Discover the joy of carving with just a few simple tools! In this 3-part class for adults (ages 18+), instructor Mariah Day will guide you through the fundamentals of traditional woodcarving by creating three functional and decorative pieces: a spoon, a bowl, and a custom-designed love spoon. No prior experience needed—just a willingness to learn and carve!

What to Expect:

Hands-on instruction, all tools and materials provided, and the opportunity to explore sloyd, hook, and carving knives, as well as gouges and coping saws.

Session 1: Spoon Carving Fundamentals
Learn the basics of safe and effective carving using sloyd and hook knives. Start with a pre-cut spoon blank and get familiar with tool handling, carving techniques, and understanding wood grain.
Session 2: Bowl Carving with Gouges
Build on your skills by designing and carving a small bowl. You'll learn to use a coping saw to cut your blank from a basswood slab and shape it with carving gouges and knives for smooth curves and depth.
Session 3: Custom Love Spoon Design
Explore the tradition of carved love spoons and create your own original design. Refine your carving techniques while using mini sloyd knives and coping saws to achieve detailed cuts and personalized shapes.

Participants will be asked to pay a small fee of $25 as an acknowledgement they are committed to taking the class. These funds will go toward the initial shop rental space fee at the Joinery.

Saratoga Arts made this program possible through the Community Arts Regrant Program, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

Intro to Woodcarving: Spoon, Bowls & Beyond