Workshop: Continuing Spoon Carving – The Pocket Spoon

This class runs Wednesdays, April 26-May 31, 2023 from 10 am-12 pm each week.

Many spoon carvers struggle with how to safely and efficiently make a beautiful short spoon. Learn to simultaneously make two 5-6” pocket spoons using this unconventional double-blank technique. Called the “gullwing” method, it was created by instructor Liesl Chatman and is designed for safety, minimum wood waste, and carving with reduced hand strength. The method starts with simultaneously profiling two 5” spoons, laid end-to-end in one billet of wood, forming a “gullwing” shape. Next, after using a template for the plane view, the bowls are hollowed out while the two spoons are still connected. After additional shaping with the axe, the spoons can be separated and finishing work including chamfers and facets can be completed. Together students will learn all the steps over 6 morning sessions.

In this class, students will use a basswood billet, so there is no need to concentrate on keeping greenwood moist and hands won’t become fatigued—but the technique also transfers well to greenwood. Students should have prior experience with spoon carving and/or taken a beginning spoon carving class and need good hand strength and flexibility. Suitable for ages 16+.

A $50 materials fee includes two basswood blocks and a carving template as well as a mini instruction booklet. Students should bring their own carving axes, sloyd knives, and small folding saws.