Workshops for 2025
Outsider Folk School offers a variety of workshops hosted in spaces around the NE Kansas region. We have individual workshops and ‘Series’ where students are walked through sequential workshops or closely related subjects. Students can enroll in the Series workshops individually or as a set.
By Month
By Series
February
Intro to Hand Papermaking: Plant to Paper Pad
Students will make their own pad of paper from scratch using plant fibers and recycled textile waste. The paper will be usable for drawing, painting, and general craft. Students will first work together to process raw plant fiber and textile scrap into enough pulp stock for the whole class. Next they will learn how to form each sheet by hand using a mold and deckle. Sheets will then be dried and flattened so that they can select a simple binding method that suits the future use of their handmade paper.
By Evan Johnson
February 22 & March 1
1 pm - 3 pm
Fred Paper Studio, Lawrence
Intro to Paper Marbling
Marbling is a process where ink is floated on a bath of water and is manipulated into unique designs with often intricate or stone-like designs which are transferred to paper. In this workshop students will learn to marble paper using fluid acrylic inks. It will cover paper preparation, creating a carrageenan bath for the ink to float on, techniques for applying the ink, and combing patterns to be transferred to the treated sheets of paper. Participants will then be free to create their own designs and take home the patterned sheets they create.
By Evan Johnson
February 25
6 pm - 8 pm
Fred Paper Studio, Lawrence
Naturally Dyeing Wool Yarn in Winter
In this class, students will learn how to naturally dye wool yarn in the winter, using a variety of techniques, and dried plant material saved from summer or from the kitchen. The yarns will be prepared to take the dye prior to class through scouring and mordanting, and students will naturally dye the yarn in class. Instructions for scouring and mordanting, as well as written instructions for dye techniques, will be provided on a handout. Students will leave with hands-on experience, their naturally dyed yarn, and handout.
By Liz Bonny
February 27
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
SeedCo Studios, Lawrence
March
Caricature Wood Carving
In this class, students will learn how to carve a human face out of blocks of basswood using hand tools. The class will focus on woodcarving as an artform. We will learn about knife safety, sharpening and learn different cutting techniques and forms. After practicing the basic cuts, we will go through a step by step process on how to carve a basic human face. Students will get to keep the carvings they create during class.
By Cody Bonham
March 1
1 pm - 4 pm
Oak Ridge, Lawrence
Circular Weaving
In this class, students will be weaving “in-the-round” using an embroidery hoop as a loom. Students will learn how to warp the loom and basic weaving techniques using a buffet of yarns and fiber. Students will leave with the knowledge of basic weaving techniques, a finished weaving, and handouts with instructions and resources for further learning.
By Liz Bonny
March 4
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
SeedCo Studios, Lawrence
Spinning Local Wool on a Drop Spindle
In this class, students will learn how to spin a two ply yarn on a drop spindle using a variety of locally sourced yarns. Students will leave class with basic knowledge and hands-on experience of spinning wool on a drop spindle, their two ply yarn, a drop spindle, wool, and handouts.
By Liz Bonny
March 6
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
SeedCo Studios, Lawrence
Bundle Dye Workshop
You will get to learn about this free-form technique using all locally harvested botanicals. Dried and fresh plants + food waste will be available, including cosmos, marigold, onion skins, hibiscus flowers, hollyhock, coreopsis, and more. We will discuss the basics of natural dyeing, including how to prepare your fabric with a mordant to ensure the colors hold over time. Each participant will leave the workshop with a unique botanical bandana and a detailed, instructional handout for future bundle dyeing projects at home!
By Kim Comstock
March 10
6 pm - 8 pm
Oak Ridge, Lawrence
Intro to Greenwood Carving Techniques
This class will primarily focus on students learning how to safely and efficiently use tools for greenwood carving by learning techniques used in the Scandinavian slöjd tradition. Students will learn to use 4 tools - greenwood saw, carving axe, slöjd knife, and hook knife - and how a basic understanding of these tools, combined with a knowledge of greenwood and its properties, can be employed to create functional items for everyday use. While the primary goal of the class is to teach an understanding of tool use, students will use the skills gained to create a decorative gnome figurine.
By Nicholas Pahls
March 15
1 pm - 4 pm
Oak Ridge, Lawrence
Weaving on a Frame Loom
In this class, students will learn how to weave on a simple lap-sized frame loom. Students will warp the loom and explore a variety of weaving techniques and stitches. This particular course will have students finish the weaving outside of class. Students will leave with knowledge of basic weaving techniques, the start of a weaving, an understanding of how to finish the weaving, and the full weaving kit provided during the class.
By Liz Bonny
March 24
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
SeedCo Studios, Lawrence
April
Dyeing with Cochineal
Cochineal is an insect that grows on cacti, and through specific processing, it can be used as a natural dye to create vibrant and rich colors from reds to purples. Not only will students learn the historical significance of cochineal to Mesoamerican societies, they will leave with cochineal dyed fabric and a skein of wool yarn.
By Raine Flores-Peña
April 5
11 am - 3 pm
Blazing Star Prairie, Lawrence
Greenwood Spoon Carving
In this class, students will learn to carve a spoon from greenwood, using traditional Scandinavian slöjd techniques. The instructor will lead students as they take a piece of wood from a raw billet to a ready to use cooking spoon. The instructor will model and assist participants as they axe out a spoon blank, rough out the general spoon profiles, and use finishing techniques to complete the final form. Students will learn how to safely and effectively use a greenwood saw, carving axe, slöjd knife, and hook knife. All levels of carving experience are welcome to experience this traditional art form and reconnect with your eating utensils.
By Nicholas Pahls
April 12
9 am - 4 pm
Oak Ridge, Lawrence
Grounded in Place: Locally Dyed Sock Workshop
Step into natural dyes through your feet. Many of us choose to wear socks as part of our daily dressing routine. Socks bring comfort, help temperature regulation, extend the life of footwear, and serve as accessories to an outfit. Our aim will be to add a layer of place to our socks and foster connections to our ecosystems and textile use. We’ll decorate these foot encasements using locally grown and foraged plants using bundle dying, simple dye-resist, and eco-printing. A pair of socks will be included in the materials fee.
By Kim Comstock
April 12
1 pm - 3:30 pm
Oak Ridge, Lawrence
Fermenting Basics
In this class, students will learn some fermenting history and basic principles plus a hands-on fermentation portion where they can make and take home pickles, kraut, and kimchi. Students will leave with knowledge on how to prepare vegetables for fermentation, basic principles, food safety and how to use ferments as well as some jars of ferments to take home! There will be a class lunch using ferments made by Sarah.
By Sarah Salzman
April 13
1 pm - 4 pm
Oak Ridge, Lawrence
Native Landscape Immersion Series:
Botany and Ecology in Spring
This workshop is part of a Botany and Ecology Series, students can register for the courses individually or for all classes at a discount. In this four class series, students will learn introductory field botany skills for major plant families in our region focusing on the season at hand (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter). In this session, attendees will learn to identify many of the plant families that define the native landscapes in our region and hopefully spend time with rarer ephemeral wildflowers, emerging pollinators, and the most brilliant green growth of the year.
By Courtney Masterson
April 13
3 pm - 6 pm
Blazing Star Prairie, Lawrence
Dyeing with Osage
Osage orange, or Maclura pomifera, is a tree native to Kansas, and the Central South United states. It is significant to many Indigenous tribes, as they used the tree for their tools, among other important uses. In this class, you will learn some of the significant cultural usage of osage, and learn how to use it to dye protein and vegetable fibers and what goes into preparing the material for dye. Students will leave with a half yard of dyed muslin and a skein of dyed wool yarn.
By Raine Flores-Peña
April 19
11 am - 4 pm
Blazing Star Prairie, Lawrence
May
Where I Lay My Head: Locally Dyed Pillowcase Workshop
A natural dye nod to where you sleep. Most of us lay our heads on pillows to sleep but we also sleep within a larger place. We are nestled in our local ecosystem as yard, neighborhood, park, or town. We are sleeping with thoughts, dreams, and memories formed in moments, families, cultures. As pillowcases have historically been embellished to tell some of these place-based stories, we will use plants grown or foraged locally to imprint on a pillowcase. Techniques used will be bundle dying, simple dye-resist, and eco-printing. In an effort to extend textile use, students are encouraged to use a pillowcase of their own following the guide provided. Second-hand pillowcases will also be available to use in class for those who need one.
By Kim Comstock
May 4
1 pm - 3:30 pm
Oak Ridge, Lawrence
Knife and Tool Sharpening
Learn to sharpen knives or tools with nothing but a single whetstone and knowhow. Focus will be on why and how the process works, and lots of hands-on practice. Students will be able to bring their own items to sharpen, and be able to restore almost any edge to razor sharp. Students may also practice sharpening using knives provided by the school. The sharpening stones will be available for purchase once the class is finished.
By Kyle Shirk
May 4
1 pm - 4 pm
Shirk Forge Studio, Lawrence
Fermented Beverages
In this class, students will learn how to create their own kombucha, beet / fruit kvass, probiotic soda, and Jun (a honey based ferment) using locally foraged or easy to acquire ingredients. Students will also take home a kombucha scoby and probiotic sodas they made during the class. Topics like food safety and troubleshooting these ferments will be covered alongside the basic principles of crafting a fermented drink.
By Sarah Salzman
May 11
1 pm - 4 pm
Oak Ridge, Lawrence
Crafting with Koji; Miso Making Workshop
Hands on miso making! Learn the ins and outs of mold based ferments and where to source koji. We’ll make a group batch of red miso that each person will take home a jar of to ferment for ten months (making it a one year miso in miso years). Learn how to make a nut based miso with cashews and a shio koji marinade. This course includes lunch, served at the beginning of class as a way to sample the finished products of what we make in the class.
By Sarah Salzman
May 18
1 pm - 4 pm
Oak Ridge, Lawrence
June
Native Landscape Immersion Series:
Botany and Ecology in Summer
This workshop is part of a Botany and Ecology Series, students can register for the courses individually or for all classes at a discount. In this four class series, students will learn introductory field botany skills for major plant families in our region focusing on the season at hand (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter). In this session, attendees will learn to identify many of the plant families that define the native landscapes in our region, spend time with summer wildflowers and taste the wild plants of the prairie.
By Courtney Masterson
June 14
9 am - 12 pm
Blazing Star Prairie, Lawrence
Naturally Dyeing Wool Yarn, Family Class
This class is catered towards families! We ask that students are 15 and under with an accompanying adult. Tickets are sold separately. If you are interested in this course but do not fit the criteria, we have one catered towards individuals 15 and up in late August.
In this class, students will dye wool yarn using a variety of plants and techniques, including hot, cold, and solar dyeing methods. While the yarns will be prepared (mordanted) to take the dye prior to class, this technique will be shared in detail. Students will leave with knowledge of how to prepare yarn for dyeing, the hands-on experience of dyeing, their dyed yarn, and a handout with extensive information and ideas.
By Liz Bonny
June 30
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
SeedCo Studios, Lawrence
July
August
Naturally Dyeing Wool Yarn
In this class, students will dye wool yarn using a variety of plants and techniques, including hot, cold, and solar dyeing methods. While the yarns will be prepared (mordanted) to take the dye prior to class, this technique will be shared in detail. Students will leave with knowledge of how to prepare yarn for dyeing, the hands-on experience of dyeing, their dyed yarn, and a handout with extensive information and ideas.
By Liz Bonny
August 28
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
SeedCo Studios, Lawrence
September
Cordage with Local Plants
In this class, students will learn how to make cordage from found and foraged planted fibers. This cordage can be used in many ways, from other crafts like basketry to jewelry making, weaving, and as decorations. Students will leave with knowledge of how to respectfully forage for and prepare the fibers, the hands-on experience of making cordage, the cordage they have crafted, additional cordage materials, and handouts for further learning.
By Liz Bonny
September 9
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
SeedCo Studios, Lawrence
Local Raw Fleece to Weaving Intensive
In this class, students will begin with a local raw sheep fleece, and complete all steps necessary to turn it into a naturally dyed yarn weaving. The class will take place over the course of three days of hands-on learning, with lunches included. Some class time will be spent outdoors (as weather allows) and some indoors. Students will sort and wash the raw fleece, card and hand spin the wool into yarn on drop spindles, then naturally dye the yarn and weave it on frame looms. All materials will be provided, as well as extensive handouts to guide you through the process, with tips offered throughout so you can complete the tasks at home.
By Liz Bonny
September 12-14
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Oak Ridge, Lawrence
Native Landscape Immersion Series:
Botany and Ecology in Fall
This workshop is part of a Botany and Ecology Series, students can register for the courses individually or for all classes at a discount. In this four class series, students will learn introductory field botany skills for major plant families in our region focusing on the season at hand (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter). In this session, attendees will learn to identify many of the plant families that define the native landscapes in our region, spend time with caterpillars and host plants, and learn to recognize native seeds.
By Courtney Masterson
September 20
3 pm - 6 pm
Blazing Star Prairie, Lawrence
Hot Sauce Crafting
Make and take 2 bottles of hot sauce using 2 different methods, salt cap method and brine based method for fermenting with peppers. Learn troubleshooting techniques to deal with surface growth when fermenting. Sample several types of finished fermented hot sauce during the class.
By Sarah Salzman
September 28
1 pm - 4 pm
Oak Ridge, Lawrence
October
November
December
Native Landscape Immersion Series:
Botany and Ecology in Winter
This workshop is part of a Botany and Ecology Series, students can register for the courses individually or for all classes at a discount. In this four class series, students will learn introductory field botany skills for major plant families in our region focusing on the season at hand (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter). In this session, attendees will learn to identify many of the plant families that define the native landscapes in our region, with an emphasis on woody plants and “evergreens.” The group will spend time learning about bark, buds and seeds, and observe animals as they seek resources on a resting landscape.
By Courtney Masterson
December 6
1 pm - 4 pm
Blazing Star Prairie, Lawrence