Evening Woodcarving Workshop

Give woodcarving a go in this two hour evening introduction to the craft. This woodcarving class will give you a relaxed, fun taster of what it's like to carve, and how satisfying it is using sharp chisels to make clean, crisp cuts into timber. It will whet your appetite for learning this heritage craft and let you dip your toe into the world of woodcarving. With no more than six students to a class, you’ll receive a high level of attention and guidance.During this evening class, you will be introduced to the tools, how to use them safely and effectively, the properties of timber including understanding grain direction, and will finish with a practical project making an incised flower design, which you can take home to display or work on further in your own time.The class takes place in Central London in a working carving studio with ongoing projects and commissions, giving you the opportunity to see the working practise of a professional carver.What will I achieve? By the end of the course you will have covered:

• Identifying suitable timber species for future carving projects
• The correct way to safely use chisels and mallet
• How to secure your work
• How to lay out your design on timber
• How to create an incised flower design

Please note: Public dates for this class require at least 2 guests to run. In the unlikely event that we don't reach this number, we'll cancel the class; in this case we'll inform you and allow you to get a refund or reschedule, so please watch your email/SMS one day prior to the class.

No prior carving experience is necessary. Complete beginners will be guided through the basic techniques, while more advanced students will be given guidance on how to refine their skills further. Please note that the nature of woodcarving means that you will be working in a standing position during the course hours, which some people may find physically demanding.
 

• Your completed carving project
• Wood suitable for your carving project
• The use of carving tools
• Focused personal tuition

• Sturdy, covered shoes are essential for your safety, and you are strongly encouraged to wear leather boots or a safety work boot for maximum protection. Students who wear open-toed shoes or sandals will not be allowed to take the course. Safety boots are available inexpensively from multiple suppliers online.
• Any additional carving tools you may wish to use on the day (please ensure any tools you bring are clearly marked with your name).
• Appropriate clothing for a workshop environment, which you don’t mind getting dusty, dirty, or covered in wood chips. If you would like the additional protection, please bring an apron.
• A notebook and pencil.