Kolrosing is an ancient form of wood surface decoration. Thin lines are incised into wood and a powderized substance, such as ashes, coffee grounds or cinnamon, is rubbed into the lines. Oil is applied to the wood, suspending and sealing the substance, creating colored patterns on the surface that are smooth to the touch.

Unlike woodcarving or woodburning, Kolrosing is not removing wood, but spreading the wood and filling the grooves. The technique is easy to learn and is commonly used to decorate wooden spoons and other utilitarian objects.

In this hands-on class we will cover the following topics while decorating a Norwegian butter knife:
- Tools
- Wood Selection
- Surface Preparation
- Design
- Applying a pattern
- Incising techniques
- Applying color to incised lines
- Sealing, finishing, maintenance

Instructions: You may wish to bring a water bottle, snacks, or something to take notes with. This class will take place indoors.

Date: Saturday, November 18
Time: 1pm-4:30pm
Location: People's Food Co-op, 315 5th Ave S, La Crosse, WI 54601
Ages: 12+
Materials Fee: $10

Sliding Scale Course Fee Guidelines (not including Materials Fees)

Supporter Level Ticket: $65

Sustainer Level Ticket: $50

Supported Level Ticket: $35

Instructor Bio

John Carlson is an artist and woodcarver living on a farm in the Driftless region, near Winona, Minnesota, with his wife, cat, dogs, goats, geese, ducks, turkeys, and chickens.
John has been woodcarving since 1995 and was trained in Scandinavian-Chip Carving by Walt Gritner. John is also skilled in Shallow-Relief Carving, 3-D Figure Carving, and Kolrosing. John has taught both youth and adults woodcarving through the Boy Scouts of America, at woodcarving shows, carving clubs, school programs, community education, and the Driftless Folk School.  In addition to working with wood, John enjoys practicing many traditional artforms, including weaving, painting and the art of pysanky.