Message Host
Nature & Outdoor
Classes & Workshops
Based in a sleepy village in the Norfolk-Suffolk border, Nick, Sophie and Debbie have been running their popular bowl carving courses since 2018. Using ancient hand tools, we will teach how to carve a Kuksa bowl, or belt cup, an iconic essential for the indigenous Nordic peoples of Finland and Sweden. Due to its natural beauty and strength, the Kuksa is also a firm favourite with backpackers and lovers of the outdoors. Our one day course offers you the chance to use natural greenwood to make your very own Kuksa.
Detailed description:Based in rural Norfolk at our outdoor, covered workshop, participants will have the opportunity to learn everything they need to know about Kuksa bowl carving. Using a unique approach, we teach participants how to carve a Kuksa using an axe, gouges and knives. The workshop also gives participants an insight into design and aesthetics that will allow them to carve any type of bowl they can think of!
This workshop includes: introduction to the greenwood [trees and types of wood for carving], wood preparation, how to use cutting tools safely, axe and knife techniques, safe use of axes and knives, technical overview of the carving process, carve your own Kuksa, smoothing and finishing your Kuksa, aftercare of your Kuksa, sharpening axes and knives
Father and daughter team, Nick and Sophie started spoon and bowl carving to help improve their wellbeing and mental health, however, it’s become more than a pass time, it’s become an obsession! We carve spoons and bowls outside under our rainout shelter where we can hear the birds singing while we enjoy the sunshine in our wooded back yard. Our ethos is centred on sustainability and the use of wind-fall wood collected from our local forests. Each bowl and spoon is a meditation on the use of hand tools to create simple wooden utensils that have a unique personality all their own, just like their maker!
Our workshops are run outside under a rainout shelter in the large, private back yard of a characterful old Victorian schoolhouse. Bordered by mature trees, the setting has the appearance of a woodland glade. The surrounds are maintained with nature in mind and there are wild flowers, hosts of birds and plenty of bees and butterflies to enjoy while you are carving your bowl and spoon.
Stout shoesPacked lunchSun hat in the summerWarm hat in the spring and autumn
Who can come
Adults
Activity level
just enough
Skill level
beginner
If you would like to request for alternative dates not currently showing in availability, please contact the host directly via private message
FAQs 1. Can I bring my dog or other pets? Guide or help dogs are welcome, however, please leave other pets at home, sorry.
2. Can I bring non-participating children under 14? Nursing mothers and parents with babies are welcome, however, we are unable to provide crèche facilities for toddlers and children under 5. All children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or other responsible adult over 18.
3. Are there hazards I should be aware of? Our workshop is in a sleepy village in rural Norfolk, however, there can be fast moving farm vehicles in our lane, we also have an ornamental pond in our garden.
4. Is there parking available? There is space for 3 cars in our car park, other vehicles will need to be parked in the village lane.
5. Will tools be available at the workshop? Axes, knives (straight and curved), a draw knife and a froe will be available for all participants. However, if you have your own carving knife and axe, or can purchase them before the workshop, please bring them along.
6. If you have any questions regarding the purchase of tools, please contact us.
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