The Wild Earth Woodworking School
Hudson, WI
What our Alumni say
Alumni of The Wild Earth School are an enthusiastic bunch of woodworkers. Here's what they have to say about their experiences in our classes.
Fred K., Minnesota
After
learning the techniques necessary for building a Face-frame cabinet and being
walked through the entire procedure in Cabinetmaking I, this novice
woodworker was able to build a European style cabinet with a raised panel door
in Cabinetmaking II by himself, because we were allowed to, even forced to, do
all the hands-on work ourselves. I picked up the skills of
dado-stack work on the table saw; understanding the anatomy of a cabinet, a
door and a drawer; the sophisticated methods of panel raising with matched bits
at the router table; use of jigs for shelf placement, screw pockets and
dovetails; building hardwood edged plywood tops; and incorporating
drawer slides and full overlay hinges with the joinery. After
taking this class I was able to build an island for my kitchen by adapting the
techniques I had learned, without any help, within a year of my first-time ever
use of a power tool! Thanks a million, George Vondriska!
LeeAnn L., Eagan, Minnesota
The Wild Earth School's Woodworking I
course exceeded my high expectations for learning woodworking basics and having
fun. I had heard GeorgeVondriska was a good instructor. Now, I know
for myself. He explained techniques for using the various tools (jointer,
table saw, band saw,
compound miter saw, drill press, hand
drill, sander, router), safety information, and reasoning for doing things a
certain way in an exceptionally clear and logical fashion. We learned
processes, skills, tools and safety while actually crafting something I could
take home and show off to my family and friends. It was simply a great
experience overall, and I cannot wait for my next Wild Earth School course to
start.
Sherry H., Woodbury, Minnesota
I have taken three classes at Wild Earth
so far: Woodworking 1, Building Construction 1, and Cabinetmaking 1 (all taught
by George). Even though I was the only woman in two of these classes I
didn't feel intimidated or out of place at all. George is a highly
knowledgeable and patient instructor. I enjoyed learning how to use the
tools involved, many I'd never even touched before. I am certainly no
expert yet but I have gained knowledge and skills that will allow me to better
maintain my home, tackle home improvement
projects, and pursue an enjoyable hobby. I plan to take more classes in
the future.
Jerry T, Glenview, Illinois
George Vondriska is a born
teacher. I came to a weekend experience with him with some fears of
inadequacy but was soon made very comfortable by his high level of acceptance,
his knowledge of tools and materials, and his laid back, hands on approach to
learning. I felt my questions were always encouraged, treated
respectfully, and answered with clarity. I was particularly pleased and
impressed by the value he places on living things be that wood, animals, or
family. I would recommend time with George to anyone wanting to deepen a
particular skill level or just wanting to be around "good
people." George enjoys the process not just the destination, and
helped me to do the same. As schedule permits I plan to repeat this
experience.
Vicky F., Hudson, WI
I love taking woodworking classes at
Wild Earth. The work shop is large enough to handle the class
sizes. The equipment is from several different manufacturers.
George does a really good job explaining the equipment and tools needed.
He discusses other vendors and the added features that they might have. I
have taken 4 classes with George. The first class I took was Cabinet
Making I. I was amazed at the completion of the class that I could make
such a sturdy constructed cabinet. This class was perfect for learning
basic cabinet construction. George does a great job teaching all skill
levels in a class. Moving onto Cabinet Making II really helped reinforce
what I learned in the first class but we got to add a raised panel door and a
drawer slides to the floor standing cabinet that we produced. Once again
I walked out of a class with a cabinet that was better made than most I could
find in a store plus I have the pride that I made it. Next, it was time
to learn how to use a mini lathe that I won. Instead of attempting it on
my own and loosing a finger, I wanted to learn proper techniques and what tools
should be used for the kind of turning that you are doing. I took the
Spindle turning I class. We made a candlestick. After taking
several weeks to complete the cabinets it was a lot of fun to attend a 3 hours
class and walk away with a very unique candlestick. My most recent class
was a bowl turning class. Once again I'm so glad I took this class prior
to attempting it myself. George really knows the right techniques to use
depending on the project. I would have made several frustrating mistakes
had I attempt bowl turning on my own. I'm now prepared for turning
several bowls for Christmas presents. I intend on taking even more
courses with George as he stays up with current trends in woodworking and he
loves to share that information with others.
Carol M., Minneapolis, MN
1. Easy access to information I need to
know and
competitively priced.
2. Good teaching style. Especially
good at the non-macho
stuff. Some of the best teachers I've
had get what you
need to know across without making it
known that the
teacher knows more than you. Also, it's
being able to
impart what we need to know, when we
need to know and
stopping there! So often teachers
confuse the point by
conveying all they know at once.
3. Well thought out projects.
4. E-mail notification...it keeps
the brain on track as
to what's up. Thanks for that.
Russ H., St.Paul, MN
I have been a
self-taught woodworker hobbyist for 40 years. I always felt
the need to learn more systematically,
but I could never find a way to do
it. George Vondriska's courses have
been just what I was looking for. I have
now taken six of them, starting with
Woodworking I, and I plan to take more.
They have helped me unlearn some bad
habits, taught me more efficient and
more accurate ways of doing things, and
been lots of fun.
I began taking
them through a woodworking store, but more recently I have
been going to George's farm near
Hudson, Wisconsin. His shop is
well-equipped, and it is fun to have
lunch with the other students and
George's family.
As a retired teacher,
I have been very impressed with George's ability to
know what each student is doing, and to
gently intervene before we do
something wrong. He is very patient,
and engages each student at his or her
own level.
Try a course; you will be "hooked" just like I was.
Aaron B., Gays Mills, WI
Wild Earth classes
gave me clear demonstrations of tools and techniques,
hands on experience and a chance to ask
questions. I could never have figured
this stuff out from a book! I
applied what I learned about cabinet making in
the two weekend classes I took, and now
I am in the process of building
cabinets for our kitchen. That
has been very satisfying for me.
Eric S., Bloomington, MN
Cabinetmaking 1 is a
great class! Over the two days I learned many essential tips and techniques
that I can apply to making any sort of cabinet. George’s approach to teaching
is thoroughly professional, straightforward and easily understood. I learned
not only the fundamental “how-to” aspects, but also the “why” certain things
are done they way they are. The hands-on instruction teaches proper sequencing,
tool set-up and safe use. I walked out having learned construction nuances and
simple jigs that enabled me to build solid, good-looking cabinets on my
own. Everyone interested in learning to build a cabinet needs to take
this class!!
John M., Bronxville, NY
The woodworking and
furniture making classes I attended at your Wild Earth school were wonderful.
You use your patience and knowledge of the subject in just the right
proportions to create an environment which is perfect for learning. I
returned home to New York with renewed vigor and passion for a wonderful hobby.
I have filled my modest but improving shop with wood and have a number of
projects planned. My wife is happy also now that you have gotten me out of her
hair.
Keep up the great work. I expect to see
you soon for your advanced class.
Dale S. Apple Valley, MN
I started a small woodworking business 2 years ago
and recently attended the one-week Cabinet Making Techniques class at Wild
Earth. I found this to be an excellent class that improved my skill level and
efficiency for both face frame and Euro style cabinets. George shares his great knowledge of
tools and equipment throughout the week and provides tips for all skill levels
of woodworkers. The small class sizes allow each student almost one-on-one
training. The workshop facilities have the latest tools and the food provided
during the week is always great!
Ed C.,
Mundelein, IL
I
just wanted to send a brief email thanking you for a wonderful learning
experience last week. The "Cabinet Making Techniques Week" was well
paced and I came away with an enhanced knowledge that would of taken me years
to learn. Your patience, well described explanations of the techniques/tools,
as well as your bountiful equipped workshop made my learning experience one that I will not soon forget.
It was well worth
the travel from the suburbs of Chicago to your workshop (some 350 miles,
although, Jackie's trek from Alaska made mine pale in comparison). Hudson is a
quaint town with many fine restaurants which suited my tastes. My wife was
impressed with the quality of the cabinets we made as well as my explanation of
the jigs you had us build. I am looking forward to making some cabinets as well
as a rolling pantry for my daughter's new house. I also know what new equipment
I need to round out my own workshop (planer and jointer).
I am looking forward to taking another class soon with you. Once again, thanks!
Jean R, Hibbing, MN
As a middle-aged woman with some tools and not much knowledge about woodworking, I totally loved the classes that I have taken so far! In Woodworking 1 and 2 I felt much safer working around the tools and actually came home with a project from each class. In Techniques Week/Cabinetmaking I learned not just one but several techniques that are common to so many different projects. It gave me an understanding about how and why things are put together in a certain way and the confidence that I can actually do it on my own. George was a fantastic teacher! He has a method of teaching that lead me through the process, made me think and I never felt lost. He has a great environment; a wealth of information, really neat tools, and a great family and shares it all. I can't wait to use what I learned and am sure I will be back for more!