craft
What I thought was a simple stone-working class unfolded into an unexpectedly meaningful experience of craft, community, and connection. I left with a deeper respect for the craft and gratitude for the teachers and fellow learners who made the experience so meaningful. Years ago, when I walked away from my corporate cubicle, I couldn’t name exactly what was missing—I just had the same gut feeling Ian described. I knew I needed more time outdoors and more work with my hands. Life still involves screens, but the balance is different now: more time in the garden than in meetings, more actual building than team building, and more hikes than commutes. Back home, my stonework so far is just a pile of rocks by the garden and the first course of a short wall. Daily life quickly took over, with deadlines, school prep, and laundry. Still, I carry the basics of stonework with me, an invaluable skill on a young homestead. My kids took note, too, and I was reminded of how important it is to expose them to different trades and hands-on learning. As our homestead outside Ely takes shape, I’ve been drawn to experiences that ground me more deeply in this place. This week at the Steger Center wasn’t just about learning stonework, it was a step toward living in closer rhythm with the land, and carrying that spirit of stewardship into the life we’re building here. ■
Sarah Vogl is an Ely-based graphic designer, illustrator, and writer. She moved from St. Paul to the North woods with her husband and two kids in 2021, where they reside today. Her favorite area gatherings are barn dances and Ely Winter Festival.
To learn about future Stone Masonry Workshops, follow Ely Folk School on Facebook and Instagram . For more info about the Steger Center, visit their website.
ISSUE ONE, SEPT 2025
15
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