WISCONSIN GATHERING SCHEDULE

“It’s like summer camp for adults!”

Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, you are in for an incredibly fun and
creative time. Join a great group of nature-loving folks and create rustic furniture,
garden art, woodcarvings, and other nature based projects using hand tools and
natural materials like twigs and branches, fresh green bendable willow, gourds,
stone, leather, plants, cement, metal, and more.

You have 60 workshops to choose from, more than 30 talented instructors to work with,
time to relax and soak up the sunshine, explore the charming artist community
of Mineral Point, and discover the magic of Shake Rag Alley’s
2.5 acres of lush gardens, tall trees, historic buildings, and natural spring fed stream.

Every day is packed with hands-on workshops, intriguing demonstrations, nature excursions,
and open discussions, plus plenty of networking and sharing with kindred spirits.
Come for a day, two, three or the entire four days and have the time of your life!

Choose the number of days you can come and then fill them with
as many workshops as you can fit into your schedule.
(be sure your choices don’t overlap times).

Day fees include lunch, snacks, beverages, and evening activities

   All four days:                  $350
    Any 3 days:                        $270
    Any 2 days:                        $185
Any single day:               $95

* Add materials fees when indicated at the end of each workshop description
(Sunday registrants may attend Thursday, Friday, or Saturday evening events)
Questions or comments: Call 608-987-4499

* For more details on workshops and to register www.ShakeRagAlley.com

THURSDAY, JULY 7, WOODLANDERS SCHEDULE

7:30-5:00 REGISTRATION/CHECK-IN – Check-in at the office before you head for your workshops. 18 Shake Rag Street. 608-987-3292

8:30-10:00 A1 CONCRETE LEAF CASTING: SUTCLIFFE—Judy had been teaching this popular craft since the first Woodlanders Gathering ten years ago. She will show you how easy it is to make a beautifully detailed concrete casting of a rhubarb, burdock, or grape leaf. You can leave the concrete natural or add acrylic colors, use in the garden or home. $3

8:30-1130 A2 MAGIC PAPER LANTERN: WELCH—These playful lanterns are made from willow or other sticks, shaped into any form, from a bird, a fish, floral, or something abstract wired for candle tea light, then covered with colored tissue or rice papers and embellished with leaves, feathers, stones etc. Nancy will show you how these can be made rustic or colorful to sit on a table or to hang from a tree. $5

8:30-11:30 A3 BENT WILLOW CHAIR DEMO: SCHAKEL—John, a master of traditional willow work for over 30 years, will show you how he constructs a beautiful and sturdy bent willow chair, while answering all your questions about this wonderful material: willow.

8:30-4:30 A4 OSTRICH EGG WAX RESIST/ETCHING: ROGNESS—Jamie lives down the road from an ostrich and will bring a clutch of BIG eggs, (ostrich, goose and peacock) for you to turn into a beautiful work of art with a wax resist process that will intrigue you. (You may want to take her son Carter’s class in making a rustic display stand.) She will bring everything you need to work with to complet the process. $35

8:30-4:30 A5 RABBIT STOOL CARVING: SHARP—John, an award-winning master woodcarver, creates a new design each year just for this event. This year, join John in relief carving an adorable rabbit for the seat of a lively little footstool. Bring relief carving tools if you have them, and John has loaners. Beginners accepted. $35

830-4:30 A6 KNIFE MAKING: DONALDSON—A professional metal arts teacher, Eric heads the only high school art blacksmith shop in the Midwest (one of five in the entire nation). He will introduce you to the forge, hammer, tongs, and anvil. You’ll make attractive and useful items to start with. If you’ve had some experience, Eric will suggest more advanced projects to try. $10

10:00-11:30 A7 GREEN WOOD HAND TOOLS DEMO: YAKER—Mike, a very skilled woodworker and woodsman, will show you how to work with green wood using simple hand tools like the wedge, axe, brace and bit, and froe, and how intriguing and versatile these simple tools can be. You will have a chance to try your hand at it. (See Thurs & Fri afternoon for making green wood furniture with Mike.)

10:00-5:30 RUSTIC SHOWCASE at LONGBRANCH GALLERY— Great exhibit of rustic crafts and nature art by instructors and students at Longbranch Gallery, just one block downtown at 203 Commerce Street. Take a break and enjoy.

11:30-1:30 LUNCH ON THE GREEN & WELCOME

1:30-3:30 A8 SEED POD & WIRE JEWELRY: SUTCLIFFE—You'll hammer out a brass neckring and use delicate brass wire to loop up a lovely pendant plus earring drops using the graceful pods of Siberian Iris. Judy, an inventive and versatile artist, will also show you how to work with colorful rosehips and other interesting seed pods. $10

1:30-430 A9 LINCOLN LOG BASKET: SOMAN—Dan, an accomplished craftsman, will teach you how to create an attractive rustic basket using small straight branches in a Lincoln Log technique. You can embellish your basket with vines and other natural materials and it always looks good. Great for holding fruit, napkins, puppies. $10

1:30-5:30 A10 GREEN WOOD FURNITURE: YAKER—Mike will lead you to the creative fun of green woodworking. Choose a freshly cut log and make a chair, bench, or table using hand tools like wedge, axe, brace and bit—allowing the grain to reveal the form. (See Fri. afternoon for more furniture making using different tools and techniques). $15

1:30-5:30 A11 LEAF PRINTING SHIRTS & MORE: KITTO—Cathy is a teacher by nature, with lots of creative ideas to share. She has worked out a nifty way to print shirts or Tshirts with an assembly of leaves plus contrasting background colors and shapes, in one operation. Tee plus practice shirt included, but you may bring your own as well. $10

4:30-5:30 A12 REUSE/RECYCLE/RESOURCING YOUR WOOD: REYNOLDS—Roger will lead a discussion on alternative ways to approach your woodworking projects to avoid purchasing new wood by REUSING already harvested wood and RECYCLING it into your project. You’ll talk about how to locate sources for wood iin your area including free to cheap harvest sites and many other ideas.

5:30-7:00 DINNER ON THE TOWN - A chance to venture out and explore some of MIneral Point’s restaurants. There are plenty to choose from. We’ll supply a good list.

7:00-8:00 A13 HUNT THE WILD BUCKTHORN & OTHER INVASIVES: SHARP/TITCHER–Bring a saw and harvest an invasive small tree that is hard, long lasting, very good for rustic construction, but not very good for our natural eco-system. John and David will show you how to recognize and remove buckthorn and other pesky invasives. A nice evening outing just down the road from Shake Rag.

FRIDAY, JULY 8, WOODLANDERS WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

7:30-5:00 REGISTRATION/CHECK-IN – Check-in at the office before you head for your workshops. 18 Shake Rag Street. 608-987-3292

8:30-10:00 B1 THE LIFE OF TREES: JOHNSON—Jan, a devoted botanist, will show you how to read the story of trees from the trees themselves—their ancestors, relatives, defenses, even about amour, tree style. After this enlightening and entertaining session, you will never see trees the same again.

8:30-10:00 B2 ALL ABOUT STONE WALL BUILDING: SARDESON—Take a walk with Roland, professional stone mason, and look at some of Mineral Point’s many attractive stone walls. You will learn what’s unique about the limestone in this special unglaciated area and how Roland builds dry stack stone retaining walls for both strength and beauty, utilizing local limestone and sandstone.

8:30-11:30 B3 HOT FORGING COPPER JEWERY: DONALDSON—Eric, a professional metal arts teacher, heads the only high school art blacksmith shop in the Midwest (one of five in the entire nation). He will lead you through the process of creating beautifully unique copper jewelry using a traditional coal forge and anvil. Copper is softer than iron and easier to work on the anvil. $10

8:30-11:30 B4 DISPLAY STAND: ROGNESS—Carter, a young high school student, has been coming to Woodlanders with his woodcarving Mom for several years. This is his first year teaching. He will show you how to make a small rustic display stand (suitable for Mom’s ostrich egg project!) using twigs and other natural materials. $2

8:30 -4:30 B5 BENT WILLOW TWIG MOSAIC TABLE: SCHAKEL—This is a Woodlander treasure. John, the willow wizard, has been creating fine, traditional rustic furniture for 30 years. He will lead you in making a graceful bent willow end table with your own unique twig mosaic top, for a stunning piece of rustic furniture. You’ll be working with a rustic “living legend.” $35

8:30-5:30 B6 RELIEF CARVED PIZZA PADDLE: WESSENDORF—Walt is an award-winning master carver. On a basswood or aspen pizza paddle, you will carve and paint a jovial cartoon chef with Walt’s help. The paddle is 18” long (inc. handle) and relief carving is about 7.5”x 4.” Use it to remove pizza or baked goods from the oven – in style! $15

10:00-11:30 B7 RUSTIC HANDLES FOR UTENSILS: WILSON—Lindy is a creative free spirit who loves to forage the woods gathering unusual branches to use for new handles on old spoons, knives. forks, even BBQ utensils. She has plenty of materials and utensils to choose from, but you can also bring some of your old favorites. You’ll saw, drill, glue, and give them new life and a unique look. $3.

11:30-1:30 LUNCH ON THE GREEN

12:00-1:30 B9 SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY: BIRKEMEIER—It’s “new jobs for old logs” and an enlightened industry using locally grown and harvested trees for products such as flooring. Jim will discuss Sustainable Forestry, as he practices it on his Timbergreen Farm and speaks about it around the world.

1:30-4:30 B10 WALKING STICK w/SECRET COMPARTMENT: WERNER— Choose from John’s unique stash of unusual sassafras “chokes” to create a walking stick 5-6 ft. long with a surprise secret compartment. You can strip the bark, sand, stain, add handles, leather strap, and finish. John will provide all you need. $25

1:30-5:30 B11 GOURD “WHIMSIES”: SCHMIT—Whimsical people to hang on your wall—art that will make you smile. Using gourd pieces, Terri will show you how to add facial features using beads, wires and other naturals, then decorate and connect the body and the arms. Delightful! $25

1:30-5:30 B12 RUSTIC FLOOR LAMP: KINGERY—Todd is a successful full-time rustic artist, and his work is shown in many shops and galleries. His lamps have been one of Woodlanders’ most popular projects. You will create an attractive free form floor lamp using intriguing twig shapes and sturdy parts. $45

1:30-5:30 B13 SOLAR HEATING & BUILD A SOLAR COOKER: REYNOLDS—Learn a bit about Solar Heating, from solar ovens to thermal solar panels—how they work, why are they so big and can they be artistically enhanced. Functional art? Then we will build a solar oven, for you to take home. Use the oven outside--on the deck, camping. Impress your friends—Let the sun cook your food. Roger will cook up a meal during class to prove it. $15

1:30-5:30 B14 MORE GREEN WOOD FURNITURE: YAKER—Mike will show you more ways to work with green wood using different techniques from his Thursday session. Choose a freshly cut log and make a chair, bench, or table using hand tools like wedge, axe, brace and bit—allowing the grain to reveal the form. (See Thursday for basic class) $15

5:30-7:00 B15 PICNIC ON THE GREEN–Time to relax and enjoy good company over a hearty evening meal. There’s usually some fun brewing and some surprise announcements. $10

7:00-8:00 B16 WHOLE TREE ARCHITECTURE: GUNDERSEN—Roald is the president/founder of Whole Trees Architecture & Construction and in this video presentation he will show you just what that involves: using whole, young trees instead of planed lumber to support a new, green style of building and enhancing the structural work with smaller branches used for railings and decorative purposes.

8:00-9:30 RUSTIC SHOWCASE PREVIEW & MICRO-BREW A casual social evening to preview the exhibit of rustic creations at Longbranch Gallery by instructors and students–plus sampling some great micro-brew from Mineral Point’s Brewery Creek Pub. A great way to toast the 10th anniversary of the Midwest Woodlanders Gathering!

SATURDAY, JULY 9, WOODLANDERS WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

7:30-5:00 REGISTRATION/CHECK-IN – Stop by the office to get checked in before you head for your workshops. 18 Shake Rag Street. 608-987-3292

8:00-8:30 C1 CHI GONG: EIGHT PIECES OF BROCADE: JOHNSON/TERRILL—Start your morning with James, Ann, and a Chi Gong workout, 8 easy exercises.

8:30-10:00 C2 RUSTIC TWIG JEWELRY TREE: EAGAN—David has worked out some nicely designed jewelry display “trees” made of a multi-forked branch embedded upright in a stone or hardwood base. You’ll make an attractive and useful piece of rustic art. David is a multi-talented craftsman and folklore teacher (you’ll see him again at the forge!).

8:30-11:30 C3 FOSSIL EXPEDITION: KOSTOHRYS—Jim is an expert at finding hidden treasure. He will guide you on a fascinating expedition to a nearby quarry where you will explore the last resting place of 450-million-year-old creatures. Expect to discover some amazing fossil finds of your own to treasure.

08:30-11:30 C5 MOSAIC GARDEN TURTLE: SUTCLIFFE—Make a colorful garden turtle from concrete, using an easy sand mold process Judy will show you. Then cover its shell with broken crockery mosaic and bead eyes. Finish it with grout. You’ll take home a charming piece of folk art to enhance your garden. $5

8:30-11:30 C6 ADIRONDACK STYLE SHELF: GIESE—Dennis is a master of creating the rustic elegance of Adirondack furniture. He will help you make an Adirondack-style shelf with attractive, intricate mosaic of twigs, bark, nuts, seeds, or small pine cones (16” wide x 6” deep x 5” high with front apron). $40

830-1130 C7 BENT WILLOW GARDEN TRELLIS—SCHAKEL—John is one of Wisconsin's finest rustic artists and great fun to work with. You'll make a bent willow trellis from freshly harvested willow withes, unique, and perfect for your garden. You’ll learn how to bend the slender willow into graceful curves, the perfect introduction to rustic willow construction. $30

8:30-4:30 C8 CHILD’S BENT WILLOW CHAIR: SOMAN—Create a charming, traditional bent willow chair for a special child in your life—just like an adult chair in structure and technique, only smaller. Dan, a versatile rustic artist, will show you how to work with green willow, how to bend curves, how to join them together to create a memorable treasure for a young child. $30

8:30-4:30 C9 HOOKED ON BLACKSMITHING: TUFTEE—Bob has 25 years of blacksmithing experience to share. He will show you how to forge various styles of handsome hooks that can be used around the house, garden, and storage shed. If you have some forging experience, he’ll suggest more advanced projects for you. $3

8:30-4:30 C10 FISH DECOY CARVING: TROLLOP—Work with Greg to hand carve a basic wooden fish decoy. You will begin with a supplied wood fish blank to carve. Using basic carving tools you will learn different approaches to completing your fish. Your finished carving may include tin or leather scraps added as fins. $10

10:00-11:30 C11 NATURE-DYED BAGS & SCARVES: RYAN—Shelley, the “Wisconsin Gardener” of Wisconsin Public TV, will supply you with one silk scarf dyed and ready to unwrap plus one scarf and one wine bottle bag to dye with a motley collection of natural materials. Additional scarves and bags will be available from Shelley for those who wish to go wild and make more. $30

11:30-1:30 LUNCH ON THE GREEN -Relax, enjoy a tasty meal, and the company of friends, new and old. You can also get started on your boat building for the evening launch.

12:30-1:30 RUSTIC MINI-BOATS: ROGNESS & SUTCLIFFE—Prepare for tonight’s annual tradition—the Race Down the Creek. Conjure up a “boat” to survive the rapids of Sharps’ Creek. Make it of gourd, leaves, twigs, anything that will float, for a hilarious boat launch at 8pm. Jamie & Judy will help inspire you with some prize winning tips! You may want to find more time during the afternoon to refine your mini-yacht.

1:30-3:30 C12 CREATING STICK PEOPLE: WILSON—Seems like play, but it’s really “assemblage sculpture” of lively figures using sticks and “crotches,” birch bark, raffia, pebbles, shells, etc., plus barnboard for the base. Lindy's a lively, spontaneous artist of art and life, and lots of fun. $5

1:30-4:30 C13 BLUE BIRD HOUSE ON POLE: WERNER—A Woodlander favorite!—No ordinary birdhouse! John, an innovative rustic craftsman, shows you how to make an awesome sculptural structure using driftwood, rustic materials, found objects. So cool! Tenant bluebirds will sing your praises. $30

1:30-5:00 C14 ADIRONDACK SHELF CLOCK: GIESE—Dennis, an accomplished rustic designer and furniture maker, brings the outdoors elegantly indoors with this handsome clock with quartz movement. You will cover the clock housing in detailed bark and twig mosaic, the signature of Adirondack style.(10” high x 6” wide x 4” deep, battery included) $45

1:30-5:30 C15 MAPLE TABLE WITH TILE MOSAIC TOP: KINGERY—Todd, a successful full time rustic artist, has work in numerous galleries and shops. He will lead you in constructing a unique rustic silver maple end table with a 15”x15” top. And you will add a mosaic top of tile and pebbles for a very striking piece of furniture. $35

1:30-5:30 C16 BASIC BROOM MAKING / HEARTH BROOM: HOLZWART—John is a expert traditional broom-making artisan who will teach you the fascinating techniques used in this age-old art. You will create an attractive, useful broom for your hearth and home. $30

5:30-6:30 C17 PICNIC ON THE GREEN—A pleasant time to socialize, chat about your day, show-off what you created, laugh, and_share with the group if you are so inclined. Get ready for the Trade Blanket. It’s a hoot, whether you trade or just watch. $10

6:30-8:00 TRADE BLANKET EXCHANGE: HOLZWART —Long ago native peoples came together to barter goods. Conducting business was a challenge as few tribes spoke the same language, so trade blanket business was conducted in silence with hand signals or simple gestures. Join Little John as he starts the fun. Bring your finished goods, raw materials, food items, collectibles or useless junk to trade for something you really want. Warning—This can be habit forming and you may get a healthy dose of laughter.

8:00 C18 SUNSET MINI-BOAT LAUNCH, BONFIRE, MUSIC, AND S’MORES—Artisans John and Jennifer Sharp graciously invite Woodlanders to their amazing hand-built home for our annual mini-boat race in their creek. After the race, you’ll feel like a kid at summer camp—“just settin” around a campfire making music, small-talk, and s’mores. Bring an instrument if you wish. Award ceremony for most beautiful boat, most unique, and the winner of the race down the rushing waters.

SUNDAY, JULY 11, WOODLANDERS WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

7:30-1:30 REGISTRATION/CHECK-IN – Stop by the office to get checked in before you head for your workshops. 18 Shake Rag Street. 608-987-3292

8:00-8:30 D1 CHI GONG: EIGHT PIECES OF BROCADE: JOHNSON/TERRILL—Start your morning with James, Ann, and a Chi Gong workout, 8 easy exercises.

8:30-10:00 D2 MEDICINAL & WILD EDIBLE PLANT WALK: HOLZWART—Take a walk on the “wild side” with “Little John” Holzwart, a broom-making artist very “tuned in” to nature, as he points out the fascinating properties, both tasty and healthy, of many common weeds and flowers, prairie and woodland plants. Enlightening!

8:30-11:30 D3 MINIATURE TWIG/DRIFTWOOD CHAIR: CLARK— George has an artistic eye for detail and design. He will show you how to create exquisite, perfectly scaled miniature chairs. You can incorporate some of your own materials, stones, shells, etc, but George will have lots of materials to work with, including driftwood. $10 includes glue gun._

8:30-11:30 D4 TWIG & BARK MOSAIC FRAME: GIESE—Create an attractive Adirondack style frame with a detailed mosaic of twigs and birch bark guided by Dennis, a talented rustic craftsman, well known for his beautiful Adirondack-style furniture and art pieces. (Frame size 13" x 15" outside dimensions, and 9" x 11" inside dimensions) $40

8:30-11:30 D5 GET HOOKED ON BLACKSMITHING: EAGAN—Take up a hammer and try the art and craft of blacksmithing with a coal forge, tongs, and anvil. Multi-talented David will demonstrate and also help you create your own attractive and useful iron hooks, as you heat iron rod in the forge, then hammer it on the anvil and twist it in the “leg vise.” $5

8:30-11:30 D6 RUSTIC TABLE LAMP: KINGERY—Todd, a professional rustic designer & craftsman, is known for creating beautiful rustic furniture, especially his table lamps, for sale in shops and galleries. He will help you create your own handsome free-form table lamp from twigs and sturdy lamp parts. It will be a proud part of your home decor. $25

8:30-11:30 D7 RUSTIC DOG GARDEN SCULPTURE: DONOVAN—Michael, artist and imaginative carpenter, will inspire you with his rustic-plus-found object pooch that brings a smile to all. You will construct your own “dog” from the old boards and fascinating “junque” Michael will bring to class and bring charm to your home or garden. $20

8:30-4:30 D8 CARVE A SHORE BIRD DECOY: SCHEUER—Nick is a master at bird carving, and this year he’ll teach you how to create a shore bird perched on one “leg.” As decoys, such birds are set out on the sand where they appear quite natural, as many shore birds rest on one leg. You can choose to carve a primitive style bird, or one with more detail. $15

8:30-4:30 D9 AFRICAN TONGUE DRUM: ANDERSON —This authentic African-sounding percussion instrument originates from a native log drum. Don, a craftsman and music teacher, will help you create a handsome art piece with an amazing sound, a truly rustic drum. ( 7” wide x5” tall x12” long) $25

10:00-11:30 D10 NATURE IMPRINTS IN CLAY: JOHNSTON—Another Woodlanders’ favorite—Create a unique hand-built bowl and imprint the clay with natural textures, working with expert potters Tom and Diana at Johnston’s Brewery Pottery Studio at 276 Shake Rag Street. $12

11:30-1:30 LUNCH ON THE GREEN

1:30-4:30 D11 HYPERTUFA GARDEN LANTERN: SUTCLIFFE—Hypertufa is a rustic concrete made of cement and lightweight aggregates. It ages nicely and attracts moss. You'll make a small Japanese-style garden lantern in three sections, using two different molding techniques that Judy, who teaches many Shake Rag classes in concrete/mosaic, will show you. $5

1:30-4:30 D12 FISH PRINTING ON T SHIRTS: KITTO—Cathy, an inventive teacher and artist, will introduce you to the 100 year old art of Gyotaku, a technique Japanese fishermen created to record their prized catches by pressing rice paper onto a fish covered with ink or paint. You will create several prints on rice paper with fish Cathy will supply (or you can bring your own-frozen with innards intact). The finished product will be worthy of a frame.

1:30-5:30 D13 SLATE TOP SIDE TABLE: WERNER—Natural slate looks great with rustic wood. John, an inventive and talented rustic artist, will help you build an attractive, sturdy, tall triangular table with a handsome slate mosaic top. It will be a treasured piece of furniture for your home. $30

1:30-5:30 D14 GARDEN PLANT STAND: SOMAN— Design a useful, rustic plant stand with two shelves. Great for indoors or for your garden patio. Dan is an accomplished craftsman who sells his work in his antiques and rustic furniture shop. He will help you construct your own unique plant stand using natural materials, recycled boards, and twigs. (Approx 32” high). $15

1:30-5:30 D15 RUSTIC QUILT RACK: LOTTO—Sandy will show you how to make a handsome and very useful ladder-style quilt rack, using mortise and tenon joinery. It will become a family heirloom. She teaches rustic classes at her Lotto’s Log Cabins business in Eagle River, WI. $30

*SPECIAL NOTE FOR SUNDAY PARTICIPANTS: Sunday participants are invited to attend the fun festivities on Saturday evening.