Make and Reuse Creative Workshops: Introduction to Whittling (Spoon Carving) with Stephen Stockbridge
9 December 2024
Join ACAVA for a hands-on, four-day workshop that introduces the traditional craft of green wood carving, also known as whittling. Guided by experienced sculptor Stephen Stockbridge, this free course will take you from the basics of carving to creating beautifully finished items.
Learn how to turn raw wood into functional items like spoons, spatulas, butter knives and decorative sculptures. The workshop covers the full process, from selecting and preparing green wood to mastering carving techniques, tool sharpening, and achieving high-quality finishes. Participants will also be introduced to pyrography, a method of adding intricate patterns to wooden creations.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your techniques, this workshop provides a hands-on experience in a supportive and creative environment.
What to expect over four days:
- Day 1: Introduction to working safely with tools, understanding their functions, and learning how to use them effectively. You’ll also discover what green wood is, select the right piece for your project, and learn the basics of keeping tools sharp before beginning to shape wood.
- Day 2: Let’s carve practical items! You’ll create a spoon, butter knife, and spatula.
- Day 3: We’ll delve into carving small sculptural objects such as faces and animals, along with an introduction to pyrography for adding decorative details.
- Day 4: Focus on finishing techniques. Learn how to achieve excellent surface finishes for your work and discover the best methods and materials to use.
Priority spaces on our Make and Reuse programme are offered to the North Kensington community. Spaces on this course are limited, we will notify you if you have been allocated a place.
About Make and Reuse Creative Workshops
ACAVA’s programme of free creative courses inspires us to reuse materials, contribute to the circular economy and make our everyday more sustainable. Make and Reuse Creative Workshops run from ACAVA’s community makerspace Maxilla Men’s Shed. Learn more about the programme here.
About Stephen Stockbridge
Stephen Stockbridge is an artist and sculptor with 34 years of professional experience, creating public artworks and interactive installations across the globe. In 2015, he reimagined his practice to focus on nature, natural materials, and wellbeing. This shift led to the founding of Creative Nature, a nonprofit organisation that connects people with nature in urban environments. Based in South East London, Creative Nature runs Creative Nature HQ and The Clearing, an 88-hectare urban woodland space in Lesnes Abbey Woods, Bexley.
Make and Reuse Creative Workshops
Introduction to Whittling (Spoon Carving)
With Stephen Stockbridge
Course dates
10, 21, 22, 23 January 2025, 10am–5pm
Deadline to register your interest
12 January 2025, 11pm
Where we are:
Maxilla Men’s Shed
ACAVA Maxilla Walk Studios
4 Maxilla Walk
London W10 6NQ
Would you like to take part in this course?
Make and Reuse Creative Workshops
Make and Reuse Creative Workshops is a new programme of free creative courses to inspire our community of makers to reuse materials, contribute to the circular economy and make their everyday more sustainable, running from our community makerspace Maxilla Men’s Shed.
Programme partners
