In-person course
in Canterbury Maker & location details

Bowl Carving (Oval Bowl) in Walderchain Wood

roughing out with gouge

Roughing out

workbench

bowl bench

tidying up with bent gouge

work bench

workshop wide view

quality control

Scorping out

Nearly finished

Pushknife

Checking the rim

Roughing the outside

Axe and Bowl and Axe

Description

Bowl carving workshop. NOTE: this class is reasonably physically demanding. If you are in any doubt about being able manage, I recommend you attend our Spoon Carving class first. You will be guided through the process from selecting a log, through to a completed bowl, by experienced craftsman Mark Saich. The session includes: * Tool review - an overview of the various tools available for bowl carving and similar projects. * Timber selection - what type of wood and what parts of the log are best and what to avoid. * Bowl design - overview of the proportions and features. * Cleaving/splitting timber - use of axe and froe for reducing thickness of wood. * Safe and effective axe, knife, and gouge skills - demonstration and practicing numerous techniques to enable you shape timber. * Finishes - information of various types of product to protect. At the end of the session you will leave with all your fingers, a bowl, and the confidence to carve on your own. The class is a perfect follow on class from spoon carving and for anyone who has started green woodworking. There is a maximum of 4 places per class. If none of the dates suit get in touch via the 'message the tutor' button, as we will be able to arrange a bespoke class. About the venue: When the weather permits the classes will be held in a semi-covered woodland clearing, at other times in a well equipped workshop, situated in 23 acres of ancient woodland in the Elham valley area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB). The woodland is managed to continuously supply timber as a material and fuel, to enhance biodiversity and natural stability and for amenity value.

What's included in the price?

- Use of tools - Wood for carving - Refreshments: tea, coffee, biscuits, etc - Lunch: homemade and local produce, will cater for dietary requirements

Duration

1 day

Cancellation policy

Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Walderchain Wood

with Craft Courses since 2017

Message the tutor

Suitable for

Adults
Seniors
Teenagers
Father's Day
Mother's Day
Parking provided
Intermediate level
Suitable for beginners

What does this mean?

Message the tutor

Venue

Woodland Farm, Walderchain, Canterbury, Kent, CT4 6NS

Reviews

All maker's reviews

5 Dec 24'

David Roe reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"A very good course - fun and very well run, with an excellent lunch. Highly recommended."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"David, Thank you for joining us on the Bowl Carving class and taking time toy review you day here. Glad you enjoyed it. Mark "

2 Dec 24'

Claire Sumner reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"A great day with Mark learning new skills - not used green wood before & have limited woodwork experience. The day wasn’t rushed, plenty of guidance and instruction but also time to get stuck in myself. Well equipped workspace set in the woodland the wood is harvested from & lovely home cooked lunch. I’m going to do another course with Mark next year - the oval carved bowl. "

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Claire Thank you for joining us and for taking time to review your day. You achieved loads and produced a great bowl. All the best Mark"

30 Nov 24'

Alison reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Thank you to Mark and his wife for their hospitality, you both made us feel welcome. Mark has the patience of a saint, as I for one, struggled to get the hang of using the axe and knives. Mark is a very good teacher and he made sure that we leant to use the tools safely. Mark, please thank your wife for their hospitality lovely lunch that was provided for all of us. Both Richard and myself learnt a lot, and we both had an enjoyable day. We are both pleased with our spoons. I would certainly recommend this course,"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Alison Thank you for joining us and for leaving a review of your day here. Glad you enjoyed yourself and got so much from it. All the best Mark and Cristina"

8 Oct 24'

Sara Brown reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"My husband booked this class as a surprise anniversary gift and we both had the most incredible day. I loved it SO much and would love to do more course with Mark and in this location. The class was just the right size to get to know everyone and to get plenty of help from Mark if we needed it. We went through the process step by step and had plenty of time to practice before chopping into the wood for our spoons. I loved that it was a whole day activity that included a home cooked delicious lunch ate around the table together and a lovely walk through the woodland. I left with an item I’ll treasure and new skills that I have continued with since. "

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Sara Thank you for your review of the class. Glad your both enjoyed your day here. All the best Mark"

17 Sep 24'

Mrs. Titmuss reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"I had a really good day. Mark was very knowledgeable and patient. At the end of the day I felt confident that I understood the rudiments of spoon carving and I will endeavour to try to do it myself. I will go back to Mark’s course if I feel I need some more guidance. I would recommend this day to anyone and lunch was good too! "

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Doreen, thank you for joining us and taking time to review the class. Glad you enjoyed it and that you're going to keep carving. All the best Mark"

21 Jul 24'

Gill Moody reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Spent a memorable day with Mark being taught how to carve a spoon. Our group varied in experience from none at all to using an axe to chop kindling - we were soon all handling a carving axe with confidence and ever improving skill thanks to Mark’s great teaching. Lunch was delicious and a sociable event providing a welcome break from our creative endeavours! We all left with a spoon - all different designs - but most importantly with a sense of achievement and a day well spent in a glorious environment. Now to return for the next level course or maybe the bowl carving in the autumn. Wondering if you should have a go at spoon carving with Mark - just do it! Great day - thankyou Mark."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Gill Thank you for your review of the day. Glad you enjoyed the day. Hopefully see you here on another class. ATB Mark and Cristina (and Alfred and Ruby)"

21 May 24'

Kelly reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"This was bought as a birthday gift. We had an amazing day, the course is so informative and surprising!!! We learnt a great deal about the whole process and accurate ways to use tools. Everyone came away with a spoon. The lunch was delicious and the hospitality amazing. Thank you so much for a wonderful day "

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Kelly, a pleasure to meet you both. Thank you for the review, glad you enjoyed the day. All the best Mark and Cristina"

19 May 24'

Angie reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"I bought this course for my two grandsons (aged 14 & 20) They both came home pleased with their spoons and said they would definitely like to go back and make the bowl. "

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Thank you for your review. I'm glad they both enjoyed their day here and are eager to return. All the best Mark"

12 Mar 24'

Jo reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"I bought this as a gift for my wife and she said it was one of the best days of her life! Great location, pace of the course was perfect, very thorough, use of quality tools and materials, banging lunch. "

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review. Glad to hear she enjoyed her gift of a day here so much. All the best Mark and Cristina "

11 Mar 24'

Matt reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"I attended the one day spoon carving course. Can't recommend it enough. Mark and Christina were incredibly friendly and welcoming. Great fun and you get to learn a new skill and take something away to be proud of. Beautiful surroundings. The home cooked lunch is fantastic too!"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Thank you for your joining us and taking time to review the day. So glad you enjoyed yourself. Keep carving. All the best Mark and Cristina"

23 Oct 23'

Kim Barton reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"A really fun day was had with Mark. We all learnt a great deal and left with our handmade spoons and all our fingers intact! A delicious lunch was had too. Cannot recommend this course enough, thank you x We will hopefully be back for another course in due course."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Kim Thanks for joining us it was a blast. Glad you enjoyed yourselves. All the best Mark and Cristina "

21 Oct 23'

Tracey Giles reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"We can only thank Mark at walderchain for a brilliant day. With his guidance, skill and knowledge we all came away feeling confident to have another go ourselves. The day flew by, was very informative and interesting and a ‘working’ spoon achieved by us! Thank you ! "

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Tracey, thank you for joining us. Glad you enjoyed the day. All the best Mark and Cristina "

13 Oct 23'

Josephine reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Had a brilliant time on the spoon carving course and would love to attend another one of their workshops again soon. Mark is a really engaging instructor, encouraging and has a lot of knowledge. I liked the way he taught, demonstrating and explaining each step and then letting us have a go. Felt guided but also able to make your own decisions about the tools and wood we used, spoon design, etc. I think it would be enjoyable for people that are completely new to green woodworking and also people who already have some experience. The workshop and location in the woods is a beautiful and peaceful place and it was a really idyllic setting for the activity which made the day feel so therapeutic and restorative. Also Cristina's food was delicious, homemade and homegrown and generous portions. Both Mark and Cristina are such interesting, welcoming people and all in all just had the loveliest day. Definitely inspired to keep on spoon carving. Also appreciate Mark taking the time to send some recommendations and further reading after the course, so it doesn't feel like just a one off experience but the start of learning a new skill, if you are wanting it to be. Thanks so much, really enjoyed it and will be recommending to everyone!"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Josephine, Thank you for such kind words. Glad you enjoyed it so much. Do keep carving, you won't regret it. Hope to see you here again All the best Mark and Cristina"

8 Oct 23'

Paul reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Enjoyable day, great tuition, lovely food. Came home with a spoon! Would highly recommend."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Cheers Paul, glad you enjoyed the day. All the best Mark and Cristina "

5 Sep 23'

Pat reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"I very much enjoyed the course with Mark on carving wooden spoons. His instructions on how to use axes and very sharp knives were essential and very useful. My very first wooden spoon wasn’t too bad. The venue in the woods was magical and the lunch was delicious. Thank you for a lovely day."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Pat Thank you for the review. So glad to hear the day was good for you. All the best Mark and Cristina"

2 Sep 23'

Jon Millward reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"An excellent day, really enjoyable. Mark is a great teacher and had unlimited patience. Have already started my next carving project. "

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Jon Thank you for joining us, glad you had a good day here. Keep up the good work Mark and Cristina"

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Bowl Carving (Oval Bowl) in Walderchain Wood

Description

What's included in the price?

Duration

Cancellation policy

Maker

Walderchain Wood

Suitable for

Venue

Price:

Duration:

Time:

Next available date:

Reviews

David Roe reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

Walderchain Wood responded:

Claire Sumner reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

Walderchain Wood responded:

Alison reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

Walderchain Wood responded:

Sara Brown reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

Walderchain Wood responded:

Mrs. Titmuss reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

Walderchain Wood responded:

Gill Moody reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

Walderchain Wood responded:

Kelly reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

Walderchain Wood responded:

Angie reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

Walderchain Wood responded:

Jo reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

Walderchain Wood responded:

Matt reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

Walderchain Wood responded:

Kim Barton reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

Walderchain Wood responded:

Tracey Giles reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

Walderchain Wood responded:

Josephine reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

Walderchain Wood responded:

Paul reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

Walderchain Wood responded:

Pat reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

Walderchain Wood responded:

Jon Millward reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

Walderchain Wood responded:

Have you done this course?

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