Shrink-pot making

One of the most charming products in green woodworking, with the concept exploiting the property of wood shrinking as it dries. A container is hollowed from a green log, and a groove carved into the inside at one end. A disc of wood for a base is carefully shaped to fit, and placed into the container's groove. Over coming weeks, the container starts to dry and shrink in the process, tightening fast onto the base disc. The containers can be almost any size, and useful for a host of purposes - foodstuffs, tools, pens and pencils, spices...the list is endless!

In this half-day workshop you'll be introduced to the tools, materials and techniques to make a pot (or pots) similar to those pictured - no prior experience is required. On the day, we'll use an array of tools including drills, chisels, mallets, and knives as well as a selection of local hardwoods.

NOTE: shrink pots, by nature, can't be completely finished in a day - they need several weeks to dry before the base is secure. The pot(s) you take away on the day can be finished later at home with a light sand and coat of oil. We will also discuss potential future steps such as making lids, refining your container once dry, and looking at finishing touches such as milk paint and oils.

All tools needed are provided. If you have acquired your own carving knives, you're very welcome to bring them along to use. Tea/coffee is provided, plus some home baking (usually gluten free, but not nut/egg/dairy free, and not vegan). Please bring anything you might need for special dietary requirements/preferences.

This workshop is for adults (18+). We do offer other workshops for youngsters - please have a look at our Upcoming Courses.