27th and 28th July 2018
Come along to learn and improve your whittling skills with this two-day course introducing students to using curved (hook) knives and straight carving knives, and go home with your own hand-crafted wooden spoon.
spoon whittling with Simon Clements
Wooden spoon blanks will be provided; there will also be an opportunity for students to make a straight or curved knife to add to their toolkit, and to discuss the relative merits of penknife shapes for whittling.
Carving will be done in the lap and in the hand, and will concentrate on developing woodland carving skills without the need for green woodworking tools such as axes and froes.
Bring along your favourite penknife or whittling tool for advice on sharpening and usefulness.
This will be a two-day course on a Friday and Saturday. Please bring a pack lunch for both days, coffee, tea and snacks will be provided
Students will learn:
- To attach handles to carving knives
- Sharpen their tools
- Design a wooden spoon from a plain wooden blank
- Carve and shape a wooden spoon and spoon bowl using carving knives of various shapes
- Hold work in the lap in a safe manner for carving
- How to use a variety of cutting actions in a safe manner
- Will be given advice about simple protective measures to prevent minor cuts and injuries.
If the weather is good perhaps we may carve outside in the Forest School shelter, or inside if the weather is less clement. Places available for a maximum of 10 students.
Cost: £225 per person (all materials and tools provided). Please bring your own packed lunch.
Venue: Sylva Wood Centre, Oxfordshire, OX14 4QT
Dates: Friday 27th and Saturday 28th July 2018
Tutor: Simon Clements, Wood carver
About the tutor
Simon Clements
Simon Clements is came to woodcarving after a career which included teaching art, sculpture and pottery, working as a mast spar and oar maker for an Oxfordshire company and restoring heritage carving.
He now works from his workshop at the Sylva Wood Centre, carving sculptural pieces for architects, interior designers, private clients, and for exhibitions. Sculptural work ranges from table-top sculpture to kinetic garden pieces. He is currently half-way through 11 very large commemorative carved poles for the Woodland Trust as part of the Tree Charter.
