Woodworking For Beginners: Source, Design, and Sculpt With Confidence

Explore a new way to creatively express yourself in this approachable, hands-on class all about the art of woodworking!

Join artisans Anne Briggs and Josh Nava in this fun, hands-on class all about the art of woodworking. When she bought her farm and started her online community Anne of All Trades, Anne Briggs never imagined that her enthusiasm for hands-on creativity and her love of nature would be able to be her full-time job. Now, teaching through the School of All Trades with her business partner Josh Nava, Anne brings the joy of woodworking to everyone who wants to learn.

Starting (of course) with safety, Anne and Josh will take you through the entire process of creating your first wooden craft: a customized spoon for your favorite cooking pan. From learning to source wood outdoors on your regular walks, through the ways to use your body to maintain your safety, foundational wood cuts, and designing in 3D, Anne and Josh’s friendly, approachable teaching style will make you wonder why you’ve never tried woodworking before!

Anne and Josh believe in the importance of connecting with nature and the world, and providing for yourself. Art in the form of a craft like woodworking is a sustainable, joyful hobby that they recommend any artist or hobbyist try! Alongside them, you’ll learn how to:

• Choose the right wood for your project, and spot it in the wild
• Use a handaxe and woodcutting knife safely
• Carve and cut wood safely and with purpose
• Design a 3D object in wood
• Create, finish, and keep a wooden spoon of your own

At the end of the class, you won’t only have a custom wooden spoon you can keep for yourself or give as a gift — you’ll have an entirely new method of creative expression at your disposal. We can’t wait to see what you make!

• Introduction
• Materials Overview
• Woodworking Safety
• Sourcing Your Wood
• Preparing Your Wood
• Basic Knife Cuts: Introduction
• Basic Knife Cuts: The Power Cut
• Basic Knife Cuts: The Chest-Lever Grip
• Basic Knife Cuts: The Pull Cut
• Basic Knife Cuts: The Thumb-Lever Grip
• Basic Knife Cuts: The Scoop Cut
• Designing Your Spoon
• Protoyping Your Spoon
• Beginning to Carve
• Refining Your Design
• Finishing Your Design
• Final Thoughts
• Bonus: Sharpening Your Tools