Complete spoon carving (Rīkona)

Learn to design and carve wooden spoons from scratch with hand tools and traditional whittling methods in this two-day comprehensive class.
Person splitting wood with an axe outdoors
$235.00 per person
$235.00
  • 14 & 15 March: 10am-4pm both days (Rain dates: 21 & 22 March)
  • 10 & 11 October: 10am-4pm both days (Rain dates: 17 & 18 October)

Experience spoon carving from scratch in this immersive two-day workshop. Learn different design approaches and how to split out green wood and shape it with an axe. You’ll also learn safe techniques to whittle your spoon with knives, and how to sharpen your tools. This comprehensive class is great for beginners who want to learn to carve confidently at home, or as a refresher for more experienced spoon carvers.

Please note

  • This two-day workshop takes place outdoors and is weather dependent.
  • Please ensure you are also available for the scheduled rain dates. If the original dates are cancelled due to weather and you cannot attend the rain dates, you will not be eligible for a refund.
  • All materials and tools will be provided
  • Gloves – Please bring close-fitting garden grip type gloves as they help with grip and protection. Loose or baggy gloves can be a hazard.
  • Footwear – Closed-in footwear is essential. Waterproof options are recommended, as you’ll be working on grass that may be wet or dewy.
  • Food & Drink – Bring a water bottle to keep hydrated, and any food or snacks you may need over the course of the workshop. To observe tikanga, we ask that no food or hot drinks are consumed in the work space, a separate area will be available for breaks.
  • No Smoking or Vaping – Smoking and vaping are not permitted in the area or anywhere on campus due to fire risk.
  • This workshop is for adults aged 18 and over who can work safely without direct supervision with very sharp hand tools, or for young people aged 16–17 who can meet the same safety requirements and attend with a supervising adult. Please note that if a young person attends, two workshop places must be purchased (one for the young person and one for the accompanying adult).

Cancellation

Bookings are non-refundable. If for any reason (this includes illness, travel delays, and injuries) you need to cancel your workshop, you will receive a refund minus a $30 administration fee. This is provided you contact us at least 14 full days before your booking.

Please see our Cancellation Policy for more details.

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We are grateful to be able to offer this workshop because of support from Creative New Zealand.

Your Host

Host image

Douglas Horrell

Douglas has taught spoon carving since 2017 and makes hand-carved useful items such as spoons, cups, and bowls, as well as pole-lathe–turned pieces and other green-wood crafts. He also forges some of his own tools from repurposed steel. Douglas teaches spoon, cup, and bowl carving, along with sharpening, and hosts the monthly Spoon Club sessions. @cleftcraft