One of my greatest pleasures is to sit quietly by a fire, either alone or in good company, and carve spoons. There is something that is immensely satisfying in taking some wood and making a spoon using a few simple tools.

Spoon carving is a traditional craft that most can learn. The tools required are few and affordable and the wood is usually available locally at little or no cost.

The courses I run require no previous experience, just an enthusiasm to learn a traditional craft. Everything else is provided; tools, timber and of course lunch to keep you going.

The courses have a maximum of just four students enabling the tuition to be tailored to the needs of each individual.

You will start by learning how to use traditional tools safely and effectively before making your first simple project. Having mastered the basic techniques we progress to making your first hand-carved wooden spoon. Time permitting you can then make other items.

During the course you will also learn:

The courses are run in the village of Great Bourton in north Oxfordshire about 5 miles from Banbury and the M40. Located on the edge of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and within easy reach of Oxford and the historic towns of Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon.

The course could therefore be part of a holiday break and the area provides plenty of opportunities for non-participating partners.

Course Dates - 2017

18 & 19 March 2017 FULL

27 & 28 May 2017 FULL

15 & 16 July 2017 FULL

16 & 17 September 2017 FULL

18 & 19 November 2017

Private Tuition also available.

Cost: £200

Which includes:

• Two days tuition covering:
  
  • Knife & axe skills.
  • Tool selection & sharpening.
  • Wood; selection, storage & properties.
  • Making at least two projects.
• Tools and wood supplied.
• Straight carving knife to take home.
• Course notes to take home.
• Wood to take home.
• Lunch and refreshments on both days.
  

Age Restrictions:

The minimum age for students on the programmed courses listed above is 15 years.  Students under 18 years must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Younger students may be taken on a Private Tuition basis.  See details HERE and contact Martin for further details and to book.

"The Thrill of Spoon Carving!" - Click HERE to read a blog by Bob who attended a course in October 2012.


"A Sense of Place" - Click HERE to read an article by Greta Bertram of the Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) of her experience in April 2014.

To make a booking please go to the online shop here.

Gift Vouchers may be purchased here.