Suitable for: Adults, Beginners, Improvers

Considerations: Outdoors based

What to wear: Outdoor/wet weather gear

What to bring: Notebook and pen for taking notes, any carving tools you may have (tools will be provided)

For Sale: Some spoon carving tools will be available to buy on the day to take home 

Refreshments: Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available throughout the day. We also have a fantastic on-site cafe, Embers, run by local chef 'Shropshire Lad'. 

The course: 

Spoon carving is a great way to start whittling and to learn about the properties of wood. Each spoon is completely unique which makes them great presents.

This course will help beginners get started, and those wanting to progress their technique further to try out more advanced designs.

You will learn:

Tree Identification

We’ll begin with an introduction to identifying the trees we’ll be using: Birch, cherry and alder.

Learn to identify key features of the trees, such as leaf shape, bark texture, and distinctive features of the wood.

Understanding the properties of the wood in terms of carving and durability.

Sharpening Techniques:

An essential skill for carving, students will learn how to sharpen their tools properly, including carving knives, hook knives, and chisels.

We will cover various sharpening tools, including stones, strops, and diamond files to keep tools at their best for precision carving.

Wood Selection & Preparation:

Selecting the right piece of cherry or alder wood for carving and preparing it for the day’s work.

Tips on how to safely split and cut wood into manageable pieces.

Designing and Drawing- Creative Spoon Design:

Learn to sketch and design your own unique spoon.

We’ll discuss how to think about the ergonomics and function of a spoon, while also incorporating artistic elements.

Inspiration from traditional designs and modern interpretations.

Roughing out & carving:

 Removing the bulk of the wood with an axe.

Shaping the bowl & handle:

Using specific techniques for shaping the spoon’s bowl and handle with knife.

Refining edges & detail carving:

 Creating smooth, elegant edges and refining details with small finish carving knife and gouges.  Adding intricate details or textures to the spoon, based on your personal design.

Finishing & Decoration

Learn how to finish your spoon beautifully, including paints, dyes, natural wax oils and adding subtle decorative touches.

We’ll discuss techniques for adding texture and contrast, as well as optional decorating ideas such as carving patterns or adding burned designs.

How to treat and protect the wood for longevity, including the use of natural oils or wax finishes.

Wrap-up & Reflection- Sharing Your Creations

At the end of the day, there will be time for students to share their spoons and the stories behind their designs.

Reflection on the process and how the skills learned can be applied to future creative carving projects.

Tutor: Pete Lloyd 

Pete Lloyd has over 18 years’ experience in traditional greenwood craft and has been teaching for 15 of those. He began with a two-year Chair Making and Greenwood Working apprenticeship under Gudrun Leitz at Clissett Wood, and went on to study woodcraft and blacksmithing at the Malung Folk Craft School in Sweden. He also spent two years making tools with blacksmith Nic Westermann.

His approach to craft has been shaped by a mixture of formal training, personal exploration, and time spent with skilled makers. A cycle tour through Sweden and Norway offered the chance to meet craftspeople, attend gatherings, and experience living craft traditions. Pete also holds a BA in Fine Art from Bristol, where his work focused on land-based sculpture and craft.

“I do this work because I love the quiet wisdom of trees and the story each piece of wood holds. Crafting with greenwood connects me to the woodland, to tradition, and to a slower, more thoughtful way of living. Teaching allows me to share this connection—guiding others to shape wood with their hands, find creative expression through craft, and build lasting relationships with trees, tools, and their own creativity.”

“I believe in the magic of trees and the quiet lessons they offer. When I’m not working with greenwood, I’m usually out in the woods, watching the seasons shift and noticing the small details. My favourite tree is the hawthorn – strong, resilient, and long used in herbal medicine. It reminds me that both craft and healing take patience, care, and a steady connection to nature. That’s something I try to pass on in my teaching.”