Ready to cut to the core of the matter?  No matter what the project is, traditional woodworking requires a solid command of two fundamental tools: the axe and the knife. This will be mostly a process/skill building workshop for folks who have some knife and axe carving experience but are ready to take it to another level. Through the carving of chopsticks, butter spreaders, cooking spades, small stirring spoons students will explore the more in depth and skilled uses of the axe and knife. We’ll explore different variations of the standard carving grips/grasps and delve deep into cutting theory to help understand what’s happening at the blade’s edge, and to learn to make long, clean, smooth cuts with our knives. We will also focus on learning to use the axe in an efficient way to save time and energy. The last day and a half we will move to decoration. We’ll explore various ways to carve decoration into the work made the first half of the class. We will cover painting and finishing; milk paint, hand mixed oil and egg/oil emulsion. We’ll mix the paints with natural food safe pigments. There will be ample time for one-on-one lessons and skill building exercises. Please note this course is open to all levels, but requires a basic amount of hand strength, stamina, and focus to be able to complete the projects listed. Being able to open a sealed jar is an example of basic hand strength