Traditional & contemporary craft courses in north Wales
0776 5251531
courses@wernogwood.co.uk
handmade by you in
wernog wood
Carve a spoon from fresh greenwood
See course details, dates, costs, tutors & stories from students below
20 September or 1st November - Beginners and intermediate
On this relaxing and sociable day, join David White to carve traditional Welsh Cawl spoons and butter spreaders, inspired by historic Welsh designs. These elegant pieces feature generous bowls and rounded, cranked handles for comfortable use. Learn to use carving knives and hook knives giving you a comprehensive skillset to shape functional wooden objects. Tools will be available to buy..
2nd November - Intermediate level using your own tools
If you are looking to refine your skills, join David for
a masterclass in Scandinavian-style eating spoon carving.
Learn to design and make wooden eating spoons with no straight lines, embracing flowing, organic forms. Explore advanced carving techniques, burnishing, ebonising, and finishing.
Both courses will start using part-made green wood blanks. David will guide you on how to source green wood and to finish and oil your pieces. He provides a reminder video and info sheet.
20 September or 1 November 2025
Welsh cawl spoon & butter spreaders
(suitable for beginners and intermediate carvers)
David has adapted his Cawl spoon designs from examples of well loved spoons that can be found in museums, collections and houses all over Wales. He particularly likes the generous bowl and simple rounded, cranked handle, with the eating angles just so.
2 November 2025
Wooden eating spoon masterclass
(ideal for intermediate carvers with their own tools)
David will also have a selection of tools from different UK blacksmiths for you to try
or
£125 - 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
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
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
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 just spent a wild weekend at Wernog Wood, an amazing venue for practical learning. I’m so fortunate to live only minutes away!
With David’s tuition (and stylish laser cut templates that I pretty much ignored - don’t do this, he knows what he’s doing). I haven’t finished much as I was trying to cram too much in but I do feel far more capable with an axe now.
Thank you @thewhittlings for your patience and positivity which made for an empowering two days. - Michelle
Upcoming Dates
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or
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