In this workshop we will make simple, beautiful wooden buttons from fresh and dry wood. This is an absolute beginners workshop and a perfect first step into green woodworking. There is very little carving involved, but participants will learn a small, satisfying wood project from start to finish.
We will explore two different techniques:
First, we will use small green branches and learn how to saw clean, straight slices. These round buttons highlight the end grain of the wood and each piece shows a unique natural pattern. After sawing, we will smooth the surfaces and drill two sewing holes.
Second, we will use leftover wood pieces from spoon or bowl carving. These pieces are split into thin radial strips using an axe and a wooden mallet. This is not an axe-carving workshop and not a course on making spoon blanks. Instead, we focus on safe splitting techniques where hands and fingers stay well away from the cutting edge. From these radial strips we shape square or rectangular buttons that beautifully show the contrast between heartwood and sapwood.
Along the way, we will talk about wood selection, safe tool handling, and simple finishing techniques.
By the end of the workshop, participants will have a small collection of handmade wooden buttons and the knowledge to continue making them at home.
What to bring: Please bring a carving knife (e.g. Mora 120). An axe is very welcome if you have one, but not required. A carving glove or finger guard is highly recommended, as we will work with small pieces. All other tools and materials are provided. If you don’t have a carving knife we will have some for sale on site or some to borrow.
Material Cost: 2-5€ paid directly to Bettina on site.
Skill Level/Prerequisite’s: This workshop is for absolute beginners.
Minimum age: 16 years old.
Afternoon workshops start after our lunch break around 2:00pm (14:00) and end around 5 or 6pm.
Bettina's speaks German and English.
If language is a barrier we are confident you will learn even if you speak or understand broken English. So much of the learning depends on seeing, feeling, and hearing the sounds as well.
IMPORTANT- Festival Tickets are booked separately and in addition to workshops. Please be sure you have booked your ticket before booking workshops!
In this workshop we will make simple, beautiful wooden buttons from fresh and dry wood. This is an absolute beginners workshop and a perfect first step into green woodworking. There is very little carving involved, but participants will learn a small, satisfying wood project from start to finish.
We will explore two different techniques:
First, we will use small green branches and learn how to saw clean, straight slices. These round buttons highlight the end grain of the wood and each piece shows a unique natural pattern. After sawing, we will smooth the surfaces and drill two sewing holes.
Second, we will use leftover wood pieces from spoon or bowl carving. These pieces are split into thin radial strips using an axe and a wooden mallet. This is not an axe-carving workshop and not a course on making spoon blanks. Instead, we focus on safe splitting techniques where hands and fingers stay well away from the cutting edge. From these radial strips we shape square or rectangular buttons that beautifully show the contrast between heartwood and sapwood.
Along the way, we will talk about wood selection, safe tool handling, and simple finishing techniques.
By the end of the workshop, participants will have a small collection of handmade wooden buttons and the knowledge to continue making them at home.
What to bring: Please bring a carving knife (e.g. Mora 120). An axe is very welcome if you have one, but not required. A carving glove or finger guard is highly recommended, as we will work with small pieces. All other tools and materials are provided. If you don’t have a carving knife we will have some for sale on site or some to borrow.
Material Cost: 2-5€ paid directly to Bettina on site.
Skill Level/Prerequisite’s: This workshop is for absolute beginners.
Minimum age: 16 years old.
Afternoon workshops start after our lunch break around 2:00pm (14:00) and end around 5 or 6pm.
Bettina's speaks German and English.
If language is a barrier we are confident you will learn even if you speak or understand broken English. So much of the learning depends on seeing, feeling, and hearing the sounds as well.
IMPORTANT- Festival Tickets are booked separately and in addition to workshops. Please be sure you have booked your ticket before booking workshops!