Adirondack Folk School

Introduction to Chip Carving
2025-07-19 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-23 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-24 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-13 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-14 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-02-07 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-02-08 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-11 09:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) and 5 more dates | Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY, 12846, United States
This course will introduce students to the traditional craft of chip carving – a type of woodcarving in which a small knife is used to incise decorative floral and geometric designs into basswood or butternut. The design is created by the removal of small pieces (chips) of the wood. Chip carving is an ancient, traditional craft. Chip carved plates, jewelry and keepsake boxes, trays, breadboards, furniture and other items can make wonderful gifts and also decorate the home with traditional motifs. Some previous carving experience is helpful, but not necessary. Students will learn to carve a variety of practice designs already drawn on a board and may complete a round ornament as well.

Sharpening Carving Tools
2025-09-07 09:00 - 16:00
Students are encouraged to bring whatever sharpening items they use for their tools and the correct method will be demonstrated. Most importantly, what to look for and how a tool performs will be discussed and displayed. All students will be given the opportunity to sharpen their own tools.

Carving Lettering
2025-09-20 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-21 09:00 - 16:00
In this class you will explore the history of carved letters, including raised and incised examples. Design, proper layout, and spacing will be taught. The correct approach to handling carving tools and interesting techniques will be demonstrated. Sharpening and tool maintenance will be shown. Students of all levels will be able to learn how to carve on flat or shaped surfaces. This class is a must for any student of carving.

Carving Basics
2025-10-04 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-05 09:00 - 16:00
Students will learn the correct way to use tools, set up a shop for the best results, position work and use lighting to their advantage. Basic forms will be explored and a beautiful study board is kept for future reference. A must for anyone interested in learning both the basics and the finer points of carving. Students can bring their own carving tools or buy available tools. Advance notice is required if tools are required. A basic kit will be available or recommended.

Chip Carve a Greenman
2025-11-01 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-02 09:00 - 16:00
A symbol of the unity of man and nature, the Green Man is the figure of a human face surrounded by leaves and flowers. Students will receive a basswood, live edge plank and several possible green man designs, including one female face, to apply to the plank. The face will then be chip carved into the plank. Students will go home with a rustic, interesting and beautiful piece to hang on the wall.

Chip Carved Peace Board
2025-11-22 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-23 09:00 - 16:00
It is good to remind ourselves of the importance of PEACE in our lives. In this session, each student will receive two basswood boards, each 4 in. wide, 12 in. long and 3/8 in. thick. One board will have the word PEACE written on it, and a second board will say SHALOM. On each board the word will be bordered by a leaf design. A blank board may be available for students who want to write and carve PEACE in a language of their own choosing.

Chip Carved Ornaments or Coasters
2025-12-06 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-12-07 09:00 - 16:00
Using traditional chip carving with small knives, students will carve attractive, intricate patterns into 4″ basswood disks, stars or squares that can be used as either Christmas tree ornaments or coasters. All students will receive and carve a basswood board with practice designs and then use the same designs to carve into the ornaments or coasters. Decorate your own tree or give as a holiday gift! This class is for intermediate or advanced carvers.

Hardwood Spoon Carving
2025-12-12 09:00 - 17:00
In this class students will design, shape and carve a serving spoon. Skills explored include: making a template and transferring it to a blank, carving and shaping the bowl and back of the spoon, use of hand tools such as gouges, scrapers, coping saws, and spokeshaves, and sanding and finishing techniques. Students will leave class with a beautiful handcrafted hardwood spoon to use in their own kitchens or to give as a gift!

Hardwood Spoon Carving
2026-02-13 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-15 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-07-03 09:00 - 17:00
In this class students will design, shape and carve a serving spoon. Skills explored include: making a template and transferring it to a blank, carving and shaping the bowl and back of the spoon, use of hand tools such as gouges, scrapers, coping saws, and spokeshaves, and sanding and finishing techniques. Students will leave class with a beautiful, handcrafted hardwood spoon to use in their own kitchens or to give as a gift!

Relief Carved Door Toppers
2026-06-25 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-26 09:00 - 16:00
Carve a decorative door topper for your interior or exterior door. Learn to design, lay out, and carve, a scenic design or welcome sign for the top of your door.
