Hand-Carved Bowl (Workshop)

Experience the satisfaction of carving a wooden bowl entirely by hand.

This workshop gives you the core skills and confidence to shape a useful, beautiful object from raw timber.

Learn the timeless art of carving your own wooden bowl by hand.

What you’ll learn

• How to select and prepare a suitable timber blank

• Safe and effective use of carving tools, including gouges and knives

• Techniques for shaping the interior and exterior of a bowl

• Controlling grain and avoiding tear out

• Sanding, smoothing, and preparing your bowl for finishing

• Options for food safe finishes and long term care

What you’ll make

• A rough carved wooden bowl on the day

• Students will finish the bowl at home, applying final sanding and finishing

• Each bowl is unique, with plenty of room for personal design and shaping

Course Materials and Tools

• Timber blanks will be provided.

• Some basic tools will be available for shared use on the day, including knives, gouges and spokeshaves.

• Students are welcome to bring their own carving tools, which can be easily purchased online (for example, via Amazon) or from the links below.

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

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.

Clothing and safety

• No loose or long sleeves

• Sturdy closed toe shoes

• Long hair tied back

• Careful attention around sharp hand tools

On the day

David will guide you through each stage of carving, from rough shaping to refining curves and edges.
You’ll learn hand tool techniques, how to read the timber, and how to shape a bowl safely and confidently.
There will also be a demonstration and discussion on drying, finishing, and caring for your bowl at home.

Who this workshop is for

• Complete beginners and hobbyists with some tool experience

• People who enjoy hands on, creative woodworking

• Anyone interested in functional, beautiful wooden objects

Take home

• Your own hand carved bowl, rough carved and ready to finish

• Knowledge of carving techniques, tool use, and finishing options

• Confidence to carve additional bowls and other items at home