Mindful Wood Whittling – Beginners and Intermediate

Come and join us for a lovely day whittling wood. Whittling is the slow quiet process of changing a piece of wood into something else, using simple hand tools. This workshop will provide a good introduction to working with green wood and becoming comfortable with edge tools. Throughout the day you will be working on a number of projects and you will gain skills such as safe knife techniques and learn about the yearly tree cycles and their relationship with us, their uses and properties.Whittling is one of those handcrafts that have a similar effect to mindfulness meditation where concentration on a simple task allows the mind to relax and recuperate. The intention is that you will come away with a quiet mind, some simple skills and safe techniques to inspire you to peacefully whittle away many happy hours. Plus whatever you make - a spoon, a mallet, butter knife or…? This is an introductory class and no experience in using wood, knives or axes is necessary, so great for a family day (age 14 and above). We will also offer those who have moved beyond ‘beginner’ level an ‘intermediate’ level focus on making spoons.Tea and coffee provided, please bring food to share for lunch and wear clothes to be comfortable in the woods.