Retired teacher turns passion into second career

From loom weaving to bracelet tying, former Saint Paul Public Schools substitute teacher Katherine Buenger has made a second career out of her love for and talent in artistic crafts. Over the next three months, Marine Mills Folk School students will be able to take a variety of classes with the now-retired teacher.

Buenger majored in studio art at Macalester College, was a substitute teacher for 20 years and discovered Sámi bracelet making 10 years ago.

The Sámi are the traditionally Sámi-speaking people inhabiting the region of Sápmi, which today encompasses large northern parts of Norway, Sweden and Finland, and of the Kola Peninsula in Russia.

“I was hooked on the art form from the get-go,” Buenger said. “I knew I would start teaching it. As class after class kept selling out, my husband suggested we sell kits online. This has turned into a fun side business in our retirement.”

Katherine is well-versed in many artistic forms: cross-stitching, knitting and painting, to name a few. So far, she has taught jewelry classes at the folk school. This summer, she will bring back student favorites along with new offerings.

On May 7 and 20, Katherine will teach Weave a Scarf on a Rigid Heddle Loom. Students will learn to warp a loom, wind a shuttle, hemstitch, weave and more, and will complete a scarf. “It wasn’t until I turned

40 that I discovered weaving,” she said. “I feel that it is my primary craft along with working with tin thread.”

In June and July, Buenger will offer a number of jewelry classes — stone donut necklace and multistrand beaded bracelet on June 24, Sámi-inspired cuff bracelet on July 15, and tin thread and stone bead necklace on July 22.

Marine Mills has become more than just a place where she teaches, Katherine says.

“From the moment I walked into the folk school and was greeted by cheerful, helpful and excited people, I knew I wanted to come back and be part of this,” she says. “The beautiful drive up that day also helped. I continue to marvel at how upbeat all the staff are even when I see how busy they are setting up rooms and putting things back after classes. It seems to be a very happy place.”

Kirsten Skoglund, Marine Mills program director, says, “Katherine has become an integral member of the Marine Mills Folk School community—as a teacher, mentor and learner. We are delighted to partner with her to bring such unique and rewarding experiences to our students. They love her breadth of knowledge, interest in a variety of cultures and traditions and her encouragement as they learn new skills.”