Carving the Kuksa: A Nordic Drinking Cup (2-day class)

Registration for this class opens to MMFS members on November 10, and then to the general public on November 12, 2026. Not a member yet? You can sign up here.

 

Kuksa carving is an old world tradition that has a rich history in Scandinavia. Instructor and carver Alex Yerks will teach you to make your own kuksa in this 2-day workshop, while providing insight into how he makes his own pieces and develops his designs.

The goal of the workshop is to build a relationship with each of the tools we will be using while gaining an understanding of how they work in relation to the timber itself. This course is aimed at both beginners and more experienced wood carvers; we will be swinging axes and adzes, and using gouges, hook tools, and the sloyd knife.

The 2-day workshop will cover all you need to know about carving a kuksa, including sourcing wood, designing your own cups, learning various knife and tool grips, trying innovative ways to use tools, and learning Alex's unique and advanced hollowing techniques. By the end of the workshop, you will have all of the knowledge and skills needed to start crafting your own unique cups that will get passed down from generation to generation.

Axe work is a bit of a workout; if you are not used to it or have shoulder or mobility issues, you may tire easier, but the instructor is happy to assist you through the stages. 

Please note: this class takes place over two days, Saturday, February 27 + Sunday, February 28 from 9 AM - 5 PM each day.

 

About the Instructor: Alex Yerks  

Instructor will provide the following:

• Wood
• Tools 

Students are asked to bring (tools can be found and purchased online):

• Hook knife or gouge
• Axe
• Sloyd Knife (Mora 106)
• Pruning Saw
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Compass or dividers
• Carving gloves or work gloves
• Note-taking tools, if you’d like to take notes
• We recommend dressing in layers, as certain classrooms can be drafty depending on the time of year.
• Since your class runs over the lunch hour, we recommend you bring lunch or click  HERE to learn about local eating opportunities.

 

Skill Level 
No experience required; both beginner and experienced carvers will strengthen their skills through this 2-day workshop. 

Age Requirement
Students ages 16 and older are welcome to attend this class. Students ages 16 and 17 may attend without a parent/guardian in attendance as long as MMFS is provided with written parental permission by email to info@marinemillsfolkschool.org.

Location Details
Marine Mills Folk School
550 Pine St.
Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047

Cost Details
Tuition: $225
Materials Fee: $40
Total Cost: $265

NOTE: Be aware we may cancel class if a minimum number of registrations is not reached. We work to balance teachers’ need to plan for a class with students’ busy schedules — not an easy task. Please register as early as possible! If interested, you can find our cancellation policy HERE.