From Stanley M Searcy; "I just completed a two day log home construction course from Skip Ellsworth. I took down more than 30 pages of notes that I know will help me construct a beautiful log home. Skip brings to his class not only a wealth of knowledge about log homes, but he also brings humor, traditional values regarding freedom, and the wisdom of a sensei. Originally, I took this course out of curiosity. However, I am now seriously considering building log houses for a living. I highly recommend this course to any individual who is not only interested in log homes, but economic freedom as well."
From David Kellogg; "I have just completed Skip’s two day class. This class has been invaluable to me as I plan to build my first log home very soon. It has assisted me in understanding the construction methods and made me aware of the specific language. The most important part of this class, however, was to clear up numerous misconceptions I had regarding log home construction methods and the acquisition of materials. It was one of the most informative classes I have ever attended, either academically or professionally."
From Thomas E. Mills; "I am a "manufacturing engineer" and have been involved in a variety of construction for the past 40 years. I have just completed Skip’s two day course and was pleasantly surprised to learn a great many NEW labor saving methods (not included in the construction books), and ways to build a log house without any major equipment. With this course inexperienced people can build a good quality, earthquake resistant house, avoiding the major errors that can occur. I enjoyed the course and I heartily recommend it."
From Stephen Sax; "I found Skip’s course to be one of the most valuable courses I have ever taken, The information was presented in a clear concise manner. From this course I will be able to build my own log house. I highly recommend this course to anyone who is interested in building with logs.
From Matheu Birnie; "This is an outstanding course. The material is presented clearly and in a manner that encourages each person to interact with the material mentally for themselves. In other words, a student is not a passive recipient, but an active learner. This gives the student a much better grasp on the principles of log house construction."
From David R. Verbois; "If you are interested in knowledge of "how to" then do not miss this two day experience. You will most definitely leave Skip’s seminar with the know-how and confidence to build your own log home – with no help from anyone."
From Rick Milasich; "I attended your class on the 11th and 12th of January. While my occupation is remodeling, my earlier occupation was as a teacher (Theater and English). While I enjoyed my 14 years as a teacher, I found myself to be constantly at odds with the administrative bull-shit. The point is, because of my background, I feel qualified to commend you on your two day presentation. DI was especially impressed with your patience in handling the questions that came at you from every direction. While the world in general might label you as an eccentric (a point of pride for you I suspect) you have a marked civility that sets your students at ease, and a genuine interest in giving your students this valuable information that can change their lives in such a positive way. For this, I thank you. You will see me at the meetings, and I have already urged several friends to attend the class. Perhaps we will have an opportunity to share more later, but even if not, please accept my appreciation of your knowledge and skills. Thank you for the class."
From Joe Purtzer (C/O Rocket Pizza, Seattle); "I spoke to you on Sunday concerning enrolling Bill and Chuck in your next course. I’ll make sure they get there on Saturday morning. We’re building a 30’ square log home on Hartstene Island, in Mason County – and we are using everything we learned at your seminar. Enclosed is a photo. We should finish the walls this week, and I’ll send some more recent photos when they are available. Everything is going great, with very few problems. We’re having a great time as well. Bill and Chuck have been helping me on the house, and they are really good guys and hard workers. I think it will help if they get the "big picture" by taking your seminar. Thanks for enrolling them, and I hope we will see you soon."
From Shiela Donnelly; "I am a carpentry student at Seattle Central Community College. Two of my fellow students took Skip’s log house course. When they returned after the weekend they spoke about logs as if they had experienced something like a catharsis. I remember feeling goose pimples on my arms as they spoke about "logs" and this man, "Skip Ellsworth." I was so turned on by what they told me that I decided to cancel work for the weekend and take Skip’s course. As I write, I feel that I am one of the luckiest women in the world to have had the privilege of attending this course. Not only have I learned techniques and skills necessary to build a log home, I have enjoyed Skip’s entertaining way of transmitting knowledge. It has been a refreshing experience for me as an Irish woman to listen, learn, and feel the political awareness of this man. He has motivated me beyond my wildest dreams. I will build my own log house, and live in it happily. Not only will I build my own, but I will build for others also. I will also tell everyone I know to take this course."
From Lynn Austin; "The class content was exceptionally well-presented. The material turned building a home into a fun, skilled, and inspirational adventure. The essential economic, political, and trade information was cleverly and poignantly introduced with impact, credibility, and humor. Skip was wonderfully humorous, direct, and eccentric. He is an excellent teacher. I highly recommend this course."
From Ruth Hambaugh; "Skip is obviously very knowledgeable on the subject of log houses. I couldn’t have found a better source of information. On top of that he’s just an incredibly interesting individual. The entertainment alone was worth the price of admission."
From Mike Berger; "Just a note to let you know how much I appreciate your class. Not only do you have the making of log structures down so well that instead of just a skill it is an art form, but you are an excellent teacher besides. My only regret is that I didn’t take you course years ago. I would highly recommend your class to anyone who is considering building with logs. Thank you very much."
From Susan Nielsen; "I am most grateful to Skip Ellsworth for making available to me his knowledge of how to build a log house. The information was delivered in an easily understandable manner. He covered all of the points necessary to achieve my goal, and I’m completely satisfied as far as meeting all expectations I had for taking his course. I must add, as well, that skip’s personality and wonderful sense of humor allowed me to feel comfortable in a class about something about which I previously know nothing. He also gave me a lot of encouragement and a sense that I knew everything I need to know in order to succeed at building my own log house. I now know that I can actually do this – and I will. I am delighted to have met Skip and I am honored to have been a member of his class. Thank you very much."
From Sherry Johnson and Dale A. Johnson; "This class (and Skip Ellsworth) was so informational. I loved every minute of it. I came away believing that I could build a log house myself. Three days ago I would have bet money that I would never even consider such a large undertaking. The instruction for each step was clear and concise. I would highly recommend this class to anyone. I can’t imagine anyone that wouldn’t be interested in the idea of being financially free from a thirty year mortgage."
From Dean A Johnson; "Skip is extremely gifted in his presentation of information and logic. I find it a pleasant challenge to take in the shear volume of methods and logic regarding log homes in only 22 hours of instruction. He deals very well and PATIENTLY with requests to repeat, and or explain information that he has already clearly stated and fully explained. It is hard to believe that someone has a sincere interest in a "common person’s" basic needs, and is interested in helping his fellow man. However, it is obvious that Skip is such a person. His help in "overcoming" as well as in building a residence is inspirational."
From Don Stephens; "Skip’s style of instruction is direct, simple, and conducive to creating an awareness of what "common sense" is really all about. Someday, when the time is right, I will definitely get some log houses built – and that is good. However, I feel that this course should be subtitled "If you students will just start thinking for yourselves, your lives would probably be much more successful." In a world that picks away at our personal armor, I feel that Skip is a fine armorer (teacher) who is working hard to patch, polish, and strengthen the armor of his students." Thanks again for the dose of self-confidence."
From Pascal Hayes; "It would have been worth my seminar fee just so spend the two days with Mr. Ellsworth. I feel that tips on log houses was just icing on the cake. I recommend this seminar to anyone interested in log constriction or for that matter anyone interested in an unbiased opinion on human rights and freedom. I definitely hope to stay in touch with Skip.
From Garfield and Sandy Staats; "Here it is almost 2 months since my wife and I took your outstanding class. We were impressed by your methods and ability to communicate and teach even a dumb ass like myself (8th grade education). At first I didn’t want to attend, but my wife talked me into it. I thought that I could build a log house just by looking at a few pictures. How wring I was. If we hadn’t have taken your class I would have screwed up every log, and probably would have built an unsafe house that would only last 50 years or so. Maybe a later class of yours would have seen it on one of your picture taking trips as one of the ways NOT to build a log house. We purchased our land a couple of months before taking your class. We see now that at least we did buy the right piece of property, with more than enough logs and other things that we learned from your school. Later this fall we will begin cutting and getting the logs ready for proper seasoning. Next spring we will start on the house. You are welcome to come out and visit us anytime. I always have a good supply of beer, and Sandy is a good cook. We would love to have you. Once again Skip, even thought it will be next spring before I use what you taught us about building a log house I really thank your for the knowledge you have passed on to us. Keep up the good work. Like good friends, logs are forever."
From Lynda Griffith; "This log home building course was well planned, well executed and highly informative. I thought that I would learn how much I "couldn’t" do – and instead Skip taught me how much I "can" do. I CAN build my own log house, without a doubt. Now I know how to be smart about it. Thank you."
From Bobbi Wallior; "This course was a very realistic view of what I can expect when I fulfill one of my dreams – to build a log home of my own. Not a poorly constructed one – but one that I can be proud of and know that research and know-how has gone into every aspect of it. I recommend this course and M thankful that I took the time to investigate it. Thank you Skip… Mr. Ellsworth, Sir."
From Micky (Marilyn) Nordgren; "I came to this course knowing virtually nothing about building. Skip presented his information and shared his expertise and knowledge in a clear and easy to comprehend manner. His use of video and on-site examples helped me to understand immediately. I appreciate and respect his passion for this craft as well as his honesty regarding what is out there regarding log home "kits." I wouldn’t have missed this. I feel I now have information and knowledge that will enable me to make good choices about materials, styles, methods, and techniques. Thank you, Skip."
From Yama Filipowicz; "This class was one of the best investments of my life. The voluminous amounts of information that I acquired in this two day class might surpass what an average student learns in a two year vocational college. I’m ready to leave my current job and dedicate the next stage of my life to building log houses. To say that participating in this class in Skip’s museum-like log home was an unparalleled experience just doesn’t do it justice. Words fail me."
From Ward Weiss D.C.; "My name is Ward Weiss. I am a chiropractor in the State of Washington. I have just concluded taking a log home building seminar hosted and instructed by Mr. Skip Ellsworth. This was an unbelievable weekend. It not only changed my view on log house building -- but also my outlook on America, this world, and this life I’m living. Mr. Ellsworth is an extremely patient teacher. His ability to make what seems "impossible" into simple, clear steps is one of his greatest strengths. I have enjoyed the class and highly recommend it to anyone. I now realize that my wife and I can build our own log home. Thank you, Skip !!!"
From John H. Carswell III; "It amazes me that in the past 100 years we have put a man on the moon, and we cook our food by speeding up molecules, but we’ve lost the technology of building a house that is simple, economical but most of all that lasts. Skip’s course makes building a log home so simple that it is incomprehensible to me that most people spend ten times as much money for 1/10th the house – such as the modern day frame dwellings that most of us unaware folks live in. It would be a shame for anyone to not have the chance to meet Mr. Ellsworth and learn from him that the finer things in life are still simple."
From Lori Nichols; "I took the log home building course offered by DeWelle (Skip) Ellsworth after it was recommended by my husband and his two brothers. I now understand their enthusiasm and, more importantly, understand the principals of log home building. I am confident that I have the information I need to successfully complete a beautiful and inexpensive log home."
From Belinda M. Hovde; This course has been very informative and fun. I enjoyed Skip’s sense of humor and his logical approach to construction techniques. I really like the way he thoroughly explained everything at a beginner’s level and kept our interest peaked with humor when we were presented with a lot of information in a two day period. This course addresses all of the problems that "Joe Average" would encounter on his trip through the construction process. Skip has given me all of the information that I could not compile by myself in the libraries. This course has been about information but also about encouragement to do anything we wish to do for ourselves. I WILL build a log home – and maybe more than one before I die. I appreciate the words of advise and encouragement during the course. This aspect meant a log to me since I already know that I wanted to build a log house, but I just didn’t know where to start. Skip has shown me the starting line and given me a road-map so I can’t get lost along the way. Thank you so much."
From Michael Klein; "Great course ! I am glad I found out about this class before I started the actual construction of my own log home. It is amazing how much I learned in just two days. It is inconceivable that anybody else could come up with such a practical, simple, logical, sane, economical and ethical method of building. I can’t wait to get started."
From Susan Bissell; "First of all, if you can read this, congratulations ! Second, I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to you for an extremely informative, cordial, and humorous weekend. I never thought log house construction could be so simple, straight forward, and fun. You have given me in these past two days the knowledge, the enthusiasm and the assurance in myself to someday make my dream come true – to live in the Aderondacks as a woods-woman. You have also reaffirmed my faith in the ability of human beings to work together and help each other. In your class, I witnessed the coming together of individuals from diverse backgrounds helping each other make future dreams come true. Thanks for your support and energy. Your class brings a lot of hope into this world. Someday you’ll be receiving some photos of my log house to add to your collection. Thanks again for the push to move forward towards my own freedom."
From Sam Rickland; "This weekend school was the best learning experience I’ve ever had. Skip’s ability to teach for retention and still make it stimulating and interesting was phenomenal. The excitement with which I leave here will certainly last for years to come. I hope I can pass my log home, or maybe several of them, on to my kids.
From Michael J. (Micki) Paul, Jr.; "This was the most interesting, energetic, exiting class I have ever been through. I am a 17 year old high school graduate that has an attention span of a four year old. Not only was this class able to keep my attention, it also was taught in a way that was easy to understand, but filled my brain to the maximum each day. I loved this class and suggest that it be taught all over the world – so everyone can see the ease and affordability of log homes."