The Michigan Folk School
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 archery
​ blacksmithing
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​
 
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health & home
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improvement
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leather
millinery
​​​ & dressmaking
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Open Studio  Categories
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​archery

Creating a Traditional Longbow
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The pride that comes from shooting a wooden bow that you’ve made with your own two hands is a powerful experience. In this two day course, you will be guided through the step-by-step process of crafting a wooden longbow.  You will begin with a hickory "bow blank" that is ready for you to start hand tooling. During the course you will be introduced to the ancient art of tillering, learn the fundamentals of woodworking, using tools efficiently, and tapping into our ability to “read” the wood.  By the end of the course you will have made your own wooden longbow and if time and weather cooperate, students will have the opportunity to practice shooting techniques.

While the finished product, a longbow, will be exquisite in design and performance, it is HARD work to get to that point. Therefore, please note that this class will physically challenge you and you will be sore and tired.  If you wish to work at a slower pace you are highly encouraged to also enroll in the Longbow Studio to finish you bow, and maybe even add a design or accoutrement that make it uniquely yours.   
Course Fee: $280  - Supply Fee: $100       Location: Folk School​
Sat 6/10 & Sun 6/11, 10am-6pm
Sat 8/26 & Sun 8/27, 10am-6pm
Longbow Open Studio
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For students who have gone through the Creating a Traditional Longbow course or have approval from the Boyer Instructor, we offer access to our archery studio.  This 4-hour session is offered around the same time as the Traditional Longbow making classes.  The Longbow Open Studio will be available on a Monday following a Longbow course. Students may work on unfinished bow or start a new one, color their bow using wood dye, carve the handle, add horn nocks, etc. Materials and equipment will be available for students to use with minimal instruction. Bow making materials will be available for purchase.

Example of Longbow Making Equipment & Materials:
  • Horn nocks
  • Leather grips
  • Tillering Jigs
  • Files and Rasps
  • Bow Blanks
  • Wood Dyes
  • Wood Carving Tools
  • Bow Scale
There is no basic introductory instruction available, only knowledgable assistance.   
Course Fee: $50  - Supply Fee: $0            Location: Folk School​
Mon 6/12, 12pm-4pm
Mon 8/28, 12pm-4pm
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Leather Archery Arm Guard, Shooting Tab & Pocket Quiver
Shooting a Traditional Archery Bow is a satisfying past-time that is made even better after crafting your own high quality hand-crafted leather accessories.  In this course you will use basic leather smithing techniques to create three archery accessories: an custom sculpted arm guard, a shooting finger tab, and a pocket quiver that snuggles a half dozen arrows ready for your use.      ​

This is an introductory level leather crafting course that requires no previous experience with leather-working or its tools. You will walk away with the confidence that you are now ready to scare the heck out of any target with comfort.
Course Fee: $140  - Supply Fee: $10    Location: Folk School​
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Becoming a Fletcher: Arrow Making
Phffft is the satisfying sound of a just-released handmade arrow arcing its way to the target. The process of building arrows is an intricate art that is often overlooked.  The craft process is truly form following function. In this class we will work with materials including Port Orford Cedar shafts (matched perfectly for your bow's draw-weight and draw length) and sealed with a hand-rubbed polyurethane finish. Feathers will be installed using a professional fletching jig.  Nocks will be properly aligned with the grain of the wooden shaft. Field tip points will installed for sure penetration. The quality and precision of the half dozen arrows that you make will surly delight and impress.  Additional arrows may be purchased onsite and are  priced per piece at $7.50.

On the registration page please include your style of bow, the poundage, and your draw-length.  This will help us insure having the materials on hand to best meet your needs.
Course Fee: $260  - Supply Fee: $40   Location: Folk School​

Our Mission: The Michigan Folk School is committed to creating a community engaged in authentic, hands-on experiences through the teaching and sharing of traditional folk arts, crafts, music, and skills in an inspiring natural setting and to promote the preservation of forest and farmland.


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Email

registrar@MiFolkSchool.com
734-436-8973

Campus Address

7734 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105

Business Address

Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission
2230 Platt Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48104

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  • Home
    • Contact Us >
      • Show Your Interest
    • General policies & information
    • Mailing List Sign-Up
    • Staebler Farm County Park & Campus
    • Our Other Facilities
    • Instructor Portal
  • Learn
    • Instructor Profiles
    • gift certificates
    • Calendar
    • Categories >
      • archery
      • blacksmithing
      • boats & trailers
      • broom craft
      • bushcraft
      • children's classes
      • community learning
      • fiber
      • food
      • gardening & farming
      • glass
      • health & home
      • home improvement
      • homesteading
      • jewelry & metalwork
      • leather
      • millinery & dressmaking
      • sailing
      • woodworking
    • Open Studio
  • Teach
  • Finding Flow
  • Donations