Skip to main content
Tag

wood carving

October Classes

By decommission

Our spring classes, originally set for April and May, are all rescheduled for October.  We’re thankful the new dates work for Aspen Golann and Megan Fitzpatrick to join us in Berea.  The four autumn classes are open for registration:

  • Introduction to Carving: Traditional Techniques and Contemporary Applications.  October 8-10 with Aspen Golann
  • Dutch Tool Chest.  October 15-17 with Megan Fitzpatrick
  • Greenwood Stool. October 18-20 with Andy Glenn
  • Wooden Carrier. October 23 and 24 with Andy Glenn

As always, please send any questions or thoughts my way:  glenna@berea.edu

warmly, andy glenn

 

 

Introduction to Carving – Traditional Techniques & Contemporary Applications

By decommission

October 8, 9, & 10, 2021

Popular in 1600 and 2020, these ancient carving methods are showing up all over the contemporary furniture field – so come jump on the bandwagon and learn the essentials of these old techniques. We will cover tools, technique, grip, pattern design and jigs for holding your work and for sharpening your tools. I will also demonstrate how to make punch tools and a depth gauge. In the afternoons I will cover classic chip carving – a versatile style of folk carving using inexpensive and simple tools. We will go over essential cuts and shapes that you can use to adorn furniture, boxes, utensils, any kind of decorative or functional woodwork. These techniques are an ideal introduction to carving and look gorgeous on furniture and smaller projects like boxes, bowls, plates and trays. They require simple tools, no expensive vices or grips, and no power tools. Whether you are just starting out or looking for a new way to apply a lifetime of woodworking experience, carving is an exciting and accessible craft. Patterns provided.

 

Participants need to bring a small kit of tools for the class (list provided and we’ll have extras of tools if your kit isn’t complete).

*Pine Croft will have a set of shop/shared tools.  Aspen and Andy will also have their sets and will share.  Please send along a message (to Andy: glenna@berea.edu) if the tool list is concerning or if you have questions about the tools.  We recognize carving tools are expensive.

Aspen’s Carving Class Tool List:

Note on carving gouges:  “I find most of these sweeps very useful so you wouldn’t be wrong to buy them, but they are not a specially formatted ‘essential starter set’ – they are just what is needed for this pattern. During the demo I will talk about how I resize patterns to fit the gouges that I have, rather than always buying new gouges to fit my patterns. I will also talk about ‘walking’ your tool which can help you use your current tools in lieu of new ones.”

Required:

Required Gouges:

Woodcraft carries a full line of Swiss Made/Pfeil carving tools.  There is a local Woodcraft location in Lexington, KY.

  • 8/7
  • 8/13 or 8/14 (mine is gouge is from a yard sale so it’s a little smaller than an 8/14 but that’s the closest modern size)
  • 7F/16
  • 11/10 
  • 7/25
  • 7/20

Recommended/Optional Gouges and Brush:

  • 6/30 (cambered)
  • Cleaning up: you can use what you have for setting in, but I like to use a 7F/6 it’s generally very useful and very helpful for this carving especially. I also use my 5F/8 and my 1s/5
  • Carving brush (small, cheap steel wire brush works well)

Other Recommended/Options Tools:

Pattern punch: Technically optional, but very helpful – I’ll be demoing how to make one

  • Scrap steel – an old file or rasp works very well. Even a very thick framing nail can work. I collect little pieces of steel from the iron studio here at Penland.
  • Triangular or square edge file to create points

Other useful edge tools:

  • ¼ – ½” flat chisels
  • Mini router plane

Mallet:

  • Carving Mallet – there are a million options, plus homemade ones are nice too. The striking surface shouldn’t be metal (will damage your gouges) or rubber (will bounce). Wood mallets are best.
  • Here are a few options though I’m sure you can find more online:

Aspen Golann

Introduction to Carving – Traditional Techniques & Contemporary Applications

Cost: $625

October 8, 9, & 10, 2021

To Register: Call Aaron Beale at 859-985-3224 or email at bealeaa@berea.edu

Woodworking Class In Session

Course Descriptions

By decommission

Foundations of Furniture Making with Rob Spiece

November 18-23, 2025

Click to Learn More

Intro to Bowl Turning with Matt Monaco

March 3-8, 2025
Click to Learn More

Artful Joinery with Rob Spiece

March 24-29, 2025

Click to Learn More

Woodworking FUNdamental with Katie Bister

April 12-13, 2025

Click to Learn More

The Handled Broom with Amanda lee Lazorchack

April 18-20, 2025

Click to Learn More

Foundations of Furniture Making with Rob Spiece

April 21-26, 2025

Click to Learn More

Three Legged Stool with Rob Spiece and Katie Bister

May 9-11, 2025

Click to Learn More

Tambour Doors and Tiny Drawers with Larissa Huff

May 19-24, 2025

Click to Learn More

Hickory Bark Harvest with Andy Glenn

May 31, 2025

Click to Learn More

Greenwood Lounge Chair with Andy Glenn

June 2-7, 2025

Click to Learn More

Next Steps: Sculptural Containers with Beth Ireland

June 16-20, 2025

Click to Learn More

TURNT! with Beth Ireland

June 23-27, 2025

Click to Learn More

People Collection Rocker with Rob Spiece & Katie Bister

July 7-12, 2025

Click to Learn More

Foundations of Furniture Making with Rob Spiece

July 21-26, 2025

Click to Learn More

Pine Croft Update and Opportunities

By decommission

Hope that you all are well.  We’d be nearing the midway point of our season, with an eye towards fall classes, if things didn’t abruptly change for us all a few months back.  As of now, our school is closed for the season.  We’re actively making plans for next season and look forward to getting together in craft once that can safely happen.  We’ll share the news with everyone as those plans come together.

The town of Berea (and Kentucky as a whole) is cautiously beginning to reopen.  Businesses are opening with reduced hours.  Restaurants are planning for in-house dining.  We’re optimistic that, while very different than a few months ago, we’ll find a safe way to gather together again.

While we are quiet and in-person classes are tough right now, there are interesting opportunities out there.  Digital classes around carving and small hand-work skills seem are cropping up.  I’ve listed a few here, by no means is this an exhaustive list.

Opportunities and new digital content:

  • The Austin School of Furniture have added a couple of virtual classes, including a couple digital carving evenings with Aspen Golann.
  • North Bennet Street School is adding digital content.
  • Daniel Clay of Saturday Box Co. has wonderful chip-carving designs and kits available. Check out his work on instagram.
  • Mary May is live-streaming her carvings each day on her twitch.tv channel (along with a heap of digital content on her website).
  • Peter Follansbee made a video series on making a joint stool from riven wood and it looks like he’ll be documenting his basket making next.  Follow his blog or find his youtube channel.
  • One more for those of you looking to learn spoons.  Barn the Spoon of the U.K. offers an online “Spoon Club” video tutorial, with design and technique instruction along with new weekly videos.

Send a message if you’re looking to learn something specific and I’ll try to point you towards a correct resource and maker.

andy glenn (glenna@berea.edu)