Advanced Scandinavian Shrink Box Carving

This class runs Wednesdays, September 10–October 29, 6:30-9 pm each session.

Build your woodcarving skills in this 8-week course with master woodworker Paul Linden. Krympburkar or shrink boxes are an old and ingenious type of container that combines green and dry wood to make a sealed vessel. They have been used since Viking times to hold everything from butter to buttons. Using fresh branches and dry wood for the bases and lids, students will use various hand tools to measure, cut, and hollow the boxes, then fit a dry wood bottom that locks in place as the green wood shrinks around it. Fitting lids, adding embellishments, and finishing the boxes will be addressed throughout the class. This class uses shrink boxes to explore intermediate and advanced woodworking techniques in the spirit of slöjd, the Swedish handcraft tradition of creating beautiful and functional objects. Each week may also cover various other topics including tool maintenance/sharpening, acquiring materials, and design. Students will complete all or part of several small shrink boxes throughout this class, but please note that this class will focus on skills rather than bringing objects to completion in the classroom.

Prerequisites:

Physical ability: Working in green wood requires good hand strength and flexibility to be successful with the materials.

Skill level: This class is suitable for students who already have green woodcarving experience, such as taking several multi-day classes or previously carved spoons, bowls, or other green wood items and who are looking to increase their skills.

Ages: Suitable for ages 16+.

Tools & Materials:

A $50 materials fee paid to the instructor the first week covers all tools and materials for the entire course. Students may also wish to bring their own favorite carving tools.