Saturday and Sunday, 10.30am-4.30pm

£240

During this introductory course you will hand carve an oak cheese board with grapes and vine leaf. No previous experience is necessary.

Over the two days, you will learn about the various tools required, cutting techniques, the structure of timber/grain direction and the different ways of finishing and maintaining your completed piece.

Wood carving can be a surprisingly technical pursuit, but we simplify the various stages and difficulties so that the process is accessible to everyone.

Weekend Beginners Course

Day 1 begins with an introduction into the tools and safety, followed by a brief explanation of the steps and obstacles you are likely to face. Then you will select one of our pre-made boards with an attached blank to carve and a separate plaster cast to copy. We will guide you through the carving with demonstrations, and aim to keep everyone progressing at the same pace.

Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided throughout.

We break for an hour lunch at 1 pm, and will provide a homemade vegetarian stew/soup and bread if desired, or else there is a wealth of local cafes/restaurants nearby.

Day 2 will commence with a quick demonstration of sharpening and maintaining the chisels, as well as information about where to purchase tools if you want to continue your carving careers - we hope to stock a basic set in the near future.

We aim to have your carvings completed by mid-afternoon, allowing time to apply an oil finish and let you admire your finished wood carving. You will walk away with a beautiful product to keep or gift, along with the essential skills required to continue carving in the comfort of your own home.