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, October 12
Time: 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
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
If you move through the world with financial ease and the means to fulfill many of your wants as well as your needs – you are able to eat out when you want, abundantly meet your needs through employment or can comfortably not work, have access to family wealth, own property, etc. – consider paying at this level, which will help us ensure the long term sustainability of our programs while keeping our offerings accessible to those with access to fewer resources.
Sustainer Level Ticket: $50
If you are able to meet your needs with relative ease while budgeting your educational and entertainment spending – for instance, you are able to take classes and eat out occasionally as long as you are mindful – consider paying at this level, which will help sustain the work of the Folk School at a modest level.
Supported Level Ticket: $35
If you struggle to fund your basic needs and have limited access to resources in your family and community, or if you would not be able to access this offering without a discounted payment option, consider paying at this level. We value your presence and contributions to our community and do not want any economic circumstances to be a barrier to attendance!
Instructor Bio - John Carlson
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.