Wooden Spoon Carving
June 7 @ 9:00 am - June 8 @ 4:00 pm
$280.00
Back by popular demand…Explore the timeless craft of spoon carving, a pillar of folk craft, in this hands-on weekend workshop led by Dawson Moore, founder of Michigan Sloyd and a dedicated practitioner of traditional woodworking. Over two engaging days, you’ll learn to use specialized hand tools such as sloyd knives and hook knives to shape green wood into functional and beautiful forms.
This course focuses on building foundational skills that you can continue to develop on your own. Topics include safe tool handling, wood selection, spoon design principles, and an introduction to sharpening techniques for maintaining your tools. You’ll also learn how to source your own wood, making this a truly sustainable and self-sufficient practice.
Through demonstrations and guided practice, Dawson will provide insights into the process of shaping, refining, and finishing wooden spoons. While the emphasis is on skill-building rather than completing a finished product, you’ll leave with the confidence and knowledge to continue carving at home.
All tools and materials are provided. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned maker, this course will inspire your creativity and deepen your connection to traditional handcraft.
Itinerary:
Day 1: We’ll start the day by gathering and sharing some introductions. Then we’ll dive right into the basics of wood carving. You’ll watch Dawson demonstrate a variety of knife holds and carving techniques before getting some hands-on instruction. Starting with a simple spreader, you’ll get the hang of controlling your sloyd knife before moving onto the more complicated project of carving a spoon. The class will break for an hour-long lunch, and return to work on layout and initial rough-outs to begin spoons! Near the end of Day 1, we’ll set projects down and gather to close and prepare for the next day.
Day 2: Day 2 will start with a walk through some of the wood growing in and around the botanical gardens and the Grand Traverse Commons. You will continue roughing out spoon blanks, and Dawson will guide you through the more detailed angles of the spoon. After an hour lunch break, students will continue working. You will have time to carve out final details and finish your spoons before gathering to wrap up the woodcarving class experience.
What you get from the class:
- An introduction to woodcarving techniques and knife holds
- Your own hand carved spreaders and small spoons
- Small group and individual carving instruction
- A greater understanding of wood grain, selection, and finishing techniques
- The skills necessary to continue wood carving on your own
- Knowing what tools you need in your toolkit to carry on your craft
Meet Your Instructor:
Dawson Moore
Dawson Moore, founder of Michigan Sloyd in Harbor Springs, Michigan, has been practicing traditional woodworking for over 10 years. Drawing from the Scandinavian sloyd tradition, he emphasizes the principles of educational sloyd—fostering creativity, patience, and skill through hands-on learning while crafting functional, everyday objects like utensils and furniture. Dawson has taught at several regional folk schools, sharing his expertise and passion for handcrafting with a wide range of students.
Dawson’s approachable teaching style makes woodworking enjoyable for beginners and inspiring for seasoned makers. His weekend spoon carving classes offer a hands-on experience in shaping raw wood into beautiful, functional utensils. Whether you’re new to woodworking or have years of experience, Dawson’s guidance will leave you with new skills and a deeper appreciation for handcrafting.
A spoon carving class that goes against the grain: Spoon carving is one of the most classic handcrafts. The tradition has ancient roots, dating back to the stone age. Why? Humans have long needed tools, and long had access to wood. It’s only natural that we might wish to join our ancestors in carving and shaping simple eating utensils. Dawson’s Wooden Spoon Carving class at Green Door branches into new territories beyond the basics of spoon carving. The experience allows us to slow down and immerse ourselves in community with one another. While learning the skills necessary to become an independent wood carver, you’re joining the effort of building a community in which people are embodied, connected to the surrounding natural materials, and involved in the process of making the things we need to live.
Green Door classes are immersive and intentionally long. We find that over prolonged time together, students form deeper bonds with each other, the craft, and their instructor for an over all more impactful experience. Even if you are a Traverse City local, the intention is that these classes feel a bit like a retreat away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. If you are visiting from afar, the experience can be even deeper.
Class Details:
Where is the class held?: This class is held at the SEEDS workshop, a space that holds the charming hum of making. SEEDS workshop is conveniently located near the village commons, which you might choose to visit during the lunch hour.
Class Type: Woodworking
Cost: $280 per person which includes a $30 material fee (includes all necessary tools and materials)
Date/Time: June 7 and 8th @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Prerequisites/Skill Level/Age Requirements:
- No prior woodworking experience required.
- Ages 18+
Booking Information and Policies:
What happens after I book the class?: After you book, we will send you a confirmation email that you are IN! A week out from the class, we will send you an email with more details about our meeting locations and some housekeeping items.
Want to make sure you have all of the information before you dive in? Here’s our cancelation policy: We understand that plans change, and we do our best to accommodate while honoring the time, energy, and resources that go into preparing for each class.
Cancellations made more than 14 days before the class start date Receive a full refund, minus a $25 administrative fee. This fee helps cover the cost of filling your spot. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer refunds for cancellations made less than 14 calendar days before class begins.
At this time, we are not able to offer:
• Course credit
• Transfers to other courses
This policy allows us to keep class sizes small and intimate, while minimizing pressure to increase overall course costs.
If the class is canceled by the school: In the event of inclement weather or other disruptions, we will issue a full refund and do our best to offer a reschedule option.
Policies:
Go for it! This class is for self-declared wood enthusiasts, former stick whittlers, aspiring woodworkers of any kind, and those in need of two days of meditative and mindful handwork.