You’ll learn a range of cuts with knives and axes which will enable you to use carving tools efficiently and safely. You’ll then be guided through a few simple projects where you will be able to use those cuts and add to them as your skill grows. Blog links under each course show previous courses to give a good idea of what to expect.
For the first time this year we also have Spoonfest, a weekend get together with some of the est carvers in the world gathering in Edale to celebrate the carved wooden spoon full details here
Venue: Edale, Hope Valley, Derbyshire map
Situated in the heart of the Peak District at the start of the Pennine Way, Edale is a beautiful location with much to offer if you wish to extend your stay or bring a non-carving partner.
Times: we will aim to work from 2pm-5.30pm on the first day and 9.30am-4.30pm on the following two days.
Numbers: all my courses have maximum 8 students, many comparable courses have 10 or more. This means you get plenty of individual attention and most importantly I can help keep you safe and making good progress.
Spoon carving foundation
During the course you will learn the safe and effective use of knives and axes. There will be the opportunity to experience the working properties of a range of native timbers. By the end of the course you should have made several spatulas or spoons to use in your own kitchen.
Cost: £195
Dates: 25-27 April 2012 Fully booked
23-25 May 2012
28-30 November 2012
blog from previous foundation course
Spoon carving developers
For those who have attended a foundation course or have existing spoon carving skills, this will be an opportunity to develop your skills and learn more about spoon design. A range of tools and timbers will be available for you to experiment with and you will be able to learn the all important skill of knife sharpening.
Cost: £195
Dates: 27-29 June 2012 2 places left
blog from previous developers course
Fun carving
Designed for folk who have been on previous courses and got the basics, can carve a spoon or a kuksa but enjoy being able to set aside 3 days to come and carve in good company. I will provide wood, tools and advice to help with peoples individual projects. Last year most folk did shrink pots which are a nice project but there are plenty of other things we could do.
Cost: £175
Dates: 21-23 November 2012
Bowl carving
Try your hand at carving beautiful wooden bowls from fresh green wood using axes, adzes, chisels and knives. This should be an empowering course, not only will you go home with a bowl or two but you will have the skills to make more at home.
Cost: £225
Dates: 16-18 May 2012
20-22 June 2012
24-26 October 2012
blog from previous bowl course
Two special courses from visiting international teachers either side of Spoonfest.
Spooncarving masterclass with Fritiof Runhall
I am delighted that one of Sweden's best carver Fritiof will be coming back to Edale to teach spooncarving again this year. Have a look at the blog posts from last year's courses here , here and here
Cost: £255
Dates: August 14-16 if you want to make a week of it stay for spoonfest which is 17-19
Crooked knife making with Jarrod StoneDahl
I am very excited to finally meet another woodworker whose work I have admired over several years. This course is a way of me getting to learn how to get the very best out of a tool I have long admired the Native American crooked knife or mocotaugan and a chance for you to learn with me from someone who has been making and using them for many years.
This is what Jarrod wrote about the tool and the course
"The mokotagan, is a very old type of woodworking tool unique to North America and predominantly around the great lakes region. It is a nomad’s tool, born out of the need to be versatile yet easy to transport. The knife is used one handed and pulled toward oneself which gives the user great control and frees up the other hand to hold the wood being worked. When in use, a properly designed crooked knife a joy to use. These knives historically have been used for carving paddles, snowshoe frames, and the primary tool for birch bark canoe building, but can be used in place of a drawknife or block plane. In this class we will use the stock removal method to create the shape of the blades and then harden and temper the steel in the forge, then mount the blade to custom fit handles. Instruction will also be given in how to use the tool efficiently."
Cost : including materials to make your own crooked knife £255
Dates: August 21-23
Jarrod's blog here and particularly this post and his website hereBe sure to check out his partner April's gorgeous ash splint baskets and Jarrod's birch bark canoes.
and learn more about the history of the mocotaugan here
If the course you wanted is fully booked and you would like to go on my email list to know when I book future courses
It's easy to run spooncarving courses and lots of folk do it now, it is not easy to do it really well, this is an email from Ian who has done foundation and developers course with me.
"I have to say your Spoon Carving courses have been the best I have ever attended. This is because (and I can say this with some prior expertise as an ex-teacher and consumer of lot's of craft tuition over the years) you fundamentally understand the learning process. You have taught me carving skills in ways that are accessible and 'stick'. I can remember all the skills taught and I can use them. Unlike other courses I can replicate, practice and embed them. The soup is good too!"
Edale accommodation:
Edale is easily accessible by train from Sheffield or Manchester Piccadilly with the course venue and a range of accommodation to suit most tastes / budgets just a short walk from the station. A few suggestions ...
B&B Ollerbrook Barn 01433 670200 or Western House 01433 670014
Buckley Bed Cottage (self-catering) 01433 670390 email
Fieldhead Campsite 01433 670386
Edale also had a lovely Youth Hostel, but be aware it is about 1.5 miles from the village centre.
More options here
