Carve Your Own Traditional Breadboard – Two-Day Course with William Barsley

Once cherished as family heirlooms, hand-carved breadboards were treasured for their individuality and beauty. In this two-day workshop with woodcarver William Barsley, you’ll revive this tradition by creating your very own decorative breadboard — perfectly sized to hold a loaf from Luna’s Bakehouse in Dartington. Across the weekend, you’ll learn timeless carving techniques while building the skills and confidence to continue the craft at home.

Who is it for?

This course is suitable for complete beginners as well as those with some woodworking or creative experience. With step-by-step tuition and a choice of designs, you can tailor your project to be as simple or as intricate as you’d like.

What you’ll learn

On day one, you’ll be introduced to the tools and traditional patterns once carved into breadboards. You’ll practice these motifs before laying out your chosen design on a pre-cut board blank. On day two, you’ll bring your design to life, carving your final piece and applying a protective finish so it’s ready to take home and use.

What’s included

All timber and tools needed for the course
A pre-cut breadboard blank in a choice of timbers
A fresh loaf of Luna’s Bakehouse sourdough to pair with your finished board
A selection of design templates for inspiration
Tea, coffee, and sweet treats throughout the weekend
Additional blanks available to purchase if you’d like to make additional boards at home

What to bring

Just your enthusiasm, an open mind, and a packed lunch. If the weather is kind, you’re welcome to enjoy lunch on the picnic tables outside the studio, or you can eat at your workbench. Alternatively, there is a café at the Cider Press Centre or a village shop nearby.
For safety reasons, please wear closed-toe shoes.

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.

Age Policy:

We welcome young carvers aged 12–16, provided they attend with a parent or guardian who’s taking part too — it’s a great way to learn together! The accompanying adult is responsible for the young person’s safety, supervision, and conduct throughout the session. Ages 16–18 can join independently with a signed consent form (please add a comment when booking if the attendee is 16-18 and we will email a form to complete prior to the course).

Two-day Course - Carve a Traditional Breadboard