Workshop: Intro to Spoon Carving
Date: Select preferred date below
Times: Monday/Tuesday: 05:00p - 7:00p, Saturday/Sunday: 3:00p-5:00p
Location: Tower Grove Park (exact location to follow)
Experience: Suitable for beginners and intermediate carvers
Includes: Spoon Blank, refreshments
In this workshop John will guide you through the basics of carving an eating spoon from a blank (basically an uncarved spoon). John will instruct you on safe carving techniques, how to read the grain, and how to progress through shaping your spoon using traditional hand carving tools. The length of the course allows us the time to take things slow, ask questions, and refine your spoon so you can have something functional to take home and eat a celebratory bowl of ice cream with.
What's Included
Each participant will be provided with their own spoon blank (from locally sourced green wood), with an option to purchase additional blanks after the workshop ($20). Refreshments and snacks will also be available for all to enjoy. Feel free to bring your own refreshments and snacks as well (absolutely no alcohol during carving for safety reasons).
What to Bring
Each participant is highly encouraged to bring their own sharpened carving tools (a knife and hook knife). Links to quality beginner tools can be provided upon request. Please bring something to sit on as well (chair, blanket, etc.).
What You’ll Learn
John will guide you through: tool handling safety, carving techniques and grips, reading grain patterns, finishing techniques.
What You’ll Gain
A functional hand carved spoon that YOU crafted
Skills and confidence to start down your own spoon carving path
A community of liked-minded, supportive craftspeople who share your enthusiasm for spoon carving
Experience Required
No prior experience is necessary. ALL are welcome, this is a friendly and welcoming space.
Workshop Logistics
Workshops that are scheduled for Mondays and Tuesdays start promptly at 5pm and will end at 7pm. Workshops that are scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays will start at 3pm and end at 5pm. An email with a link to the meeting spot will be sent out prior to the workshop date, but each event will take place within Tower Grove Park.
Add ons:
Tool sharpening (knife = $10 / hook knife = $15). Leave your tools with John after class and schedule a pick up/drop off date.
Spoon blanks available for purchase post class
Private Lessons: 1:1 time with John (date and time based on mentor/mentee availability)
Take a private lesson with John for 1 on 1 time to learn the fine craft of wood spoon carving. Lessons will be 2 hours unless otherwise arranged. Dates and times are flexible and can be discussed upon purchase. Classes will be held in Tower Grove Park unless otherwise agreed upon.
Course topics will be determined by the goals of the carver and facilitated by John’s extensive knowledge of carving techniques. Lessons are similar in concept to the workshops, but will be tailored to the individual. The lessons will develop a deep understanding of carving techniques.
Students will progress into skilled carvers through dedicated mentoring lessons. Multiple lessons and packages are available for those serious wood carvers. Please inquire for more details. There is no expiration date for your private lesson purchase, but it will need to be scheduled at least 2 weeks in advance directly with John
Bring your own tools or John can provide them for the lesson.
Lesson includes blanks, tools, 1 on 1 instruction, some snacks and refreshments.
