Intro to spoon carving (private group)

A course for private groups: a family, a group of pals, a team-building day for work colleagues, a celebration perhaps? The details of this course can be tailored to your requirements. The info below is provided as a guide, but please get in touch to discuss what would make the day special for you.

Your day will be spent learning the basics behind carving spoons in the tradition of sloyd, using head, hands, axe and knife - no machinery required. You'll be introduced to the tools, materials and techniques to get started on your journey carving spoons. This course is intended for beginners, as we'll start with the basics.

In what will be a productive day, we'll squeeze in a look at examples of spoons, wood types and where to source raw material, various tools from entry level to more advanced, and of course the hands-on techniques to get you started on your spoon journey. You should leave feeling safe, knowledgeable, inspired and hopefully relaxed from a day in our beautiful bothy workshop.

The details for a private group booking can, of course, be tweaked. But as a guide you'll tackle several projects, starting with a simple utensil (usually a traditional butter spreader) and moving on to your first spoon. We'll look at splitting a billet, marking-out a design, axing-out your blank, then getting stuck-in to the knife work.

All tools needed are provided. If you have acquired your own, you're very welcome to bring them along too.

Tea/coffee is provided. Perhaps even a slice of cake (no promises!). Please bring a packed lunch with you on the day. The atmosphere is relaxed, and you'll be able to take a break as needed.

About the Trees provides courses for adults as well as youngsters. As a private group, it would be your decision whether your group includes one or the other, or both. We're happy to advise on the suitability of the activities for different ages and abilities - just get in touch.