In-person course
in Sollers Hope Maker & location details

Make a shrink pot

Shrink pot and lid in the making

Drilling into the green wood

Carving with the "in cannel" gouge and mallet

"Popping" the base into the pot

Some nice knife work on the pot

Lid on

Elm shrink pot and lid

Description

Shrink pots are a great project to make in a single day. They originate from Scandinavia, and are traditionally used for storing dry goods in the kitchen and pantry; they can be used as a trinket pot, a pen holder or anything else you can think of. Shrink pots can have the bark left on, or can be peeled or carved and maybe painted; there are many creative opportunities! The pots are made from round sections of green wood. The log is shaped to have a tang to grip in the shave horse and drilled right through with a hand auger, and then hollowed out from each end using in cannel gouges and a knife, achieving an even thickness. A groove is then cut just up from the base using an adapted marking guage and knife, and a piece of cleft wood is shaped to slot into the groove. When the base is popped in, the green wood shrinks firmly around the base as it dries. Lids can be made for these pots, and they also look good coloured with milk or oil paints, and lend themselves to decorative carving. Beginners and more experienced carvers all welcome on this course. Learners will produce at least one shrink pot during the day. Wild camping is available on site, please enquire. Enjoy this ancient and absorbing craft, coached by an experienced artisan tutor, and take the fruits of your labour home with you at the end of the day!

What's included in the price?

All materials, tuition and use of tools are included. There is a kettle fire with tea, coffee, herb teas and biscuits provided. Please bring your own packed lunch on the day.