General Course information.

Open to anyone with an interest, young or old, beginning or wanting to expand ones experience we have a range of interesting courses in green woodwork. We have a variety of woodland sites and indoor venues where courses are run from. Allowing an intimate relationship with the surrounding nature. It is lovely to work with background bird song and the rippling leaves on the trees in a summer breeze. Shelter is provided, if the weather turns for the worst when based in a woodland site. Usually we have a camp fire ticking over that can be used for cooking and tea outside of breaktimes.

Our most recent courses are to be held under the ancient Oak trees at the Seren Retreat. As well as a fantastic day in the woods you will also be able to get a host of soothing and relaxing experiences after your course. Such as massage, hot tub and sauna. There is also a 4 star BB available. For further info look at www.serenretreat.com

Our workshop has recently been updated and we use a wide range of high quality tools to make green woodworking that bit better.

The atmosphere is that of relaxed learning and fun. So aswell as giving a braod range of skills, we make every effort  for you to have a thoroughly enjoyable day or two with us. Of course we have lots of tea breaks with biscuits and cake with plenty of time to socialise with other course participants.

Introduction to green woodwork. Two days.

The two days give participants a solid start in green woodwork, providing a good grounding in the art with a range of skills and knowledge gained.

Underlying priciples that define green woodwork are explored through a variety of projects.

Students learn to identify suitable wood, grain pattern and tree types, whilst shown how this fits into a bigger picture of ecology, sustainabliltyand our relationship to it all.

Methods such as cleaving (splitting wood), different sawing techniques, carving with axes and knives, are all practised through making small products. Students can choose what to make with expert advice at hand throughout the course.

Typical products made are kitchen utensils, three legged stools, mini rustic tables, turned items on the pole lathe, hand carved bowls and much more. We don't like to limit peoples ideas, so if you have a special idea you want to make we will look at ways of acheiving it.

Above: Dragonfly  Creations workshop run at the Down to Earth Centre.

 

Pole lathe. Two days.

For the persons who wants to push themselves a little further, they can work on the pole lathe.This age old art is therapeutic and a gentle form of exercise. Pole latheing is hypnotically addictive, so be warned! It goes at your pace and allows a whole new range of items to be made, such as foot massagers, candle holders, pestles, baby rattles, rolling pins and so on.

               

Above left: Pole lathe turning. Above right: Shaping with hand axe.

 

Shave horse. Two days.

If you want to practice green woodworking at home, you may want to make a shave horse. It is fairly intense work for two days, but you will have a horse of your own at the end of it, and have learnt a range of skills, including how to use a pole lathe to make some of the components.

Bowls. Two days.

We have the option for hand carving your very own bowl or plate. Using a few simple tools, you will be guided how to transform a log into a stunning large bowl, that you can take home and use however you like. Hand carving a bowl means the finished item is distinct in shape and character. Visually telling a story of the wood and crafts person.

Plates  or platters. One day.

Simillar to the bowl carving, this course is more compressed and works with a pre-shaped piece of wood. Thus reducing the carving time to fit into one day. The finished item is also smaller with less depth than a bowl. None the less it is a satisfying process in which you have something to take home.

Driftwood Creations. One day.

This is a new course, due to popular demand for our driftwood products.

Driftwood has a stunning beauty that is impossible to impersonate. We use that beauty to open our creativity, in developing products and their finish. Then with assisted expert woodwork advice, you will be guided how to manifest and fuse your creative ideas with the beauty of driftwood.

Participants will be exposed to a variety of products that they can make from local driftwood, and be guided how they can make their own. Weather permitting, we shall spend a little time collecting driftwood from one of our hot spots, bearing in mind what we have chosen to make.

Using simple woodworking techniques that you will be able to practice at home, you will be guided how to best assemble your products.

 

Please note, if you wish to make a shave horse, or any other specific product, advance notice needs to be made so we have the necessary materials.

 

Below: Woodland skills training run for Forest School Wales leaders. Cooking over an open fire always adds to the outdoor experience.