Green WoodWork and Scythe Courses 2013
Click here for courses on all aspects of mowing with a scythe.
Green Woodworking Courses
Working with greenwood is a perfect introduction to woodworking. You need only a few tools, no special workshop and the materials are easy to get hold of. The fresh wood is soft to carve and, with the right techniques, you’ll soon be creating beautiful items for your home and to give as gifts. My specially-designed courses focus on you learning safe and efficient techniques so you can continue your new craft at home.
Please note: you must be over 18 to attend these courses.
Courses 2013
Fan Bird carving 18 May (full)
Spoon carving tbc
Rake making 13-14 July
Individual tuition throughout the year
Autumn dates will be added during the year, please contact me to receive details as they appear.
I have been working with green wood for over 10 years and teaching people to carve spoons and other crafts since 2007. Courses are held near Kendal in the Lake District unless otherwise indicated. There is acccomodation in the area to suit all budgets and, of course, plenty to do for a partner coming along or to make a weekend of it.
All my courses include all material costs and use of my tools. Small numbers allow plenty of individual attention.
To book a place please send me an email: steve-tomlin[at]hotmail.co.uk
Fan Bird Carving
18 May 2013- £70 full – please contact me if you’re interested in a place on a future fan bird course.
Learn to carve these amazing and beautiful birds from a single piece of wood. We will look at selecting wood and preparing it for carving before you learn to carve your own bird using simple tools and my own specially developed techniques. Fan birds make wonderful presents and are traditionally seen as symbols of good health and happiness.
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Spoon carving
Based over a weekend you will learn to carve your own spoons and other utensils from locally-sourced green wood.
Working together, we will build up skills over the two days making a variety of projects on the way. My course focus on learning safe and effective Swedish carving methods using axe and knives so you can continue the craft on your own.
Spooncarving is an engaging pastime, accessible to all. Requiring few tools and easily available materials, carving a spoon is a wonderful way to pass the evening and make personal gifts for friends and family.
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Rake Making
13-14 July 2013 – £110 Woodland Skills Centre, Bodfari, Wales - book here
A wooden hay or garden rake is an iconic tool. On this workshop you will learn to split and shape the components for lightness and strength using an axe, drawknife and some specialised rake-making tools. This course will introduce the techniques of making tight joints in greenwood without the use of glues. You will have the option to make either a split-stail or single bow style rake, based on traditional designs, to take home.
Follow the link to read about a previous rake making workshop
One to One Workshops
If you’ve a particular interest, want to look at something in more detail or simply want the opportunity to get more individual attention then you can book your own day in the workshop with me. These are always special days with more chance to discuss ideas, be creative and develop your skills. If you’ve a greenwood project in mind, contact me and we’ll make it together.
One-to-one sessions arer catered to your own goals but could include:
- Spoon carving and design
- Hay rake making
- Learn to carve fan birds
- Make and use a shavehorse
- Steam bending wood
- Axe and knife techniques for various projects
A day with me in the workshop costs £150 including materials and use of my tools. Or share with a friend for £250.
Follow the links to read about Sam’s one-to-one bowl carving workshop and Denise’s spoon carving day.
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Scythe Courses
I have been involved with the UK scythe scene for many years and have been working with experts across Europe to learn more about scythe design and use. I will be teaching again at this year’s Somerset Scythe Festival and at my courses held near Kendal, Cumbria and around the UK. For more information please visit scytherspace or send me an email.
Mowing with an Austrian Scythe
19 May, 28 June 2013, 7 Sept- £60 per day
This day-long course introduces the art and craft of mowing with the Austrian scythe. The course will cover the history of the scythe, its uses and practical applications, choosing the right scythe for you, setting up and adjusting the blade, the ‘tai-chi’ style for efficient and safe mowing, sharpening, simple peening (cold forging the blade) and care and maintenance of the scythe.
Improve your Peening
8 Sept 2013 – £60
A day-long course taking a more detailed look at peening and sharpening. This day will cover why & when to peen, use of the jig and anvil and honing the edge with whetstones. Essential skills for all mowers. Click here to read about the course.
Scythe Courses at Brantwood House
This year I will be running a series of scythe courses based at Brantwood House, Coniston in the Lake District. More info here.
29-30 June: Set Up & Mow £130
17 July: Improver’s Day £65
18 July: Secrets of a Sharp Blade £65
20-21 July: Small Scale Haymaking for Profit £130
Somerset Scythe Festival
Sunday 9 June 2013.
I will be back at the Somerset Scythe Festival helping with beginners courses, discussing snaths, cradles and more.
Group Training and Personal Tuition
If you have an allotment, community orchard or gardening group I can come and teach the group on your own land (you also get your mowing done!). I also offer private tuition for individuals at £100 per day. Please contact me to discuss your requirements.
Please note: you must be over 18 to attend these courses.
