NORWEGIAN TERMITE
Woodcarving in the Scandinavian Tradition

NORWEGIAN TERMITE CLASSES

Classes

Individual tutoring or small group classes are held periodically in my workshop.

Contact me for more information.

Information on our next class below...

Burnsville Carving Club

​Open Carving

Thursdays 6 pm - 9 pm

First-timers - no charge. A free wood blank and loan of a carving knife will be provided

Lower level of Diamondhead Education Center,
200 Burnsville Pkwy Suite #1023, Burnsville, MN 55337

Introduction to Acanthus

This class runs Tuesdays, January 13 through February 3, 6-9 pm each session.

Norwegian-style acanthus carvings are familiar to many appreciators of traditional Norwegian buildings, wooden ware, and other folk art–but before carving, you have to be able to draw it. Join woodcarver Jock Holmen for a four-week class to learn the basic “alphabet” of Norwegian carving, first through drawing and then with chisels and gouges. Understanding how larger decorative carvings can be broken into individual components allows anyone to approach a new project with both precision and creativity.

During the first and third week of class, students will practice drawing shapes of various leaves and scrolls. In the second and fourth sessions, students will adapt these forms to carving simple designs, with some opportunity for further exploration depending on level. Throughout this class, it will focus on design, shape, and basic building blocks to give students the tools to further their carving practice.

Prerequisites:

Physical ability: Wood carving requires average hand strength and dexterity, such as being able to open a pickle jar.
Skill level: Open to all skill levels.

Ages: Suitable for ages 18+.

Tools & Materials:

A $25 materials fee is payable to the instructor. Please view and save this materials list for information about the required and optional tools provided by the students.

Jan 13, 2026

Tue, Jan 13, 2026 
– Tue, Feb 3, 2026

Time: 6 pm – 9 pm
Location: In-Person
Instructor: Jock Holmen

2600 Park Avenue,
Minneapolis, MN 55407

Cost: $180 ($160 ASI member) + $25 material fee

More info & Registration:

Acanthus Carving with Jock Holmen

Learn to carve elegant, ornate leaf designs in wood. Acanthus carving dates back many centuries and is used to add beauty to both structural and decorative woodwork. In this class, we will learn the basic techniques of working with wood grain, the elements of design, and the use and care of woodcarving tools. You will learn to carve all the way around the piece, including the back side. It will be possible to carve a panel or a clock in this style.

If you have never carved this style before, you will start with a simple scroll and there will be numerous projects to choose from. You may bring your own projects, or the instructor will provide patterns and blanks.

Students also have the option of carving a simple dragon head carving as an alternative to Acanthus. The dragon head offers protection and is a representation of the dragon heads on the bows of Viking ships.

Tuition: member $310   non-member $325
Supplies: Materials: $25-$75, payable to the instructor. Bring your Acanthus carving tools. Jock has sets of tools for rent for beginning students.

Click here to register. Read Jock Holmen’s bio.

March 16 - 20

Age/Level: Beginner and above. Minimum age 15.

Date: Monday through Friday, March 16, 17, 18, 19 & 20, 2026

Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline:
February 21, 2026

Location: Milan Village Arts School

https://milanvillageartsschool.org/carving-working-with-wood/

More classes

Beginner Flat Plane Figure Woodcarving - April 14, 21, 28, 2026

Intermediate Flat Plane Figure Woodcarving - May 5, 12, 19, 26, 2026
American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis

Various

Stay tuned for course descriptions and more information.

We will post links to register for all classes as soon as they are available.

Stay tuned for updates and new classes

Hand-Carved Wooden Signs with Jock Holmen

Personalize any place by creating a hand-carved wooden sign roughly 30” x 8”. Woodcarver Jock Holmen will teach the entire sign-making process, from proper design to layout, letter and incised carving, painting, and finishing options while students work on a personal project. Whether it will hang at the cabin, the garden, a business, or bedroom, a handcrafted sign is a great addition.

Instruction will include both incised and raised letters, focusing on design, layout and carving.

Finishing options will be discussed so that students will leave with a clear idea of how to paint and complete their carved sign.

The instructor will contact students ahead of time to discuss their projects; there may be limitations due to time and materials.

Students are requested to bring two examples of letter styles they like to class. A printout with upper case letters approximately 3” tall and lower case approximately 2” tall would be helpful.

Tuition: member $185   non-member $200
Supplies: Approximate project size, 30” x 8”.
Materials fee: $25 for basswood. Students are welcome to bring their own wood.
Supply fee: $25 for basswood. Students are welcome to bring their own wood.

Click here to register. Read Jock Holmen’s bio.

Aug 21, 22, 23

Carving Signs Age/Level: Beginner and above. Minimum age 16

Date: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, August 21, 22 & 23, 2026

Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m

Registration Deadline:
August 1, 2026

Location: Milan Village Arts School

https://milanvillageartsschool.org/carving-working-with-wood/