Archive for February 2015

A Quarter Century, Gee Golly!

Posted: Monday, February 9, 2015          By: Robin Blankenship

Holy cow! It’s hard to believe that it was 25 years ago that Earth Knack came to be. I’m so excited to share that we have one heck of a quarter-century celebration in the works for this summer: the 25th Annual Earth Knack Gathering! We’re reeling in an awesome catch of Earth Knack staff and guest instructors to make this event top-notch. A family-friendly five days of archery, atl-atl, blacksmithing, basketry, pottery, fire-making, outdoor cooking, plant-fiber cordage, wild edibles, medicinal plants, beekeeping, natural gardening, soap-making, natural building, livestock, flintknapping, hide tanning…What more could you want?!

For the first time in quite a few years, Earth Knack is bringing the gathering back to the Front Range. We’re pleased to announce that this year’s event will take place June 25 to June 30 in the pristine pastures of Happy Dog Ranch in Littleton, CO. Camp will be within a stone’s throw of scenic Chatfield State Park and Reservoir, giving the illusion that you’ve escaped from hectic city life–though if you live in Denver, you’re still just a few minutes from home. You can even take a break from primitive skills and bring the whole family to ride horses at Stockton’s Plum Creek Stables, just down the road.

This event wouldn’t be possible without a partnership with our friends Drover and Beth Hall of Sarqit Outdoor Living School.

We can’t wait to see you there! Visit www.earthknackgathering.com for details and registration.

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A sneak peek of the site! Drover, Robin, and Sam talk logistics.

 

 

Earth Knack Expands to Salida

Posted: Monday, February 2, 2015         By: Robin Blankenship

We are so excited to let everyone know that Earth Knack is expanding course offerings beyond the school site in Crestone! Sam and Jillian Liebl, who joined the Earth Knack team in December 2014, have begun in earnest, with a series of friction fire courses in January and February. They even got a nice write-up in The Mountain Mail!

The next friction fire course in Salida will be held Saturday, February 28. We will meet at Riverside Park at noon, and the course should end by 3 pm. Tuition is $20 per person. Please bring a knife if you have one.

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Rafael holds fire even on the dampest day!

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Sam watches as Teresa blows her tinder bundle into flames!

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Sam helps Jamie, age 7.

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Leslie, Barry, and Sam work together.

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A great end to a great class! Mark, Leslie, Sam, Mike, and Jaime are the proud parents of one awesome fire!

 

"Primitive living skills for the 21st Century"