Abney Park, South Lodge

Learn how to carve a spoon with an axe and a knife.

Using just three green woodworking tools you will carve a spoon from a locally grown tree. This course covers axe skills and safe knife grips. Aimed at both complete beginners and those who’ve made spoons before and would like to hone their skills and designs. 

Spoon carving is a meditative search for perfection. You will spend the day carving a fresh piece of locally sourced wood in our outdoor workshop. This course is taught by one of our expert local tutors.

You can follow this course up with our Bowl Carving or Bowl Turning course. Or if you want to begin with something simpler, start with our Make a Spatula course. If you really catch the bug you can join the Induction to the Workshop course and become and member of our cooperative.

Low income rates available for those who would otherwise be unable to attend.

We work outdoors in all weathers, please come prepared.

*Wood can be used for all manors of things. Mostly, and certainly in that case of London Green Wood, beautiful wood is used to create an array of stunning objects. However, did you know that wet wood, unlike dry wood, could also conduct electricity? That’s what we call versatile!*

No previous experience is required for this class; simply a desire to further your craft, and get to grips with essential carpentry techniques. In this class you will be taken through all the necessary steps to create your own handcrafted spoon, learning all the best tips, tricks and secrets of the trade as you go. 

Primarily using an axe and knives, you will make your own unique cooking spoon from scratch, using a locally grown tree. Whether you have some experience in carpentry or are simple a novice with an interest in woodwork, this class will be ideal for you!

* Take home your own lovingly made spoon to use time and time again
* Build upon the techniques learn during the class to become a proficient carpenter
* Try making other objects using these techniques, and pass on your knowledge and newly acquired skill set to friends with a similar interest

Hurry! Save your spot soon as spaces are limited

Although this class has specific dates when it runs, you can also book it for a private group of 5-6 people on a day of your choosing! The cost of this is £50 per head and all you have to do is click [this link](https://obby.co.uk/group-workshops/london), enter the necessary details and then leave us to do our magic and arrange it for you. It couldn't be simpler!

Abney Park Cemetery

Hackney City Farm

Madeleine

The course was excellent. Jo is a great teacher. She takes you through: how to use the tools safely and effectively, what tool to use - and when and how, and she makes it all great fun. Working outdoors with pots of tea on the go just makes it even better. Highly recommended.

Diana

We really enjoyed our spoon carving course with Jo. There were a total of 6 in the group which worked very well so we had sufficient guidance and attention.Jo was a calm, clear, cheerful teacher. The day was well planned and timed, for each part of the spoon process. Definitely recommend.

megan

Rebecca

Fantastic day with Jo, a fantastic teacher who talked us through the basics of green wood, knife safety, tool handling  & after some practice, on to make a wooden cooking spoon out of a wedge of newly axed Sycamore greenwood. Left feeling very inspired, happy & ready for more. Just give it a go!!

A great one day spoon carving course. The tutor was excellent, with lots of skills and techniques that she taught in a straightforward, easy to understand manner. After seven hours I had very sore hands but a wooden spoon that I was very proud of!

Emily

Spoon Carving workshop was great and had a lovely atmosphere. Would definitely recommend to friends and family.

Charlotte

I'd highly recommend this workshop - fun, fulfilling, relaxing and delivered wonderfully by the patient, talented Jo.

Gemma

I had a great time learning to spoon carve yesterday! The gorgeous setting of Abney Park was the perfect backdrop to our class, and Jo's expert and friendly tuition kept us safe and enabled us to all come away with a usable spoon by the end of the day. It was all over too soon!

Belinda

I really enjoyed the Spoon Carving Workshop.  It took place outside which in itself was a treat and the teaching was great.  Jo was enthusiastic and very professional in the way she lead the class.  I wouldn't hesitate in recommending the day to a friend.  Thank you.

Laura

Lovely warm and welcoming atmosphere. Super friendly. Very knowledgeable teachers. Great venue, nice to be outdoors, all the tools you could need. Nice shared lunch.

A really enjoyable day with gentle attentive tutors, tucked away in  a quiet little park in London. It really is a lovely thing to take a log of fresh green wood and chop, carve and whitlle it away into something you can use every day. A very friendly supportive and safe atmosphere is cultivated and I think everyone left very happy with their day's work. I'd imagine sales of axes, woodcarving knives and various guide books are boosted every time the course is run. Recommended.

Really enjoyed my day, even with the cold and rain it was so worth it. Teacher Jo was great she gave you great encouragement and taught great skills. She had an assistant Dave who was very helpful and supportive as well. On booking I really did not think I would achieve a spoon by the end of the session, but I did and I am very proud of it.

Fun and thorough class with knowledgable tutors. Held in a rustic outdoor space with plenty of tea and coffee provided. It's quit physical and was pretty chilly in February, but it was totally worth it. Very satisfying day out :)

it was brilliant I learned loads and had fun

We had a great day and the teaching was good. We had Jo as our main instructor and Julian and Dave assisted. They were skilled and experienced themselves and communicated well and with appropriate authority. The tools were good quality and everything was prepared beforehand for the session.
The weather in early March was bearable outside, but I don't think sufficient warning that it was a day outside was given before booking. I think a venue with indoor space, even in a workshop or shed, is needed for winter courses. Thank goodness the weather had improved over the previous week!
The afternoon went rather too quickly and we all enjoyed ourselves. Thank you.

It was great fun! Good vibes, good strong milky tea, good teaching, and good company.

Would highly recommend it and for sure do it again!

It was a lovely workshop, Thank you very much X

This was a first class course which I would recommend to anyone.

I had one of the best days ever at the spoon carving workshop. It was a really lovely day so it was nice to work outside. I was quite intimidated by the idea of woodwork but Jo made us really comfortable and had a lot of patience with me when I couldn't get the hang of the techniques. There was tea flowing all day which was great. I would love to come back and make another spoon to improve on what I've learned.

A very enjoyable and fun day with a great teacher    highly recommended!     Sean

Jo was such a fantastic teacher, clear, friendly, expert and patient. Using local wood was lovely and the setting is beautiful. Couldn't ask for more.

A really lovely day in a peaceful setting. Jo was patient and kind as well as being very instructive and helpful in ensuring we all got support and advice.

Really fun day of woodwork. Jo is great at making sure the course is informative but also fun. Came away with a great spoon and inspiration to do more!

Such an excellent workshop, I can't recommend it enough. You'll come away with a beautiful cooking spoon to feel proud of – and you'll be amazed at how quickly you transform a wedge of wood into a work of art. Jo is a really lovely and helpful instructor, very encouraging and helps you get the best from the course. Really recommend it.

So happy to have achieved so much, Jo is an excellent and patient teacher. Class was relaxed but learnt lots about techniques. Can't wait to try out my new skills at home

Fantastic class! The tuition was brilliant and the setting was beautiful.

Spoon Carving Workshop

Robert Foster

I cannot recommend the spoon carving workshop with London Green Wood CIC highly enough! The one-day workshop was perfectly paced and allowed for learning and variation with the various tools and techniques. Jo was a brilliant teacher and leader of the workshop, offering friendly guidance, advice and helpful tips along the way. The location itself is really well set up for the group session and, as it is a working community workshop we were able to meet some local experts, and see some of their wonderful creations. I am very keen to sign up for their bowl carving workshop and have been inspired to get my own tools to continue spoon carving at home!

Jennifer Hodson

I learnt to use special tools to turn a segment of a log into a fully useable kitchen spoon - with a corner to clean out the bottom of a pan!
A perfect introduction to greenwood carving with left and right-handed tools to suit. Jo ensured we had a tool-talk for each new knife we used, and learnt safe and effective techniques to keep us safe whist carving our masterpieces.  

Juliet Haddon

A really lovely day spent with a small group of nice people, all carving wood. The campfire kept us warm, Jo kept us safe and we all came away with new skills and beautiful wooden spoons. Highly recommended. 

David Gallimore

Really fun day with lots of insights into the best techniques of how to whittle the perfect spoon. Thank you!

Jonathan Cardy

Steven Jarman

A fantastic class. An excellent introduction to spoon carving in a lovely setting. 

Katerina Kotti

A nice well spent!!
Jo was great, a warm and welcoming person, showing us all this new stuff. Explaining wood, techniques, tools, making sure of our safety and dealing with each and every one to explain or advise on what we were doing.
Lovely little team of people too.
Highly recommended workshop!

Alice Carr

Really enjoyed this course - the teacher was very friendly and patient and I came away with a decent looking spoon and looking forward to doing more

Even with the temperamental weather trying to scupper things.  The London Greenwood spoon carving course exceeded my expectations. It was an informative and relaxed day, guided brilliantly by the teacher Jo, and I came away with a renewed sense of confidence at trying to improve my greenwood working and spoon carving.  Thank you.   I'm already looking forward to my next course there.

Kristina Stapornwongkul

Wonderful atmosphere and great teachers! 

Deborah Greatrex

We had a lovely day - learning a lot about our tools, varieties of wood and how to finish our spoons. It was harder than I thought it would be but Jo and Dave were very patient and helpful and we were all proud of our finished spoons. 

Wendy Hill

Had a brilliant day spoon carving with an excellent teacher. I feel so much more confident about using the tools and learnt all the techniques needed to work effectively and safely. Lots of fun in  a great setting.  I  highly recommend it.

Linden Ruckert

Great experience! Well taught in small group in a lovely setting . Really absorbing 

Sarah Newby

8 of us had a brilliant day in the peacefulness of Abney Park with two lovely tutors. They were clear, attentive, guided us well and  differentiated to our different abilities and experience. Health and safety was great, none of us had any cuts. There were good tips on how to stand and sit while working, and we learnt a number of different carving techniques. They provided regular breaks with plenty of good coffee, tea and biscuits. It was a pleasure to work in company and at the end of the day we each came away with a hand carved wooden spoon! A day very well spent. 

Paula Hurst

I had a great day, despite endless rain and a grey, miserable sky.  Both teachers ( it was a big group) were kind, supportive and non-judgemental.  I went to try out something new, learn new skills and have fun, which is exactly what I did.  And I came home with a spoon/spatula  of sorts   -   a lovely way to spend a Saturday.

Jessica Bell

A really great day outside carving some wood! A little tough going at times, but the teachers were always on hand to help you out and keep you on track. Would love to come back sometime and learn more :)

amelia friend

my partner loved this workshop and now has the spoon carving bug

Kim Slade

This is my second course with Jo at London Green Wood. I cannot rate them high enough! The knowledge and skills that Jo shares with her students is A**. My last course, spoon carving, has encouraged me to further my skills and I am presently looking to book my third course (bowl carving) in the Autumn. You will not be disappointed!

Lucy Peltz

Jo was a brilliant teacher, patient, clear and professional 

Shaun Crampton

Lovely day; excellent, knowledgeable teachers. I had some experience already so they adapted the class for me to teach me something new. Lovely setting in the woods.

Laura Lantieri

A fantastic day - we learnt so much and Sam was such an engaged and patient teacher. I was so impressed with what everyone managed to take home at the end of it. Will definitely carve again!

Nipti malde

Fantastic day.  Highly recommend this workshop. Jo and Sam both great teachers. Would definitely come again.

Con Darrall

I had a brilliant time at the Spoon Carving Workshop. Sam, who led the group, was a brilliant teacher, along with being incredibly patient and lovely to us complete novices. 

I would highly recommend this to anyone who wants to learn some useful new skills. A great day :)

Hilary Casey

Wonderful ‘outside in nature’ day workshop; totally absorbing & came away with a wooden spoon having begun with a log of wood - completed all stages! Satisfying & great activity done with my husband. Thank You Sam

Ashleigh Newnham

Really fun class in a beautiful setting. Had never done any carving before but our instructor Sam made everything easy to follow and I've definitely learnt some new skills!

Rosie Schloeffel

Long session, taught many skills and techniques. More challenging than expected but Sam was a patient guide. A handout or step-by-step guide would be useful as a takeaway. 

Lughan Carr

Great class. Very well led and enjoyable, in a friendly and collaborative atmosphere. I look forward to taking another with them. 

Stella Broadbent 

Even under difficult COVID circumstances the workshop was well run, friendly, safe, and a good learning environment. I learned lots of new techniques and would go again. 

Patricia N

It was an awesome day! I learned a lot during the course and the environment and course mates where really pleasant. There was coffee, tea and a fire to warm us. Sam, our teacher was fun, excellent in relaying knowledge and very patient with us all. The day passed quickly and I already signed up for another course with London green wood.

Ankit Goel

The workshop was brilliant. Sam is really good at getting everyone excited for the day and helps with even the smallest details while carving the spoons. 

oliver rakocevic

Great Spoon Carving workshop with Sam Alexander (from Green Wood Collective) at Hackney City Farm on Sunday. A thoroughly enjoyed birthday gift!  Sam was thorough and patient in introducing safe axe, crook knife and carving techniques in an outdoor group setting. Thanks!  Oliver 

Nathalie

I had an absolutely incredible time learning how to carve spoons. Our tutor Sam was really friendly, patient and attentive. Thanks to Sam, I was able to make a cooking spoon. Definitely found a new hobby after attending this course. 10/10 would recommend!

Phoebe F

Amazing. The instructor, Sam, was very knowledgeable and upbeat. The spoon carving was very therapeutic, I'd love to go again!

Rebekah S

Had a great day. Our instructor Sam was amazing and made sure we all left with a spoon. Would definitely recommend this class.  

titus davies

My partner Titus gave this to me as a birthday present and it was one of the best gifts I’ve had.
Sam is a wonderful teacher and his skill and love of his craft is so apparent. He created a relaxed and friendly atmosphere during the day. 
The day for me was a much needed de-stressor and I’d highly recommend it to anyone wanting some concentrated  creative time in a safe and friendly atmosphere outdoors with an inspiring tutor. 

Nora 

Amazing experience in a wonderful spot in London,  a relaxed and very knowledgeable instructor and using really great, safe tools. I cannot wait to continue practising and will definitely go back to London Green Wood to learn more. Thanks!

Simon  Whitelock

After having my booking date changed many times ( for understandable reasons ) I actually forgot the revised date and did not show. There was a refusal to rebook me which I did did not think very helpful. I was not asking for a refund just the same level of flexibility I had to show. Im sure the course was very good but as I was given the carving knives as a Xmas present Ill just teach myself !

Gemma Champ

A really meditative class with some great new skills, and a great teacher. Came away knowing how to use an axe to carve a spoon - what more could you want? 

Emma Kennedy

100% recommend the spoon carving workshop at Hackney City Farm with London Greenwood. Bought the course as a present for my boyfriend and we had the best time. Sam was a great tutor and the group was lovely - the day flew by as we carved in the sunshine. The steps in the workshop were well explained and we came away really buzzed with our new spoons.

Ana Gallego

This spoon carving workshop was excellent and in a great location. Sam the tutor, took us through all the stages and at all times, taught us how to work with safe tools in a safe manner.
A great way to spend a day creating something beautiful out of wood.

mimi

I enjoyed the workshop very much. I used to do some spoons at home, but this was totally different level. We got a chance to work with green wood,  spoon carving tools and an axe, which i hadn’t tried it before (surprisingly it appreared to be a source of joy and satisfaction). It was an amazing day of learning new skills, designing and making my own spoon and getting to know some very cool people. Our instructors very informative, helpful and funny. The event took place in a nice, green and secluded corner of Hackney City Farm, it was hard to believe we were in central London. Highly recommended. 

Jon Stokes

Welcoming, enjoyable and informative session. Sam is a great instructor, there was a good array of equipment for us to try, and the setting is really pleasant to work in. I'd highly recommend - thanks Sam and team  

Alice Wilson

This was the best day out (and we'd been waiting for a year because of Covid). Sam and Ben were great teachers, really patient and encouraging. 

Josh

Such a great space. Really knowledgable tutors. Lots of fun and we'll keep on spoon carving in the future! 

Veronique Dupont

Rhonaliza Atkin

Really great session with both tutors. COVID spacing was good. Oversight and instructions was clear and helpful. Definitely booking another session and bringing a friend 

Terry Bateman

I have wanted to take part in the workshops for a long time and was hoping to booked lots more courses starting with the spoon making course. Unfortunately l did not read the e mail and turn up a day late, my mistake, l missed my class. As a supposedly community organisation l was very disappointed to be told that l could not redeem this , which to me seemed pretty mean and makes me feel reluctant to book other courses.  

Luke Brooking

Thoroughly enjoyed our spoon making day. I booked this as a birthday gift for my girlfriend. We were both relatively new to green wood carving, but our instructor Sam took us through everything clearly and was very patient and fun. We both love the spoons we made and now have a new passion for carving!

Oliver Foster

Great workshop in a comfortable and fun green space, brilliant and attentive tutors

Rory Shepherd

Thanks to the guys at Green Wood London for the excellent spoon carving course. I loved your teaching style, and especially enjoyed the axe work, superb. Many thanks, will be back in future

Philip Brentford

A really excellent, relaxing and fun day of learning new skills and working with wood with friendly and confident tuition

Great day of learning something new. 
Nice relaxed atmosphere and instructors. 

Joanna

Great day out – sore hands today, but am the proud owner-maker of a lovely spoon. :)
Tutors were great, vibe very informative but relaxed. Definitely recommend if you fancy learning and doing something different.

Simon Thompson

The day long session covered all the basic safety and cutting techniques for a beginner. I had taught myself from online tutorials and demos so this day was a perfect top up to that. Ben and Sam were a great double act - teaching was relaxed and lighthearted. We had a gorgeous sunny day under the trees which helped too.

Martine

Amazing course.  The tutor explained very clearly each steps such that I felt saved despite the sharp tools.  He was patient and created a friendly environment.  And I left with a nice spoon! I will definitely take another course.

Lloyd Prosser

This is my third time at London Green Wood and once again it was once of the most fun experiences I have ever had. There is something special about sitting outside with some new and old friends and making something for yourself. Sam was a great instructor and I 100% want to return for more. 

Alice Spendley

I booked this class for my dad's birthday treat. We had an absolutely great time and would recommend highly. Sam (our teacher) was fantastic!

Charlie

A really enjoyable day learning to use the tools. Excellent, and patient tuition which resulted in everyone in the small group finishing the day as the proud owners of a useable spoon. Highly recommended 

Alistair

Great introduction to greenwood carving in a super friendly environment. Get to learn how to use a small axe to shape your spoon blank, how to use a hook knife to create the bowl and safe carving techniques with a knife. Lots of new skills to take home with your new spoon. Thoroughly recommended.

Malcolm Bonus

I was very disappointed, the noise from the traffic distracted from hearing the lecturer. 

Louisa

Brilliantly taught course - took us through all the steps of making our own spoon out of poplar wood, including learning about the different tools needed. Lots of individual guidance given too. Lovely setting at Hackney City Farm and regular tea/coffee provided.

Ben Gazur

This was a great experience. The instructors were encouraging and patient. Learning how to carve a spoon in such a lovely setting was incredible. Would highly recommend this course to others.

Carole Robb

I had a really enjoyable day learning how to carve a spoon with a great mix of interesting people. The tutors were very knowledgable , patient and understanding- I only wish it was a longer day as I could have sat for hours whittling my spoon

Jane 

I really enjoyed this course, I hadn't done any woodwork before and it was great for beginners. Really friendly tutors who gave clear instructions and also encouraged me individually. Very relaxed atmosphere and lovely to be outdoors. Would recommend highly, a lovely treat.

Sara

I spent a big portion of my day here carving my first spoon. (more to come I hope!) It was really cosy as we were outside and had a fire going. I enjoyed getting to know the other spoon carvers and Sam was an awesome tutor. I'm of course happy to have my very own spoon at home and I will definitely come back!

Joanna Drake

Really good fun. Sam was a very patient  and knowledgeable teacher and even though it was January it was lovely doing it outside around a fire! 

Great instructor, learned loads and really enjoyed it.

Andres Talegon

Jannicke

The course was really fun, and Sam was a great teacher, really patient and clearly passionate about carving. I went with my daughter and we both had a lovely time, it was great to have a whole day to fully immerse ourselves in a craft activity. 

David Gooden

It’s been over a week since I did the spoon whittling course. I haven’t stopped thinking how good it was! With patient, brilliant tuition I was able to create my own large spoon. I have since bought new tools for whittling and can’t wait to get started. (Please be warned this course may lead to a new hobby and is VERY addictive)
I will definitely be back. Thankyou! 

Lucy Noblett

Had fantastic day carving my spoon at London Green Wood. Sam was a star. Clear, effective and patient as a teacher. Would defo recommend to everyone ! 

Concessionary rates available. 10% discount on courses scheduled on weekdays

Carve a Spoon

Spoon Carving at Hackney City Farm

Turn a wooden bowl outdoors on a foot-powered pole lathe.

Learn how to turn a wooden bowl using a *foot-powered pole lathe* at our woodland workshop in the city. Suitable for beginners and improvers.

Learn a heritage craft at the London Greenwood workshop. 

You will use a foot-powered pole lathe to turn your own wooden bowl from locally grown wood. 

Starting by learning good axe technique to prepare your bowl blank then how to set up a pole lathe you will move on to master the use of bowl turning hook tools. 

Powering your lathe by foot you will create a functional wooden bowl to take home with you. 

We will also talk about drying, oiling and caring for your bowl as well as selecting materials and how to continue. 


Turn a wooden bowl outdoors on a foot powered pole lathe

Valerie Hazan

I've done a number of classes at London Greenwood and have enjoyed them all. This new wood turning course was no exception. It is the only manual pole lathe class available in London and taught in the outdoor workshop within Abney Park. Our teacher Dave had prepared the blanks and the tools so we were able to get straight down to using the pole lathe. We all completed very handsome bowls (for a first go!) by the end of the day and I feel i have acquired a good understanding of the process. This class is taught in small groups  (4 of us on this occasion) so there was plenty of individual attention. As Dave had warned us, it's a physical day (foot-powered!) but there were plenty of stops for lunch/tea/coffee and a great feeling of satisfaction on completion. 

George Chapman

Great course with helpful knowledgeable teacher with small class size so you were never left waiting for guidance.  Lovely location and atmosphere.  Pole lathe bowl turning is a fun challenge.  Highly recommended

Thida Eng

Amazing class! Dave is a great teacher, he was really helpful and patient with us. I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in doing something crafty :)

Alice Tyler

This class was a great day (despite the rain!), we learned a lot under the excellent teacher Dave. We had a lot of fun, got a bowl out of it and were totally exhausted after (in a good way :). 

Heini Schneebeli

I certainly learned new ways to work with a foot powered lathe and Dave was an excellent teacher with lots of skill and patient. 
Green Wood Abney Park is a great set up and I will be back again.
Heini  

This was a great day, and had the best time - definitely want to come back to make more. Thanks very much!

Ben Harvey

We loved the course and the bowls! Dave was very knowledgable and patient, and the location at Hackney City Farm was beautiful. Highly recommended!

A hard but rewarding day with excellent tuition. So pleased with my bowl 🙂  Thank you!

Jenny Baker

Really enjoyed this day. It's hard physical work but very satisfying. Dave, the tutor, explained things clearly and demonstrated what to do. He was really patient and encouraging. would highly recommend this course

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