Spoon Carving
1-day Beginners’ Spoon Carving Course
Course Overview
On this therapeutic one-day beginners’ course at Stanwick Lakes you will learn how to carve a spoon using basic wood carving techniques and tools.
You will begin by learning how to cleave wood and use an axe to produce your spoon blank. The rest of the day will be spent using a sloyd knife and a hook knife to carve to shape your individual home-made spoon. The course covers a selection of knife grips, which will keep your carving under control as well as keeping you safe. Time will be spent looking at how the spoon develops in a 3-dimensional form, covering the spoons ‘crook’, bowl and handle to get a well-balanced and functioning spoon.
Wooden spoons like you will make have been carved for thousands of years and for most of the population, were used as an eating utensil until relatively recently. ‘Spoon’ was originally an Anglo-Saxon word that meant ‘a chip of wood’. The oldest known wooden spoon in England is a ladle found at Glastonbury Lake Village dating to 250BC. Another notable find of wooden spoons are the personal spoons found on the wreck of the Mary Rose. These spoons may have been whittled by their owners.
The course takes place in and around the purpose built oak framed craft barn at Stanwick Lakes which is managed by Rockingham Forest Trust as an environmental charity.
Stanwick Lakes is a protected Nature Reserve and a Wetland of International Importance, covering 750 acres of open space with seven miles of paths, a perfect inspiration to crafters and makers.
During your lunchtime you can enjoy the onsite cafés and visit the heritage museum or sit by a lake and watch the wildlife.
Times or dates don’t suit? Let us know, and join a waiting list.
What You’ll Learn
- – Prep: learn to cleave wood to produce a spoon blank.
- – Tools: how to use a sloyd knife and a hook knife.
- – Skills: knife grip, carving under control and safety.
- – Knowledge: the history of spoons and early tools.
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for anyone interested in traditional crafts, hands-on activities, and historical techniques. It’s perfect for those who enjoy woodworking, seek a creative outlet, or appreciate a meditative experience in a tranquil natural setting.
Teenagers from 16+ are welcome to take part in this course, but must be supervised by an adult.
I absolutely loved this workshop. Made 2 spoons in the day, both of which I’m really pleased with. Karl is a great teacher. Highly recommend, spoon making is fun, relaxing and rewarding.
Key Course Details
When: Various
Duration: 6.5 hours
Class Size: Limited to 6 participants per workshop
Cost: £95.00
Materials: All materials will be provided
Times or dates don’t suit? Let us know, and join a waiting list.
About the Tutor
Your tutor for the day is Karl Warden, a sustainable living advocate. Karl has seven years of experience with spoon carving; he has managed his own woodland for this duration, where he turns raw materials into valued products.
What’s included in the price?
Tools, materials and safety equipment are provided.
Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided free of charge during the course.
Your car parking is also free of charge on the day of your course.
Additional Information:
Food and drinks can be purchased in the café in the visitor centre or bring your own packed lunch.
Please note if you are purchasing food from our café, a pre-order form will be available on the morning of the course (a selection of paninis, sandwiches, jacket potatoes etc, are available) so we can have your food freshly prepared for you.
Cancellation policy
Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts.