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Tunnel Mill Crafts Calendar, 2024

Revised: October 11, 2024

Note: All Classes are taught at:
28036 County Rd 1, Spring Valley, MN 55975


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2024 Classes and Events----


Quilt Retreat in the Country with Carol Adams

April 19, 20 & 21, 2024
Starting at 4:00pm Friday - Sunday afternoon.
All meals furnished.


Come to Tunnel Mill for two lovely days in the country and a quilt retreat (or what ever you wish to do)
Bring your sewing machine and quilting supplies.
Spend two worry free days cutting fabric, sewing or quilting in a large sewing room with individual tables, electricity and plenty of lighting.
Irons and ironing boards provided.
Enjoy leisurely meals on the large deck. 5 meals, snacks and light beverages included. BYOB if wanted.
The cost of your weekend including meals is only $175.00 and will be collected the first afternoon of the retreat.
This fee includes dorm style housing in the mill.
There are 3 Gypsy wagons available for a small additional fee, and 1 individual cabin., for a small fee.
Call ahead to reserve.
Carol Adams 507-289-4189
Location Tunnel Mill Crafts
28036 County Road 1
Spring Valley, MN 55975.
Rochester Community Education


Combination Woodworking & Metal Class

Tom Latane' Derek Olson & Paul Nyborg
May 13-May 24, 2024
Class held at Tunnel Mill


Contact Tom Latane' or Vesterheim in Decorah for class Description


Community Education Classes; Beginning Blacksmithing

with Luke Venheisen
(2 separate class dates)
June 5, 12, & 19th, 2024
June 6, 13, & 20th, 2024


Luke Venhuizen started his metalworking journey in 2015. He is always striving to learn new things and improve his skills. He has taken many classes at Tunnel Mill Crafts. He is also a member of the Midwest Knifemaker's Guild where he enjoys meeting new people and sharing stories with old friends. Some of his metal work projects have included fire pokers, knives, axes, and other tools.

Come to historic Tunnel Mill for the annual beginning blacksmith classes. Basic blacksmith techniques will be taught: heating, drawing out materials, upsetting, bending, and twisting techniques in steel material. Students will start by making fire tending tools and move on to spend time on special projects as desired. Questions: Contact Carol Adams at 507-289-4189. www.tunnelmillcrafts.com

A $100.00 supply fee will be collected at class to cover all 3 weeks of projects. Dress for safety.
Please bring ear and eye protection; bring gloves. Tunnel Mill Crafts Co Hwy 1 Spring Valley, MN 55975

Community Education - Rochester, Minnesota Create you own knife
Make your own knife-in 1 day

with Luke Venheisen
June 8, 2024


Come and learn to make and grind your own knife from basic materials. Start with a piece of steel and some wood and add a little labor and guidance. A knife will materialize. Open to all skill levels. Be prepared to come to work and be challenged. Basic blacksrnithing skills preferred.

$150 class fee to be collected at time of class by Tunnel Mill Crafts, includes instructor fees and a light lunch. Cash or Check only.

Luke Venhuizen

Luke started his metal work journey in 2015. He has taken many classes at Tunnel Mill Crafts. He is a member of the Midwest Knifemakers Guild where he enjoys meeting new people and sharing stories with old friends. Some of his metal work projects have included fire pokers, knives, axes, and other tools.

Damascus with Rick Furrer
Damascus knife with handle

August 16, 17 & 18th, 2024
$450 per person

Rick's Description of the Class:
Damascus knife class (Pattern-welded)

As in years past we will weld a stack of layered steel, forge it into a bar, shape that bar into a knife.
From there you will grind, heat treat, and etch that knife prior to attaching a handle.
You can explore more complicated patterning techniques if you wish, but the more time you spend on the blade the less time you have to complete the knife.

If you wish to make pattern welded bars under my guidance for future projects that is just fine as well.....You could spend three days making pretty steel.

One steel billet is provided with the class fee and other billets are available for purchase.

Tunnel Mill is a special place and you will enjoy the experience.

Ric Furrer

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Here are some pictures of the activities at Rick's class:
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Mark Aspery
Abana Level 2-Grille Scrollwork in a Frame-
Drawing will be provided; step x step.

September 24, 25, 26 & possibly 27, 2024
3-day $500.00, 4 day $650.00



Mark Aspery Biography

Tunnel Mill Annual Fall Gathering
October 11, 12 and 13, 2024

Note!!! We are Sorry, but the Pottery segment is cancelled

Come to Tunnel Mill and enjoy watching or taking part in some
blacksmithing, scrimshaw, candle making, barn quilt making or pottery.
-You take your pick or just come and relax and visit with new and old friends.
Myron Hanson will be demonstrating some of his blacksmithing techniques.
Mariah Clark will demonstrate scrimshaw and you may be able to try your hand at it.
Terry Dennis, Michael and Tom will be back with some pottery for you to glaze and fire. (for a small cost) -
The Adams family girls will be on hand to help you with your own candle, or paint a small 12 x 12 barn quilt. (for a small cost)
Show and tell:
-Bring something to show off your talents!
-Bring a quilt to display in the quilt barn.

We will also have our deep fried curly potatoes, onions and fry bread or funnel cakes, and of course, wine & cheese.
Bring your favorites to share!

Meals are available as stated:
Friday night-potluck.
Saturday: Morning---rolls, donuts & coffee                                 8.00
Lunch---Cheese soup, ham & cheese sandwiches, cookies           8.00
Dinner---Pulled pork, beans, potatoes, and coleslaw                     12.00
Sunday: Morning---biscuits and gravy or cereal                           8.00
Lunch--- chili, chips and cheese, corn bread                                 8.00
Attendance fee $5.00 per person for weekend

Please preregister.
Mail to:
Carol Adams
Tunnel Mill Crafts
4505 Morris Lane, NE
Rochester, MN 55906
507 -289-4189
Email to Tunnel Mill Crafts
Camping available on grounds.

Candle making with Carol Adams

October 19th, 2024
Saturday 1:00-4:00 approx.



Swivel Jaw TONGS CLASS with Tom Latane'

October 25, 26 and 27, 2024

Students will forge a pair of tongs having one jaw that pivots allowing the tongs to grasp a range of sizes of stock and grip tapered items such as axes.

One jaw will be similar to traditionally forged tongs but the other will have an arcing jaw terminating in half of a hinge so the pad of the jaw, when joined by a pivot pin to the rest, will adjust to the angle of the workpiece.

While this is not a beginning class and will take some effort to complete, more skilled students may want to make the heavier version shown in the photo below or perhaps create a slot in each jaw to accommodate knife blades or tangs. Others could forge a lighter pair of tongs to lessen the job of forging which they should be able to complete in three days. Students will be encouraged to double strike for each other to make the job of drawing out reins faster and more enjoyable.

Tom Latane Flexible Jaw Tongs

Paint a Barn Quilt Block With Carol Adams

October 26th, 2024
Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm


Come to Historic Tunnel Mill in the valley and paint your own Barn Quilt Block.
During the class you will work on your pattern that you have chosen from one of the offered blocks and start taping and painting your barn quilt block.
Tips on taping and painting your barn quilt block will be taught.
We will offer some basic patterns and sizes for you to choose from ahead of class.
Time needed to accomplish projects may vary, so we will discuss the possibility of an extended class time if needed.
The product we are using is an aluminum composite which is very light weight and durable for exterior use.
Sizes to choose from are 4x4, 3x3, 2x2 and/or 12"x12".
Prices are as follows $200.00, $150.00, $100.00 and $50.00. each.

Supplies will be furnished for the completion of the blocks. We will furnish paints, rollers and brushes as needed.
You will need to call ahead to preorder size wanted, pick out designs and discuss color options.
Additional questions are welcome. Call Carol Adams 507-289-4189 or 507-990-1504. www.tunnelmillcrafts.com
Rochester Community Education

Quilt Retreat in the Country with Carol Adams

April 25, 26 & 27, 2025
Starting at 4:00pm Friday - Sunday afternoon.
All meals furnished.


Come to Tunnel Mill for two lovely days in the country and a quilt retreat (or what ever you wish to do)
Bring your sewing machine and quilting supplies.
Spend two worry free days cutting fabric, sewing or quilting in a large sewing room with individual tables, electricity and plenty of lighting.
Irons and ironing boards provided.
Enjoy leisurely meals on the large deck. 5 meals, snacks and light beverages included. BYOB if wanted.
The cost of your weekend including meals is only $175.00 and will be collected the first afternoon of the retreat.
This fee includes dorm style housing in the mill.
There are 3 Gypsy wagons available for a small additional fee, and 1 individual cabin., for a small fee.
Call ahead to reserve.
Carol Adams 507-289-4189
Location Tunnel Mill Crafts
28036 County Road 1
Spring Valley, MN 55975.
Rochester Community Education




Directions to Tunnel Mill:


28036 Cty Road 1
Spring Valley, Minnnesota
55975

Tunnel Mill is located 20 miles south of Rochester Minnesota. Take Hwy 63 South out of Rochester to Stewartville, turn east on Hwy 30 to County Highway 1 (approx 5.5 miles). Turn south on County Highway 1. Follow CO HWY 1 6.5 miles to Tunnel Mill on the left side of CO RD Call about camping on the grounds. 507-378-4983 or 507-289-4189, Carol Adams. Lodging available in Spring Valley, 5 miles further south on CO RD 1.
Shady Rest 507-346-2625---Spring Valley Motel & Suites-507-346-7788


Class Registration Form


Class Contact Information

Note: All Classes are taught at:
28036 County Rd 1, Spring Valley, MN 55975

For more information on any of the classes contact us at
jc-adams@msn.com, or call 507-289-4189 Carol Adams.


We are located in southern Minnesota. Tunnel Mill was an old water powered mill. Built in 1869. Retired in the late 1920's..
Located on the Bear River north of Spring Valley, MN.
Wooded 50 acres with a stream that runs through it.

Now, it's a place for crafts people and friends to congregate, relax and learn some of our forgotten crafts.

Watch for more classes!!