Chip carving is a very old craft practiced in many cultures. This is an art-form that almost anyone can enjoy as a fulfilling skill. The finished pieces often look very complicated and beautiful.
The patterns we typically see are based on Northern European traditions. Chip carving just requires patience and a strong, steady hand. It consists of a set of triangular or curved cuts laid out in regular, geometric patterns, but can also be more free form, as in lettering or images.
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Chip carving is a very old craft practiced in many cultures. This is an art-form that almost anyone can enjoy as a fulfilling skill. The finished pieces often look very complicated and beautiful.
The patterns we typically see are based on Northern European traditions. Chip carving just requires patience and a strong, steady hand. It consists of a set of triangular or curved cuts laid out in regular, geometric patterns, but can also be more free form, as in lettering or images.
An exceptionally sharp knife is key to safety and ease of carving. You will receive a sharpened chip carving knife and will learn about the care and honing of the knife. You will learn how to draw a pattern for cutting, how to make the various cuts and develop a “feel” for the wood.
You will also learn how to deal with mistakes, short of adding fuel to your wood stove or fireplace. You will leave with some new skills, some new friends and, hopefully, a beautifully carved coaster.
The instructor will have drawing tools, honing leathers and stones, etc. for you to use during the class. You will be provided with 2 slabs of basswood; one for the practice cuts and one for the final project. Feel free to bring any drawing, drafting or carving tools that you would like to try during the class, although everything you need will be provided for your use during the class.
Please bring water/snacks and lunch if needed, as there are no food facilities at the school.
Please note: We’ve changed how each student pays for the material used during each in-person class. Each registration fee now combines the material fee and the instructor fee. For this class, the material fee covers a knife provided by the instructor (which you will then take home) plus the wood used in the class. We now collect the material fee directly based on feedback from instructors and participants: instructors can focus more on teaching their class, and students don’t need to remember to bring the material fee to pay directly to the instructor.
NOTE: Be aware we may cancel class if a minimum number of registrations is not reached. We work to balance teachers’ need to plan for a class with students’ busy schedules — not an easy task. Please register as early as possible!
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