Before candles, we made torches. Learn how to make one of human's original portable light sources: the mullein stalk torch!
Love using lip balm but hate wasting plastic tubes? Discover the simple magic of turning acorn caps, herbs, and beeswax into your own nourishing lip and body balm. You’ll learn to infuse, blend, and pour your balm using natural, zero-waste ingredients.
This class will be part wildcrafting, part discussion of ethnopharmacology. Each attendee will leave with their personalized balms and mullein torch.
Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Ages: 8+
Materials Fees: $3
Location: People's Food Co-op, 315 5th Ave S, La Crosse, WI 54601
Instructions: Wear close-toed shoes and clothes you're comfortable crafting in. Bring paper and a pen/pencil for taking notes.
Sliding Scale Course Fee Guidelines (not including Materials Fees)
Supporter Level Ticket: $70
If you move through the world with financial ease and the means to fulfill many of your wants as well as your needs – you are able to eat out when you want, abundantly meet your needs through employment or can comfortably not work, have access to family wealth, own property, etc. – consider paying at this level, which will help us ensure the long term sustainability of our programs while keeping our offerings accessible to those with access to fewer resources.
Sustainer Level Ticket: $55
If you are able to meet your needs with relative ease while budgeting your educational and entertainment spending – for instance, you are able to take classes and eat out occasionally as long as you are mindful – consider paying at this level, which will help sustain the work of the Folk School at a modest level.
Supported Level Ticket: $40
If you struggle to fund your basic needs and have limited access to resources in your family and community, or if you would not be able to access this offering without a discounted payment option, consider paying at this level. We value your presence and contributions to our community and do not want any economic circumstances to be a barrier to attendance!
Instructor Bio — Dr. Crystal Jewell
Crystal Jewell, PhD is a neuroscientist and naturalist specializing in alternative and complementary medicine. She has co-authored several academic and creative works featured in Nature Human Behavior, Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, Iowa Field Guides, and Stories of the Season's zine by Women, Food, and Agriculture Network. Follow her Mississippi River folk medicine science and history education work: ebonyjewelwing.com