Green Woodworking – Scandinavian Shrink Pots

Tutor: Mike Craig

Level:
Novice

Typically for a max of 8 people.

Full Day

← Back to search

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 £5 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. We provide the environment, the time and the guidance you need to create. You can expect a warm welcome, skilled and friendly tutors and the chance to meet like-minded people keen to share ideas. 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.

We encourage you to arrive at 9.30am. This will allow time to meet other participants over a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits before beginning workshops at 10am. 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 delicious homemade 2 course lunch. There will be a further afternoon break with tea or coffee and cake. All food and refreshments are included in the price of your workshop.

The finish time given is 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. 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 sure we provide a day where you will be looked after, with good food, good company and great inspiration!

What you’ll need to bring with you

Just yourself, all materials and tools will be provided. Please wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty.

Related Courses

Traditional Hand-Sewn, Mohair, Jointed Teddy Bear (2 day series)

Traditional Hand-Sewn, Mohair, Jointed Teddy Bear (2 day series)

Sat, 17 May 2025 - Sat, 24 May 2025

10:00 am - 4:00 pm

*Please note this is a two day workshop taking place on consecutive Saturdays - 17th and 24th May* Join tutor, Lindsay Lowe, for this 2 day workshop where you will hand sew and...

£190

Info & Book

Intermediate

4 spaces available

Willow Baskets - Make A Traditional Round Hedgerow Basket

Willow Baskets - Make A Traditional Round Hedgerow Basket

Fri, 25 Apr 2025

10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Working with willow and other hedgerow plants, this workshop will guide you through the fascinating process of willow weaving, and by the end of the day you'll have created your own unique basket....

£95

Register Interest

All Levels

0 spaces available

View all heritage-crafts courses

View all wood-stone courses

Your email will be used to communicate ArtisOn news, special offers, new dates etc via our quarterly email newsletter. We will not share this information with any other organisations or use it for any other purpose.