In-person course
in Abbey Lane, Sheffield Maker & location details

Introduction to Greenwood Spoon Carving

Description

Learn the traditional craft of spoon carving in the ancient woodland setting of Ecclesall Woods in Sheffield. Using wood sourced from local woodland, you will be guided through the process of hand carving your own cooking spoon using traditional tools and techniques. Following a demonstration of how to split suitable wood to produce a spoon billet, you will use a carving axe to shape a prepared billet down to size. Then you will refine the spoon shape using a straight knife and a hook knife, resulting in your own unique cooking spoon. You will learn: - Why we carve green wood, its properties and uses - A simple guide to selecting wood and orientating the spoon within it - How to safely use a carving axe and spoon carving knives - The importance of tool sharpening for safe and effective carving - Tips and tools for continuing your carving at home. . You will need to wear suitable clothing and footwear for working outdoors in this season. Steel toe cap boots would be advantageous if you have them, but are not essential. Please note this course will require a high level of manual dexterity with your fingers and you must be able to stand whilst working. This course is not suitable for those with limited hand mobility/arthritis.

What's included in the price?

All materials and tool use are provided for you on the day. Refreshments throughout the course. Please bring a packed lunch, notebook and pen. PPE is available where applicable. All green woodworking courses are based outside. Most other courses inside based but bring clothing/footwear/sunscreen etc. suitable to working outdoors in the season you attend.

Duration

1 day

Cancellation policy

Strict - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 8 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Ecclesall Woods Craft Courses

with Craft Courses since 2014

Message the tutor

Set in a beautiful ancient woodland, our traditional skills and heritage craft courses are inspired by nature. Our friendly craftspeople will guide you with their knowledge of age-old methods and natural materials to learn, make new friends and create!

Suitable for

Adults
Parking provided
Engagement, birthdays & anniversaries
Corporate days out & team building
Suitable for beginners
Suitable for all abilities
Father's Day
Weekends
Mother's Day
Public transport

What does this mean?

Message the tutor

Venue

J G Graves Woodland Discovery Centre, Ecclesall Woods, Abbey Lane, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S7 2QZ

Reviews

All maker's reviews

6 Oct 19'

Glen Mills reviewed: Introduction to Greenwood Spoon Carving

"Dave and team, Kay and Mel, were outstanding teachers. Very supportive and encouraging all the way, from sycamore log in the morning that we slowly morphed into a spoon in the afternoon. As a total rookie I learned an enormous amount about wood, techniques and tools, and enjoyed the informal atmosphere. Highly recommended."

3 Oct 19'

Mark reviewed: Introduction to Greenwood Spoon Carving

"Very enjoyable. Turned a wooden log into a spoon, with the help of Dave and the volunteers. Learnt a lot about wood, woodcraft, hand tools and techniques. The setting was great as was the coffee, biscuits and the conversations with the rest of the group. And, on this occasion, I was glad to be going home with the wooden spoon. Good fun and my thanks to all that were there."

26 Aug 18'

Paul McCaffrey reviewed: Introduction to Greenwood Spoon Carving

"I attended a rustic table making course earlier in the year and enjoyed it so much I thought I would have a go at spoon carving. On both courses the teaching was very good using a variety of tools and techniques. The facilities in the teaching area and the centre were very good. I now have a very nice table that I am staining and waxing, and the skills to try spoon carving at home."

23 Aug 18'

Amberlea McNaught reviewed: Introduction to Greenwood Spoon Carving

"Exceptional tutoring, fun engaging and really relaxing. A wonderful day learning new skills safely with experienced and knowledgeable craftsman. I was so pleased with my first attempts. Great advice on materials and tools. I would thoroughly recommend any greenwood workshop here. This is the place to grow your imagination!!"

5 Apr 18'

Andrea Higginbottom reviewed: Introduction to Greenwood Spoon Carving

"Fantastic course - Nadine and Gaz were brilliant and Myles loved ever minute and is really keen to do more, they made loads of things and he is really proud of his achievements! Thank you!"

8 Sep 17'

Tracy reviewed: Introduction to Greenwood Spoon Carving

"Great course and great setting, would definitely recommend to others."

6 Sep 17'

Sara Mills reviewed: Introduction to Greenwood Spoon Carving

"Dave introduced us gradually to the tools and the process of carving a spoon. The course was entirely structured around making it easy to carve a spoon - surprisingly difficult. I learnt a great deal from the course and will certainly be taking another wood carving course."

26 Jun 17'

Simon Harvey reviewed: Introduction to Greenwood Spoon Carving

"Superb day - everything I'd thought it might be plus more. Dave and Viv were excellent. I can highly recommend this course and a day of spoon carving. Sitting in close concentration under a canopy of ancient woodland with a mug of coffee, very pleasant company and expert and passionate guides. What's not to like! I've ordered my own tools and I'm on my way. Thank you!"

17 Jun 15'

Geoff Pratley reviewed: Introduction to Greenwood Spoon Carving

"A really good day despite the rain! Dave and Sam gave excellent instruction and help throughout the day. I learned a lot, a most enjoyable day."

16 Jun 15'

Mandy Sutter reviewed: Introduction to Greenwood Spoon Carving

"I very much enjoyed the day. The centre was beautiful, the tutor and his assistant Dave and Sam were great, and the other course attendees were really friendly and good-humoured. Although it was harder work than I expected, I was delighted to make the spoon and a spatula and hope to return for other courses5."

23 May 14'

Ruth Morgan reviewed: Introduction to Greenwood Spoon Carving

"I loved the day - it helped that we had lovely warm sunshine, but it was so peaceful sitting whittling in the woods! I learnt a huge amount both about how to handle the tools safely and about the properties of the wood, and we were well looked after both in woodworking and in cups of tea. I'm very proud of the spoon and spatula I made. Hope to do more."

23 May 14'

simon pedley reviewed: Introduction to Greenwood Spoon Carving

"Good introduction to the skills and tools needed - enjoyed the day and came home with a new spoon and spatula."

22 May 14'

Amy reviewed: Introduction to Greenwood Spoon Carving

"We had an excellent day! Dave and the volunteers were very engaging and made everyone feel welcome. It was a gentle introduction to the tools allowing us time to test their uses and make progress on our utensils! It is surprisingly difficult to carve a spoon and this course gives you a real appreciation for the time and skill that goes into making a good one. I am certainly keen to practice my new skills at home!"

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