Complete beginners will learn about the various carving tools including different types of chisels and mallets, different ways of holding your work, health and safety. Students will learn how to select the right tool for the situation, how to ‘read’ the grain and how to make smooth cuts regardless of the grain. To this end, the beginner student will execute a couple of exercises which will show how to copy with cuts at different angles to the grain and do simple chip carving with gouges and straight chisels. In subsequent days or weekends, you may then progress through carving a natural leaf in high relief, a Celtic knot work, copies of traditional foliage in various styles and timbers, sculpture in the round or high relief, including human, figure or animal figures or abstract work and lettering. At all stages of the course Ernest shall offer guidance on design and advanced carving techniques.
Please note: this course is to be held in the workshop of Wooburn Craft School in Wooburn Green, HP10 0PJ, near High Wycombe. Morning and afternoon refreshments are included in the course price but lunch is not. Students may be able to purchase lunch locally or can bring their own with them.

Beginners:

• basic drawing materials (e.g. paper, pencils, sharpeners)
• a ruler,
• a pair of compasses,
• and any woodcarving tools you may already own.

Other learners should consult the tutor well before the course about the materials relevant to their stages. IMPORTANT: Wood for more advanced students should be arranged before the class starts, Students will be charged at cost for the wood.

EVERYONE Please wear stout shoes and old clothes.

Tools may be hired from the tutor for the weekend for £3.
Where there is difficulty in obtaining wood the tutor may be able to supply it at cost.

Ernest Riall