Woodworking: Wood Carving

In this course, you'll be introduced to the basic principles of carving and decorating butter knives and spoons. Using only hand tools, a straight knife, a spoon knife, and optionally an axe, you'll start with a raw piece of wood and learn how to gradually remove material and shape it into beautiful, functional forms.

Under the guidance of your teacher, you'll receive personalised support in developing your own design, tailored to your experience, ambitions, and skill level. No prior experience is required. Beginners will be carefully supported, while more experienced carvers are encouraged to take on multiple projects or add refined details to their work. You'll also be given individual exercises to help further develop your carving technique.

In addition to carving, you’ll learn how to decorate your pieces using techniques such as relief carving, chip carving, and gouge work. You’ll gain essential woodworking knowledge: from identifying wood types, grain patterns, heartwood and sapwood, to drying and treating wood. You'll also learn how to keep your tools sharp and safe to use, an essential skill for any woodcarver. Finally, you'll discover how to finish your spoons and knives in a sustainable way using oil or wax.

Guest tutors may be invited to offer additional insight, for example in specific finishing techniques or the rich traditions of spoon carving.

As a bonus, you'll receive The Spoonjournal – a booklet full of inspiration, tips, and space for your own sketches and notes.

Wild wood

In this course, you will learn the basics of wood carving. Starting from a piece of wood, you will use hand tools such as gauges, knives, axes and Japanese saws to remove material and practise creating three-dimensional designs. 

Based on your experience, capabilities and ambitions, teacher Teresa will guide you through the process of finding your design. No experience is needed and examples will be provided. More experienced carvers are encouraged to work, or continue working, on their own project, while beginners can do individual practice exercises to hone their skills.

Be inspired by different trees and how they grow and learn more about essential woodworking concepts such as grain, heartwood and sapwood, wood drying and wood treatment. In the classes, you’ll learn to sharpen and maintain your tools for fun and safe carving. 

Specialist guest teachers, specialising in e.g. knife making, spoon carving or finishing techniques, will also be invited to various sessions.