About

Wooden spoons can be completely utilitarian — or real works of art. In this class, you will learn to make the more challenging, artful kind. You'll be well prepared if you later want to make purely utilitarian spoons on your own.

Spoon carving involves grain changes, curves and hollowing — all techniques that are useful in many kinds of carving projects. The instructor will explain a variety of tools you might want to use and how to use them safely. You will also learn how to hold or secure the wood safely and the steps involved in carving spoons efficiently. You will work from prepared basswood blanks.

Details:

• Open to anyone at least 8 years old, although those 12 and younger must have an adult with them. Beginners are welcome, although the projects are also suitable for more experienced carvers.
  
• You will develop your carving skills faster if you practice between sessions. Take our free, one-hour Orientation to the Woodshop class first if you want to carve during Open Studio time. Use of the shop during these times is always free for members. Non-members can also use the shop without an additional charge for the duration of this class.
  

Instructor: As a third-generation woodworker, Jeff Iller learned about woodworking tools and knives early on. By high school, he was winning ribbons with his wood carvings at his hometown fair. Around 1996 Jeff found room for a shop and he has carved ever since. He’ll carve most anything, but prefers to innovate with the working tools to carve multiple parts inside one piece of wood and to make physically detailed and accurate carvings of women's faces. Carvings on the entry sign to the BARN Woodworking Studio shows the quality of his work.

Iller says he was taught early on that he could make anything from wood. He is still trying to prove that statement wrong.