Beginner spoon carving (Ōtepoti)

26th October, 10am-2pm. 

This workshop introduces you to the ancient craft of spoon carving and to basic whittling with knives. Learn about spoon design and draw your spoon directly on a ‘blank’ cut from locally felled green wood. You’ll then learn safe techniques to carve your spoon using straight and curved knives, and how to work with the grain of the wood. This careful and rewarding craft requires patience. If you’d prefer to learn to carve a spoon from scratch, try the complete spoon carving workshop.

Please note: This workshop is only suited to adults and those who can work safely without direct supervision with very sharp hand tools. The image below shows the kinds of tools we’ll be using.

Workshops will be held at the O Block Hub at Dunedin School of Art Otago Polytechnic on Anzac Ave (entrance beside the Anzac Ave Bridge, parking is available in Minerva street opposite). More detailed information will be provided prior to the workshop.

Maker

Douglas Horrell has taught spoon carving since 2017 and specialises in hand carved, functional items such as spoons and bowls, as well as having an interest in chair-making and other green wood traditions. He also has a growing interest in tool making - forging his own tools from high carbon steel. Douglas is teaching spoon carving and sharpening, and his kuksa workshop is new in 2024. He also hosts the monthly spoon club sessions.

Cancellation

Bookings are non-refundable. If for any reason (this includes illness, travel delays and injuries) you need to cancel your workshop, you will receive a refund minus a $30 administration fee. This is provided you contact us at least 14 full days before your booking. 

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