Discover the fascinating process of white cooperage with Featured Instructor Beth Moen of Sweden. White cooperage is the creation of staved vessels with straight or tapered sides, a style commonly associated with buckets, churns, and tankards. This style differs from barrel making (and is much more approachable for the beginner) as the process does not involve bending, nor require the fitting of a matching top and bottom. Because of the reduced stress on these containers, materials other than metal, such as bent wood can be used for the supportive hoops. In the more advanced application of this craft, the carving and fitting of these specially joined hoops makes for an extremely beautiful object. All students will create a small bucket with an integrated handle, called a “piggin”… learning the process of fitting the staves by hand with drawknives, planes, and shaves. Additional projects may be possible including low, footed buckets and small tankards. Some advanced techniques in creating locking lids will be demonstrated as time allows.

You will need the following tools for this class:

closed-toed shoes, apron, marking & measuring tools

Feel free to bring your favorite tools and whatever materials you might feel appropriate for this course.