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Our Programmes

Spoon Carving

11th January 2025

Facilitator: Anna Casserley

This one-day course will introduce you to using an axe and carving knife to have a gentle and creative conversation with a piece of wood, turning it into a beautiful and functional spoon for cooking, serving or eating food.

Maintenance and care of your tools, safety, selecting your wood, and how to bring your creation to life will all be covered throughout the day.

Event time: 11th January 2025 9:30am - 4:00pm

Interested in spreading the cost of this course? Select Clearpay at checkout.

Not seeing Clearpay? Email info@hawkwoodcollege.co.uk for your payment options.

What Is Included

For the majority of our courses, both residential and non-residential rates are available. Residential options are fully inclusive with all meals provided. Non-residential options include suppers, lunches and all refreshments and exclude B&B. Some of our short day courses, events and talks do not include meals and refreshments. For more details about this course, please see the Practical Information section below.

Additional Activities

  • Mindful walking through our woodland trails
  • Meditate in our Woodland Sanctuary
  • Go on a hike and explore the Cotswolds AONB
  • Discover surrounding charming market towns

At a Glance

  • Create a beautiful and functional spoon
  • Learn from a master craftsperson 
  • Enjoy a delicious two-course lunch and refreshments

What You Will Gain

  • Safe and efficient use of a carving axe and knife
  • Understand the form and function of good spoon design
  • Learn how to select and read the timber you are carving
  • What are the best tools to use and how to maintain them
  • How to source your carving timber

Booking Options

DayDay delegate rate
£115.00

Interested in spreading the cost of this course? Select Clearpay at checkout.

Not seeing Clearpay? Email info@hawkwoodcollege.co.uk for your payment options.

Spoon Carving Tutors

Anna Casserley

Anna Casserley

More about Spoon Carving

The aim of this course is to give you the skills to use an axe, knife and spoon knife efficiently and confidently. Led by Anna, the day will consist mainly of practical demonstration/workshop based learning, with a more informal discussion about the finer points of spoon carving throughout the day.

We start with discussing the tools - how to choose your axe(s) and knives, what to look for, and discuss different styles available. We’ll touch on care and sharpening, and focus on safe working techniques.

Next, selecting your wood! How to look at trees around you and understand how their environment affects the timber we chose to carve. Differences between species and individual trees from a physiological point of view, which can be the difference between an amazing carving experience, and a not so pleasant one! We’ll also think about ways to obtain this wood, ideally from local, sustainable sources.

How to understand the feel and form and function of a good spoon design. What makes a good spoon? Uses in cooking, serving and eating will be talked about - and how to apply these to your design.

By the end of the day, you should feel safe and confident in using these tools, and take home your very own finished beautiful spoon. We will also have some fun along the way!

Practical Information

This course is aimed at beginners but anyone, regardless of experience level, will gain a lot from this day.

All tools will be provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own. Warm, comfortable clothing and sensible footwear.

“Like my parents, I take great delight in making beautiful objects that people love and use every day.”
Anna Casserley

About Hawkwood

Hawkwood is a stunning Grade Il listed 19th Century country house, surrounded by 42 acres of sustainably managed woodland, farmland, and gardens. Set in the heart of the Cotswolds - an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - it is a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. With a diverse selection of nearly 150 courses, there's plenty to choose from, including courses in transformative leadership, future thinking, inner life, music and the arts.

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Hawkwood is an arts and educational charity providing courses, facilitating training and offering venue hire, set in a stunning location in the Cotswolds.

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