William Barsley

Three-hour Woodcarving Taster Session with William Barsley

Curious about woodcarving? This relaxed, three-hour taster session is the perfect way to give it a go. Guided by woodcarver William Barsley, you’ll learn the basics of handling carving tools and experiment with simple techniques while working on a small project — a wooden coaster — to practise your new skills.

Who is it for?

This session is designed for absolute beginners who want to dip a toe into woodcarving in a fun, hands-on way. No prior experience is needed, just an open mind and a bit of curiosity. Participants must be 18+ years.

What you’ll learn

We’ll start with a quick introduction to the tools and safe carving practices, before trying out different cuts and patterns on your coaster blank. Along the way, you’ll get a feel for the process of shaping and decorating wood — with plenty of room to play, experiment, and enjoy the craft.

What’s included

• All timber and tools needed for the session, including a coaster blank to practise on
• Design ideas and simple patterns for inspiration
• Tea, coffee, and sweet treats to keep you fuelled
• The option to purchase extra blanks and tools if you’d like to keep practising at home

What to bring

Just your enthusiasm, a willingness to try something new, and closed-toe shoes for safety.

Additional information

• Group courses run with a minimum of four participants. If this number isn’t met, we’ll be in touch at least two weeks beforehand to offer alternative dates or a full refund. The maximum number of participants on a course would be eight.