Designer Melanie Abrantes will lead students in hand carving their own wooden spoons using traditional Japanese tools and techniques. The class will start with a discussion of different wood types, an explanation of the tools required, and an overview of the techniques used to cut wood. Once students have acquired a basic understanding, Melanie will lead them in carving the bowl of the spoon with the spoongouge, then designing and whittling the handle and top of the spoon. When the final design has been reached, students will sand and finish their spoons with an all-natural finish. All tools will be provided to use during the workshop, with the option of purchasing the tools to continue your spoon making practice at home! 

+ Basswood Spoon blank
+ 15 mm japanese spoon gouge 
+ Mikikicha carving knife 
+ Handwritten instructions.

Class: $130 

Tool Rental Fee: $20 

Kit: $70

•  This workshop is ideal for adults and also appropriate for kids (10+) 

Melanie Abrantes Designs is a Bay Area-based producer of handcrafted, heirloom objects. Founder Melanie Abrantes believes that in order to create something beautiful, you have to get your hands dirty. She founded her company in 2013 when she realized there was a growing American market for handmade goods. Working with a variety of unique materials, Melanie strives to create products of the highest quality that are equally beautiful and functional. Through the technique of lathing, she turns simple pieces of solid wood and cork into one-of-a-kind bowls, plates, cups and stands. Her passion for woodworking originates from the simple fact that every piece is unique as the material it is made from. Time in the studio is dedicated to researching, testing and adapting the product to its user, resulting in a simple, yet unique object of the highest quality. Moving forward, Melanie plans to broaden her line to include furniture and lighting, maintaining her dedication to handmade. www.melanieabrantes.com