Wood Carving Classes with Gerald Adams of the Master Carvers Association

Your Tutor. Gerald Adams

After obtaining a fine art degree at Exeter, Gerald worked for a large Norfolk Furniture maker making fine reproductions, before studying carving at the London College of Furniture and setting up on his own.

The workshop has been in production since 1986 producing components for the furniture industry, as well as lately, design, architectural detail and sculptural work for large private houses and the church.

Some happy course participants

 Ruth carving an Owl

I just wanted to say thank you.
I attended a total beginners class last week and learned so much. I had no idea what to expect from the day, but learned about the different tools and their uses, sharpening techniques and so many other things. Anyone thinking of trying this hobby/craft should not hesitate. There were 4 others on the course, a doctor, carpenter, IT professional, a lady flower arranger and myself. Camaraderie was good, lunch was excellent and the instruction very professional. I will soon be booking a longer course.
Thank you Gerald

'A brilliant grounding, giving me me confidence to follow a sketch through to completion.'

'Wonderful 2 day course, thoroughly enjoyed it, am looking forward to finishing off todays work and doing further projects.

'"Went along at our own speed with Gerald always there to help out and give advice"

'It was good to be with other people who were learning and enthusiastic about carving. I feel able to begin work on the projects I have been wanting to do for years but not had the courage/skill/knowledge to start. When I was carving yesterday on my own I remembered what you had said and was really able to find ways of working with the wood rather than against it and it was thrilling to experience what you had been saying.'

Demonstrating
Carving lettering
Wood Carving Courses
WOODCARVING FOR BEGINNERS
Thursday afternoons 2.00 - 4.30pm.
and first day of the 2 day course
New One day taster sessions
Just come for the day to learn the basic skills.
Come back again if you want to further your projects.

MAX 5 STUDENTS.

Gerald gained a Cert Ed, teaching qualification in 1998 and has taught at Adult education and technical college level for many years. He has run his own carving business since 1986, all courses will be taught in the workshop and students will get the feeling of working in a professional atmosphere.

AIMS OF COURSE:

The course is designed to introduce students to the specific skills and techniques involved in woodcarving, to boost their confidence and enthusiasm to take on new projects.

WHAT STUDENTS SHOULD ACHIEVE

Students should gain a good understanding of the fundamentals of woodcarving techniques and practices, the tutor aims to encourage and direct individuals to use their talents effectively. You can expect to complete a piece of work in the time available.

TECHNIQUES AND MATERIALS COVERED

• Health and Safety
• Basic design work
• learn how to sharpen and use a range of tools
• Ways of Holding and securing work
• Roughing out and initial wood removal
• Developing and detailing the work with various tools and gouges
• Surface treatment and finishing.
TEACHING METHOD

The course is hands on: tuition is by demonstration; learning is by practice with tutor input.

STUDENT PREPARATION

Students should wear clothing and footwear suitable for hands on workshop work.

Bring any hand tools you already have but please do not buy new or extra as there are tools available and advice will be given on what is required. Wood is available at cost.

Woodcarving courses - projects
WOODCARVING COURSES 2 Day / WEEKEND
The joy of woodcarving is the range of subjects that can tackled and with my wide ranging background and experience of work, from life and animal sculpture to church work and furniture and all the bits in between anything can be achieved!

As well as the subjects covered in the beginner’s class the following, more specific areas can be taught.

These are suggestions as weekends can be tailored to suit individual carvers, we aim to have fun as well as be instructional and inspirational.

STUDENT PROJECTS

Bring your own new or ongoing projects for advice and further encouragement.

If you could send photo’s or drawings before the course, we can have a head start.

LETTERING

Again the course looks at design, transferring design to wood, cutting and finishing

Students should by the end of a weekend have a house sign or plaque to take home.

CARVE A CABRIOLE LEG

This covers the subject from design to finished product, various aspects are looked at:-
• Design and patterns
• Cutting out
• Shaping with spokeshaves
• Carving, depending on duration of course, shell knee, scroll knee, acanthus leaves, pad foot, ball and claw foot.

A maximum of 5 students are accepted, so tutor/student contact time is high. On the week courses and sometimes on the weekends I might work on my own work as well, which I think is helpful, (a) so that I am not looking over your shoulder the whole time! And (b) Students can see and learn from different aspects of the craft depending on what I am working on at the time.
Why not give a course as a present? Birthday, Anniversary or Christmas, Vouchers available!

Please give me a ring on 01508 532111 to discuss fees and dates.
More information on the website http://www.adamswoodcarving.co.uk/

Linenfold Panel
April 2011 group