Evening Woodcarving Course: Four Weeks

This four-week evening introduction to woodcarving is perfect for those who want time to reflect on what they've learned between sessions. The weekly classes will give you a firm grounding in the basics of woodcarving in a relaxed, friendly environment, with time in between to absorb what you've learned and work on designs for the following class. This class 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.The course length is 2 hours, beginning at 6.30pm and ending at 8.30pm one day a week for four weeks. 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.Course Structure:

• Week 1: The first evening 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.
• Week 2: The second evening will build on the skills you’ve already learned. Having practised chip carving during the previous week, you will focus on finishing a design.
• Week 3: The third evening will focus on shallow relief carving. During this session, you’ll work on drawing out a design suitable for shallow relief and begin creating a background.
• Week 4: The final evening will focus on finishing your shallow relief carving. During this session, you will move on from working on the background and begin working on the surface of your carving, which you can then take home to display or work on further in your own time.

What will I achieve? By the end of the course you will have covered:

• 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 a carving in relief
• A brief introduction to sharpening chisels
• An introduction to historic ornament

Please note: Public dates for this class require at least 2 guests to run. In the unlikely event that we don't reach this number, we'll cancel the class; in this case we'll inform you and allow you to get a refund or reschedule, so please watch your email/SMS one day prior to the class.

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. 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.
 

• Your completed carving projects
• Wood suitable for your carving project
• The use of carving tools
• Focused personal tuition

• 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 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).
• 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.

This class series runs over 4 consecutive sessions, at the same time every week.