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 will 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 will 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.

Course Materials and Tools

Students will need to bring a basic set of carving tools. Below are the essential tools you will need, along with a range of options to suit different budgets. If you already have suitable tools, you are welcome to bring those along.

Essential Tools:
• A small whittling knife – for shaping the outside of your piece.
• A hook knife – for carving and hollowing the bowl or spoon.
• A way to keep your tools sharp – a strop or sharpening stones.

Recommended Tool Sets and Options:

Budget Friendly
• eBay – Basic carving tool set (starter option): https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/284082601196
• eBay – Carving knife set (starter): https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/317200933727

Mid Range Options
• Spoon Carving Set by Narex: https://beyondtools.com/products/spoon-carving-set-start-869800-by-narex
• Morakniv 120 & 164 Spoon Carving Starter Set: https://natord.com.au/product/spoon-carving-starter-set-morakniv-120-164/

Higher Quality / Comprehensive Sets
• Japanese Tools Spoon Carvers 6pc Essential Toolkit: https://www.japanesetools.com.au/products/spoon-carvers-6pc-essential-toolkit
• Wood Tamer Hook Knife: https://www.woodtamer.com.au/products/wood-tamer-hook-knife

Please bring your tools along to class. If you’re unsure which set is best for you, feel free to get in touch and David will be happy to help you decide.

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