The granddaughter of Swedish immigrants, Faith Clover teaches the art of Luffarslojd, making beautiful crafts with one’s hands. Photo courtesy of the Arrowhead Library System
The Arrowhead Library System is pleased to present “Luffarslöjd: Scandinavian Wirework with Faith Clover,” a free 90-minute program being offered for ages 14 and older on Friday, May 24, at 10:30 a.m. at the Grand Marais Public Library
Luffarslöjd is part of the tradition of making beautiful and useful objects for everyday use, using one’s hands and simple tools. Farmers used wires to mend fences and make basic tools around the farm. Leftover bits of wire were then used to make household items like whisks, cake tickles, trivets, or egg holders.
More decorative items like candle holders, baskets, and hanging birds and other decorations were also commonly made. The design of wire items is really limited only by one’s imagination.
After a talk and exhibit of luffarslöjd items, each person will make a basic hook or two to take home. All tools and materials will be provided. Max participant number preference is 40 attendees.
Born and raised in Minnesota, Faith has always been a crafter of eclectic interests. After 27 years of living and teaching in Oregon and Arizona, she returned to Minnesota in 2000 to teach art education at the University of Minnesota.
As the granddaughter of Swedish immigrants, she has immersed herself in all things Swedish, worked with educational programs at the American Swedish Institute, researched the history of Swedish home crafts, and personally practices several crafts including figure carving, birch bark weaving, and spoon carving. Study abroad trips with her students introduced Faith to luffarslöjd, and she has taken classes at Sätergläntan, the national folk craft school in Dalarna, Sweden, to learn more about this relatively unknown craft.
This program, sponsored by Arrowhead Library System, was funded in part or in whole with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. To learn more about Arrowhead Legacy Events, see our calendar at www.alslib.info, follow us on Twitter @ ALSLibraryNews, or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/alslibinfo.
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