Laura Berlage
About
Laura is a contemporary Renaissance woman living and working on her family’s century-old homestead farm outside Hayward, WI. From fiber arts to creative writing, music to storytelling, she never tires of the magic of transforming idea into form and overlapping narrative and visual. Laura also loves working with the many and beautiful natural materials from her farm—especially the wool from her sheep. Completing her MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts at Goddard College in 2011, Laura continues her lifelong passion for learning with mentorships and intensives that offer engaged, hands-on teaching with small groups to encourage creativity, imagination, and expression.
With a personable nature, storyteller's style, and inclusive attitude, Laura has built a class community of trust and mentorship that is both supportive and nurturing.
Special attention to detail for project kits and support materials fosters a successful learning experience from start to finish. With hundreds of classes to more than 1,000 students via Zoom now under her belt, Laura's process has become honed and confident within the field of bringing fiber arts and creative education to the online sphere. She helps you feel like you're right there with her in the cozy Fiber Loft of her farm, with adorable updates about lambing season or exciting news about what's coming up next.
Group Classes with Laura Berlage
View Upcoming Laura Berlage Group Classes
Reviews from Group Classes
Martha G. on March 5, 2024
Class: "Introduction to Tapestry Weaving, Level-2"
It was informative, supportive, and entertaining. I especially enjoyed Laura as an instructor. She is knowledgeable and gave a lot of information about the history of the design work.
Verified Student on March 5, 2024
Class: "Introduction to Tapestry Weaving, Level-2"
Great class. Great instructor
Verified Student on March 4, 2024
Class: "Introduction to Tapestry Weaving, Level-1 (January 2024)"
i had a fantastic time. Laura is an excellent teacher. Went way beyond my expectations
Sara N. on March 4, 2024
Class: "Introduction to Tapestry Weaving, Level-2"
Fabulous. I learned so much.
Verified Student on March 4, 2024
Class: "Wool Embroidery, Level 1"
fantastic. Laura is an excellent teacher. went beyond my expectations
Cathy J. on March 3, 2024
Class: "Wool Embroidery, Level 1"
It was wonderful. Laura is a masterful embroiderer and teacher and enthusiastically shared her skills and passion. The sampler project was perfect for beginners - practical and pretty - and Laura’s live demos, plus clear, written/illustrated instructions, PLUS video stitch library were amazing resources. Laura also sang to us and shared a story! All that was missing was a fire on the hearth and a cold winter’s night.
Wendy K. on February 27, 2024
Class: "Introduction to Tapestry Weaving, Level-1 (January 2024)"
Verified Student on February 24, 2024
Class: "Introduction to Tapestry Weaving, Level-1 (January 2024)"
The class was excellent and the teacher was so very knowledgeable about the history of tapestry weaving and the process of tapestry weaving. She was very organized and well prepared for class. Her tutorials and instructive videos were excellent!
Deborah W. on February 23, 2024
Class: "Introduction to Tapestry Weaving, Level-1 (January 2024)"
The class was well paced, with a new technique or two introduced each session. Laura is very knowledgeable and she was always cordial and helpful. She is very open minded and encourages exploration. She is a great storyteller and always kept the class interesting.
Lori on February 23, 2024
Class: "Introduction to Tapestry Weaving, Level-1 (January 2024)"
It was an exceptional class. Laura is a fabulous instructor and her videos are incredibly helpful when we are not in person working.
Susan S. on February 14, 2024
Class: "Fine Point Punch Needle Rug Hooking, Level-2"
Terrific I’m now working on my own.
Andrea on February 7, 2024
Class: "Fine Point Punch Needle Rug Hooking, Level-2"
I really enjoyed the class-- the instructor provides great pacing, fosters a community atmosphere, and good support materials as well.
Frances B. on February 6, 2024
Class: "Fine Point Punch Needle Rug Hooking, Level-2"
Note that while I didn't attend the Orientation, I did review the video of the Orientation. The class, as usual for a class with Lura, was EXCELLENT.
Verified Student on February 5, 2024
Class: "Fine Point Punch Needle Rug Hooking, Level-2"
Verified Student on February 5, 2024
Class: "Fine Point Punch Needle Rug Hooking, Level-2"
Very enjoyable. The teacher's written guide and videos were excellent
Elizabeth on December 20, 2023
Class: "Introduction to Tapestry Weaving, Level-1 (November 2023)"
Laura is an outstanding instructor. She clearly loves what she does, has a tremendous depth of experience and knowledge, and is very skilled and creative. She uses multiple approaches for teaching the material so students can use what works best for them as individuals. She knows what challenges will arise for those who are new to tapestry and she provides practical solutions to help. She also brings a multicultural perspective to the class as she shares her detailed knowledge of the folklore, history, songs, and weaving techniques of centuries of tapestry around the world. Wonderful class for an introduction to the artistry, technical skills, and history of tapestry...and, you end up with a very nice landscape tapestry.
Stephanie . on December 19, 2023
Class: "Introduction to Tapestry Weaving, Level-1 (November 2023)"
Good! The best part, however, were the recorded tutorials that Laura provided on her website. Laura is an excellent teacher and very comfortable with the technology, which really helps. If you can’t have an inperson experience with learning a craft, the next best thing are the tutorials that this instructor provided on her webpage. I felt like I was getting one-on-one help when I’d sit down with her on my computer!
Susan S. on December 18, 2023
Class: "Fine Point Punch Needle Rug Hooking, Level-1"
Terrific!
Verified Student on December 18, 2023
Class: "Introduction to Tapestry Weaving, Level-1 (November 2023)"
Great! Laura was very encouraging and engaging. Her knowledge of the technical issues with online viewing made it really easy to be able to see. Her demonstrations were awesome. The folk tales she shared were interesting. I feel confident in the tips she shared to be able to use my tapestry in making a pillow.
Sara N. on December 18, 2023
Class: "Introduction to Tapestry Weaving, Level-1 (November 2023)"
Fabulous. I learned so much. Clear and concise instructions backed by tutorial videos available on demand.
Verified Student on December 17, 2023
Class: "Introduction to Tapestry Weaving, Level-1 (November 2023)"
Just fabulous. Laura is a great instructor and the content was fabulous. Bring her back for more classes!
Deborah A. on December 15, 2023
Class: "Fine Point Punch Needle Rug Hooking, Level-1"
This was an excellent class, and I have taken (and taught) many online classes and trainings over the past several decades. It was a small group from distantly scattered locations, but we had much in common, especially concerning our interests. I LOVED the instructor. She was extremely well-prepared and polished, relaxed and present, and flexible. She has mastered several fiber arts and demonstrated great independence and expertise with her examples. While we were working together on our projects online, she shared folk tales from Northern Europe, and playfully sang a few seasonal songs with us, too. She has a lovely voice and is not shy but a bit playful and fun. This seemed right in line with the JCCFS in-person culture! The kit she provided was beautiful and fully functional, and I like her designs and the thoughtful effort she put into using them in teaching the techniques. It was wonderful to be working with wool from her own sheep, and I appreciated the tools (especially the scissors!) being included with the materials. It seemed like an excellent value for the tuition/fee. I also really appreciated the online resources she had for us, particularly the videos, which greatly enhanced my experience. It works well to stay at home, have time between class sessions to work on the project(s), access the videos and the handouts, and not feel any of the stress and rush to finish that's always there with weekend or weeklong in-person classes. In many of the latter that I've taken in person at JCCFS and elsewhere, the classes became so rushed and stressful that my classmates and I made more mistakes, leaving us frustrated and without really finishing or even learning how to finish the projects. Not this class! We had time to correct our mistakes or make adjustments between classes, and we ended well with a whole class session devoted to the finishing techniques. I hope to be able to take more classes with Laura to keep advancing in my punch needle and other fiber arts techniques, including tapestry.
Claudia C. on November 30, 2023
Class: "Scandinavian Loom Beading, Level-1"
Informative, inclusive, paced so everyone could participate at their personal level and capability. The teacher was very clear and articulate, and the time just flew by. I enjoyed the experience.
Holly L. on November 30, 2023
Class: "Scandinavian Loom Beading, Level-1"
Comfortable and well paced. I was hesitant to take an online craft instruction class but it worked. I realize it lacks all the community aspects on site classes at John Campbell (which is unique and I love) but this worked Thanks for employee Laura she is a talented artist and teacher
Jean C. on November 30, 2023
Class: "Scandinavian Loom Beading, Level-1"
Laura is an excellent, generous instructor. She shared her expertise and enthusiasm in equal measure. I learned more than I had hoped to.
½
Amy L. on October 3, 2023
Class: Embroider a Corner Bookmark
Wonderful. Very thoroughly explained.
Jackie F. on October 2, 2023
Class: Embroider a Corner Bookmark
I loved the class and instructor. Very informative with discussion of other ideas for this project.
Donna M. on October 2, 2023
Class: Embroider a Corner Bookmark
Always lovely to learn a new skill, and Laura did an excellent job.
Jackie on September 30, 2023
Class: Embroider a Corner Bookmark
I just loved the class and Laura have such clear instructions. My bookmark came out very well and we had a great time. I look forward to more of her classes. Jackie
Libba P. on September 29, 2023
Class: Stash busters: Felt on a Bar of Soap
Fabulous!!!
Verified Student on September 28, 2023
Class: Stash busters: Felt on a Bar of Soap
It was great, a lot of fun, and the presenter has a huge personality!
Verified Student on September 26, 2023
Class: Stash busters: Felt on a Bar of Soap
Informative and fun!
Verified Student on September 26, 2023
Class: Stash busters: Felt on a Bar of Soap
Thoroughly enjoyed the class! Great project for gifts. I had tried to make them myself years ago but they did not felt up. From Laura’s class I have been able to resolve my issues. It looks great!
Mary A. on September 26, 2023
Class: Stash busters: Felt on a Bar of Soap
Laura did a great job teaching the class. I really enjoyed it.
Verified Student on September 26, 2023
Class: Stash busters: Felt on a Bar of Soap
It was delightful. A great group of people and Laura really kept everyone engaged. I love that she told a story and sang songs. Really gave me a feel for fiber arts of old and how just the practical part of fiber arts continued oral traditions (spoken and musical). The class also opened the door for simple gift making :)
Kelly W. on September 26, 2023
Class: Stash busters: Felt on a Bar of Soap
Very fun and the instructor was knowledgable and very helpful.
Verified Student on September 26, 2023
Class: Stash busters: Felt on a Bar of Soap
I was very pleased with the content and presentation of this course. I was hoping that I would be able to make felted soap to give as gifts. My goal was achieved.
Joyce . on September 26, 2023
Class: Stash busters: Felt on a Bar of Soap
Laura was a great teacher, made us all feel welcome, stayed on task and was very entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed the class!
Mary P. on September 25, 2023
Class: Stash busters: Felt on a Bar of Soap
I really enjoyed the class. The instruction was clear and it was a lot of fun!
Debi B. on September 11, 2023
Class: Stash Busters: Stitch a Flower Pin Cushion
I enjoyed the class and learned so much. It was a lot of fun with all the participant’s input and Laura is an amazing instructor! I would definitely recommend to others.
Verified Student on September 11, 2023
Class: Stash Busters: Stitch a Flower Pin Cushion
Amy on September 11, 2023
Class: Stash Busters: Stitch a Flower Pin Cushion
It was lovely. Teacher was great. Highly recommend!!
Mrs. S. on September 11, 2023
Class: Stash Busters: Stitch a Flower Pin Cushion
Class was great! A nice project that participants took ahold of and made their own with many creative ideas to take to the next level.
Kathleen on September 11, 2023
Class: Stash Busters: Stitch a Flower Pin Cushion
Our class was excellent and fun to have comments and tips from across the US and Scotland. We were able to complete our projects in the time allotted and have ‘Show andTell’. I’m looking forward to more classes with JCFS LesdonFace.
Elizabeth B. on September 11, 2023
Class: Stash Busters: Stitch a Flower Pin Cushion
It was so much fun and doable! The instructor’s teaching style was very effective but relaxed and fun. And the project was perfect for the amount of time. A lot of other information was available as she interacted with students too. Thank you so much for this class I hope to take many more on zoom!
Danielle L. on September 10, 2023
Class: Stash Busters: Stitch a Flower Pin Cushion
Excellent!! Good discourse with instructor and students alike. All our question were not only answered and we were given lots of options in which to move forward.
Academic Credentials:
MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts, Goddard College (2011)
BA in Creative Writing and Performing Arts, Vermont College of Union Institute and University (2008).
Mentorships:
Jane Adams, Norwegian Bead Embroidery (2023)
Laura Demuth, Norwegian Pickup Bandweaving (2002)
Sirella Ford, Anishinaabe-Style Bead Embroidery and Loomwork (2002)
Andrea Myklebust, Contemporary Tapestry Weaving (2021)
Marcie McIntire, Anaishinaabe-Style Bead Embroidery (2021 and 2023)
Emily Moe, Moe Sew Co. Millinery (2018)
Amy Oxford, Oxford School of Punch Rug Hooking (2015)
Fran Potter, Traditional Navajo Weaving (1999-2005)
Madeline Sattler, Fundamentals of Art (1996-2002)
Exhibits:
"Embellishment" Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum, Decorah Iowa (July 2023-Jan2024)
"National Norwegian-American Folk Art Exhibition," Vesterheim, Decorah, Iowa (July 2022)
"RAV'N Annual Upper St. Croix Art Exhibition," Solon Springs, WI (July 2022)
"Socially Distanced, Creatively Connected," Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, Iowa (July 2021-Jan 2022)
"Punch Needle Contemporary Artists," Sauder Village, Amy Oxford curator, Ohio (Aug 2021)
Publications:
Vesterheim Rosemalling Letter
"A Fiber Journey into Rosemaling," 2021, Vol. 53 No. 3, Pgs. 115-8
American Tapestry Alliance, www.americantapestryalliance.org
Fine Art Tapestry, “Weave Me a Different Story: Alternative Narrative Meets Tapestry.”
Triannual Review of Tapestry Art Today, Summer 2020, Vol. 46 No. 2, Pgs. 7-8
American Tapestry Alliance, www.americantapestryalliance.org
Origin Stories, “Weave Me a Different Story: Alternative Narrative Meets Tapestry.”
Quarterly Review, Winter 2018, Vol. 44 No. 4, Pgs. 12-13
Sawyer Co. Gazette, Sawyer Co. Record, Spooner Advocate, Ashland Daily Press, Bayfield Co. Journal, The Country Today, and Others. Winter, Hayward, Spooner, Ashland, and state-wide in WI
Weekly “Down on the Farm” columnist on homesteading, local foods, and community awareness topics, June 2012 to present
Depth and breadth of skills, process discipline, the "why" of each step, and practice-earned pro tips are signatures of Laura's teaching style. Her dedication to study, improvement, diversification, and excellence bring a roundedness to her curriculum that crosses genres, cultures, and eras. Her interdisciplinary approach means students have a real master leading her class, with over 25 years of arts training and experience.
Learning with Laura is not just about the "how to's" of the medium. During the class, she weaves in intersectionality with history, mythology, biology, culture, creative process, ballads, and more. "I never thought I'd learn so much about [add the subject here]" is a common comment during a course, as layered depth and meaning-making connect hands, minds, and hearts on the learning journey.