Woodcarving

Wood Carving

Instructor Paul Seery

All levels welcome

 

This class introduces students to the fundamentals of wood carving through hands-on practice, guided discussion, and project-based learning. Each class includes short, interactive discussions on safety, body mechanics, knife handling and care, and stropping and compounds. Students will also discuss the economics of wood carving, practical ways to keep costs down, and the philosophy of work and creativity. Each student will learn foundational carving skills and choose a project based on interest and experience level. Projects include beginner campfire whittling, Christmas ornaments, spoons, a ball-in-a-box, and fish or whale carving.

 

Students will provide their own tools, safety gear, and materials. Estimated initial cost of tools and materials: $100.00. Please note initial costs are higher for new students because essential starter supplies are required. 

Paul Seery

Wood Carving Materials List

2026     

 

Safety Materials

·         Protective eyewear required.

·         Band-Aids suggested.

·         One bottle of Visine or similar eyewash optional.

·         Gloves required:

o    one pair of rubber-coated fabric gloves

o    one pair of heavy-duty or grippy work gloves

·         Magnifying glass preferred

Materials and Tools

·         1 pencil

·         1 pen

·         1 eraser

·         6 one-gallon Ziploc bags

·         1 clear container for tool storage, approximately 12" x 12" to start, or a small tackle box

·         Additional containers may be helpful as class progresses

·         1 carving knife required, such as Flexcut, X-Acto, or similar

·         1/8" V chisel required

·         Hook knife optional for spoon or canoe carving

·         X-Acto knife set with three handles and assorted blades recommended

·         Additional chisels optional

·         Sandpaper:

o    150 grit

o    220 grit

o    400 grit, preferably wet/dry

o    optional: 1000, 3000, and 5000 grit wet/dry

·         Dowels for sharpening and sculpting:

o    1/4"

o    5/16"

o    3/8"

o    1/2"

o    3/4"

Suggested Suppliers

·         Hartville Hardware for Flexcut knives, chisels, and 1/8" V tools

·         Lowe’s or Home Depot for sandpaper, scrap wood, and gloves

Suggested Wood

·         Basswood blocks for small carvings such as fish, snowmen, and birds:

o    1" x 1"

o    2" x 2"

o    lengths of 4" to 10"

·         Cedar or maple for spoons

·         Cedar or soft pine 1" x 6" scraps may be used and will be provided by the instructor

·         One piece of plywood, not OSB, 1/2" to 3/4" thick, approximately 16" x 16"

o    instructor will provide and cut to size

·         Shingles as needed or desired

·         Scrap wood is encouraged to help reduce cost

Good Carving Woods

·         poplar

·         cedar

·         redwood

·         cypress

·         soft clear pine

Construction-grade Hem-Fir and Douglas fir 2x4 or 2x6 lumber are not recommended for carving. Oak is not recommended for spoons. Donations of suitable wood are gladly accepted. The instructor will supply some screws, leather scraps, and some wood.

Price: $140.00 (Course Fee) + $0.00 (Credit Card and Convenience Charge)
The following section fees are included in the Price:
$15.00 - Instructional Supplies

Date: May 29, 2026

Time: From 08:30 am to 12:30 pm

Building: Southport Center ( SPC )

Room: 118

Number of seats available: 9

Section: 53702

All Meetings:

* Meetings may be subject to change

This course meets at the following location:

701 N. Lord St. , Southport NC 28461