Primitive & Traditional Living
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NEW! Acorn: The Harvest, the Process, the Preparation
One of the most frequently asked questions we receive each fall is "What do I do with all these acorns?" Both delicious and highly nutritious, Acorn has long been a staple food for tribes all over North America, and acorn flour is definitely worth the time and energy it takes to make. Learn how to identify the best acorns, harvest only those worth taking, store them until you are ready to use them, process them properly and prepare Acorn using both traditional and modern methods to gain the most from this fantastic resource.
| June 26 | Toms River, NJ | $85 | Register Now! |
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Burned Bowls & Bark-work
Containers were an essential part of life for all indigenous peoples, just as they are for us today. Without containers how would we harvest, store, carry or cook? As well as being a functional part of life, decorative containers have also been a traditional way of expressing creativity and personality. This workshop will show you how to find, harvest and process natural materials and produce finished products that you will be proud to display or use in your own home. You'll learn the truth of "slower is faster" when producing coal-burned bowls and utensiles, and create bark baskets and containers from birch and cedar. This often overlooked survival skill will give you a better understanding and appreciation for the skills and ingenuity of yesterday.
All basket materials and tools are provided.
›› This workshop is not currently on the schedule, but we'll let you know the next time it's offered. ‹‹
Melon Baskets & Twinned Baskets
The Melon Basket is one of the most versatile baskets patterns, and one of the fastest and easiest to make in a wilderness situation. Twinned Baskets comprise many of the most beautiful baskets seen in museum exhibits througout the world, and can be made from materials found in any ecosystem.
In this workshop you will make simple versions of both these baskets, and see examples of several different variations on the basic pattern that you can learn to incorporate into your own designs. By applying the techniques you'll learn you will be able to make a variety of different baskets, bags and other containers.
All basket materials and tools are provided.
›› This workshop is not currently on the schedule, but we'll let you know the next time it's offered. ‹‹
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Coil Baskets
Often made from pine needles, Coil baskets can turn the most basic of natural materials into beautiful and functional pieces of artistic craftsmanship. You will learn several different stiches that will allow you to customize the design of your Coil basket, and discover how varying your materials can completely alter the look of your container.
Whether you are looking to make functional baskets or to find a new artistic outlet, learning the basics of this basket style will allow you create virtually any type of container you may need.
All basket materials and tools are provided.
›› This workshop is not currently on the schedule, but we'll let you know the next time it's offered. ‹‹
The Adirondack Pack Basket
Learn to make your own traditional woven Pack Basket — an extremely functional and beautiful alternative to the modern backpack or satchel. Lightweight, comfortable and highly durable, these basket styles have been around for centuries and antique examples can be found in museums throughout the United States. No matter which design you choose, the basket you take home will make you the envy of family, friends, and passers-by!
All basket materials and tools are provided.
| January 24 | Toms River, NJ | $115 | The date for this workshop has passed, but we'll let you know the next time it's offered. |
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NEW! Woodland Basket Quivers
This lightweight, comfortable and extremely functional quiver is made in the style of the Eastern Woodland tribes. This very popular design is now available from many commercial outlets, but for about the price of a generic design from an online vendor you will make your own quiver, specific to your body dimensions, and with the unique pattern and design of your choosing. Not only will you leave with your own quiver, you'll gain the knowledge and ability to create more at any time.
All basket materials and tools are provided.
| March 16 | Toms River, NJ | $95 | The date for this workshop has passed, but we'll let you know the next time it's offered. |
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NEW! Gathering Baskets
Perfect for foraging, berry picking and gathering of all types, this beautiful woven basket is the one we use most often of all. Easy to sling over your shoulder and comfortable to carry, you can make this basket small enough for foraging a single salad or large enough to carry small quantities of firewood. Beautiful and durable, you will keep finding more uses for this amazingly practical basket.
All basket materials and tools are provided.
| April 18 | Toms River, NJ | $85 | The date for this workshop has passed, but we'll let you know the next time it's offered. |
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Building a Reed Boat
In this workshop we will construct a simple boat using commonly available reeds that are easy to find in any coastal environment. Begining with the freshly harvested materials, the group will work together to make a full-sized reed boat approximately 12-15 feet in length.
You will be a part of the entire boat-building process, and will also learn variations on the building style that originated in several different parts of the world.
At the end of the day we will head to the coast, when you will have the opportunity to climb aboard the newly finished vessel and test the day's handiwork for yourself!
›› This workshop is not currently on the schedule, but we'll let you know the next time it's offered. ‹‹
NEW! Working with Grasses: The Undiscovered Resource
"Sedges have edges, Rushes are round, Grasses are hollow and grow all around."
One of the most under-used and least understood of resources, grasses are abundant, easily renewable, and can be used for shelter, water, fire and food. (Not to mention clothing, furniture, beds and countless other itemss!) Over the two days of this workshop you will learn how to make mats, shelters, water filters, flour, chairs and clothing — and techniques to make it all much easier.
›› This workshop is not currently on the schedule, but we'll let you know the next time it's offered. ‹‹
Natural Dyes
Goldenrod, Red Osier Dogwood, Osage Orange, Black Walnut, Indigo, Cochineal Beetle... The art and alchemy of using natural materials to dye fibers will be fully explored in this workshop. You will process a variety of plants and other sourses and use them to produce several dyes of various colors.
In addition, you will learn the secrets, tips and tricks to using natural dyes on plant-based fibers like cotton and linen, with spectacular and vibrant results.
All materials are provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own material samples to dye.
›› This workshop is not currently on the schedule, but we'll let you know the next time it's offered. ‹‹
Primitive Lighting
We will have a great day of fun making a variety primitive lamps, torches, and candles. You'll discover what materials are best used as oils and for wicks, as well as which are the longest-lasting, produce the brightest flames, the least smoke, and how to keep the bugs away!
| January 25 | Toms River, NJ | $85 | The date for this workshop has passed, but we'll let you know the next time it's offered. |
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Primitive Pottery
Unlike any other primitive pottery class we know of, this workshop will change what you know about firing pottery without a kiln. By combining his own years of experience with the techniques of master-potter and friend, Greg High, Eddie will show you how to create useful and beautiful fired clay objects in a fraction of the time most others will tell you is possible.
You will also learn where to find and how to harvest your own clay, as well as how to process and temper it, allowing you to turn soils with even the most marginal of clay content into fine, pure, usable clay.
| June 27-28 | Toms River, NJ | $185 | Register Now! |
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Soap Making
With all of the additives, chemicals and allergies that plague our world today, natural soaps have begun popping up in more and more mainstream stores. But why pay a premium to have a soap that contains ingredients that you can actually pronounce when you can make your own? Forget the idea of a harsh, rough, sandpaper soap — the creamy, soap you'll make today will make lots of lather that will leave your skin soft and smooth, never dry.
In this one-day workhsop you will participate in making a batch of cold-process soap, using all-natural, vegetable materials. You will also learn how to incorporate essential oils and natural botanicals that will allow you to personalize your soaps, based on your own preferences or allergies. In addition, you will be introduced to the hot-process method of soap making, and ways of making primitive soap in primitive conditions.
Workshop price includes the cost of mailing your soap home once it's free from the mold.
›› This workshop is not currently on the schedule, but we'll let you know the next time it's offered. ‹‹