Things to do · Arts and crafts
Carve a wooden spoon
A friend has invited you to do this with them.
Spoon carving turns a split log of fresh, unseasoned wood into something you can stir a pan with, using little more than an axe and two knives. A one-day course supplies the wood and the tools, so you can find out whether you like it before you buy anything.
ModerateUnder £100 / $130An afternoonIndoors or outWith othersUK and US
Someone who has done it
These are real people who did this, as reported by the outlets named. We opened each one before linking it. None of them is connected with this site.
What it's really like
You start with a billet of green wood and use an axe to rough out a spoon blank, then refine the shape with straight and curved knives. At West Dean the knife grips taught are based on the Swedish sloyd tradition, and the Weald & Downland course teaches safe knife grips and how to work with the grain.
It needs steady hands. West Dean asks that students have strength and stability in their hands and can take instruction, because the sharp tools are used close to the body. North House asks for basic hand strength, stamina and focus, and gives being able to open a sealed jar as an example.
This is carving by hand, not turning on a lathe. If you would rather work at a pole lathe or a powered lathe, a woodturning club is the other way in.
Ways in and what they cost
| Where | Course/format | Cost (as last listed) |
|---|---|---|
| Weald & Downland Living Museum, West Sussex | One day: carve a version of a spoon found on the Mary Rose with an axe and knife; tools provided | £90 |
| North House Folk School, Minnesota | Wooden Spoon Carving Traditions: three days, open to all levels; bring a fixed-blade carving knife | $335, plus $10 materials |
| John C. Campbell Folk School, North Carolina | Traditional Hewing and Carving Spoons and Bowls: one week, all skill levels; spoons and at least one bowl | $730, plus a $25 Folk School fee and $90 materials |
West Dean College also runs a one-day spoon carving course and a two-hour taster with lime spoon blanks; the course pages did not show a price, so check with the college. The taster is listed as suitable for beginners.
How to start
- Book a one-day beginners' spoon carving course where green wood and tools are provided, such as those at West Dean College or the Weald & Downland Living Museum.
- If you are left-handed, ask for left-handed tools when you book; West Dean says you can request them.
- Wear covered shoes and old clothes or an apron, and take a pencil for marking out.
Where to go
- West Dean College: Spoon Carving with Annie Slack (West Sussex) UK
- Weald & Downland Living Museum: Spoon Carving for Beginners (West Sussex) UK
- North House Folk School: Wooden Spoon Carving Traditions (Minnesota) US
- John C. Campbell Folk School: Traditional Hewing and Carving Spoons and Bowls (North Carolina) US
We opened these links on 7 November 2026 and found them to be what we say. Dates, places and prices are on the official page, where they stay up to date.
Plan this
Pick a day, or a month, and we will set out how to get ready, step by step, with a date and a reason for each. Courses and classes have start dates and can fill up, so the plan begins with finding and booking one. Kit comes after the first session, once you know what you need.
Questions people ask
Do I need my own tools for a spoon carving course?
Often not. West Dean lends carving knives and axes and supplies the timber, and the Weald & Downland course provides all tools. North House asks you to bring a fixed-blade carving knife.
What wood is used for carving spoons?
Courses use green, unseasoned wood. West Dean's taster session uses lime spoon blanks, and John C. Campbell students work mainly with green wood from several species.
What should I wear to a spoon carving class?
Covered, closed-toe shoes and clothes you do not mind marking. West Dean does not allow sandals or open-toed shoes, and John C. Campbell asks for leather gloves and a carving glove or thumb guard.
How long does it take to carve a wooden spoon?
Beginners can carve a spoon in a day. Both the West Dean and Weald & Downland one-day courses aim for you to make a spoon.
Where this comes from: West Dean College, Spoon Carving with Annie Slack; West Dean College, An introduction to wooden spoon carving - Taster session with Annie Slack; Weald & Downland Living Museum, Spoon Carving for Beginners; North House Folk School, Wooden Spoon Carving Traditions; John C. Campbell Folk School, Traditional Hewing and Carving Spoons and Bowls. Opened 7 November 2026.
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