Sat 18 May 24- Introduction to woodcarving Experience | 09:30-13:00
Join us for an introduction to woodcarving experience. Learn to turn a log into a spatula or butter knife to cherish and use at home.
Spend a relaxing morning on our farm in the Surrey Hills away from the hustle with an introductory half day greenwood woodcrafting experience. You can lose yourself for a few hours as you create with your hands in this wonderful traditional wood craft whilst you soak in the surrounding nature. It’s a relaxed session with regular breaks by the open fire with locally roasted coffee. (Weather permitting). Aimed at beginners over 18 yrs. ** Scroll down for more details **
Interested but can’t find a date to suit you? Enquire about other dates
The greenwood carving workshop is led by George Chapman , he has been working with wood since a young age and his passion has led him to share his skills and teach.
All tools and materials will be provided, along with all the tea, coffee and all the biscuits to keep you going.
What is wood carving?
In short, the process of taking a log or branch and using tools to make it into something. We do something called “Greenwood carving” - which is to carve wood that still has some moisture in it e.g. freshly cut wood. Why? It’s easier to carve than dried wood.
Want to know more about wood carving and the benefits? Read our blog on what is wood carving?
What to expect?
Classes are made up of a maximum of 8 students and take place in the beautiful setting of our family farm nestled on the edge of Sheepleas nature reserve and at the foot of The Surrey Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty.
This is aimed at being a creative session “making” at a relaxed pace and being out in nature. The workspace is undercover in a former open sided farm building, or weather dependant can be around the open fire in a small adjacent copse. Lunch is often cooked on the same fire and served there.
This is an excellent entry level course for first time carvers, some may be returning to further practice their skills and gain more experience.
We will guide you through the steps of making a wooden spatula or knife of your very own. During the session you will explore:
Introduction, safety and where everything is…
Shave horse and general tool use and more safety
Form the main spatula or knife shape from a billet (block of wood) using a Shave horse
Knife work usine a drawn knife & sloyd knife
Depending on the student, some have time to make a second item.
The kettle will be on throughout, we’ll have some organised breaks, but you’re welcome to stop and have a cuppa anytime
You are guided through the whole process and advice is on hand to help you.
This is an exercise in learning a new craft, being creative and slowing down to appreciate the art of carving. No previous experience needed.
Not sure yet if this is for you? Here’s what a previous student said:
