Carving low relief wooden plates and trays with hand tools is quite simple, but there are a significant amount of nuanced techniques that can be practiced and perfected within the process. This class is a hand tool skill builder, leading to better practice in many aspects of woodcraft, including chairmaking, boatbuilding, or various woodcarving pursuits. Any woodworker who utilizes hand tools will benefit from this practice! Students will likely have the time to work on several different projects, keeping the risk low and allowing for significant development of tactile sensitivity.

During the course, we will use many different saws, knives, planes, shaves, chisels and gouges, carefully considering how to streamline our approach to maximize the strengths of these tools from roughing through final finishing. The last day of the course will include demonstration of some simple decorative carving techniques as well as various non-toxic paints, finishing oils, and waxes.

Beginners are welcome if they are ready to be challenged. Any carving experience will be helpful, and even experienced carvers will learn something new using these very specialized tools. Youth ages 14+ are welcome to register with an adult. Adult/child pairs will complete two projects and pay two materials fees. A 25% tuition discount applies to the youth registrant when registering with a full-paying adult; call to register.

Required Tools

• Carving knives and hand carving tools that are sharp and ready to go

This course is part of Wood Week 2027. Plan to stay a day longer for the Carvers Conference on Friday, March 12, which features demonstrations, speakers, and community gatherings offered as a benefit to students enrolled in Wood Week coursework. Full schedule available online in early 2027.