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Sculptural Green Wood Working

5(9 reviews)
A chance to carve wood on a grand scale, no experience necessary, just a desire to learn. Situated in a lovely studio next to the River Thames.
6hrs
Beginner
What happens in this class?

The day begins with tea, biscuits and gathering as a group. This is a time to share our names and our own experiences of working with wood. This workshop is as much about humans learning to work together as it is about carving wood. This also allows Stephen, your teacher, time to gauge the skills of the individuals.

Stephen will give a demonstration of the tools you will use and the basic techniques/safety requirements to get the group going.

The workshop has always got three to four large public wood sculptures on the go, designed for local causes, of…

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Things to remember

Bring comfortable work clothes and sensible footwear, there are sharp and heavy things around the workshop so protect your feet. A beautiful Vegan and Vegetarian lunch will be provided or there are a choice of 5 cafes for lunch within a five minute walk, hot drinks and biscuits are in…

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Latest Reviews
5(9 reviews)
Ar - 7 February 2019
Stephen is very passionate about what he does and bringing craft skills to any and anyone. He introduced us to the various pieces and projects he has worked on over the years showing us the scope of practice, sparking our imagination. We worked in a small team on a joint project, creating a large animal assembled out of wood. We axed into trunks, sawed, carved -did absolute everything from scratch being taught about the types of wood and tools appropriate along the way. I was very skeptical at first I could keep up with everyone but because the team was small, we all had a chance to get involved in all aspect and I quickly grew in confidence. Most of us ended up focussing on a particular part of the animal, Stephen trusting our creative skill no matter now new were were to the craft. The independence we were given was fab and I managed to explore each part of the creative process which surprised me. I came into the class having never carved a single thing, and left craving for more! I can't wait to clear up some space in my timetable as I truly hope to come back again soon!
Stephen - 5 December 2018
I had a amazing day at Creative Nature HQ. The teacher/artist, Stephen, was very friendly and has incredible knowledge of wood carving/sculpture and wood working tools. Stephen started by welcoming me and making me a nice cup of tea. I enjoyed my tea as he gave me a tour of the studio/workshop and its facilities. During the walk around he explained and demonstrated what the tools are and how they are used. After this introduction I was shown how to make a mallet out of a solid piece of Ash. This is a very simple and clever process which was really satisfying to do. After lunch I learnt how strip the bark from a large oak tree trunk. I then got involved in some large tree trunk carving (be warned this is highly addictive :-) ). I sculpted by using a variety of specialist carving chisels and of course the mallet I had made earlier. All in all the day was very enjoyable. The studio is spacious and bright and Stephen was extremely friendly, helpful and knowledgable. Highly recommend this class.......Great day. Thank you Stephen.
Stephen - 5 December 2018
Stephen creates a wonderful atmosphere of group togetherness which produces a feeling of working as a team in a safe environment. Guidance, assistance and encouragement provided is there as and when required allowing scope for all involved to feel that they are contributing to a collective objective.
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Age Requirement

8
All students under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Flexible cancellation policy

Any class can be cancelled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase. See cancellation policy.

Reviews

Ar - 7 February 2019
Stephen is very passionate about what he does and bringing craft skills to any and anyone. He introduced us to the various pieces and projects he has worked on over the years showing us the scope of practice, sparking our imagination. We worked in a small team on a joint project, creating a large animal assembled out of wood. We axed into trunks, sawed, carved -did absolute everything from scratch being taught about the types of wood and tools appropriate along the way. I was very skeptical at first I could keep up with everyone but because the team was small, we all had a chance to get involved in all aspect and I quickly grew in confidence. Most of us ended up focussing on a particular part of the animal, Stephen trusting our creative skill no matter now new were were to the craft. The independence we were given was fab and I managed to explore each part of the creative process which surprised me. I came into the class having never carved a single thing, and left craving for more! I can't wait to clear up some space in my timetable as I truly hope to come back again soon!
Stephen - 5 December 2018
I had a amazing day at Creative Nature HQ. The teacher/artist, Stephen, was very friendly and has incredible knowledge of wood carving/sculpture and wood working tools. Stephen started by welcoming me and making me a nice cup of tea. I enjoyed my tea as he gave me a tour of the studio/workshop and its facilities. During the walk around he explained and demonstrated what the tools are and how they are used. After this introduction I was shown how to make a mallet out of a solid piece of Ash. This is a very simple and clever process which was really satisfying to do. After lunch I learnt how strip the bark from a large oak tree trunk. I then got involved in some large tree trunk carving (be warned this is highly addictive :-) ). I sculpted by using a variety of specialist carving chisels and of course the mallet I had made earlier. All in all the day was very enjoyable. The studio is spacious and bright and Stephen was extremely friendly, helpful and knowledgable. Highly recommend this class.......Great day. Thank you Stephen.
Stephen - 5 December 2018
Stephen creates a wonderful atmosphere of group togetherness which produces a feeling of working as a team in a safe environment. Guidance, assistance and encouragement provided is there as and when required allowing scope for all involved to feel that they are contributing to a collective objective.
Michele Petit-Jean - 9 October 2018
It was fun informative and Srephen is a gifted teacher.
Anonymous - 9 April 2018
I had a fantastic time on this course. I learned so much about woodcarving and working on such a large bit of tree was quite awe inspiring. The other students were a great bunch and the fact that the finished sculpture will be donated to a local site made us all feel very engaged. Working collectively was a good lesson in team support. By the end of the course I felt like I'd really achieved something special.
Stephen - 9 April 2018
A fantastic experience for me and my friend. Stephen is a wonderful tutor, of whom is patient, informative and a great laugh. My friend and I had never carved before and were a little nervous. But with the great environment and the people we were working with, it felt very natural. The idea that the sculpture, we were working on, being donated to a local park, made the experience even more fulfilling. Will book another class soon and bring more friends!
Anonymous - 8 April 2018
I had a amazing day at Creative Nature HQ. The teacher/artist, Stephen, was very friendly and has incredible knowledge of wood carving/sculpture and wood working tools. Stephen started by welcoming me and making me a nice cup of tea. I enjoyed my tea as he gave me a tour of the studio/workshop and its facilities. During the walk around he explained and demonstrated what the tools are and how they are used. After this introduction I was shown how to make a mallet out of a solid piece of Ash. This is a very simple and clever process which was really satisfying to do. After lunch I learnt how strip the bark from a large oak tree trunk. I then got involved in some large tree trunk carving (be warned this is highly addictive :-) ). I sculpted by using a variety of specialist carving chisels and of course the mallet I had made earlier. All in all the day was very enjoyable. The studio is spacious and bright and Stephen was extremely friendly, helpful and knowledgable. Highly recommend this class.......Great day. Thank you Stephen.
Anonymous - 8 April 2018
I had a amazing day at Creative Nature HQ. The teacher/artist, Stephen, was very friendly and has incredible knowledge of wood carving/sculpture and wood working tools. Stephen started by welcoming me and making me a nice cup of tea. I enjoyed my tea as he gave me a tour of the studio/workshop and its facilities. During the walk around he explained and demonstrated what the tools are and how they are used. After this introduction I was shown how to make a mallet out of a solid piece of Ash. This is a very simple and clever process which was really satisfying to do. After lunch I learnt how strip the bark from a large oak tree trunk. I then got involved in some large tree trunk carving (be warned this is highly addictive :-) ). I sculpted by using a variety of specialist carving chisels and of course the mallet I had made earlier. All in all the day was very enjoyable. The studio is spacious and bright and Stephen was extremely friendly, helpful and knowledgable. Highly recommend this class.......Great day. Thank you Stephen.
Anonymous - 7 April 2018
Teaching was informative and friendly. The venue is well supplied with equipment required and has free on site car parking as well as a cafe with a outdoor terrace with a view of the river.