Take a class to explore the art of spoon carving

There is no better way for a beginner to discover the endless delight and satisfaction that this growing craft has to offer

Learning is good at any age and I discovered that understanding how to use greenwood tools was certainly an eye opener for me when I began my journey with spoons, it has completely changed my life

Now I teach this fascinating craft to all manner of people at different locations

The first being with my fellow carving companion Mark Saich at Walderchain Wood, which is in the south of Canterbury in the beautiful county of Kent

Mark and his delightful wife Christina have a marvellous coppice woodland with a large and inviting open enclosure in which we have been teaching for many years

We hold monthly classes all year around with a maximum of 8 people per class and with two tutors, therefore offering an immersive experience

For full details, please take a look at the website craftcourses.com to see upcoming dates, find out more about our courses and read our testimonials from others that have attended previously

Secondly, I can teach smaller groups or one to one at my home in Canterbury

This is by arrangement and is a one day inclusive course where I provide the tuition, wood and tools you’ll need to take your very own spoon home with you

A wholesome lunch is also included with any dietary requirements catered for

If you are interested then please use the contact form HERE

I like to reply promptly for an informal discussion so please don’t hesitate to get in touch

Thirdly, I offer bespoke courses where I come to your venue and teach you or your clients onsite

To date, previous visits have include a soft furnishing company, an architects office, a wedding party, and more recently ‘The Northern Spirits’ festival in Galilee, Israel and the Woodfest19 in Bruges Belgium

These are worthwhile and fulfilling events as the participants are often familiar with each other. Its fun, rewarding, and informative

In any event, the teaching format is much the same

We run through the best types of wood, how to select the right piece for your project, which tools to use and what to avoid

We also cover form, function, aesthetics, crank, safe cuts, safe axe work, design, technique, grips, finishing, etc

I have an extensive collection of appropriate top quality tools for your use, recommended by the spoon carving elite of the UK

The day goes by surprisingly quickly, so I ask you please to arrive promptly, wear comfortable old clothes and be prepared to change your thoughts into matter!

If you are travelling from a distance then you may want to consider finding accommodation locally and enjoy the delights that Kent has to offer in historic Canterbury,Whitstable or Hythe

Join me and discover one of the fastest growing, intriguing and hands on skills available

Jill Swan

Passionate about working with wood