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Against the Grain: Creative Wood Carving

$312.00

Welcome to the wonderful world of wood carving!

Led by a European-trained artisan with nearly two decades of industry experience, this immersive three-day workshop is designed to unlock your creativity through the timeless art of traditional woodcraft.

Don’t expect a rigid, stressful classroom—the teaching style here is laid-back, highly enjoyable, and focused entirely on the joy of making. You'll dive straight into the foundational mechanics of the craft, exploring everything from timber selection and tool safety to design elements and sharpening techniques.

Whether you are completely new to the woodshop or looking to sharpen your existing skills, you will work with premium materials and proven patterns to carve beautiful seashells or seahorses in two distinct carving styles. You’ll walk away not just with a gorgeous, hand-sculpted piece to take home, but with the documentation, skills, and passion to continue your carving journey long after the weekend ends.

Welcome to the wonderful world of wood carving!

Led by a European-trained artisan with nearly two decades of industry experience, this immersive three-day workshop is designed to unlock your creativity through the timeless art of traditional woodcraft.

Don’t expect a rigid, stressful classroom—the teaching style here is laid-back, highly enjoyable, and focused entirely on the joy of making. You'll dive straight into the foundational mechanics of the craft, exploring everything from timber selection and tool safety to design elements and sharpening techniques.

Whether you are completely new to the woodshop or looking to sharpen your existing skills, you will work with premium materials and proven patterns to carve beautiful seashells or seahorses in two distinct carving styles. You’ll walk away not just with a gorgeous, hand-sculpted piece to take home, but with the documentation, skills, and passion to continue your carving journey long after the weekend ends.

ESSENTIAL INFO

If you purchase a ticket for this course, all the information on this page will be emailed to you with your ticket.

👥 Suitable for: Ages 16 and up

📍 Venue: Bellingen High School (mobility aid accessible)

📈 Level: Suitable for all skill levels

⏰ Schedule: Mon–Wed, 9am – 4pm (3 Full-Days)

🏷️ Extra costs: This course has a cost of approximately $100 for materials

⚠️ Extra info: This course may not be suitable for students with dog allergies, as the tutor has a guide dog.

🚗 Check your venue: If you are booking multiple courses, we are unable to provide transport between venues.

Required skills & experience

  • No experience required

  • A basic understanding of woodwork helps but is not required as we will all learn together

Supplies that will be provided by your tutor

Cost of approximately $100 includes:

  • Wood

  • Tools to use during the course

NOTE: Supply costs will be collected by the tutor before Camp Creative.

Supplies that you need to bring to class

  • Pencil

  • Notepad

  • Eraser

  • 30cm ruler (preferably plastic)

  • Pencil sharpener

  • Ballpoint pen

Learning outcomes

  • Interpret Design Patterns: Confidently read and work from technical woodcarving plans and templates to prepare your timber block.

  • Carve in Multiple Styles: Apply two distinct traditional woodcarving techniques to shape and detail a classic seashell or seahorse design.

  • Understand the Craft's Roots: Gain a foundational appreciation of the history of woodcarving alongside the essential principles of tool maintenance and sharpening.

  • Progress to Independent Projects: Take the foundational skills learned from the initial class project and apply them to launching a custom, self-directed carving design (for experienced students).

COURSE PLAN

DAY ONE - Foundations & The First Cut

  • Learn the essentials of tool safety, timber selection, and the basics of sharpening and design.

  • Receive your custom materials, resource pack, and patterns to map out your seashell or seahorse design.

  • Take your very first cuts, mastering the initial steps to safely remove timber and establish your form.

DAY TWO - Exploring Styles & Shaping

  • Dive deeper into the carving process, experimenting with two distinct styles of traditional wood carving.

  • Develop your confidence and precision as you shape, sculpt, and bring three-dimensional definition to your piece.

DAY THREE - Fine Details & Finishing Touches

  • Learn how to add intricate textures, clean up rough edges, and bring out the natural beauty of the wood grain.

  • Finalise your project, with the opportunity for experienced carvers to introduce and kickstart their own custom patterns if time permits.

COURSE TUTOR

Dave Drake

With over two decades of experience in cabinet making and production wood turning, Dave discovered his true passion at just 11 years old when he first tried wood carving.

It has been a central part of his life ever since, inspiring him to travel both domestically and internationally to master ancient techniques and share his love for the craft.

Dave will have his Guide Dog Beryl in attendance.

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