If people know of coopering today, they usually think of barrels. Historically, though, this craft was much more common. Coopering traditions from around the world provided a wide variety of wooden vessels for daily use, each reflecting the specific needs of the region. In the Swiss Alps, coopers developed flat-backed vessels that allowed milk buckets to be hung on walls or barn timbers. In this class, students will learn to sculpt these beautiful buckets in the Swiss tradition. Using hand tools, students will try every step in the coopering process, from making staves to joinery to crafting the bucket bottoms. As time allows, students will also craft metal or wooden bands. This class offers a great exploration of essential woodworking hand tools, including draw knives, shaving horses, hand planes, and slöjd knives. Students will leave with broad hand tool woodworking knowledge, a better understanding of wood grain, and a fetching vessel with a good story behind it.

Please note that the four days of class are full of hand tool work, which can be tiring for some.

Required Tools

• Closed-toed footwear
• PPE -- safety glasses and hearing protection are provided for students and required for certain tools in our workshops, but you may wish to bring your own for fit and comfort
• Something

Optional Tools

• Feel free to bring your favorite draw knife, sloyd knife and whatever materials you might feel appropriate for this course.

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