“The beauty of handmade is in the imperfections”
Unlock your inner artisan in this spoon carving workshop, where a humble piece of wood becomes a cherished heirloom crafted by your own hands. Join us on a creative journey that blends tradition, technique, and mindfulness.
We will start the day exploring the forests at Wintergreen Studios in pursuit of the perfect tree, branch, or crook. With emphasis on responsible harvesting, inclusive and supportive instruction, and a clear focus on safe tool use, you will be introduced to a number of techniques and approaches ranging from species identification to wood selection, spoon layout and design, roughing out blanks and finish carving, and how to treat finished spoons to prevent splitting.
Following a break for a nourishing gourmet lunch, we’ll settle in at the carving blocks for the remainder of the afternoon. Taking our cues from the Scandinavian sloyd tradition, spoons will be carved when the wood is still green and finished without sanding. Carving will be completed with traditional hand tools including handsaws, straight, and bent spoon knives and hatchets*.
This is in an introductory workshop and no previous experience is required. Whether you are a beginner or intermediate carver or you are further along on your spoon carving journey, you can expect to come away from the experience inspired by new learnings, approaches, and insights into this exciting and accessible craft.
Come and learn from the land and make connections with each other. You can expect to return home with one or more spoons carved by your skilled hands over the course of the workshop!
*This workshop features the use of various sharp edged hand tools and is not suitable for those under 18 years of age. The use of hatchets for roughing out blanks will be at the discretion of workshop instructors and is contingent on participants’ skills and confidence levels. Please see our waiver of liability on the registration form for further details.
Photos by @fullmoon_spoons
WORKSHOP OVERVIEW
| 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM | Welcome and opening circle | |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Tree walk and harvesting | |
| 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch | |
| 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Spoon carving | |
| 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Wrap up and departure |
This workshop will be run partly outdoors, rain or shine, either trail walking or under cover at the Outdoor Classroom, and partly indoors at the Lodge for focused carving. We’ll have (or will harvest) all the materials you’ll need however you are welcome to bring your own tools (i.e., Mora 106 spoon carving knife or equivalent).
ABOUT THE FACILITATORS
As a spoon carver, ANNIE SANASSIAN draws inspiration from the rhythms of the natural world to infuse storytelling into her spoons.
She is inspired by the intricate dance of cultures, the stories whispered by nature, and the harmony found in the convergence of diverse traditions. Equipped with hand tools—a saw, hatchet, hook knife, and knife—her spoon carving embarks on a deliberate, unhurried journey, infusing every step with the essence of mindfulness and intention.
Her teaching endeavours not only impart the skills of spoon carving but also invites individuals to embrace the meditative and transformative journey that accompanies this process of connection.
You can find glimpses of her journey and creations on Instagram, where she shares the ongoing tale of artisanship, exploration, and the reverence for our natural surroundings @fullmoon_spoons
LUKE HOWIE has worked at the intersection of experiential education, nature connection, and ecology for the duration of his career. As a place-based educator, he loves to learn from the land and those who know it best.
Luke completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto and his BEd at Trent University. He has an AQ in Outdoor Experiential Education from Lakehead University and his Forest and Nature School Practitioner Certification from the Child and Nature Alliance of Canada.
Prior to joining Wintergreen Studios as Program Director in the Fall of 2023, Luke led outdoor education programming at the Evergreen Brick Works in Toronto for nearly a decade. He now lives on an old farmstead in the Frontenac Arch with his family. He is a passionate and experienced amateur greenwood spoon carver who loves sharing this amazing craft tradition with others.
COST & REGISTRATION
$125 + HST includes tools & instruction, materials, and a gourmet lunch.
This workshop is limited to 12 guests and is not suitable for those under 18 years of age.
If registering for more than one person, please enter the number required as the “Quantity” and you will be charged accordingly.
HST is included in the checkout price.