Spoon Carving Workshop - One Day
Description
On this therapeutic one-day beginners' course at Stanwick Lakes you will learn how to carve a spoon using basic wood carving techniques and tools. You will begin by learning how to cleave wood and use an axe to produce your spoon blank. The rest of the day will be spent using a sloyd knife and a hook knife to carve to shape your individual home-made spoon. The course covers a selection of knife grips, which will keep your carving under control as well as keeping you safe. Time will be spent looking at how the spoon develops in a 3-dimensional form, covering the spoons ‘crook’, bowl and handle to get a well-balanced and functioning spoon. Wooden spoons like you will make have been carved for thousands of years and for most of the population, were used as an eating utensil until relatively recently. ‘Spoon’ was originally an Anglo-Saxon word that meant ‘a chip of wood’. The oldest known wooden spoon in England is a ladle found at Glastonbury Lake Village dating to 250BC. Another notable find of wooden spoons are the personal spoons found on the wreck of the Mary Rose. These spoons may have been whittled by their owners. This carving course is limited to just six participants. Teenagers from 16+ are welcome to take part in this course, but must be supervised by an adult. The course takes place in and around the purpose built oak framed craft barn at Stanwick Lakes which is managed by Rockingham Forest Trust as an environmental charity. Stanwick Lakes is a protected Nature Reserve and a Wetland of International Importance, covering 750 acres of open space with seven miles of paths, a perfect inspiration to crafters and makers. During your lunchtime you can enjoy the onsite cafés and visit the heritage museum or sit by a lake and watch the wildlife. About your tutor: Your tutor for the day is Karl Warden, a sustainable living advocate. Karl has seven years of experience with spoon carving; he has managed his own woodland for this duration, where he turns raw materials into valued products. Testimonial "I absolutely loved this workshop. Made 2 spoons in the day, both of which I’m really pleased with. Karl is a great teacher. Highly recommend, spoon making is fun, relaxing and rewarding."
What's included in the price?
Tools, materials and safety equipment are provided. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided free of charge during the course. Food and drinks can be purchased in the café in the visitor centre or bring your own packed lunch. Your car parking is also free of charge on the day of your course. Please note if you are purchasing food from our Cafe, a pre-order form will be available on the morning of the course (a selection of paninis, sandwiches, jacket potatoes etc are available) so we can have your food freshly prepared for you.
Duration
1 day
Cancellation policy
Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts
Maker
At Stanwick Lakes, we offer a range of Arts & Crafts and Heritage Courses, from watercolour painting classes to blacksmithing and wood-carving workshops. Alongside offering craft courses, Stanwick Lakes is a unique 750 acre nature reserve and countryside attraction located in the heart of Northamptonshire’s Nene Valley.
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- Teenagers
- Wheelchair users
- Hearing impaired
- Limited mobility
- Learning difficulties (SEN)
- Easter
- Father's Day
- Mother's Day
- Romantic
- Suitable for beginners
- Christmas
- Parking provided
FAQs
Stanwick Lakes is a unique 750 acre nature reserve and countryside attraction located in the heart of Northamptonshire’s Nene Valley.
We have extensive play areas, open spaces and paths that families, walkers, cyclists and nature lovers can explore at leisure. We also have specially considered areas dedicated to nature and its wildlife, as well as the history of the site.
Parking is free for workshop attendees - please give your registration plate details to our reception staff in the Visitor Centre on the day.
Alternatively, you can become a member for just £42.00 per year, giving you free access to all our facilities for a whole year, while supporting Rockingham Forest Trust.
