Join Tamsin Quin on this brand new short course and learn the traditional craft of wooden spoon carving.

In this 5-week in depth course you will explore the whole process of spoon making from log to spoon, using traditional methods, hand tools only and freshly felled green wood. You will learn the fundamental axe and knife techniques, wood species and form, the ergonomics of spoons for different uses, and decorative techniques and finishing.

Week 1: Knife Techniques

You will work with pre-cut spoon blanks to get to grips with the two knives needed for spoon carving. Using a straight knife and a hook knife you will get comfortable working with sharp blades and the different knife holds. Tamsin will talk about sharpening and caring for your knives.

Week 2: Axe Work

You will learn how to axe out your spoon blank from a freshly cut log. Tamsin will talk about spoon form and function and how to keep this in mind from the start of your carving process, and discuss sharpening and caring for your axe.

Week 3: Knife Work

You will work on your axed-out spoon blanks with the two knives and talk about drying methods and the science of an ergonomic spoon with a crank. Tamsin will demo on axing a crank, encouraging you to then try it out yourself.

Week 4: Exploration Session

A self-led session for you to experiment and work on the part of the process you’d like to improve, under guidance from Tamsin. There will be green-wood from a variety of species to try out your axe skills, or you can sit and refine the spoons you have already made.

Week 5: Finishing and Decorative Techniques

Experiment with chip-carving, milk paint, kolrosing and finishing cuts to get creative on your spoon handles and find your own expression through wood.

You will leave this course with your own hand-crafted spoons and having experienced the humble expression and beauty of crafting perfectly imperfect objects of use.

Tutor: Tamsin Quin
Day & Time: Monday, 1pm - 4pm
Venue: Chisel Studio, New Brewery Arts
Price: £190.00 (£0.00 VAT)

5-weeks

First Class: Monday 13th April
No Class: Monday 4th May
Last Class: Monday 18th May

Please note that this workshop is for those aged 18 and over.

You are welcome to bring a lidded bottle of water with you but we kindly ask that you do not bring food into the studio.

Refreshments are available at our on-site café Blend until 4pm.

For more information:
Visit our FAQ page

Who is this course for?
This course is suitable for beginners and improvers; no previous experience is needed.

If you've carved a few spoons and are looking to improve your practice, feel free to bring your spoons along and we can look at techniques for improvement and evolution.

What you will need:
All materials and tools will be provided.

Accommodation: 
Residential option available. Find out about our accommodation, costs and how to book here.

MEET YOUR TUTOR - tamsin quin

Tamsin from Quin Woodcraft is a spoon carver and wood artist from Wiltshire, working with sustainably sourced local green wood to create beautiful and functional pieces for the home. Tamsin's obsession with carving wooden spoons started over 10 years ago and has since evolved into bowl carving, chair making and pyrography, with big commissions for two National Trust sites and funding backed by The Arts Council England. Tamsin has delivered workshops for Adults and Children across the UK independently, at festivals, and for wildlife and conservation charities. She is an enthusiastic tutor, empowering you to use your imagination to create stunning free-form pieces. Tamsin is passionate to share the positive effects of wood carving for mental and physical wellbeing, the glory of working with a natural material, and the infinite possibilities of creation with a sharp knife and a few hand tools.

She says: 'There's something wonderfully simple and wholesome to start the day with a freshly felled log in the morning and finish the day with a spoon or bowl you can serve your supper with. Working slowly, mindfully, with traditional tools, and with a natural material awakens a primitive and playful part of our soul that's often hard to capture in our busy day-to-day world'.