From Howard Nichols; "As a child I was interested in building; playing with blocks, legos, and erector sets was fun. I was learning while I played; trial and error, experimentation, the scientific method, etc. I was teaching myself how to think. Then I went to public school – where I was taught how to cheat, to lie, to steal. It was corrupting, dehumanizing, and the end of my innocence. I was devastated. I "learned" to forget how to think for myself. Trying to shake off these demons, I struggled onward. In my own way, in spite of government intervention, I began to seek the truth. In the world of work I bounced around from job to job, learning some various and sundry skills. Some of these situations involved building. Although at times I was happy in my personal life, I was rarely fulfilled in my work. I could not decided what to do with my life. Fortunately, the strength and support of family and friends kept me going. Then I went to Skip’s class. There I found an honest and caring man – eager to teach others not just how to build log houses, but how to think for themselves as well. His vision and inspiration will help motivate me to achieve my dream of building my own log house. It is obvious that success in this endeavor will lead to financial independence. Fulfilling these positive personal goals is a rewarding, liberating, empowering process. Thank you for giving of yourself, and helping me and so many others realize our freedom."
From Jim Frielink and Karen Anderson; "Hope this will find all of your log house endeavors and live in general going very well. Karen and I are busy enjoying our first year in the beautiful log house you inspired us to build. The achievement is truly a dream come true for us. I’m writing, first of all, to let you know that we are planning a part to celebrate our new home. It’s set for Sunday July 26th. It will start whenever anyone shows up and last until everyone decides it’s over. There will be plenty to eat and drink. We home you can make it. You’d definitely be the guest of honor. Thanks again, Skip. I’ll look forward to seeing you either up there or down here… or both !!"
From Jim Frielink and Karen Anderson; "I’m sorry you couldn’t make it to the housewarming party. Anyway, please feel free to come down and visit us anytime. A guest room is ready for you. We have really enjoyed living here this past year, and your class, your attitude, and your support had a LOT to do with our success. We thank you."
From Nate and JoAnne Johnston; "We both enjoyed your class more than we could ever express in words. We felt it was a great privilege to be here. Your method of teaching is REAL and easy for everyone to understand. It opens many doors to future thinking. I don’t know how you packed so much information into this short period of time, but that is why you have the skill of teaching. We learned things we never even imagined before. Even with no construction background we came away with enough knowledge to build our own log home. You are a very patient teacher. Your secret tricks are great, and very valuable. Thanks so much for sharing yourself."
From Charlotte Fox and Raoul Klein (1961 Village de Vernmiege, 57007 Suisse); "We hope your innovative projects have continued to expand and snowball since we took your class. We returned to Switzerland and have purchased land to build on, a beautiful panoramic spot in the Alps. We will be building next summer. I am enclosing a photo of this village (our land is marked under the pinhole). There are many wood structures of interest, decidedly an opportunity for cultural exchange. My husband and I are surviving as 1) an artist and art restorer 2) dancer/teacher. We will send pictures of our house when it is finished. We hope you can come for a visit. Cheers to you and my native area."
From Larry Kaler; "The role you play in people’s lives can be likened to the great minds of history (Plato, Einstein, etc.). Why ? Because you bring to attention a simple and straightforward philosophy – that can create a foundation that if acted upon can direct people’s lives away from the blind mainframe of society and into themselves where they can find freedom and inner peace. This may sound strange coming from someone in my position, if it’s real. The information that you share can facilitate the opening of doors for people. Individuals such as yourself are contributing to the greatest of all things – and that is "mankind." You teach a philosophy of freedom – by teaching people how to build "mortgage free" log homes. The geniuses in life are those that can find a way through the most complex material and present it in its simplest form. Your genius is in your simple approach to building log homes, and in your ability to teach this clearly. It is genuine, and it is you, and you play that singular role in the world today. What greater thing can we ask for, if each of us could contribute just one great thing to the betterment of mankind – and you and your excellent class are doing that very thing today.
From Monica ; "Skip Ellsworth’s two day log home building class is the best course I’ve ever had. With no prior building experience I will be able to build my own log home. Not to be overly dramatic or anything, but this course (and what I do with it) will change my life."
From Jack Shyer; "Skip Ellsworth teaches a course in how to secure freedom. The essence of his being is shared graciously and firmly in this endeavor. He also teaches how to build log houses in the most efficient and the best manner. Free thinking, acting, and speaking are his tools. In his classes, individuality is honored in a spirit of community for creating homes in truth."
From Kathleen M. Kinder; "I took this class for fun – to learn about something interesting and new. Now I know exactly what kind of a home I want to live in – something I quite frankly hadn’t expected or considered. The experience I had in this class is one of the most valuable, not to mention fun, that I have had in a long, long time. Skip is an inspiration."
From Ellen Martin; "I am a 39 year old woman with no building experience. Most women my age were brought up thinking that building homes is a man’s job. With the women’s movement, women no longer feel they must stay away from jobs that traditionally were done by men. I am highly motivated to build a log home with my husband. I read a book and saw a video tape on how to build a log house. Both made the process sound very complicated. Also, I had sent away for all the kit home information I could get my hands on. They all claim that their methods are superior to the other companies. Their kits are so expensive. As a result of all my reading, I became very confused regarding which methods are best. Skip’s class cleared up this confusion. I now know what methods we want to use – and I know that we are going to build the house ourselves. I am very confident that we can do a good job. Skip explained everything in such a way that it made sense to me."
From Paul Martin; "This class has been very worthwhile for me. I plan to build a log house and I read quite a bit of material before attending this class. After reading this material I was left with a lot of doubts, questions, and confusion. Now that I have taken Skip’s class, the whole process makes physical sense to me. Now it is easy to see the errors that pervade most of the log home construction literature as well as the errors that pervade the pre-fab log home construction industry. For the first time since I began thinking about building a log home, I feel confident that I know how to make the right choices and how to go about building a log house that I will be proud and happy to live in. Skip’s class gets the highest rating from me."
From Anne R. Suruda; "As a recent graduate of Skip’s class I feel greatly encouraged, almost provoked into changing my life. Having had everything so clearly and simply explained, I feel capable and cooperative. The continual reminders of the philosophical implications on personal growth adds a sense of immediacy to achieving economic independence. There is an almost scary feeling of imminent change. I feel I am on a precipice about to take a great leap. The possibilities of how this would effect all aspects of my life are infiltrating all my thoughts. Overall – empowering and urgent."
From Clare Murphy; "The class was very effective, interesting and full of tips and suggestions. The instructor paced the class so that all members could have questions answered. Videos allowed the class to see the building progress. Emphasis was placed on helping students understand and see the logic of the construction process in order to develop self-confidence and self-sufficiency within the students. The bits of philosophy and "Zen and the art of log house building" effect kept the interest of the class, kept us thinking, kept a perspective, and showed the instructor’s concern for his students.. Thanks."
From Ed Murphy; "An entertaining, and very effective instructional format. Personal nuances convey a feeling of concern for students. With the outrageous conventional housing costs getting so out of hand, it is refreshing to come to understand an alternative construction method that I believe is a more holistic approach to shelter. I strongly recommend this course."
From John Ralston; "The essence of sophistication is simplicity. This is a simple, clear course that repels the chaos and difficulty that might otherwise occur when dealing with such an endeavor. Because of this course, I can now afford to own a home. This course was an answer to a prayer -- and it will give me my very first home. Yours truly."
From Michael B. Gross; "I took this seminar because it offered me an alternative method of owning my own home – a quality, long lasting home – and very affordable. The seminar was done so well and so clearly that I feel I can go out immediately and build my own log house. In fact, I am going to do it. Skip’s instruction and open, casual way of instructing, gives confidence. Was it worthwhile (?) – you betcha !!!"
From Don Schultz; "This course has revived in me a strong desire to return to a simpler lifestyle where the pace of day to day living is slower. The log house exemplifies in my mind the principles of freedom and self-reliance which are my wish and dream for all people. Skip has turned what might otherwise be a sterile and cold instructional course into one filled with the spirit of love, adventure and a thirst for life."
From Joseph Brown; "Just a note to let you know how much I enjoyed your weekend course last weekend. It was truly a worthwhile learning experience, and I am constantly going over my notes to reinforce what you covered. In retrospect, it really was all-encompassing. I find it hard to believe we covered so much material. Thank you for everything and for the really enjoyable weekend. You made the learning a pleasure."
From George Stapp; "Just wanted to thank you for doing such a good and important job teaching people to be self-sufficient. Thought your last weekend class was one of the most valuable weekends I’ve ever spent and have recommended it to several of my friends."
From P. Valentine and D. Shelley; "Shelley and I just wanted to say we really enjoyed the class. It was the most enjoyable and informative that either of us have ever attended. Enclosed is a map of how to get to our place up by Mt. Rainier. We hope you get up that way soon. Give a buzz and let us know when you are coming and we’ll provide the juice and food. Also, one our building inspectors has taken your class. He and his wife – a Mr. And Mrs. Conant. We have enjoyed exchanging notes with them…"
From Gene Hoover; "Nineteen years ago I participated in Skip Ellsworth’s log home building class. Over the years I’ve kept the vivid memories of the simple, inexpensive and totally practical methods of construction that Skip teaches. Now that I am married, and have some property, I am taking the class again with my wife. There is no construction method with or without logs that I have come across in the past 19 years that can provide such comprehensive advantages. I would recommend Skip’s class to anyone – beginner or expert."
From Tom Barley; "This experience has greatly expanded my horizons. I will start building my own log home within two months. The world needs more people with Skip’s knowledge, patience, and love of humanity. It could only lead to a more caring and effective society. I wish Skip and his program all the best. From a happy student. Thanks Skip."
From Lance Lovick; "I have just finished Skip Ellsworth’s log home building class. He has designed the class so that students of any level of experience can understand and learn all of the techniques necessary to build your own log home. His teaching style, which combines his years of experience, anecdotal stories, and dry humor make the learning easy and enjoyable. I would recommend the course even if you only "suspect" you are interested."
From Blake Marquette; "I recently attended a log home seminar put on by a log house KIT magazine. They took my money, they advertised their products, and I learned NOTHING. The also told me that I could not learn log home building in a weekend class. I then took Skip’s class with some skepticism, and learned more about building period than in the three years I spend in commercial construction. I took more notes in this two days than I did all through high school. There is NO doubt in my mind that I can now build my own log house. I emphasize my OWN because no banks will own it (or me) for the next 30 years. Thanks to Skip."
From Jim Southerland; "What did I get out of Skip Ellsworth’s log house building class ? That’s not an easy question to answer, because I haven’t yet had time to totally digest and meditate on such a unique experience. I came here only to learn how to build log houses. However, I left with that knowledge, and a lot more. While being guided through the techniques of log building , Skip also, in an uncanny way stimulated my sense of self sufficiency, purpose for existence, and my identity of self. Skip did this in a positive and humorous way. I not only left the school with all of the log house building knowledge that I need, but also with much, much more than this. Thank you, Skip."
From Lawrence A. Gielgens; "The two days that I spent at the log home class has been the most informative and enjoyable days I’ve had in a long time. The information I received and the way it was presented were excellent. Skip is definitely the man to learn log home building from He is a real master of the craft. It is wonderful to know that this knowledge is now in my head, and it will always be there when I need it."
From Kim Ragan; "I have just completed Skip’s class on log house building and I have found it to be a far greater learning experience than I ever expected. It was extreme in detail, and covered every aspect of the building process I will need to build my own log home. I would like to thank Skip for the great teaching ability he has. It really sinks in deep, and will not be forgotten. I strongly recommend his class to any person interested in building a log house. Thanks much."
From Mitch Ragan; "Skip, this is the best course I have ever taken. It was very informative and interesting at the same time. You have a very unique style of teaching. Twelve hours a day of class is a very long time, but it went very fast because I never lost interest even for a minute. I am going to start planning my log house TODAY and I feel very confident I can do the job. I would highly recommend the course to anyone and plan to have my parents and selected friends take this course. It was GREAT !! My thanks to you."
From Fred Renfroe; "Skip, this was ONE GREAT EXPERIENCE for me. Totally inspiring, informative, and helpful in every way. You have made me a true believer in the log home way of life. I have spent a great deal of my life wishing to build and live in a log home. I am now going to take the next step -- and by golly I’m going to do it. My best wished to you. I look forward to visiting with you again."