailable class dates:
PAST Monday, April 22nd 2019 PAST Monday, June 5th 2017 Over the past thirty years, we have learned much about baking our own breads using whole grains and other natural ingredients. The focus of this hands-on workshop is to teach the basics of making whole wheat breads. You’ll gain practical experience as we actually mix the ingredients, knead, prepare and bake a variety of whole wheat breads. Each student brings home what they make in class, which includes; two loaves of sandwich bread, a plate of cookies, a dozen dinner rolls and a dozen flour tortillas.
Learn to SewAvailable class dates:
PAST Monday, September 25th 2017 This is a beginner's machine sewing class. If you have never sewn, or have sewn some but need a refresher course, this class is for you! You will learn the basics of how to use and care for your machine and foundational skills needed for sewing. Designed to build your skills step-by-step, the projects in this in this class are small and can be made relatively quickly. You’ll learn something new in each project and get the repetition and practice you need in order to advance your skills while making a variety of fun and useful items that also make great gifts. The first three projects: a practice sampler, tissue holder, and a drawstring gift bag will already be cut out for you so you can focus on learning to sew and developing good sewing habits. You will then learn to cut out on the last two projects: a breadcloth and a pillowcase. You will learn the two basic cutting methods: cutting with a pattern and scissors and rotary cutting. Following this class and depending on interest, we plan to offer other courses that build upon the foundational Learn to Sew class with the goal of garment construction and fitting.
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Swedish Art WeavingOffered in collaboration with Joanne Hall
Available class date: PAST Friday and Saturday, August 23rd and 24th 2019 The weavers of Skane in southern Sweden have always been known for their beautiful art weaves. Internationally known weaving instructor, Joanne Hall, will be teaching a two-day Art Weave workshop here at our new venue, "401 Main" (across the street form the Pie Safe), August 23 and 24, 2019. The class will be open for rigid heddle and floor loom weavers, covering Hafkrabbe, Krabba, Rolaken Tapestry, Dukagang and Monks Belt. Learn the history of these colorful weaves while incorporating their designs into cloth that can be made into a small purse, wall hanging or whatever you desire. You will need to bring your loom warped and ready to weave. We will send you the materials and threading instructions. This is a simple threading pattern.
Soft CheesemakingOffered in collaboration with Brush Creek Creamery
Available class dates: PAST Saturday, May 25th 2019 PAST Saturday, May 19th 2018 PAST Saturday, February 10th 2018 PAST Saturday, October 21st 2017 PAST Saturday, June 17th 2017 PAST Saturday, May 20th 2017 Whether you have your own cow, goat, sheep, or use milk from a local dairy, making your own fresh, homemade dairy products is a unique and enjoyable culinary experience. Using our book, Soft Cheese Making – a Beginner’s Guide to Making Butter and Soft Cheeses at Home, our instructors will teach you how to make butter, cultured buttermilk, sour cream, cream cheese, cottage cheese, ricotta, yogurt, herb cheese logs and a 30-minute mozzarella. We also show uses for whey (the by-product of cheese making). There is lots of hands-on experience and sampling (eat a light breakfast!) as well as cheeses to take home. At the end of the class, you’ll take home our book on cheesemaking as well as an herb cheese log, a pint of yogurt and a ball of mozzarella. (You may want to bring a small cooler with you if you have a long drive home.) We provide all the equipment for the class and will have cheese making supplies available for purchase (including dairy thermometers, rennet, cheesecloth, draining mats, soft cheese molds and citric acid).
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Due to the limited space available and the preparation required for each class, we require full payment, including a $10 non-refundable deposit to confirm your registration.
Note: Since our workshops are specifically designed for adults, an individual must be 18 years old to enroll in a class. All students should wear practical work clothes and shoes. For your safety, we ask that you do not wear shorts or sandals to a class you are attending.
Future Classes...
We would like to offer classes in the following areas, however we need to determine the interest in each specific area in order to schedule a class date. If you would like to participate in any of the following classes, please send us an email with your specific interests and desired class length and focus.
WoodworkingSingle or Multi-Day Courses, teaching skills including:
Contact us about Woodworking Classes... |
Weaving - Floor Loom
To be able to organize floor loom classes, it would help us to know your specific weaving interests. Are you a first time weaver? Have you woven before but need a refresher on warping, reading a draft and calculating a project, or would you like to explore new weaving structures (if so, is there anything specific that you are interested in)? What kind of loom do you have or what kind of loom are you familiar with -jack, counter balance or counter marche?
Contact us about Weaving Classes... |