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What's the Buzz About?

Whats the Buzz About?
$475

Full

Nature Studies
Brasstown
Weekend
Ages
18yr+
Jul
31
Fri
-
Aug
2
Sun
PM
04:00
-
PM
12:00
Schedule Type Title: Every Day of the Week
Schedule Description: Daily
Sessions: 3
Session Hours: 3.00
Program Area: Nature Studies, Homesteading
Instructor: Katie Goodman
Studio/Location: Lower Keith
Student Materials: Please bring the following: -Your own protective gear. Blue Ridge Honey Company is a good company to buy from. -If you cannot purchase your equipment we do have limited equipment to borrow.
School Fee & Materials: -Cover tables with paper -Something to protect the floors when pouring wax and extracting. 5 gallon buckets and lids for honey collection. Sugar if they need feeding. Varroa medication for all colonies (order from Wayne’s if we’re out)
Instructor Materials: Personal protection, if needed. Smokers and smoker lighting material. Hive tools. Wax for wax crafts. Frames for frame building.
Equipment Needs: Apiary. Water hose for safety during smoker lighting and cleanup. Honey Extracting Equipment: Extractor, Double Screen, uncapping knife, 5gallon buckets with lids, Scratcher, Hive Butler or similar decapping tool. Lower Keith, this is a change from wet room and will require paper on tables, explanation to Katie about the new studio and orientation for doing honey harvesting. Bee yard upkeep is in transition. Susannah will be key contact for updates on any changes. Virginia Webb is retired and we will have a new spring beekeeping instructor who is awesome, Julie Mahood, who is willing to help with the bees and has great experience but lives in Atlanta. Katie talks with Julie and there are good connections to help the Folk School bees survive and thrive in the next 100 years to make honey for the craft shop and to use in Nature studies and cooking classes.
Skill Level: All Levels
Total Materials Fees: $20
Lower Keith
1 FOLK SCHOOL RD
BRASSTOWN, NC 28902-8008
Description

Thinking about becoming a beekeeper but not sure yet? Buzz into this class and touch on all aspects of appreciating and caring for honey bees throughout the year. Experience hive inspections, queen spotting, honey harvesting, and more with the Folk School hives. Leave this class with a good grasp on what it takes to keep bees healthy, wealthy in honey, and you, the wise!

From Garden to Table–Cooking with Homegrown Produce

$870

Available

(2 left)
Cooking
Brasstown
Week (Sunday-Saturday)
Ages
18yr+
Aug
2
Sun
-
Aug
8
Sat
PM
04:00
-
AM
09:00
Schedule Type Title: Every Day of the Week
Schedule Description: Daily
Program Area: Cooking, Homesteading
Instructor: Megan Lambert
Studio/Location: Cooking Studio
Student Materials: Please bring the following: - Notebook & pen - Wear closed-toe shoes to protect feet (will go out into the garden) - Head covering (hat or bandanna) or hair ties to keep hair out of face and food - Sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray and whatever you need to be comfortable outdoors - Food storage containers, in case of leftovers!
School Fee & Materials: Pantry staples Spice cabinet Paper goods
Instructor Materials: Ingredients, speciality equipment, recipes
Equipment Needs: Will need access to gardens and orchard Studio, as equipped May need to borrow harvesting baskets
Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
Total Materials Fees: $75-$100
Cooking Studio
1 FOLK SCHOOL RD
BRASSTOWN, NC 28902-8008
Description

Transform the bounty of your garden–or local farmer’s market–into delicious meals! Using items from the Folk School’s gardens and orchards, focus on sensational seasonal recipes designed to highlight the vibrant flavors of all that fresh produce. Learn essential cooking techniques, discover creative recipes, and celebrate the fruits (and vegetables!) of your (or your local farmer’s) labor. $

Traditional Southern Appalachian Herbalism (Appalachian Heritage Week)

Traditional Southern Appalachian Herbalism (Appalachian Heritage Week)
$870

Full

Nature Studies
Brasstown
Week (Sunday-Saturday)
Ages
18yr+
Aug
23
Sun
-
Aug
29
Sat
PM
04:00
-
AM
09:00
Schedule Type Title: Every Day of the Week
Schedule Description: Daily
Sessions: 0
Session Hours: 0.00
Program Area: Nature Studies, Gardening, Homesteading
Instructor: Luke Dilbeck
Studio/Location: Lower Keith
Student Materials: Please bring the following: - Comfortable clothes and shoes - Spiral notebook for journaling - Raincoat gear, just in case - Water Bottle - Anything you need for comfort and safety -optional gathering basket/bags and garden pruners
School Fee & Materials: FOLK SCHOOL FEE: $20 - to go on a day trip to the Cohutta Wilderness, need van and lunches, weather dependent Orientation with Jason, Garden Manager and updated garden and campus plant list of what and where are plants available for harvest on campus done ahead of time, including garden tour for the class that works for his schedule or someone he assigns.
Instructor Materials: Materials and jars for herbalism projects, books, favorite herb tools
Equipment Needs: Lower Keith house herb closet and rock room garden tool access Garden and campus trail access; Garden and campus plant orientation by Jason or someone he assigns to orient the instructor to what we have available before class close to the Appalachian Heritage week and a brief tour when he is on campus, set up for class ahead of the week.
Skill Level: All levels
Total Materials Fees: $100
Lower Keith
1 FOLK SCHOOL RD
BRASSTOWN, NC 28902-8008
Description

Discover the practical side of Southern herbalism. Go on walks to gather herbs, then explore various tastes of what you gathered and make a variety of concoctions including fire cider, tinctures, and teas. Learn salve making and deepen your awareness of plants and their uses. Journal your experience in writing and discuss the unique history of Southern folk medicine and the convergence of Native American, European, and African herbal traditions. $

A Journey Among the Trees & Shrubs–Folklore, Medicine, Food, and Forest Ecology

A Journey Among the Trees & Shrubs–Folklore, Medicine, Food, and Forest Ecology
$870

Available

(1 left)
Nature Studies
Brasstown
Week (Sunday-Saturday)
Ages
18yr+
Oct
11
Sun
-
Oct
17
Sat
PM
04:00
-
AM
09:00
Schedule Type Title: Every Day of the Week
Schedule Description: Daily
Sessions: 7
Session Hours: 7.00
Program Area: Gardening, Homesteading, Nature Studies
Instructor: Luke Dilbeck
Studio/Location: Lower Keith
Student Materials: - raincoat or poncho - be prepared for weather including cold/rain - notebook, writing utensil -comfortable shoes and good socks - Small day-pack - water bottle - hiking stick if you use one -personal plant and animal field guides, if you have some.*Luke likes Peterson’s Guide to Medicinal Plants Eastern addition(Guides are also available for purchase in the Folk School Craft Shop.) -any specific medications you may require (allergy meds, epi-pen, bee sting kit, etc.). We will have a basic first-aid kit. Also bring anything else you need for outdoor comfort -- hat, insect repellent, sunscreen, etc. (Optional)! -binoculars -hand lens -favorite knife -Hori hori knife or digging tool -pruners -camera -gathering bag or basket if you have one you prefer, also wax and small to medium paper bags *Need to be able to walk 1-2 miles over various terrains.
School Fee & Materials: FOLK SCHOOL FEE: $20 Forest Service Access per person. Will need vehicle access and lunches and will be going at least twice to the National Forest Service Land. Garden pruners, harvesting Opinel knives, Herb closet basics, plates, cups, baskets, cutlery, Lower Keith kitchen with stove, hot plates, fridge, sinks, herb press, cutting boards, also ice, cooler, dishes, funnels, nut cracker, all the herb closet and tool closet supplies. Paper bags, baskets, paper towels, cloth towels, plates, bowls, cups, utensils, dehydrators, buckets food grade. Van and basic tables and chairs plus access to campus trails and gardens, visit Forest service land twice.
Instructor Materials: Instructor fee: $50 (for all supplies for making things alcohol tinctures, plants, sugar, cornstarch, cooking materials). Will bring a Stove top still, bottles, jars, droppers, ingredients for tree class projects. Alcohol, oils, sugar, cornstarch, honey, Will work with witch hazel, evergreens, walnut, sassafras, and wild cherry bark. Two days of trips including visit to Apple Orchard
Equipment Needs: Kitchen space - Pots & pans - Folk School vehicle Would be awesome to get Andrew up with Carol Parks and Jason Ebinger about campus and trees. I have a Folk School treasure tree map inventory that would be great to update and nice to create a copy updated and well done for 100th anniversary with Andrew’s help. He is interested in coming down before November to check our campus and I can take him around the Folk School and he can stay at our house, maybe arrange some meals at Folk School.
Skill Level: All levels
Total Materials Fees: $70
Lower Keith
1 FOLK SCHOOL RD
BRASSTOWN, NC 28902-8008
Description

Amongst the soaring world of trees, dive into the folklore, history, and resources of Appalachia's abundant woody plants. Explore winter tree identification and learn sustainable forest management methods for healthy wildlife and abundant harvests. Forage edible and medicinal ingredients, nutritious tree barks, prepare traditional cough syrup, and steam-distill witch hazel. Expect outdoor time–rain or shine–and moderate hiking over potentially rough terrain.

Fall Foraging & Wildcrafting

Fall Foraging & Wildcrafting
$475

Available

Nature Studies
Brasstown
Weekend
Ages
18yr+
Oct
23
Fri
-
Oct
25
Sun
PM
04:00
-
PM
12:00
Schedule Type Title: Every Day of the Week
Schedule Description: Daily
Sessions: 0
Session Hours: 0.00
Program Area: Nature Studies, Cooking, Homesteading
Instructor: Cara Lee Langston & Patricia Kyritsi Howell
Studio/Location: Lower Keith
Student Materials: Please bring the following: - Notebook & pen - Wear closed-toe shoes to protect your feet - Small to medium-sized basket or tote for gathering - Anything you need to feel comfortable outdoors (rain jacket, sunscreen, bug spray, brimmed hat, etc.)
Instructor Materials: Recipes and additional ingredients Mason jars
Equipment Needs: LK Kitchen, as equipped.
Skill Level: All levels
Total Materials Fees: $20
Lower Keith
1 FOLK SCHOOL RD
BRASSTOWN, NC 28902-8008
Description

Learn about fall wild foods and herbal traditions of Southern Appalachia with an herbalist and author/nutritionist/forager as your instructors. Explore trails on the Folk School campus and learn how to safely, ethically, and sustainably wild-harvest botanicals that can be used for both food and wellness. All levels welcome!

Holiday Soap Making & Design! (Holiday in the Mountains)

Holiday Soap Making & Design! (Holiday in the Mountains)
$870

Available

Soap Making
Brasstown
Week (Sunday-Saturday)
Ages
18yr+
Dec
6
Sun
-
Dec
12
Sat
PM
04:00
-
AM
09:00
Schedule Type Title: Every Day of the Week
Schedule Description: Daily
Sessions: 7
Session Hours: 7.00
Program Area: Soap Making, Homesteading
Instructor: Jessica Breaux
Studio/Location: Lower Keith
Student Materials: Please bring the following: - safety glasses, goggles, or face shield -protective mask (in addition to the goggles) - apron (to protect clothes from lye and oil) - rubber gloves (should reach past ends of shirtsleeves and allow for good dexterity) - long-sleeve shirts, long pants, socks, and close-toed shoes (choose clothes you can get oil on) - extra silicone molds, pringles cans, or clean soup/milk cartons ESTIMATED ADDITIONAL MATERIALS FEE: $75-$180 for 10-20 pounds of soap. Students may pay more or less depending on how much they make, priced at $8 per pound.
School Fee & Materials: - Dish soap - Sponges - Paper towels - Masking tape - Wax Paper
Instructor Materials: Base ingredients for all soaps - Essential oils and natural additives (herbs, spices, oats, dried flowers, etc.) - soap molds
Equipment Needs: Lower Keith - Stainless steel bowls (preferably a large, medium, and small for each student) - Working immersion blender for each student - Digital scales (large enough to hold pot or bowl with display still visible) - Spatulas/rubber scrapers - Safety glasses/goggles - Face masks (for use while mixing lye) - Measuring spoons and cups - More infrared thermometers than last time - Working hotplates/stovetop - Funnel pitchers for pouring soap - White board & markers - Permanent markers - Scissors - Extra rubber gloves, aprons - Tea kettle - Large pieces of cardboard for curing - 2-3 long extension cords - Extra soap molds - Soap cutters - Mid week garbage pickup is super helpful for soap making classes
Skill Level: All levels
Total Materials Fees: $80-$175
Lower Keith
1 FOLK SCHOOL RD
BRASSTOWN, NC 28902-8008
Description

Enjoy the holiday season as you learn the art of crafting your own beautiful, safe, and luxurious soaps from scratch with the cold press method! Use all-natural ingredients to personalize batches of soap, good for you and for the environment. Experiment with natural additives like oats, honey, and essential oils. Leave with unique soap to use at home and share with friends. This class is perfect for beginners as well as those who wish to learn more about color and design techniques. $

Winter Trees & Herbalism of Appalachia

Winter Trees & Herbalism of Appalachia
$950

Available

Nature Studies
Brasstown
Week
Ages
18yr+
Feb
7
Sun
-
Feb
12
Fri
PM
04:00
-
PM
12:00
Schedule Type Title: Every Day of the Week
Schedule Description: Daily
Sessions: 6
Session Hours: 6.00
Program Area: Nature Studies
Instructor: Luke Dilbeck
Studio/Location: Lower Keith
Student Materials: Please bring the following: -comfortable walking boots, warm socks -a warm coat/ jacket/vest/raincoat. Come prepared for any kind of weather. Can be warm, cool, or cold days with dry or wet conditions. -hat or cap is always good in the woods -a journal that will be heavily used for drawing, writing, pressing. -colored pens/marker/pencils if they so desire but not required. -gloves that slow you to work but not too thick -a gathering sack or basket, clippers if you have them *(Optional): Bring some mason jars, quarts and pints, your own mortar and pestle if you have one you love -a sense of adventure and an open heart
School Fee & Materials: FOLK SCHOOL FEE: $20.00 Forest Service permits, will need Transit van access (depends on what 2027 fees are) Need transit van and bagged lunches, garden access, forest service permits. Lower Keith will be well stocked for plant projects. Need to cover the tables with Kraft brown paper. Has access to stove, fridge, dishwasher, sinks in lower Keith plus the equipment in closet.
Instructor Materials: Instructor fee: $50 (for all supplies for making things alcohol tinctures, plants, sugar, cornstarch, cooking materials). Will bring a Stove top still, bottles, jars, droppers, ingredients for tree class projects. Alcohol, oils, sugar, cornstarch, honey, Will work with witch hazel, evergreens, walnut, sassafras, and wild cherry bark. Two days of trips including visit to Apple Orchard
Equipment Needs: Lower Keith kitchen basics: tables and chairs, computer tv access, hotplates and stove access, refrigerator, double boiler pots, collection of plates, pans, bowls, French presses, assortment of normal kitchen utensils including vegetable peelers and scrubbers, blenders, choppers, funnels, sieves, pitchers, 1/2 gallon, quart mason glass jars with lids. Cooking trays, dehydrators, wax paper, plastic wrap, etc. Access to LK greenhouse, garden tool closet with clippers, opinel knives, harvest bags, sieves, clean plastic 1-2- and 5 buckets, dishpans, soap, dish drying rack, towels, dish towels. Scissors, markers, paper easel board, computer tv hookup. Cover tables with Kraft paper. Access to Transit van for field trips, access to gardens(talk with Jason about what is available in garden) and have trails in good shape.
Skill Level: All levels
Total Materials Fees: $70-$90
Lower Keith
1 FOLK SCHOOL RD
BRASSTOWN, NC 28902-8008
Description

Discover the beauty of the quiet season while exploring Appalachian forests and waters. Learn to identify winter trees by bark and buds, get familiar with evergreens, and explore folk medicine making. Daily nature excursions, gentle hikes, and hands-on plant projects like fire cider, salve making, and pine needle tea help make your winter come alive. All levels welcome.

Organic Gardening in Appalachia

Organic Gardening in Appalachia
$950

Available

(3 left)
Gardening
Brasstown
Week
Ages
18yr+
Feb
28
Sun
-
Mar
5
Fri
PM
04:00
-
PM
12:00
Schedule Type Title: Every Day of the Week
Schedule Description: Daily
Sessions: 6
Session Hours: 6.00
Program Area: Gardening, Homesteading
Instructor: Jason Ebinger
Studio/Location: Harvest Room
Student Materials: 'Please bring the following: - A drawing or picture of your current home garden, or another garden that you enjoy - Any of your favorite seeds you would be willing to share with the class -Gardening gloves, hat, garden apron, boots or good shoes for being outside. Come prepared for changing weather, cold snap or rain. Bring any small hand tools if you have them: trowel, pruners, horihori knife, etc. Tools will be available if you do not have gardening tools or if you are flying to the Folk School
School Fee & Materials: FOLK SCHOOL FEE: $40-$60 *To be recorded as Gardening Income Coordination with the gardener Jason Ebinger, Susannah Thompson and me to have a good project ready Transplants from the FS garden, garden space (raised beds behind greenhouse), some tools (some from NS shed, some from garden) - wheel hoe, scuffle hoe, kneeler pads
Instructor Materials: 'Estimated Materials Fee: Graph paper, poster board, potting mix, seeds, transplants, pots, tools for demonstration.
Equipment Needs: 'Jason will determine several planting projects around campus and acquire all necessary materials. He will do prep work in the Folk School garden including having some starts ready and having beds in a variety of different states to show preparation methods and order mushroom spawn and have logs ready to inoculate. - Garden tools from garden shed and Sunshine Jim building -Garden tools from Lower Keith garden closet, wheelbarrow, hose, sprayer nozzle, garden cart, opinel knives, shovels, mushroom inoculation tools and wax crockpot, planting tools, gloves, aprons, taken to Harvest room (or Garden shed) from Lower Keith closet. Need access to a couple of folding tables plus set up for laptop to Harvest room tv monitor, tables and chairs, Flip chart and markers - Instruction will also happen in the garden and in Open House if available and weather is good Communications Jason will handle communication with students prior to the start of the class. Anyone ( Susannah, Mel, Annie Fain, Karen) can all go directly to Jason with any questions related to the class.
Skill Level: All Levels
Total Materials Fees: $40-$60
Harvest Room
1 FOLK SCHOOL RD
BRASSTOWN, NC 28902-8008
Description

Plan and prepare for a successful garden or farm. Cover the basics of design and create a planting calendar. Learn organic practices to build soil, manage pests and diseases, and plant for a sustained harvest of vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers throughout the garden season. Also, gain an introduction to fruit tree pruning, apple grafting, and mushroom log inoculation. Enjoy using the Folk School gardens as your outdoor classroom; all levels welcome.

Beekeeping–How Sweet It Is!

Beekeeping–How Sweet It Is!
$950

Available

Nature Studies
Brasstown
Week
Ages
18yr+
Mar
28
Sun
-
Apr
2
Fri
PM
04:00
-
PM
12:00
Schedule Type Title: Every Day of the Week
Schedule Description: Daily
Sessions: 6
Session Hours: 6.00
Program Area: Homesteading, Nature Studies
Instructor: Julia Mahood
Studio/Location: Lower Keith
Student Materials: Please bring the following: - Long, heavy pants - Long-sleeve shirt - Any bee gear you might already own (veil, gloves, etc.). The Folk School has several sets available.
School Fee & Materials: Beeyard with maintained hives / Bee Yard mowed - Bee package ( Susannah to budget & obtain) - Paper or plastic to cover inside tables on which honey may drip - Paper towels - School frames, supers, boxes, queen extruders, hive tools Depending on the bees, weather, beekeeping skills, luck we hope 2026 grows a strong bee yard with the help and leadership of Greg Collins, beekeeper on Settawig Road in Brasstown NC and Julia Mahood, new beekeeping class instructor and Georgia Beekeepers President in Atlanta. John and I will be transitioning out of head honchos and will be available to do what they suggest and have Greg take local management.
Instructor Materials: 'Personal bee tools and equipment Hive components to assemble Computer for Powerpoints and HDMI cable Super of honey to extract Wax Craft materials Educational handouts Propolis trap Solar wax melter Different smoker fuels to try, lighters Hot plate to melt wax.
Equipment Needs: same. Bee yard with maintained hives Package of bees and a Nuc (JCFS staff to budget and obtain if possible, Instructor will ck in) Paper to cover tables Paper towels, dish soap, scrubbers School hive equipment: frames, supers, queen excluders, hive tools, smokers Possible new hive to assemble, tools Smoker fuel (pinestraw) Honey supers to extract Labels for jars from craft shop Jars for honey from craft shop Bee suits, veils, gloves Lower Keith Kitchen sinks, stove Several tables inside to make wax products, cover with paper/cardboard Access to hose to wash extractor Hot plates available Honey buckets food grade plus screen Honey bucket pour Screen and projector for powerpoints (instructor will bring a laptop) TV and DVD player Outdoor work table suitable for nailing equipment together, picnic table is fine Inside work area for honey extraction and wax
Skill Level: All Levels
Total Materials Fees: $35-$40
Lower Keith
1 FOLK SCHOOL RD
BRASSTOWN, NC 28902-8008
Description

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of honey bees! This hands-on class will introduce you to all aspects of honey bee and apiary management including hive building and bee installation, hive style options, safe inspection methods, pest and disease awareness, and honey and wax harvesting. Explore creative ways to use hive products like beeswax and propolis. Leave the week prepared to begin a rewarding hobby that could become a profitable business.

Putting a Spin on Flax–Field to Fiber

Putting a Spin on Flax–Field to Fiber
$950

Available

Spinning
Brasstown
Week
Ages
18yr+
Mar
28
Sun
-
Apr
2
Fri
PM
04:00
-
PM
12:00
Schedule Type Title: Every Day of the Week
Schedule Description: Daily
Sessions: 6
Session Hours: 6.00
Program Area: Spinning, Gardening
Instructor: Peter Cook
Studio/Location: Wet Room
Student Materials: Please bring the following: - A Saxony-type spinning wheel, i.e. "flax wheel," if you have one and can bring it. The Folk School has wheels available for student use, many of which are suitable for flax spinning. Feel free to contact CPA Martha Owen, with questions -- (828)361-7535 or email her at [email protected] - Tools you usually use with it, such as extra bobbins, lazy kate, and distaff. (Instructor will provide a distaff, if you do not have one.) - Package of hem tape or 1 to 1-1/2 yards of ribbon -- solid, not lace-type, to use with flax on your distaff - Dust mask or bandana - Hand towel or lap cloth Please label all personal tools with your name or initials.
School Fee & Materials: MATERIALS - Tarp or drop cloth -- large, for indoor use
Instructor Materials: Flax (quantities in various stages of prep. - Scutching Board - Period textiles for examination and connoisseurship - Flash drive with Powerpoint presentation
Equipment Needs: 2 rows to plant with flax in our gardens. Access to laptop, digital projector, & screen. (Please arrange a day & time with our Program Operations team for your class to view this presentation in the Living Room of Keith House.) Wet Room - 5 flax hackles - 2 flax brakes - Saxony and Castle spinning wheels, for students who may not bring their own - Historical flax wheels for demonstration - Drop spindles - Tables & chairs - 2 working antique wheels with distaff
Skill Level: Intermediate, Advanced
Total Materials Fees: $75-$90
Wet Room
1 Folk School Rd
Brasstown, NC 28902
Description

Learn the historical process of flax cultivation from the field to fiber preparation and spinning. Experience using different tools and techniques to process flax, including rippling, using a flax brake, scutching, hackling, distaff dressing, and hand spinning. Whether a fiber artist, museum docent, or teacher of early domestic practices, all students will benefit from individual attention and skill development. Intermediate to advanced students welcome; basic hand-spinning skills required.

Working with Flax–The Humble Plant in Practice

$950

Available

Spinning
Brasstown
Week
Ages
18yr+
Apr
4
Sun
-
Apr
9
Fri
PM
04:00
-
PM
12:00
Schedule Type Title: Every Day of the Week
Schedule Description: Daily
Program Area: Spinning
Instructor: Jennifer Folsom
Studio/Location: Wet Room
Student Materials: Please bring the following: -Comfortable clothes that can get dusty -Closed-toe shoes -Dust masks -Small sharp scissors -Notebook and pen/pencil -Personal Spinning Tools (optional but if preferred); Drop spindle and/or spinning wheel -Distaff (optional)
School Fee & Materials: $0 / The Wet room will need to borrow the same retting poolvessel as used in the Flax growing class the week before. Access to the garden to see the planting.
Instructor Materials: Fiber + Materials: -Flax straw for processing (dependent on availability) -Prepared long line flax -Prepared tow flax samples (we’ll prep fiber in class for the tow) -Additional fiber samples (comparison) -Sample yarns (good vs problematic examples) -Sizing materials -Sponges -Flax zines for students -Cordages materials -Clips -Rigid heddles for band weaving -Containers for sample fibers and for an organized workspace -rulers -Glue -Precut sample tags and directions on adding samples and notes to our sample book Book + Structure Materials -Waxed linen thread (for sample books) -Paper for signatures (not using handmade only) -Simple bookbinding tools (needles, awls) -Needles -Commercial yarns -Basketry-type tools and fibers
Equipment Needs: -One table per student -Towels -Access to outdoor space for flax processing -Brooms/dustpans (flax gets messy) -Access to water (sink or nearby source) -Pots and tubs for washing/scouring -Heat source for boiling water -Space for drying yarn under tension -Monitor, overhead camera, and chalkboard -Spinning wheels (class set, if available) -Niddy noddies or skeining tools -Flax brakes -Scutching knives -Hackles -Hand cards/combs for tow -Distaffs -Cutting mats and exacto knives
Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
Total Materials Fees: $75–$90
Wet Room
1 Folk School Rd
Brasstown, NC 28902
Description

Work with flax to spin linen singles and explore the distinct qualities of long line and tow. Examine the path from plant to linen yarn, including finishing techniques such as scouring, sizing, and drying under tension. Discover how preparation and spinning choices shape strength, texture, structure, and use. Experiment with cordage, weaving, nålbinding, and simple book structures as you create reference samples.

Goats & Goat Cheese!

Goats & Goat Cheese!
$1,350

Available

Cooking
Brasstown
Long Session
Ages
18yr+
Apr
18
Sun
-
Apr
25
Sun
PM
04:00
-
PM
12:00
Schedule Type Title: Every Day of the Week
Schedule Description: Daily
Sessions: 8
Session Hours: 8.00
Program Area: Cooking, Homesteading
Instructor: Chris Owen
Studio/Location: Cooking Studio
Student Materials: Please bring the following: - Notebook & pen - Wear closed-toe shoes to protect feet - Head covering (hat or bandanna) and/or ponytail holders to keep hair out of food - Camera (optional) - Anything needed to be comfortable outdoors (sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, etc.) - Food storage containers and a cooler for transporting items home.
School Fee & Materials: Pantry staples, spices, and goods from the gardens
Instructor Materials: Goats & containment equipment Goats' milk Rennet & cultures Any additional ingredients not in the school pantry (citric acid, vinegar, salt, olive oil, herbs etc) Special equipment: various cheese molds and forms, cheese cloth, presses, ladles, etc
Equipment Needs: Studio as equipped large stock pots, long handled knives, Long handled spoons
Skill Level: All levels
Total Materials Fees: $125
Cooking Studio
1 FOLK SCHOOL RD
BRASSTOWN, NC 28902-8008
Description

Learn about all things GOAT! Each day, start and end class by caring for and milking the goats. Use the fresh milk collected for making cheese, including fresh chèvre and more complex aged cheeses. Balance the creative cheesemaking experience with practical goat husbandry, immersing yourself in all aspects of working with live animals and the amazing dairy products we can produce from them. $

Botanical Bubbles–Cold Process Soap from Garden to Bar

$950

Available

Soap Making
Brasstown
Week
Ages
18yr+
May
23
Sun
-
May
28
Fri
PM
04:00
-
PM
12:00
Schedule Type Title: Every Day of the Week
Schedule Description: Daily
Sessions: 6
Session Hours: 6.00
Program Area: Soap Making, Gardening
Instructor: Frances Juhlin
Studio/Location: Lower Keith
Student Materials: Please bring the following: - Safety glasses, goggles, or face shield - N95 face mask (a style that seals around the nose and mouth is best) - Apron (to protect clothes from lye and oil) - Rubber gloves (should reach past ends of shirtsleeves and allow for good dexterity) - Long-sleeve shirts, long pants, socks, and close-toed shoes (choose clothes you can get oil on) - Clippers for cutting herbs and flowers, basket or foraging bag for gathering - Warm clothes if it gets chilly to go outside for collecting, we have baskets and paper bags - Flat box for transporting soap ESTIMATED ADDITIONAL MATERIALS FEE: $125 for 10-20 pounds of soap. Students may pay more or less depending on how much they make.
School Fee & Materials: no fee Folk School Materials School Materials & Fee -Access to garden and fields, campus walks. --access to garden closet for tools - Large trash bags or rolls of paper to line tables - Paper towels (8-10rolls) - Dish soap (at least 2 regular sized or 1 big bottle) - Yes! Soap drying racks, OR paper grocery bags, OR cardboard trays from soda, bottled water, etc. - Extra waterproof aprons, safety glasses, masks, & gloves for students who do not bring any --Maybe Van access one morning or afternoon for Field trip
Instructor Materials: - Base ingredients for all soaps (olice oil, coconut oil, palm oil, colorants, lye) - Essential oils and natural additives (herbs, spices, clays, dried flowers, beer, honey, goats' milk, beef fat, etc.) - Soap molds - Printed booklets - Reference books --soap flat boxes
Equipment Needs: We may need vehicle if available one morning or afternoon for Field trip to Karins Herb Crib and/or Blue Moon Elise in Murphy Planned for Keith House lower level, with kitchen. Access to all Basic Soap making kitchen tools in Lower Keith House Kitchen, including microwave, stove and fridge 8 tables with brown paper cover, chairs -screen and digital access for computer - Stainless steel bowls - Immersion blender (one per student) - Milk frother (one per student) - Small mixing dishes (four per student for mixing colors - tumblers with rounded bottoms or taller dishes preferable since they'll be using them with the milk frothers) - Digital scales (6 + and batteries) - Rubber spatulas - Thermometers (meat or infrared, one per student) - Measuring spoons and cups - Hotplates and stovetops (one per student) - Funnel pitchers for pouring soap - 4 - Pitcher for each student? - Soap molds - Cutters - Crockpots (2) - Soap making books from our library stash - Large plastic bowls (4 +) -gathering baskets and clippers, -dehydrators --Maybe one morning or afternoon, trip to Murphy Blue Moon Elise Or Karen's Herb Farm
Skill Level: All levels, Beginner
Total Materials Fees: $125+
Lower Keith
1 FOLK SCHOOL RD
BRASSTOWN, NC 28902-8008
Description

Welcome spring in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains while learning the art of cold process soap making. Celebrate the gifts of gardening and incorporate plants into nourishing soaps good for the skin. Forage the garden to find herbs and vegetables for making luscious bars of soap. Use a variety of vegetables, fruits, and grains like carrots, cucumbers, oats, and more to make practical, wonderful soap for home and gift giving. $

Breads & Wild Spreads

Breads & Wild Spreads
$950

Available

Cooking
Brasstown
Week
Ages
18yr+
May
30
Sun
-
Jun
4
Fri
PM
04:00
-
PM
12:00
Schedule Type Title: Every Day of the Week
Schedule Description: Daily
Sessions: 6
Session Hours: 6.00
Program Area: Cooking
Instructor: Kayla Gupta
Studio/Location: Cooking Studio
Student Materials: Please bring the following: - Notebook & pen - Wear closed-toe shoes to protect your feet - Small to medium-sized basket or tote for gathering - Anything you need to feel comfortable outdoors (rain jacket, sunscreen, bug spray, brimmed hat, etc.) - Food storage containers in case of leftovers!
School Fee & Materials: Pantry supplies Spice cabinet Paper goods
Instructor Materials: recipes, any special equipment needed
Equipment Needs: Studio, as equipped May need to borrow a few Felcos and baskets from Nature Studies
Skill Level: All levels
Total Materials Fees: $75- $100
Cooking Studio
1 FOLK SCHOOL RD
BRASSTOWN, NC 28902-8008
Description

Learn all about wild yeast as you create, shape, and bake delicious loaves of sourdough bread using a natural starter. Learn how to feed your starter and keep it active for future use. Prepare a variety of tasty spreads using wild edible plants foraged from the local terrain and gardens to enjoy with your fresh bread! You will also learn how to use a mill to grind your own flour to make into delicious baked goods. All levels welcome; please plan for time indoors and out, walking around, and eati

Eat Your Flowers–Botanical Fun in the Kitchen

$950

Available

Nature Studies
Brasstown
Week
Ages
18yr+
May
30
Sun
-
Jun
4
Fri
PM
04:00
-
PM
12:00
Schedule Type Title: Every Day of the Week
Schedule Description: Daily
Sessions: 6
Session Hours: 6.00
Program Area: Cooking, Gardening, Nature Studies
Instructor: Nanette Davidson
Studio/Location: Lower Keith
Student Materials: Please bring the following -Comfortable clothes and garden shoes that can get wet and dirty - Raincoat or rain poncho, just in case - Anything you need for outdoor safety & comfort -- hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, allergy meds, water bottle, etc. Optional: -Harvesting basket, hand pruners, flower clippers if you have some you like -Garden gloves -Any flower and herb books you especially love -Apron -glass jars, plastic containers for leftovers and special food samples to take home
School Fee & Materials: Having access to a bigger refrigerator in 2027Lower Keith Kitchen if budget allows one to be installed would be so helpful. We need access to the Big Kitchen freezer for the short bread with flowers and takes about 4 cookie sheets. Also having a good garden plan of edible herbs and flowers with Jason planted in the fall for end of May first of June harvest in 2027 would be ideal.
Instructor Materials: Everything needed to supplement Lower Keith Kitchen as well as all the food basics. Ingredients for Mezza table, including honey, sugar, vinegar, spices, a variety of jars, paper bags, special tools, supplemental tablecloths
Equipment Needs: Array of organically grown herbs and flowers in JCCFS gardens available for harvest by class. Will talk with Jason and Susannah in the fall to arrange more edible flowers for June 2027, especially roses. Bigger refrigerator would be great. Otherwise need coolers, that fridge is too small for any cooking class Ability and access to take sheets of flowers on short bread to freeze in Main Folk school kitchen, 4 half day sheet pans, Need to be in touch with kitchen. Wire shelf for storage for onions, potatoes, and other ingredients and equipment more easily accessible during class would be helpful An updated campus map of unsprayed safe forage areas Tool basics: garden pruners and scissors, gathering baskets and/or bags, paper bags, dehydrators, lines to hang herbs, clothes pins Stainless steel table Plastic tables and chairs dvd, computer tv hook up, Lower Keith kitchen cooking equipment basics, including large, medium, small stainless steel bowls, colanders, strainers, small to medium dishes, trays, bowls for herbs and spices, tongs, blender, food processor, mortar and pestle, good sharpened knives and cutting boards, oven, microwave, fridge. Wooden spoons, Tableware for 10, eight students instructor and assistant, plates, bowls, tablecloths, cloth and paper napkins. Regular and paper plates, bowls, and cups Wax paper, aluminum foil, parchment paper, and plastic wrap Paper and cloth towels, dish drainers, soap, scrubbers
Skill Level: All levels
Total Materials Fees: $100-$125
Lower Keith
1 FOLK SCHOOL RD
BRASSTOWN, NC 28902-8008
Description

Learn to identify, harvest, and use 50 edible flowers and herbs in your seasonal cooking. Source the campus gardens for cuttings and take them to the original Folk School kitchen to create beautiful and delicious condiments, salads, herbal syrups, floral baked goods, and more. Learn tips for keeping bright colors true and flavors intact with beneficial health aspects of culinary herbs and spices. Enjoy a colorful tea party and finish with a vibrant mezze table of class-made delights.

An Herb Garden Primer

$950

Available

Gardening
Brasstown
Week
Ages
18yr+
Jun
13
Sun
-
Jun
18
Fri
PM
04:00
-
PM
12:00
Schedule Type Title: Every Day of the Week
Schedule Description: Daily
Sessions: 6
Session Hours: 6.00
Program Area: Gardening, Homesteading
Instructor: Cathy Merckens
Studio/Location: Lower Keith
Student Materials: Please bring the following: - Notebook & pen - Gardening gloves - Several pint-sized canning jars (and small box for packing them to take home) - Cardboard box, newspapers, plastic bags, etc. for taking home divisions of Folk School herbs, if you wish
School Fee & Materials: Need van for one morning or afternoon trip, not forest service. Paper towels - Kitchen Herb garden and 2 box beds prepped for planting + - at least 1-2 perennial herb & mint beds to weed, prune, etc. + - container or small box beds to plant new mints. BUDGET: $200 for herb plants (basils, thyme, oregano, rosemary, lemon grass, turmeric, ginger, comfrey, summer savory, parsley, sages, marigolds, nasturtiums) + $200 for soil amendments, plant markers, and wood for new box beds.
Instructor Materials: Paper towels
Equipment Needs: Could still use larger tea presses and ceramic or glass pitchers and nice glasses for tea and ice trays Keith House Lower Level with kitchen. Lower Keith House kitchen/need budget money spent ahead so the boxes and gardens/campus are always improving. Need to replenish tool closet, it's being used by others besides the programming and there has been equipment being lost or broken, including tools, cups, silverware, glass pitchers. Will need: - Kitchen equipment - Towels - Outdoor space, plus working harvestable herb garden - sometimes use the FS vehicle for a field trip Communications Garden – 1-2 herb and mint beds to weed, prune Garden & Grounds – container or small box for new mints (maybe outside DH?) Cooking – what herbs are needed for the small studio herb garden ontainer Budget $100 for herbs (source – gardener, Karen, Herb Festival, nursery in TN) $200 for soil amendments (Harmony, mushroom compost, lime, mulch – source Waynes) Funds for additional raised beds Action items Raised beds cleared out Source some labels for items planted Deliver soil amendments to raised beds Deliver herbs to LK with explanation of where they should be planted Suggested herb plants (basils, thyme, oregano, rosemary, lemon grass, turmeric, ginger, comfrey, summer savory, parsley, sages, marigolds, nasturtiums)
Skill Level: All levels
Total Materials Fees: $60
Lower Keith
1 FOLK SCHOOL RD
BRASSTOWN, NC 28902-8008
Description

Use herbs to enhance the quality of your garden, as well as your life. Plant some herbs in the campus gardens and discover how to grow a variety from seeds, cuttings, and divisions, including basils, calendulas, lemon balm, sages, and many more. Produce amazing herbal products including salves, lotions, bug sprays, and bath blends as well as tasty pesto, vinegars, and tinctures. All levels welcome.

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