Advanced Hand Carved Plates and Trays with Paul Linden

This class meets for eight sessions on Wednesdays, April 1-May 27, from 6:30-9 pm each session.

Hone your skills with hand tools in the Scandinavian woodcarving tradition while making unique handmade tableware. Over eight sessions, Paul Linden will guide students with prior woodworking experience through the nuances of various hand tools to produce several low-relief wooden plates or trays.

Particular attention will be paid to tool selection, maintenance, and handling, including which tools are best suited for each step of the process, from roughing out blanks to finishing cuts. Through demonstrations, discussion, and independent work time, students will have the opportunity to experiment with various tools and techniques on seasoned wood blanks. A wide selection of saws, knives, planes, chisels, gouges, and shaves will be used in this class. At the same time, all necessary tools are provided, and students will benefit from bringing personal tools to build familiarity and comfort with specific tool models.

Please note that students may finish several projects in this course, but are encouraged to approach this as a skill-building workshop rather than a production workshop.

Additional information

• A $50 materials fee is payable to Paul at the beginning of class and covers all tools and materials for the entire course. Students may also wish to bring their own favorite carving tools.
• Physical ability: Considerable hand strength and flexibility is required to work with green wood and hand tools.
• Skill level: This class is suitable for students who already have experience working with wood and hand tools, such as taking several multi-day classes or previously carved spoons, bowls, or other items and who are looking to increase their skills.
• Ages: Suitable for ages 18+.