Carve a wooden cup! Kuksa workshops in 2025

Kuksa, Kåsa or Guksi are just some of the local names for a carved wooden cup that’s traditionally made throughout Scandinavia. The cup has a handle carved to fit comfortably in the hand and is often perforated to take a cord so it can be hung or tied to a pack. Some kuksas are made from burl - the knobbly growth on trees that has no set grain direction, and others, particularly those made by the indigenous Sami people of Finland may have handles inlaid with antler with incised designs.

 

Douglas Horrell who teaches kuksa making in the Resourceful Craft programme was taught modern kuksa carving by the well known US carver Alex Yerks on his visit to NZ for Rekindle’s Necessary Traditions festival in 2018. Alex is currently based in Minnesota and specialises in kuksa, spoons, bowls and other work drawing on the craft traditions of Scandinavian immigrant communities of the northern USA.

 

“Alex has a unique approach to teaching carving that’s dynamic, efficient and fun. I’m really happy to be able to pass on some of Alex’s advanced design and axe techniques in this class alongside some of my own - as every craft has that kind of shared lineage going back to its roots. Kuksa is a fun and demanding class that helps carvers level up and try out different tools and ideas. And the pleasure of making your own cup is huge.”   

 

Douglas will be teaching kuksa workshops in February and May. With limited spaces available, don’t miss this chance to refine your carving techniques and craft your own kuksa!

Book now to join us for Kuksa in 2025