In this two-day course, we will dig deeply into the Scandinavian tradition of spoon carving using sloyd knife, hook knife, axe and saw. With these simple tools, in good sharp condition, one can create myriad forms and purposes of woodenware, much of it while enjoying the comforts of home and hearth, or campfire. We will learn a basic repertoire of carving strokes, cover spoon function and aesthetic, go over good wood species and how to source them for spoons, rough out blanks, stress safety, gain some hands-on experience with basic sharpening, and learn about finishing. There will be educational exercises with a couple warm-up projects and carving of a first spoon from a prepared blank in the first day, and then in the second day we will all rough out a second spoon (or two) and work to carve that one out in order to improve upon and solidify the techniques.
Dates: Saturday and Sunday, April 20 - 21
Time: 9:00 am -4:30 pm both days
Lunch is included both days.
Ages: Adults only
Location: Viola, WI
Materials fee: $25
Instructions: If you don't already have one, please plan to purchase a Mora #120 carving knife, available for $24 from the instructor at the class (please bring cash), or they can be sourced online. You may also want to bring notebook and pen, cut gloves if concerned about getting cuts, and be sure to dress for the weather as the class will likely be held in an outdoor classroom. If the weather is particularly cold, we can hold the class in the shop. Available bathroom will be an outhouse.
Sliding Scale Course Fee Guidelines (not including Materials Fees)
Supporter Level Ticket: $230
Sustainer Level Ticket: $180
Supported Level Ticket: $130
Instructor Bio - Nicholas WazeeGale
Nicholas WazeeGale has been a lifelong student of Nature, traditional culture, and sustainability. He is passionate about Nature observation, living closely with the Earth and natural rhythms, hunting and gathering, craft and handwork, and community. He resides in the Driftless region with his wife and children and has taught for DFS, the Kickapoo Valley Reserve, and independently for almost 20 years. He is a certified wilderness guide and is a level 4 Track and Sign certificate holder through TCNA/Cybertracker. He and his wife, Kindred, earn their livelihood teaching outdoor skills and hand craft, running summer camps, and selling fine handcrafts through their business, WildRoots HandCrafts. (Instagram: @wildroots.handcrafts and/or @naturalnuances)