Shrink pots are traditional Scandinavian kitchen containers which would have been used for dry goods. They are cleverly created by working with the natural properties of green wood. The body of the pot is hollowed from a section of recently cut green wood branch which is then carefully fitted with a carved dry wood base. As the green wood pot dries it shrinks around the dry base to form a tight fit.
On this one-day course with Green Wood Craftsman Mike Craig, you will…
– use hand tools including hand drills, gouges and carving knives to create your own shrink pot
– learn about selecting suitable wood
– be guided how to use safe carving techniques
– understand the use of slow drying strategies
– explore materials and techniques that can be used to decorate your finished pot and design ideas for your future projects
No experience is necessary and all tools and materials will be provided.
At the end of the day you will leave not only with your own hand carved pot but also with the knowledge, practical skills and inspiration to continue your green wood working journey at home.
Please note there is a £10 material charge payable on the day.
Click on the title below to find a list of what you’ll need to bring with you.
What to expect
Time at ArtisOn is designed to take you away from it all and provide the environment, the time and the guidance you need to create. You can expect a warm welcome, skilled and friendly tutors plus the chance to meet like-minded people keen to share ideas and experiences. You can even leave us to clear up the mess! There will usually be two workshops going on and we encourage everyone to mingle and be nosey about what the other workshop is up to.
Arrive in time to meet other participants over a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits before beginning your session at the appointed time. There will be a mid-morning break for refreshments and a chance to talk over progress with others. Lunch is usually around 12:45 for about 45 mins – you can expect a homemade 2 course lunch. The main course will be delicious but don’t overdo it as the puds are usually worth waiting for! There will be a further afternoon break with the most wonderful cakes from Roots & Fruits Home Bakery, a North Yorkshire micro-bakery producing handmade bread and cakes. All food and refreshments are included in the price of the workshop.
Finish time is given as a target – there are occasions when the session may overrun so do let us know if you need to be away promptly.
We aim for your day to be a real treat… of course you could always learn a new skill in a shed or a draughty village hall with a curly sandwich, but we want you to have more fun than that! So we make it a day being looked after, with good food, good company and great inspiration!
What you’ll need to bring with you
Please wear clothes you don't mind getting messy and closed toe shoes.
