Registration for this workshop opens on Wednesday, March 26th at 9 am.
Join us for an afternoon of carving and creativity, where you can craft anything from whimsical toys to practical tools, like planes, cars, spoons, or spatulas. With a range of projects to choose from, you’ll learn safe and mindful carving techniques in a relaxed, spring setting.
This carving workshop integrates learning about the trees around us on the land with spending time around a fire and carving your very own project. For beginner and intermediate carvers alike, we aim to inspire wood carving interests in an immersive and inclusive way. You'll be introduced to the ecology of the land, tree anatomy and hand tools safety and their uses. You'll learn how to carve your own whimsical figure using a knife and a variety of hand tools.
Join us by a fire in the woods of the Guelph Outdoor School to learn together from the land and be with good company whilst being led by knowledgeable and passionate instructors. We’ll also take a short wander through the woods to learn how and where to responsibly harvest wood for carving. Enjoy company as you carve and connect with the land. Tap into your inner child and create something special this spring season!
Instructors will have tools to lend and materials to share with workshop participants. Tools are also available for purchase at registration checkout if you so choose. You’re also welcome to bring your own tools and projects you might be working on, if you have them.
In this workshop, you can expect to:
- Learn about the trees in the ecosystem and tree anatomy
- Learn to work with local wood varieties in a sustainable and ethical way
- Gain an introduction to knife use and safety, introduction to hand tools and an axe
demonstration
- Enjoy open-ended spoon and spatula carving time
- Learn tips for carving in a way that will prevent fatigue and damage to your body
- Learn in an inclusive, anti-oppressive space where learning is open to everyone
Session price: $85 +HST. If cost is a barrier, please see our Economics for a Changing World page for sliding-scale and mutual aid options.
David Wilson and Annie Sanassian are experienced and passionate carvers who have been inspired by people, nature, trees and wood to be the carvers they are today. They love spoon carving, they love the land and are grateful to get to teach others about carving wood and nature immersion. Their collaboration will give you access to a one- of-a kind carving experience filled with a wealth of diverse information. We believe that carving is a hands-on experience that is meaningful for the mind, body and soul.
