WISCONSIN 2007 SCHEDULE

9:00-11:30 - WORKIN' FOR SHAKE RAG, a Woodlander tradition and a gift to Shake Rag Alley, the non-profit art center which is home to the Wisconsin Woodlanders Gathering. Join a group of Woodlander participants who donate a few hours to help with gardening, building, repairs, and other tasks. Free lunch for these generous volunteers.

10:00-1:00 - REGISTRATION & CHECK-IN (Shake Rag Alley, 18 Shake Rag Street)

10:00-6:00 - WOODLANDERS RUSTIC SHOWCASE at Longbranch Gallery, 203 Commerce Street, open today 10 am-6 pm. You'll be amazed at the range of creativity and artistry in this exciting exhibit & sale of rustic work by Woodlander participants! Not to be missed! IF YOU WISH TO SHOW OR SELL YOUR WORK AT THE SHOWCASE, contact Sandy at 608-987-4499.

10:00-1:00 - MEET A LLAMA, CARD & SPIN. POTOCKI: Jane and Stosh will bring one of their adorable llamas to Shake Rag. Jane will show you how to card and spin their wool, and you will have a chance to give it a try yourself.

1:00-4:00 - (A1) FREE FORM TWIG TABLE LAMP: KINGERY: Todd's a top-notch, full-time rustic furniture maker. He'll help you create an attractive, one-of-a-kind, free-form rustic table lamp using intriguing twig shapes combined with sturdy lamp parts. Materials $20.

1:00-4:00 - (A2) GARDEN SLAB BENCH: SOMAN/SHARP: Make a handsome, heavy-duty wood slab bench with Dan and John and learn mortise and tenon joinery in the process. Leave room in your car for this great addition to your garden! Materials $25.

1:00-4:00 - (A3) HERBAL LOTIONS & POTIONS: RYAN: Shelley Ryan, WPTV's "Wisconsin Gardener" will share with you her recipes for making herbal bath salts, massage oils, and scrubs. Exotic, healing, and relaxing. Materials $30.

1:00-5:00 - (A4) MAKE PAPER WITH NATURAL MATERIALS: SMEJA: Using pulp made from plants and cotton, you will experiment with laying in flowers, leaves, and paper scraps for color and texture. Materials $5.

1:00-5:00 - (A5) SLATE TOP TABLE: WERNER: Natural slate looks great in combination with rustic wood. John, an inventive and talented rustic artist, will help you build an attractive, functional side table with a beautiful slate top. A Woodlander treasure to take home and enjoy. Materials $30.

1:00-5:00 - (A6) BROOM MAKING: HOLZWART: Discover the art of making handmade brooms! Little John, an expert craftsman, will teach you how to make your own decorative and functional round or flat hearth broom, choosing a unique handle from various woods. Materials $30.

4:00-5:30 - (A7) KNIFE SHARPENING DEMO: WESSENDORF: Learn from Walt, a master carver, how to sharpen your knives and gouges and keep them that way.

4:00-5:30 - (A8) OLD WORLD TOOLS & WOODWORKING DEMO: FAEGRE: Tor is very knowledgeable about traditional old world hand tools and woodworking devices such as the shaving horse, spring pole lathe, jigs, drawknives, spokeshaves, and more. He'll answer your questions and let you try the tools. Ongoing.

5:30-7:00 - KICK-OFF PICNIC DINNER & WOODLANDERS WELCOME with DANIEL MACK. $10

6:30-7:00 - NATURE MANDALA PROJECT: KATARA: With guidance and inspiration from Tatiana Katara, we will start a large nature mandala group project that we can add to throughout the Gathering.

7:00-8:00 - WOODLANDERS WAY: MACK: An inspiring evening with Woodlanders Gathering founder and rustic artist/author Daniel Mack.

8:00-9:00 - (A9) ELEMENTS OF RUSTIC DESIGN: MACK: A premier architect of the rustic renaissance, Daniel Mack will talk about why rustic has returned to prominence and what comprises its basic design elements.

7:00-8:30 - REGISTRATION: CHECK-IN. Enjoy a cup of fresh coffee or tea before you start the day.

Ongoing - WOODLANDERS RUSTIC SHOWCASE at Longbranch Gallery, 203 Commerce Street, open today 10 am-7 pm. You'll be amazed at the range of creativity and artistry in this exciting exhibit & sale of rustic work by Woodlander participants! Not to be missed! IF YOU WISH TO SHOW OR SELL YOUR WORK AT THE SHOWCASE,contact Sandy at 608-987-4499.

Ongoing - NATURE MANDALA PROJECT: With inspiration from Tatiana Katara, we will create a large nature mandala that folks can add to throughout the Gathering.

8:00-8:30 - (B1) CHI GONG-EIGHT PIECES OF BROCADE: JOHNSON & TERRILL: Start your morning with a Basic Chi Gong workshop, which will include 8 easy exercises widely practiced in China and known for their positive health benefits.

8:30-10:00 - (B2) THE LIVES OF TREES: JOHNSON: Take a tour through time with artist Jan Johnson to discover how trees change and grow, from acorn sprouts to ancient giants. Jan provides pencil and sketchbook to record discoveries. $5.

8:30-10:00 - (B3) LEAF CASTING: SUTCLIFFE: Rhubarb and burdock leaves are ripe for casting in concrete to use as bowls, fountains, garden ornaments. Judy will show you how easy it is to make beautiful, natural leaf casts. Materials $5.

8:30-11:30 - (B4) SMALL CHAIR WORKSHOP: MACK Rustic artisan Daniel Mack will guide you through the technical and design steps of constructing a 12" trophy chair from twigs and branches. This project has all the agony and ecstasy of building larger work. Dan's full size chairs can be found in museums around the country. Materials $6.

8:30-11:30 - (B5) RUSTIC BLUE BIRD HOUSE: WERNER: This is no ordinary birdhouse! John, an innovative craftsman, shows you how to make an awesome sculptural structure using driftwood, rustic materials, & found objects. The bird house is made on a tall pole (and sometimes demonstrates its maker's sense of humor). Materials $30.

8:30-11:30 - (B6) FLOWER POUNDING/LEAF PRINTING:GETMAN: Carol will teach you how to transfer color and form from real flowers to paper or fabric by pounding. You will also play with impression foam, making leaf prints. Materials $10.

8:30-4:30 - (B7) BENT WILLOW MOSAIC TABLE: SCHAKEL: Working with willow wizard John Schakel, you will make a small table incorporating bent willow into a sturdy frame plus amazingly creative and attractive willow twig mosaic into the exquisite table top. Materials $30.

8:30-4:30 - (B8) CARVING A SONGBIRD: SCHEUER: Sharpen your woodcarving knife and spend a day carving a songbird with Nick, a talented carver. This is a delightful, realistic bird. Nick will explain how to color and mount. Materials $10.

10:00-4:30 - (B9) RUSTIC MINIATURE COTTAGE: KATARA: Tatiana's imaginative, miniature rustic cottages have been showcased from Sante Fe art galleries to major holiday exhibits at Olbrich Gardens. You will build one of these wonderful creations with Tatiana's inspiration and have some fun foraging around the lush Shake Rag Alley grounds. $25.

11:30-12:30 - LUNCH on the GREEN. Nutritious lunch, time to chat, and a lively open discussion.

12:30-1:30 - SPIRIT OF WOODLANDERS: DAN MACK: a thoughtful and amusing discussion with Woodlanders founder and rustic artist/author Dan Mack.

1:30-4:30 - (B10) FREE FORM TWIG HEADBOARD: KINGERY: Work with Todd, master rustic furniture maker, to make an innovative, one-of-a-kind headboard for your home. Todd will bring everything you need, Materials $35.

1:30-4:30 - (B11) ADIRONDACK BARK TECHNIQUES: GIESE: Adirondack craftsman Dennis Giese will demonstrate, and you will have a chance to practice, dimensional bark techniques and inlay composition that form the traditional basis of fine Adirondack style. Expand your design options and enhance your creations with these techniques.

1:30-5:30 - (B12) WATTLE FENCING WITH WILLOW: HOLZWART: Wattle fencing (willow woven between stakes) has long been familiar to English gardeners. John will cover materials, harvesting, preparation, and construction of a wattle fence panel. Take home a section of wattle fence and the know-how for building larger structures. Materials $5.

1:30-5:30 - (B13) FINNISH SPLIT CEDAR BASKET: PAPE: Historic preservationist Alan will share a lost art he learned from Nicoli Nemi, traditional Finnish basket maker. You will make a 12"x12" fruit basket using 2" cedar strips that Alan has pre-split. (It takes strong hands and a keen eye.) He'll also have a display of Finnish baskets made by Nemi. Materials $10.

1:30-5:30 - (B14) LEAF EMBOSSED LEATHER JOURNAL: SMEJA: Cheryl, known for her innovative leather techniques, will show you how to imprint every detail of leaves into a piece of leather for a journal or album cover. It's one of those small miracles that you have to see to believe. Materials $10.

4:30-5:30 - (B15) PROJECT TROUBLESHOOTERS: Got rustic problems you can't solve? Bring a project that has you stumped. Here's a chance to ask several master builders for advice and guidance.

4:30-5:30 - (B16) OLD WORLD TOOLS & WOODWORKING: FAEGRE: This is a demo by Tor and a chance to try out for yourself some of the great traditional old world hand tools and woodworking devices such as a shaving horse, spring pole lathe, jigs, draw knives, spokeshaves, and more. Ongoing during the Gathering.

DINNER BREAK: around town at the Mineral Point eateries

7:00-8:30 - (B17) NATURE-BASED BUSINESS: MACK: Daniel Mack leads a discussion on conducting business using different models for nature-based enterprises, pricing, promotion, advertising, the ups and downs of being small. Discussion of trends to watch and work with. Bring samples of your marketing materials to discuss.

7:30-8:30 - (B18) SMALL RUSTIC BOATS: FAEGRE & ROGNESS: Tor and Jamie will coach you in mini-rustic boat building using a variety of re-cycled and natural materials for the launch of our candlelight regatta this evening. What will survive the rapids? Gourd? Bark? Leaf? Wood?

8:30-9:30 - (B19) BOAT LAUNCH BONFIRE: We will head for John & Jennifer Sharp's fabulous handmade home and lush grounds to launch our fleet of hopeful boats in their creek at dusk, then enjoy a bonfire, whittling whirligigs and toasting marshmallows...and who knows what else.

7:30-8:30 - REGISTRATION: CHECK-IN. Enjoy a cup of fresh coffee or tea before you start the day.

Ongoing - WOODLANDERS RUSTIC SHOWCASE: LONGBRANCH GALLERY: One of the most original displays of rustic work in the country features creations by Woodlander Gathering participants. Open 10-7 today. If you wish to SHOW OR SELL YOUR WORK IN THE SHOWCASE, contact Sandy at 608-987-4499.

Ongoing - NATURE MANDALA PROJECT: KATARA: Continues (see Saturday description).

8:00-8:30 - (C1) CHI GONG-EIGHT PIECES OF BROCADE: JOHNSON & TERRILL: Start your morning with a Basic Chi Gong workshop, which will include 8 very easy exercises widely practiced in China and known to produce positive health benefits for those who practice.

8:30-10 - (C2) DYEING WITH PLANTS & NATURAL MATERIALS: RYAN: With WPTV's "Wisconsin Gardener" Shelley Ryan, forage for weeds, flowers, twigs, plus strange and exotic materials or materials as common as dirt for this unique dye method. Take home three beautiful silk scarves and expect an entertaining, fun time. Materials $30.

8:30-10 -(C3) PEBBLE MOSAIC STEP STONE: SUTCLIFFE: Learn the basics of a mosaic stone flooring technique of ancient Rome while making a sturdy, ornamental step stone featuring river rock mosaic embedded in concrete. $5.

8:30-11:30 - (C4) FOSSIL EXPEDITION: KOSTOHRYS: Explore with Jim, a nature artist, the last resting place for 450-million-year-old animals. You'll trek to a nearby quarry to search for fossils. Jim will explain what they are, how they lived & died. And you may just pick up a ancient treasure to take home.

8:30-4:30 - (C5) BUILDING A TWIG CHAIR: McNEELY: You will learn the basics of twig chair construction and joinery from rustic craftsman Bob McNeely and take home a functional, sturdy chair, distinctively yours. Materials $35.

8:30-4:30 - (C6) DREMEL CARVE A WOOD SPRITE: ROGNESS: Bring your power carving equipment and make a wood sprite figure from rough outs. You'll have fun working with versatile, innovative carver Jamie Rogness, and you'll learn a lot. You will take home a unique carving, charming and whimsical. Materials $25.

8:30-4:30 - (C7) CARVING A FOOTSTOOL: SHARP: Join master woodcarver John Sharp in relief carving an attractive milk snake image for the seat of a lively little footstool. Bring relief carving tools if you have them, and John has loaners. Beginners accepted. Materials $30.

10-11:30 - (C8) NATURE IMPRINTS IN CLAY: JOHNSTON: This is a Woodlander favorite. Create with expert potters Tom and Diana at the Johnston Pottery, a huge old stone brewery building, a unique hand-built bowl from clay and imprint it with natural textures of leaves, twigs. Materials $12.

10-11:30 - (C9) ALL ABOUT OUTDOOR FOUNTAINS: STAUFFER: Sharon will show you the basics of outdoor fountain making, then take you to several fountains near by to see a variety of styles, talk about construction and maintenance.

10-11:30 - (C10) PERSONAL TOOLMAKING: MACK: Tools are devices for directing energy. Dan Mack discusses the history of tools and tool making from ancient times through the present. He touches on mythology, alchemy, fetishes and wands. You'll also make a few personal tools.

11:30-12:30 - LUNCH on the GREEN: Nutritious lunch, time to chat, and a lively open discussion.

12:30-1:30 - (C11) PROJECT TROUBLESHOOTERS: Got rustic problems you can't solve? Bring a project that has you stumped. Here's a chance to ask several master builders for advice and guidance.

1:30-3:00 - (C12) INTRO TO ALCHEMY: MACK: For centuries, alchemy was the united study of science and spirituality. Its deep rich history still holds clues and directions for modern man. A 60-minute visual talk.

1:30-5:30 - (C1) GOURDS: COILING WITH NATURALS: SCHMIT: Terri, who founded the Wisconsin Gourd Society, has worked out a great new natural look for coiling on a gourd vessel, using devil's claws, goldenrod galls, Job's Tears, walnut petioles, and other intriguing shapes supplied by Terri and Mom Nature. Materials $15.

1:30-5:30 - (C14) RUSTIC GARDEN GATE: GIESE: Working with talented craftsman Dennis Giese, you will make your own handsome rustic gate from willow and other types of wood branches. Necessary hardware is included for your individually sized project. Materials $35.

1:30-5:30 - (C15) BUCKTHORN TABLE: FAEGRE: Tor, a master of the woods and a master builder of unique rustic furniture, will take you out to the edge of town to identify and harvest buckthorn, small pesky, invasive trees. You'll learn how to turn your branches into a beautiful, sturdy, long-lasting table to take home. Materials $10.

3:00-4:30 - (C16) LORE OF THE TREES: RIVER: Falcon will take you on an exploration of the magical, mythical, healing properties of trees and their ancient folklore. Bring pen/pencil, notebook, sharp knife, open mind, and sense of wonder.

4:30-5:30- (C17) WILLOW GATHERING EXPEDITION: SOMAN: Gathering for Monday's TeePee Trellis Workshop but others are welcome to come along. Dan will show you what to look for and how to harvest wild willow. (Dan will have extra willow if you are unable to go gathering, but are taking his teepee trellis workshop on Monday).

6:00-7:00 - PICNIC ON THE GREEN: Enjoy a relaxing picnic dinner with fellow Woodlanders. A chance to sit back & share your adventures of the day. $10.

7:00-8:00- (C18) UPDATE ON EARTH HOMES: REYNOLDS: Earth homes today are airy, roomy structures that use 50-90% less heating and cooling energy. They're also tornado, hurricane, fire, and earthquake proof. Roger, an expert on this subject, will bring you up to date on the latest developments in earth home construction in the US.

8:00-9:30 - (C19) RUSTIC RENAISSANCE IN ARCHITECTURE: MACK:A slide show of remarkable and creative architectural uses of rustic as design elements. Dan will raise your ideas of rustic to new heights. Come and be inspired!

8:00-9:30 - ALLEY STAGE PERFORMANCE: MY ANTONÍA- If you want a lovely change of pace, enjoy this original play presented at Shake Rag's summer theater. Based on the book by Willa Cather. Special Woodlander price: $10.

7:30-8:30 - REGISTRATION: CHECK IN. Enjoy a cup of fresh coffee or tea before you start the day.

Ongoing - WOODLANDERS RUSTIC SHOWCASE: LONGBRANCH GALLERY:One of the most original displays of rustic work in the country features creations by Woodlander Gathering participants. Open today 10-6. IF YOU WISH TO SHOW /SELL YOUR WORK IN THE SHOWCASE, contact Sandy at 608-987-4499.

Ongoing - NATURE MANDALA PROJECT: This is an ongoing project creating a large nature mandala.

8:30-10:00 - (D1). SMALL WORLD WONDERS: JOHNSON: With Jan, a fine painter and botanist, discover the fascinating world of tiny plants most of us never see. You'll look for these jewels on Shake Rag grounds. You will need a magnifying glass, and Jan will have some extras. Bring a camera if you wish, and Jan will have a microscope for really close looks.

8:30-10:00 - (D2) LOG CABIN CONSTRUCTION: PAPE: The perfect combination, Shake Rag's log cabin and Alan Pape, expert in restoration of pioneer structures. He'll take you on a journey through time inside and outside our cabin, detailing construction techniques and cabin lore.

8:30-11:30 - (D3) BENT WILLOW CHAIR DEMO: SCHAKEL: John, one of the finest bent willow artists in the business, will do an in-depth demonstration of his excellent method for building sturdy, practical, and elegantly curved willow chairs.

8:30-11:30 - (D4) TWIG MOSAIC FRAME: GIESE: A great experience working with master Adirondack-style craftsman Dennis Giese. You'll put together a unique frame design in the spirit of this traditional twig and bark mosaic style. $35.

8:30-11:30 - (D5) TEEPEE TRELLIS: SOMAN: Measure your vehicle and build a teepee trellis to fit (4-6 feet tall). You will weave willow withes into the structure and take home a freestanding trellis to elevate your garden specialties. (You can go willow gathering with Dan on Sunday eve to harvest some willow, and Dan will provide the rest.) Materials $25.

8:30-4:30 - (D6) CARVED WOOD SPIRIT WALKING STICK: WESSENDORF: You can choose to carve your woodspirit on a walking stick or a cane with the expert guidance of master carver Walt Wessendorf. He will offer a choice of Wisconsin basswood or maple. Expect to leave with a wonderful companion for walking the woods. Materials $20.

8:30-4:30 - (D7) ANTLER TRAY BASKET: BULGRIN:Sandy, a highly accomplished, artistic basketmaker, publisher of Basketbits, will teach you how to drill an antler for setting round reed spokes for a frame. You will then weave a variety of materials into a beautiful, one-of-a-kind antler tray. Materials $40.

10:00-11:00 - (D8) WOODLANDER TRADING CARDS: MACK: These small cards, 2.5x 3.5, are actually small collages. You will use mostly found materials and make your cards around the themes of family, loss, hope, and growth. You will make about 5 cards to keep or to trade with fellow Woodlanders.

11:30-12:30 - LUNCH AT SHAKE RAG & OPEN DISCUSSION.

12:30-1:30 - (D9) PROJECT TROUBLESHOOTERS: Got rustic problems you can't solve? Bring a project that has you stumped. Here is your chance to ask several master builders for advice and guidance.

1:00-4:00 - (D10) NATURE ASSEMBLAGES: STERBA: Explore Shake Rag Alley with Di Sterba and discover natural materials:sticks, stones, leaves:to use for found object sculpture, a creative project with surprising results. Materials $5.

1:00-4:00 - (D11) FINDING & USING NATIVE CLAYS: CHRISTENSEN: Beautiful terra cotta clays are everywhere. Mike will take you on a hunt for clay in nearby quarries, creeks. You will process it, make small samples/sculptures. When dry and fired, they will be mailed to you. $5 postage.

1:00-4:00 - (D12) ENTWINED TABLE: RIVER: Learn a bit of knot lore and create a rustic table from found materials in the woods, using simple hand tools and twine. Falcon will teach you three knots: clove hitch, square knot, and a running knot. With these, and a bit of ingenuity, you can make a whole houseful of furniture. Materials: $5.

1:00-5:00 - (D13) A BUCKTHORN COAT RACK: FAEGRE: Head out to a nearby woodland with Tor Faegre, a creative master builder of unique rustic furniture, to harvest and learn about buckthorn. It is an invasive species, but one with really good, strong wood. You will use your harvest to construct a handsome, sturdy, coat rack to take home, either a standing or wall rack. Materials $5.