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Bowl CARVING

4.9(57 reviews)
Carve a bowl from locally grown wood in a day!
Hackney
In-person
£85 pp
7hrs
Next available date:19th April 2024
What happens in this class?

Using adze, gouge, axe and drawknife make your own carved wooden bowl from locally grown wood. You will learn how to use the tools safely and create a traditional bowl, perfect as small fruit bowl. We'll be working outdoors all day but you'll definitely keep warm.

This is one of our more physical courses. Despite being designed for beginners, you may benefit from trying out one of our other courses first. This bowl carving course is a nice progression from the Spoon Carving and…

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Things to remember

We have no indoor space and will be working outside in all weathers (under a tarp if it rains) so please come prepared.

  • No sandals or bare feet please.

  • Warm, outdoor clothes in the winter.

  • Sunhats in summer.

  • Raincoats whenever.

  • Walking boots or work boots if you can, a thick…

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FAQs
Do you offer concessionary rates this course?
Yes, we offer a limited number of low income rates on our courses. There is no eligibility criteria, these discounts are available for anyone who needs them. This is a trust based system, we do not require proof or even an explanation of the rate you choose.
Can I change my booking?
Our cancellation policy is explained here: https://london-green-wood.live.baluu.co.uk/terms
I am booked on a course, is it going ahead?
Yes, you will receive an automatic reminder email 3 days before your course, via our booking partners Obby.co.uk. If you haven’t received this please check your spam.
It’s raining, is the course going ahead?
I’m afraid so, please come prepared. We have tarps to put up, so even if it’s torrential we’ll try to keep you dryish. We work outdoors in all weathers and will only cancel courses in the event of extreme weather conditions which would make the courses unsafe (ie. a red warning from the Met Office with risk to life).
Do you offer private courses?
Yes, most of our courses have private booking options. We take private bookings up to 2 weeks in advance. The early you put in a request, the more likely we are to be able to accomodate you. If you have a last minute need for a private course, please contact us and we'll see what we can do.
Do you sell gift vouchers?
Yes, you can buy gift cards through our booking partners Obby.co.uk. These are valid on over 2500 classes available on the Obby site, including all London Green Wood courses. Gift cards can only be redeemed through Obby.co.uk and will not work on bookings through our own website (the commission is different). Gift cards are valid for 1 year. If you have any queries about gift cards please contact hello@obby.co.uk directly. If you are buying a course as a gift for someone we recommend you come together, it’s more fun that way. We also recommend that you book a space on a specific course date rather than buy a gift card to avoid disappointment, as some of our courses book up several months in advance.
Can under 18s join this course?
No. This course is for over 18s only.
Do you have sessions for children and young people?
Yes, see our Family Whittling courses for 6-8yr olds and 9-18yr olds. These courses are for kids and young people to come accompanied by an adult who will supervise and work with them at all times, each course space is for 1 adult and 1 child to attend together. We recommend that parents/ carers join the course so that they can keep their child safe when whittling at home and be confident in their child’s abilities to work with knives and wood.
Can I bring my dog?
Only guide dogs and assistance dogs please. If possible, please let us know in advance.
Is the workshop accessible for people with disabilities?
Our workshop is outside and at ground level, but there is uneven ground on the way in through the farm. The toilets are on the ground floor, and there is a disabled cubicle. We will do everything we can to make all our courses accessible to everyone regardless of disability. If you are thinking about a course and are unsure if this would suit you, please contact us to discuss. Often in these instances we find the best thing is to arrange a visit, so you can see the workshop and decide for yourself.
Do you have any more dates planned?
Yes. You can join a waiting list to be notified of new dates, https://london-green-wood.widget.obby.co.uk/event/bowl-carving-wood-carpentry-diy-north-london/dates Each specific date also has it's on waiting list, which you can join to be notified if there are any cancellations.
Does it matter if I haven't done any woodworking before?
No. Although this is one of our most demanding courses, it's suitable for all levels of experience, including beginners. Rest well the night before!
Latest Reviews
4.9(57 reviews)
Justine Henderson - 4 March 2024
Graeme and Ed were brilliant in teaching the wood working techniques, using the tools and helping to craft our wooden bowls. We thoroughly enjoyed the day. We cannot wait to book the spoon making session. Highly recommend.
Steve Carter - 26 February 2024
Really satisfying course that was well supervised and instructed in convenient surroundings and a helpful and friendly atmosphere. Thank so much!
Alice Garland - 5 February 2024
I really enjoyed the bowl carving workshop, it was quite challenging learning new skills and how to use the tools, but it was great fun and the experts were knowledgeable and friendly. I'm delighted with my bowl and would recommend the course as a great way to spend the day learning and creating.
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Booking Options
7hrs workshop1 class
from £60
Private BookingFor groups of 5 to 6 guests
£95
Book for a large groupAre you looking for a large group/private event?

Obby Guarantee

We ensure quality. If your class doesn't reach your expectations, we'll give your money back.
Obby guarantees good classes

Age Requirement

18

Flexible cancellation policy

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

London Green Wood is cooperative of woodworkers practising rural crafts in the city. Based at Hackney City Farm, we work with green wood straight from the log and hand tools. All the wood we use has been felled locally.

We have been running events and teaching courses since 2011. We promise a beautiful setting, friendly people, the satisfaction of learning new skills and a fire when it gets chilly. We run courses for adults and for families. We offer low income and unwaged concessions on many of our courses.

People who have completed our Induction to the Workshop course can…

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Class Location
Hackney City Farm
Hackney
1a Goldsmith Row
E2 8QA
London

Reviews

Justine Henderson - 4 March 2024
Graeme and Ed were brilliant in teaching the wood working techniques, using the tools and helping to craft our wooden bowls. We thoroughly enjoyed the day. We cannot wait to book the spoon making session. Highly recommend.
Steve Carter - 26 February 2024
Really satisfying course that was well supervised and instructed in convenient surroundings and a helpful and friendly atmosphere. Thank so much!
Alice Garland - 5 February 2024
I really enjoyed the bowl carving workshop, it was quite challenging learning new skills and how to use the tools, but it was great fun and the experts were knowledgeable and friendly. I'm delighted with my bowl and would recommend the course as a great way to spend the day learning and creating.
Esther Gladman - 24 January 2024
A very special opportunity as hard to find similar easily. Good teaching by friendly skilled people, in a relaxed atmosphere. We have now done 3 courses here & would recommend if curious, want to use your hands & feel like you are away from the city for a while ( whilst still being in it) & learn a new skill. Thankyou to Graham & Ed
Kasia Myatt - 3 December 2023
Really great workshop with Graham and Ed who helped us produce a couple of amazing bowls
Corinna Goepfert - 19 November 2023
My partner and I had a wonderful and fun time carving bowls. The two instructors were amazing in explaining and helping out. We learned a lot and enjoy our new bowls :) Can totally recommend participating in the bowl carving workshop.
Susan Houghton - 30 October 2023
Good clear instruction and support from the trainer. Well structured day and all learners complete a lovely wooden bowl! A lovely venue too, couldn't fault it and would definitely recommend.
Josh Utay - 28 October 2023
Thank you for a great course! I wish I lived closer. I would become an active member in a heartbeat and be there at every possible occasion. May this community know only success in all of its endeavors and initiatives. :-)
Earl Fogler - 28 October 2023
My friend and I traveled from the states to take a bowl and spoon course. Had a great time. Instructors were engaging, knowledgable and patient with us "green" behind the ears novices. Great way to brush up on hand skills.
Scott Romaine - 10 September 2023
Great day bowl carving at the London Green Wood Society. Graham and Ed were excellent, informative and friendly tuition.
Tim - 14 July 2023
I had a fantastic time bowl carving! It was hard work but the tuition from Graham was great. Came away with a lovely bowl and some new skills, would thoroughly recommend!
Eric Haavind-Berman - 10 July 2023
Incredibly rewarding and fun day at the workshop.
Sophie Denham - 11 June 2023
Really fun day. Graham and Ed were knowledgable, fun and patient whilst walking us through the different skills to make the bowls, helping when needed. The venue is a great spot, shaded, really relaxed atmosphere. We had a really fun day.
Jennifer Moulds - 24 May 2023
Second course myself and my son have attended and I can't recommend enough. Just a thoroughly enjoyable day in great surroundings with superb tutors with no pretences, no pressure, just ensuring everyone leaves happy and pleased with their output
Michael Fox - 20 May 2023
It was really good fun, Graham was a great teacher who was hands on and helped out when it got too tough and he was funny too. Ed, the teacher in training, was really polite and stopped me axing once when my thumb was near the wood which I really appreciated. Good for the price and now I've got an awesome bowl with a great story carved into it.
Pablo Delahaye - 20 May 2023
Excellent
Susan Hunter - 23 April 2023
It was a great day learning new skills with hand tools. Our instructor was excellent, showing us the various steps in making a bowl and offering help when needed. The location is unique, a fabulous little oasis in the middle of the city. The group was just 6 participants. I highly recommend it.
Nick Cliffe - 22 April 2023
Great day - from blank to carved bowl via adze, gouge, axe & drawknife. Fantastic teacher, great setting and a remarkably friendly Robin.
Casey Haaland - 20 March 2023
Did bowl carving with Graham in March and had an absolutely amazing time. The process of turning a hunk of wood into a bowl over the course of a day was really fascinating (also tiring!). I found it intensely meditative and really easy to lose myself in the activity. Highly recommend!
Simon Whitehead - 16 March 2023
A great day. Excellent tutor and great facilities.
Jonathan Joseland - 21 November 2022
A beautiful day in the London Green Wood space, despite turning up an hour early by accident! Fulfilled a desire to (safely...) play with an adze and came away with a pretty good bowl to boot - great hangover cure!
Andrea Lo - 20 November 2022
My first course at London Greenwood and I loved it! The day was well-structured as we learnt to use a variety of hand tools to carve out our bowls. Graham, our instructor was supportive and friendly. Lovely space too! I’m already looking at other courses to do :)
Dan Armstrong - 15 October 2022
Really enjoyable day bowl carving, great introduction to working with green wood and certain tools. Might have a new hobby out of it!
Ana Gomes - 16 July 2022
Wonderful day course! Well taught and supported by Jo in the cosy space of London Green Wood. Had a great time carving a bowl with a variety of hand tools. Highly recommended!
caroline hewitt - 16 July 2022
Amazing - lovely setting , very friendly atmosphere and great teacher. Will be back for more!
oliver rakocevic - 6 July 2022
I really enjoyed the bowl carving course and loved using both adze and drawknife! Jo is an ace facilitator who brings a wealth of experience to LGW's woodcarving courses. The weather was unusually hot that day and I appreciated how Jo took time to look out for our group's well being, providing frequent breaks, corn snacks and even cool ginger ale! Thanks Jo for a fabulous well held course!
Stephen Blanchard - 18 June 2022
Our tutor Jo worked very hard to guide is through the quite demanding (and satisfying) process of bowl carving. Each step was clearly explained and demonstrated and there was one to one help whenever we found things a bit tricky. Temperatures into the thirties were an extra challenge but I think we were all proud of our finished bowls. There was a relaxed and supportive atmosphere despite the heat.
Barry Brinklow - 18 June 2022
An excellent satisfying day . Jo guided us through the process in a clear and helpful way. There is a lovely relaxed atmosphere about the place.
Romeo Hodges - 29 May 2022
I really enjoyed the bowl carving class. It was well taught and easy to follow along.
Mathieu Jones - 27 May 2022
Fantastic course. Really fun!
Beth - 23 April 2022
Great course Thankyou :) - only change would be that I would love to be shown techniques I could also do at home with simple tools and no shaving horse etc
Danny Child - 1 November 2021
Really enjoyed the bowl carving course. I took photos as I went along, step by step, and it was amazing to see the transformation from a wedge of tree trunk to a bowl! David was our instructor, and he was careful and considerate, with plenty of tips on skills, being safe and design options. Will go again!
Lesley Smith - 26 June 2021
Something I have wanted to do for a long time. It was very good. The teacher, Dave, was excellent. Clear instructions, very helpful - a good atmosphere, (all adult ages). I would highly recommend this course and looking forward to the next one.
Anonymous - 7 June 2021
The bowl in the picture used to advertise the course is what inspired me to enrol for the day because I thought it represented a bowl made on the course. Unfortunately I felt misled by this picture. We all had to make the same shape of bowl in the exact same way which wasn't anything like the one in the picture. This wasn't made clear at the beginning of the day and I think it should have been. So, although I enjoyed learning some carving techniques and using new tools, I was disappointed with the bowl I ended up with and was desperate to customise it continuously throughout the workshop but the the day wasn't structured to be flexible in this way.
Emma - 13 November 2020
My second course with London Green Wood and it was another great experience. Our teacher was really patient and supportive and the pace of the class was just right. Such a lovely way to spend a day.
Ben - 1 November 2020
Excellent course and great teacher. Thanks David
Lauren - 31 October 2020
A brilliant way to spend a day. Dave was a very patient teacher, and I’m delighted with my bowl.
Leila - 27 October 2020
Fantastic day! The instructor and the rest of the group were really friendly and the outoor workshop is a lovely setting (even in winter!). Plenty of breaks during the day and lots of tea and coffee available. It was a very small group so you could get personal advice and tips from the instructor which was great for learning. Everyone in the group came away with a successful bowl, reagrdless of their experience level, and we were all really happy with what we'd achieved.
janine - 25 October 2020
What a wonderful day I had making a bowl in a day. I used tools I'd never seen let alone used before. Dave was a great tutor and being among other enthusiastic learners was inspiring. It was quite challenge but so rewarding.
Melissa - 3 October 2020
It was a great day out! The environment of the workspace was really peaceful and relaxing. Dave was great. Really knowledgeable, patient, his repetition of demos was helpful. Despite being at the beginning of my third trimester of pregnancy, I was assured before hand that it would not be an issue. Dave was happy to help with some of the tasks and I was able to take little breaks in between. They don't joke when they say it is a physically challenging course - the other people on the course all agreed it wasn't easy. We had tired arms by the end of the day, but it was definitely worth it for our finished bowls! The facilities were great considering it was outdoors. The toilets were clean and close by, and there was a tarp put up when there was a light drizzle. Coffee and tea offered throughout the day.
Jenny - 26 September 2020
Absolutely loved this workshop. Really well organised, with all the right equipment. Lovely setting and relaxed atmosphere. Everyone very friendly. Tutor was very informed. Really satisfying experience
Joel - 17 March 2020
A really enjoyable day. The pace felt steady and unhurried, and we got to try a good variety of tools and techniques throughout the course. Abney Park is a lovely location for the course and it's easy to forget that you're in the middle of London as you adze, gouge and chop your way towards an enchantingly rustic wooden bowl!
Alexandre - 15 March 2020
What a blast, it was so nice. Dave was very patient with us and used different teaching techniques depending on the audience, which was very thoughtful. I can only highly recommend the Bowl Carving Workshop with London Green Wood team. Thank you
Lloyd - 15 March 2020
Had a really good time! Was definitely tired at the end of the day but would 100% recommend.
Davina - 22 September 2019
We had a great day carving fruit bowls. Our efforts may not be works of art, but we feel very proud of what we achieved. Dave was very patient with us and there was a lovely atmosphere. We came away with a much greater appreciation of the skills and strength required in woodworking.
Jennifer - 27 March 2019
Hard to believe I was able to turn a log into a bowl in a few hours with no previous experience. Jo guided the group expertly, adapting the demonstrated techniques according to dexterity, physical capability so everyone had a bowl to be proud of at the end. I'd recommend this course. It was a very therapeutic day outside, regardless of the rain.
Mark - 24 June 2018
Great day spent carving a bowl. Hard work paid off thanks to excellent teachers.
Sylvie - 8 June 2018
So wonderful to work with natural materials and feel the accomplishment of the making something on the day. We would have loved a much more informative workshop however. More information about different woods, tools and their purpose, how to achieve different results and what to expect while using the tools we have. We know one can ask but it is not the same as experiencing a workshop that is more structured in terms of knowledge. Plus we are introverts and rely on the teacher to lead the class rather than students to know which questions will bring more appropriate results. We have got a bowl but neither of us knows whether we would know which wood to use next, we don't know how to take care of the wood afterwards and what to do in case of trouble shooting. We have only been assured that nothing bad will happen. We don't know where to get tools from and how to acquire them and we don't know what we could use this experience for next. Another bowl would be great, but it would be nice to know there is a follow up or continuation if we enjoyed the workshop and would wish to learn more. It was lovely to have a very laid back approach but we didn't think that would compromise the overall amount of education. Jo and Dave are really nice people. They both seemed really tired towards the end of the day, so we hope they are all well and happy. We wish them the very best of luck in the future with their workshops. xxx
Valerie - 22 April 2018
I very much enjoyed the Bowl Carving workshop yesterday. It was wonderful to be working outdoors, in the beautiful surroundings of Abney Park. There were five of us doing the workshop with instructor Jo and volunteer helper Paul and all the work was carried out in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The bowl carving workshop gave us an excellent introduction to the use of different tools for working with green wood. Jo was an excellent instructor: she kept an eye on us all and gave instruction without being intrusive, with little bits of help here and there where necessary to ensure we would have a completed item by the end of the day. I will be coming back to London Green Wood for more!
Jo - 22 November 2017
Jo, the tutor, is amazing - so knowledgeable and patient. The class was just fantastic from start to finish! It was so beautiful to be outside all day and the fire and ever replenishing cups of tea kept us warm when we weren't working hard. I would recommend this to anyone - I had the best day. I couldn't stop smiling and looking at my bowl all evening!
Anonymous - 21 November 2017
First rate teaching from a first rate teacher. Great day of learning and activity in a superb setting inside Abney Park cemetary in Hackney. Will go back for more.
Steve - 20 November 2017
Really enjoyable day learning new skills working with an Adze and using an axe to carve a rustic bowl . Plenty of excellent tuition from Jo.
Abi - 18 November 2017
Another brilliant workshop from London Green Wood. Excellent and patient tuition from Jo, a great atmosphere and very lovely biscuits. Would recommend!
Antoine - 18 November 2017
Wonderful workshop! Skilled teacher giving thorough explications and tips, high quality tools and a step by step approach to reach our goal and carve beautiful bowl! I highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to know how to carve and also how to safely use the different tools. An enjoyable experience!
Jacques - 7 September 2017
Great experience - highly recommended
Constant - 30 May 2017
Martyn - 1 May 2017
The bowl carving workshop takes place outside in the peaceful surrounds of the cemetery at Stoke Newington. Jo the workshop leader has infinite patience and a great deal of knowledge that she is happy to share. A cup of tea, a chat and a chocolate biscuit whilst taking a break made for a great day.