WORKSHOPS
Learn to carve with Benny
Any old fool with a knife can carve
I run a range of courses that cater to the absolute beginner, as well as to those who know their sharp end from the handle.
BEGINNERS COURSE:
WHITTLING ANIMALS
2 Day Course
Learn the basics of the age old craft of whittling. Using two different carving knives, you will whittle an animal of your choice. This is a great introduction to carving and its how I learned a lot of the skills I apply in my work on a daily basis.
You will learn..
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How to sketch and block out your animals
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The 3 basic cuts and techniques when using hand tools to carve
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Knife safety
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Basic knife sharpening and tool maintenance
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My sanding watch outs & tips
You will leave the workshop with your animal, and all the skills you will need to create your own animals in the future


BEGINNERS COURSE:
SPOON CARVING
1 Day Course
The Spoon is the first tool we learn to use as humans and provides a great opportunity to learn the basics of safe tool use and grain directoin. Using two different carving knives, you will create a spoon of your design . This is a great introduction to carving and its how I learned a lot of the skills I apply in my work on a daily basis.
You will learn..
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How to mark out your spoon
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The 3 basic cuts and techniques when using hand tools to carve
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Knife safety
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Basic knife sharpening and tool maintenance
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My sanding watch outs & tips
You will leave the workshop with your a spoon, and all the skills you will need to create your own wooden creations in the future
INTERMEDIATE COURSE:
CARVING CANDLESTICKS
5 x Evenings
My practice focuses heavily on using recycled materials and creating more complex, undulating shapes. In this workshop, we will be using a blend of power tools and hand tools to create a candle holder
You will learn..
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To plan & glue together sculptures to avoid lots of waste
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The basics of carving with power tools
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Power tool safety and maintenance
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My power-tool sanding tips!
You will come away with a stylish foldy melty piece that will hold a tealight or candle.
It would help to bring some photos on your phone of shapes and forms that you find pleasant, as these may prove great inspiration for the course
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