Carve a Botanical Spoon - a 4-hour Workshop by the Sea

Join this cosy workshop carving a botanical spoon above the wild winter sea, with expert guidance and homemade cake. Come and spend a few slow, springtime hours carving your own botanical spoon — inspired by the shapes, textures and forms of the natural world. We'll start with a simple piece of wood and slowly transform it into a beautiful wooden spoon using traditional hand-carving techniques. I'll show you how to make the different cuts, work with the grain and gradually shape your spoon, before adding your own botanical details. You might carve leaves, flowers, stems or simple patterns inspired by the plants around us. You can keep your design subtle and natural, or spend time adding more intricate details — every spoon will be completely unique. Whether you're making a thoughtful handmade gift for your mum, someone special, or simply making something beautiful for yourself, you'll leave with a spoon made slowly, thoughtfully and by hand. This workshop is suitable for complete beginners as well as people who've carved before. What the session is like A relaxed, small-group workshop with plenty of guidance throughout. We'll begin with a full introduction to the tools and how to use them safely, then I'll demonstrate each stage as we go. We'll look at how to work with the grain, make different types of cuts, and gradually transform the wood into your spoon. I'll show you how to carve simple botanical forms and patterns, as well as how to sharpen and look after your carving tools. There'll be plenty of time to get absorbed in your carving, experiment with your own ideas and enjoy the simple pleasure of making something by hand — with a slice of homemade cake along the way. Beginners can take things slowly, while more confident carvers can spend time playing around with botanical details and finishing touches. Location The Old Net Loft, upstairs at Brighton Fishing Museum, Brighton seafront We'll be carving in the beautiful Old Net Loft above the Fishing Museum, right on Brighton seafront. The loft has a beautiful large window looking out towards the sea, so you can settle in with your carving while watching the waves outside. There's something rather lovely about spending a few hours tucked up indoors, working with your hands while the sea rolls away beyond the window. Full directions and arrival information will be sent before the workshop. Who it's for • Complete beginners who'd like to try woodcarving • People who've carved before and fancy making something new • Anyone who loves making things by hand • Anyone who loves plants, flowers and the natural world • Anyone looking to make a thoughtful handmade gift for someone special What's included • All carving tools and equipment • A wood blank for your spoon • Finishing materials • Homemade cake and refreshments • Your hand-carved botanical spoon to take home Hot drinks and food, including amazing fresh fish sandwiches, are also available to buy from the Fishing Museum café downstairs. If you have any allergies or dietary requirements, please let me know when booking and I'll do my best to accommodate them. Time, group & ages 10am–2pm Please arrive 5–10 minutes early so we can get settled and start together. This is a small-group workshop, so there's plenty of time for individual help and guidance. Please bring • Closed-toe shoes • A bottle of water • Clothes you don't mind getting a little bit woody! About your tutor I'm Madi, a Brighton-based woodcarver and artist. I studied Historic Woodcarving at City & Guilds of London Art School, where I trained in traditional carving techniques. I love sharing these skills through relaxed, welcoming workshops where there's plenty of time to get absorbed in the process and get a little bit hooked on carving! Accessibility & good to know Woodcarving involves using sharp tools and requires some grip strength and control in both hands. If you have limited hand strength, dexterity or another access requirement and aren't sure whether the workshop will be suitable, please feel free to get in touch before booking. Where possible, I'm very happy to make adjustments. Please be aware that the workshop takes place upstairs. Please contact me with any access requirements before booking. Safety equipment is provided, and we'll have a full safety briefing before we begin.