Woodwork for Beginners - Green Wood Spoon Carving Workshop

Learn the timeless craft of carving your own wooden spoon from fresh, green timber.

Spend a day discovering one of the oldest and most satisfying woodworking skills:  shaping a spoon by hand from a freshly cut log. 
This beginner-friendly workshop guides you through every step of carving a beautiful, functional spoon using safe, traditional techniques.

What you’ll learn

• How to work with green (fresh) timber for easy carving
• Safe use of carving knives, hook knives, and spokeshaves
• How to shape the bowl, neck, and handle of a spoon
• Understanding grain direction and knife techniques
• How to manage tear-out and avoid accidents
• The drying process: preventing cracks and warping
• Final shaping, sanding, and food-safe finishing oils

What you’ll make

• You’ll carve the basic spoon form from a prepared green-wood blank on the day. 
• Most students will take home a rough-carved spoon ready for slow drying and final finishing at home.
• Your finished piece will become a unique, personal tool you’ll use for years.

Tools required

Basic shared carving tools will be available for use:

• Straight carving knife
• Hook or spoon knife
• Spokeshave, sharpening tools, and leather strop

When you register, you’ll receive a list of recommended tools and links to reliable suppliers so you can buy quality tools that will last.

On the day

• David will start by demonstrating how to split, axe, and prepare spoon blanks (with pre-prepared blanks ready for you to carve). 
• You’ll then carve your own spoon step-by-step, with guidance tailored to your skill level.
• Throughout the day, you’ll learn how to safely control a knife, how to read the timber, and how to achieve pleasing, functional shapes.

To finish, there will be a talk and demo on:

• How to dry your spoon slowly without cracking
• How to refine the shape once dry
• The best food-safe finishes
• Caring for wooden utensils

Who this workshop is for

• Complete beginners — no woodworking experience needed
• Adults looking for a calm, hands-on creative day
• Spoon lovers, wood enthusiasts, and slow craft hobbyists
• Anyone who enjoys making useful, beautiful objects with their hands

Take home

• Your own hand-carved spoon (rough-carved and ready to finish)
• The confidence and skills to carve more spoons at home
• Knowledge of tools, safety, drying, finishing, and design