Gifts of Yuletide is a wintertime series of mini workshops where you can learn a quick new skill in a small community setting, while making a one-of-a-kind gift. These classes are short in duration, but the skills learned and friendships forged last a long time.
NOTE: The Gifts of Yuletide mini-courses will all take place at Aster Garden Center (now with a heated building!), 924 Superior Street, with the exception of the Forged Troll Cross workshop on 12/16/25.
Instructor: Brad Huhta
Monday, Dec. 15 | 4 - 6 PM
Cost: $25 ($20 + $5 Material Fee)
Age Range: Adult, 12+ welcome
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Discover the joy of making your own functional and decorative hand-broom from sorghum grass. You’ll learn the basics; sorting broom corn, tying slip knots, using a foot spindle, wrapping the handle, sewing, and trimming. Go home with a whisk broom or pot scrubber you crafted yourself.
Broom corn, a special grass brought from Africa (maybe even by Benjamin Franklin!), has powered this timeless craft for generations. In a world of machine-made everything, Brad’s expert artisan instruction offers a chance to slow down, get creative, and connect with others in a meaningful, hands-on way.
Instructor: Weezil Samter
Tuesday, Dec. 16 | 5-7 PM
Cost: $25 ($20 + $5 Material Fee)
Age Range: Adult, 7+ welcome
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Come make your own sparkling star ornaments out of copper wire! You’ll learn how to twist and bend the wire into both flat and 3D designs. These are perfect for holiday decorations or special handmade gifts.
Weezil, a local Sandpoint artist, is famous for turning recycled copper into amazing jewelry and art and he loves sharing his skills with others. Join us for a fun, hands-on class and take home something you made yourself!
CLASS FULL Sign up for the waitlist: shaun@kaniksu.org
Instructor: Nick Belfry
Tuesday, Dec. 16 | 6-8 PM
Cost: $25 ($20 + $5 materials fee)
Age Range: Adult, 13-16 year-olds welcome with adult
Location: The Sled Barn, 11735 W. Pine
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Warm up by the forge and make your own Forged Troll Cross! This beginner-friendly class is a chance to learn the basics of metal forging while creating your own version of this ancient Scandinavian symbol of protection. Troll crosses are said to protect your home. They also make unique tree ornaments, pendants, gifts, and stories to treasure.
You’ll learn fun skills like tapering, scrolling, twisting, and bending metal, all while making something amazing with your own hands. Nick Belfry, one of the top experts in metal forging instruction in our region, and known for building creative communities, will guide you every step of the way.
Instructor: Hillary DeCecchis
Wednesday, Dec. 17 | 4-6 PM
Cost: $33 ($20 + $13 materials fee)
Age Range: Adult, 12+ welcome
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A sweet nod to handmade traditions - using upcycled fabrics, you’ll stitch together colorful, one-of-a-kind pieces with simple hand embroidery and sewing techniques. No experience is needed. All supplies and hands-on instruction are included.
Hillary DeCecchis, a highly skilled artisan and regional expert in fiber arts, will guide you through each step. In this small-group class, you’ll not only make something special with your own hands but also connect with others, share ideas, and enjoy a warm, creative community.
Instructor: Brianna Larson
Thursday, Dec. 18 | 4-6 PM
Cost: $20
Age Range: Adult, 10+ welcome with adult
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Create an original ornament and learn the basics of pine needle basketry in this hands-on class. You’ll decorate a wooden block with paints and natural materials, then coil and sew pine needles around it to make your own little masterpiece. These ornaments make great gifts or a fun experience to share with a friend.
Bri Larson, a highly skilled traditional skills artisan and weaving instructor known regionally for her rewilding expertise leads a fun and energetic small group workshop.
Instructor: Shaun Deller
Friday, Dec. 19 | 5-7 PM
Cost: $25
Age Range: Adult, 15+ welcome
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Carve and paint your own Santa ornament just in time for the holidays! In this hands-on class, you’ll learn the basics of “flat plane” carving, a Scandinavian style where most of the shaping is done with a knife and small gouge, creating beautiful, faceted details. Each student will get a pre-cut wooden blank to work on, plus knives, wood, and safety gloves. Shaun will share the history of this carving style, show examples for inspiration, and guide you every step of the way. No prior experience needed.
Shaun Deller, a highly skilled woodcraft artisan and traditional skills instructor (and the Kaniksu Folk School Coordinator!) introduces woodworking while creating community, sharing stories, and bringing out the wood worker in you.