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

Required Tools 

• Axe, Sloyd knife, hook knife, pencil, pen,  
• Small Folding Saw (Silky or similar, can be purachsed at NHFS school store)

Optional Tools

• Variously shaped hook knives
• Flexible 12” ruler
• Strop
• Reading / magnification glasses