Traditional & contemporary craft courses in north Wales
0776 5251531
courses@wernogwood.co.uk
handmade by you in
wernog wood
Carve a Scandinavian Kuksa from fresh greenwood
See course details, dates, costs, tutors & stories from students below
On this two-day course with David White, you will explore the principles of bowl carving, beginning with a simple snack bowl before moving on to create a traditional Scandinavian drinking cup, or Kuksa, from fresh green wood. Once dried, you can use your cup for your daily brew or weekend treats.
Traditionally, the Kuksa was carried in place of a water bottle to lighten the load. In regions with a cool climate and no livestock, water was taken as needed from streams and lakes..
All wood and tools are provided. You will learn how to carve with an axe, hollow bowls using gouges and hook knives, design and lay out a piece from a log, and properly dry and treat your bowls. You will take home both bowls, ready for use and pride of place in your home.
4-5 July 2026
If you would like to do a shorter course,
there are different single day
£285 - Tuition fees
This includes all course materials
Tools will be available to buy during the course
Tea, coffee and simple lunch included in your course price.
We also offer accommodation & evening meals
Click here to see what we offer
This course is aimed at adults, aged 18yrs + and is suitable for beginners to those with experience
Please be sure to read terms & conditions before you book
David White’s The Whittlings is a tiny company in North Wales, making unique handmade tableware using traditional green woodworking techniques and native broadleaf species sourced from local woodlands.
David's work is a reaction to his belief that life is getting more and more connected, online, and rushed, and that our use of the natural resources are more and more abstracted and commoditised. He sees that the things we use and surround ourselves with in our day-to-day lives are getting cheaper, mass produced, destined to last less and less time. His reaction to this is to spend time making the most basic things in life – something to eat with, something to eat from, something to sit on. To make them well, with an understanding and respect for trees they came from.
Stories from our students
We ran this course for the first time in 2024 but have not yet received a review, so the stories written here are from other spoon carving courses taught by David.
Stories from David's spoon carving courses
A great course in a fantastic location delivered by a friendly and experienced carver.
As a beginner I learnt so much about all aspects of carving from wood choice, axe and knife techniques I would recommend it to anyone novice to expert. - Graham
I’m already planning to return- its my new therapy. - Sian
Excellent - fun, engaging and learned a lot. Really good structure, and provision of excellent and sharp tools. David White was a fabulous tutor - very positive in his approach and highly knowledgeable. - David
....
I always love spending time at Wernog Wood, the atmosphere is so relaxed, caring and inclusive, set in beautiful countryside- it is a real retreat and my time spent here relaxes and inspires me.
The knife, fork and spoon course was excellent- I was really surprised how I managed to create something I was proud of even though I had never worked with wood before.
The tutor- David was excellent and I felt that I was guided through the process with expertise and a friendly and relaxed manner.
Thanks everyone- loved it - Verity
Upcoming Dates
Please be sure to read terms & conditions before you book
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