Join professional woodcarver and teacher, Mary May, in this five-day class as she helps you get started on the basics of woodcarving. Starting from the beginning of woodcarving fundamentals, Mary will cover: getting your tools razor sharp, safe use of gouges, securing your work to the bench, and carving in the correct grain direction. The projects in this five-day course will start with a very basic floral relief carving with each project getting progressively more challenging (without you even realizing it!). Mary will walk you through the thought process of how to plan out a carving from start to finish. As you work through the various projects, she will share techniques on working with overlapping elements, tricks of how to make the carving appear deeper than it actually is, and other carving secrets. Come join us in learning a fun and relaxing new skill! You will get a chance to carve in basswood and walnut. Required Tools: Personal protective equipment Pencil Paper or notepad Close-toed shoes Mallet Fingerless gloves (bicycle or weight lifting gloves) 6mm v-chisel #3, 6mm #3, 14mm #5, 14mm #7, 6mm #7, 14mm Flat chisel: single-bevel fishtail, 14mm (optional) Please bring your own tools. This tool list is approximate, use it as a guideline. If you have tools that are close to the numbers on the list, please contact Mary to see if they can be substituted. Mary will be bringing some extras if you can't find a full set, but won't have enough for everyone. If you have additional gouges not listed, please bring them - you can never have enough tools! Mary May carving set packages are available through ChippingAway.com. The Beginner Set plus a flat chisel. Fishtail shaped gouges are recommended if available. Prerequisites Bring enthusiasm and an open mind. This class is designed for complete novices up through experienced woodworkers who would like to tune up their skills.