Description
For those who want to take a deeper dive into ornamental woodcarving, this two-day carving course will give you a firm grounding in the basics of woodcarving in a relaxed, friendly environment. Spread over two consecutive Saturdays, it will give you the time to fully immerse yourself in the craft and practise the techniques at your leisure. This course will whet your appetite for learning this heritage craft and provide you with the resources you need to continue your practise. With no more than six students to a class, you’ll receive a high level of attention and guidance. - Day 1 will focus on the basics of woodcarving with an introduction to the tools, how to use them safely and effectively, the properties of timber including understanding grain direction, and a practical project focusing on chip carving. - Day 2 will build on the skills you’ve already learned, allowing you to create a shallow relief or chip carving from one of the available designs, which you can take home to display or work on further in your own time. This course runs over two consecutive Saturdays from 10AM to 5PM. Tea and coffee will be provided at 11.30AM and 3.30PM. The class takes place in Central London in a working carving studio with ongoing projects and commissions, giving you the opportunity to see the working practise of a professional carver.
What's included in the price?
- Your completed carving project - Wood suitable for your carving project - The use of carving tools - Focused personal tuition - Tea, coffee and cake - A printed document detailing the contents of the course, and resources for developing your woodcarving practice further - Timber carving blanks available to purchase at the end of the course - The option to be notified of special discounted prices on upcoming courses, available only to previous students
Duration
2 days
Cancellation policy
Easy - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts
Maker
Clunie Fretton is an award-winning classically trained sculptor, master carver & gilder. Her work is included in the collections of: St. George's Chapel Windsor, the Victoria & Albert Museum, The Houses of Parliament, the London Livery Companies, and churches and cathedrals around the UK. Clunie featured as the master woodcarver on the Sky Arts television series Bill Bailey's 'Master Crafters'.
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- Teenagers
- UK Holiday
- Advanced/pro level
- Christmas
- Corporate days out & team building
- Overseas Holiday
- Easter
- School holiday workshops & activities
- Fairs, festivals & exhibitions
- Public transport
- Father's Day
- Suitable for beginners
- Engagement, birthdays & anniversaries
- Mother's Day
- Intermediate level
- Romantic
- Hen dos
FAQs
The course is suitable for beginners, and no prior carving experience is necessary. Complete beginners will be guided through the basic techniques, while more advanced students will be given guidance on how to refine their skills further.
More experienced students wishing to focus on particular aspects of their practice will be accomodated, but if the area you wish to focus on is particularly specialist then you are encouraged to book a one-to-one master class, as we are unlikely to have time within the beginner-friendly class format to go into greater depth. If you are an advanced student wishing to be set a more complex project, please email well in advance of booking to discuss what might be possible within the time frame and class format.
The course is taught in Clunie’s Central London studio, within easy walking distance of Holborn, Chancery Lane and Russell Square underground stations. The course location is a working carving studio with ongoing projects and commissions, giving you the opportunity to see the working practice of a professional carver.
Sturdy, covered shoes are essential for your safety, and you’re strongly encouraged to wear leather boots or a safety work boot for maximum protection. Students who wear open-toed shoes or sandals will not be allowed to take the course. Safety boots are available inexpensively for both men and women from multiple suppliers online
Any additional carving tools you may wish to use on the day (please ensure any tools you bring are clearly marked with your name)
If you are attending a one or two day course, please bring a packed lunch, which can be enjoyed in the nearby Queen’s Square a few minutes walk from the studio. Alternatively, there are a number of shops and cafes less than a minute’s walk away, and several supermarkets within five minutes’ walk. Students are asked to leave the studio during the lunch break
Appropriate clothing for a workshop environment, which you don’t mind getting dusty, dirty, or covered in wood chips. If you would like the additional protection, please bring an apron
A notebook and pencil
Woodcarving relies on sharp chisels rather than brute strength, and so is suitable for most people. However, please note that the nature of woodcarving means that you will be working in a standing position during the course hours, which some people may find physically demanding. One stool is available on request - please make this request before booking, as it may already have been allocated to another student.
- Identifying suitable timber species for future carving projects
- The correct way to safely use chisels and mallet
- How to secure your work
- How to lay out your design on timber
- How to create an incised design
- An introduction to historic ornament
You will be provided with:
- A print out detailing the course contents covered during the day
- Resources and advice on purchasing your own tools
- Timber carving blanks and carving jigs available to purchase at the end of the course
- Details of future carving courses, and the option to opt in for special discounted prices available only to former students
