Join woodworker Mike Craig for a two-day workshop exploring the traditional Scandinavian craft of carving a wooden drinking cup, known as a kuksa in Finland or a kasa in Sweden. These beautifully shaped wooden vessels have a long history and are a pleasure both to make and to use.
Starting with a partially prepared wooden blank, Mike will guide you through the process of shaping and hollowing your own cup using a range of traditional green woodworking tools, including gouges, axes, hook knives and straight knives. Over the two days, you will develop your carving skills and learn how to create the distinctive form and smooth finish of a traditional kuksa.
There will also be an opportunity to explore different ways of decorating and personalising your finished cup, with Mike introducing techniques for painting and other decorative finishes.
This is a practical, hands-on workshop, and you will leave with your own handcrafted wooden drinking vessel, along with the skills and knowledge to continue exploring this rewarding craft.
Experience and physical requirements
This workshop is best suited to those with some previous green woodworking or carving experience. It is not recommended for complete beginners, although anyone who has attended a spoon or bowl carving course should have a good foundation.
Please be aware that kuksa carving can be physically demanding, and at least half of the workshop will be spent standing at a carving block. You will need a reasonable level of hand strength and mobility to work comfortably with the tools.
All tools and materials will be provided.
