Events

Repurpose old ties you already own (or use the fun styles we provide) to sew a cute purse.

Learn the tips and tricks of meal prepping while taste tasting one of the dinner meals (beef stew with crusty bread) with wine!

Learn to work scrap metal into a beautiful and unique statement ring.

Work scrap metal into a beautiful and unique pair of earrings.

Soap is created from lye and fats. Join us in making soap by hand and take some home with you! No prior experience necessary.

Join us for a poetry open night the first Thursday of the month. Presented in collaboration with Northern Lakes Arts Association.

You'll learn about the different stages clay goes through during the making process, as well as the tools and techniques used to create both wheel thrown and handbuilt pottery.

The mission of the Ely Area Writers Group (formerly Writers Read) is to encourage writers to write.

This 4 week class (one two hour session per week) was designed for parent and child or grandparent and child pairs. The intention is for each pair to write their own personalized children’s book.

Combine pyrography and jewelry making in this joint folk art class.

Join us in celebrating the act of writing and the art of poetry.

Use fabrics to make one of a kind jewelry

Make and eat this Scandinavian teat!

Join us at the Ely Folk School for this beginner needle felting class with virtual instructor Laura Berlage.

Soap is created from lye and fats. Join us in making soap by hand and take some home with you! No prior experience necessary.

Enjoy this free demonstration of hand pie crust making with instructor and EFS board chair Lacey Squier

Hang your new creation on your door or wall

This class covers dyeing natural fibers with natural dyes from the beginning of the process to end. Natural dyes and fibers will be discussed and examples presented. We'll go through the process of scouring fibers and preparing fibers for natural dyeing (using mordants and tannins). We'll learn about natural dyes, how to make a dye bath, how to dye natural fibers, and modify colors. We'll explore the colors of 4 different natural dyes. Each student will go home with 2 types of dyed cellulose fibers (a linen scarf and a cotton bandana) and 2 types of dyed protein fiber (a skein of yarn and a silk scarf). This class is held in 3 sessions.

Use up your stash! Make these functional pin cushions with scraps you have laying around from various projects.

Make scones and a loaf of bread with sourdough starter

Join us for a two part class introducing you to the ASL alphabet and common phrases.

Northern Minnesota hosts a colorful variety of nesting songbirds each summer, from chestnut-sided warblers to goldfinches. Each species has a colorful song and this class focuses on learning to match the song with the singer while in the field.

Enjoy this free demonstration of hand pie crust making with instructor and EFS board chair Lacey Squier

Come learn about the ethics and tips for foraging, the life cycle of a mushroom, the physical parts and purpose of mushrooms, and how to begin to confidently identify both edible and poisonous mushrooms.

Our annual spring event welcomes back warm weather and invites Ely area residents, visitors, and friends/family to celebrate together.

Join local natural medicine expert Tatiana on this deep dive on altered states--why and how do people get high?

Northern Minnesota hosts a colorful variety of nesting songbirds each summer, from chestnut-sided warblers to goldfinches. Each species has a colorful song and this class focuses on learning to match the song with the singer while in the field.

Learn the history, significance, and techniques of book making.

Learn to make wontons!

Combine the art of card making and wood burning in this craft perfect to do WITH your mom, or as a gift FOR her!

Join us for a class for practicing "reading" hands

Join us for an evening of plant nerdery! Cuttings of current houseplants and rehoming welcome. Please bring at least one plant to swap.

Stop by anytime during this weekend to earn volunteer hours by helping us downsize, organize, and clean our facilities.

Northern Minnesota hosts a colorful variety of nesting songbirds each summer, from chestnut-sided warblers to goldfinches. Each species has a colorful song and this class focuses on learning to match the song with the singer while in the field.

Learn the foundations of creating your own infused oils and salves, and be prepared to take your custom creations home with you!

This three part class will cover everything from selecting wood and tools to starting your own carving projects with confidence

Go hunting for wild foods, learn about some others that aren’t yet ready for harvesting, and return to EFS to cook up a small, delicious snack.

Northern Minnesota hosts a colorful variety of nesting songbirds each summer, from chestnut-sided warblers to goldfinches. Each species has a colorful song and this class focuses on learning to match the song with the singer while in the field.

Learn to make carrot cake in this kids specific Folk School cooking class

Northern Minnesota hosts a colorful variety of nesting songbirds each summer, from chestnut-sided warblers to goldfinches. Each species has a colorful song and this class focuses on learning to match the song with the singer while in the field.

Sew your own shirt customized to the style you want and that looks good on you--not just what some store sells.

Learn everything you need to know to make your very own batch of sauerkraut!

As part of our "We Are Water MN" exhibit, please join us for a water themed poetry course.

Feeling overwhelmed? Always thought you had NO creativity at all? Come learn how to tap into the creativity that we ALL have!

Use scrap beaver hide to fashion an insulated pouch for you cell phone, perfect for winter outdoor adventures of all sorts.

hrough thoughtful readings and free-flowing writing prompts, you will practice shaping truths and fictions from your own observations and experiences.

Learn the art of upholstery in a supportive environment.

Learn to personalize your own card for any occasion.

Pair group conversation and mid-summer refresh with the art of woodburning!

Students can select from four hat styles, gnome, wizard, bucket or loopy sauna. The practice of wearing a hat in the sauna insulates and protects your head.

Students can select from four hat styles, gnome, wizard, bucket or loopy sauna. The practice of wearing a hat in the sauna insulates and protects your head.

Join the club! Membership gets you access to all 12 of our 2025 herbalism classes.