Three-hour Woodcarving Taster Session with William Barsley

Curious about woodcarving? This relaxed, three-hour taster session is the perfect way to give it a go. Guided by woodcarver William Barsley, you’ll learn the basics of handling carving tools and experiment with simple techniques while working on a small project — a wooden coaster — to practise your new skills.

Who is it for?

This session is designed for absolute beginners who want to dip a toe into woodcarving in a fun, hands-on way. No prior experience is needed, just an open mind and a bit of curiosity.

What you’ll learn

We’ll start with a quick introduction to the tools and safe carving practices, before trying out different cuts and patterns on your coaster blank. Along the way, you’ll get a feel for the process of shaping and decorating wood — with plenty of room to play, experiment, and enjoy the craft.

What’s included

All timber and tools needed for the session, including a coaster blank to practise on
Design ideas and simple patterns for inspiration
Tea, coffee, and sweet treats to keep you fuelled
The option to purchase extra blanks and tools if you’d like to keep practising at home

What to bring

Just your enthusiasm, a willingness to try something new, and closed-toe shoes for safety.

Additional information

Group courses run with a minimum of four participants. If this number isn’t met, we’ll be in touch at least two weeks beforehand to offer alternative dates or a full refund. The maximum number of participants on a course would be eight.

Age Policy:

We welcome young carvers aged 12–16, provided they attend with a parent or guardian who’s taking part too — it’s a great way to learn together! The accompanying adult is responsible for the young person’s safety, supervision, and conduct throughout the session. Ages 16–18 can join independently with a signed consent form (please add a comment when booking if the attendee is 16-18 and we will email a form to complete prior to the course).