Alma Arriaga
location_on Coburg North, Melbourne
local_activity classes: Woodworking
5.0 (114)
5k followers
Decoteca is Alma Arriaga, an industrial designer making furniture, carving spoons and other timber projects in her workshop in Melbourne, Australia. More than ever before, she is eager to share her knowledge and experience with any timber enthusiasts out there.
Classes
Reviews
(114)
Karyn Findlay • Apr 2024
Great class, Alma was very patient, knowledgeable and helpful. Easy to find and I loved coming home with a finished piece.
Julie Chetcuti • Apr 2024
27 ClassBento workshops attended • 18 reviews
Alma is an amazing teacher. So full of knowledge and explains everything so well. I couldn’t believe I could end up doing what I did in the first class. Definitely value for money and can’t wait to go back.
Jessica Lindholm • Apr 2024
This was an excellent class! I left feeling so inspired to keep carving! Thank you Alma!
Madeleine McKinley • Apr 2024
10 ClassBento workshops attended • 9 reviews
Loved this class! Alma is a great teacher and so knowledgeable. She provided helpful advice during the class but also let everyone do their own thing.
Steve Rogers • Apr 2024
This was fantastic
Learnt so much and had a great time
I will do another class
Giota Niko • Apr 2024
9 ClassBento workshops attended • 5 reviews
The class was a great overview about wooden bowl carving and tools and techniques to use, and the teacher Alma was excellent! Highly recommend if you're looking for an introduction.
Sarah Orr • Apr 2024
I took a Spoon Carving course with Alma of Decoteca and loved it. So much so that I may even enrol in some of her other classes.
I found Alma friendly, informative and engaging.
The Useful Box Studio was a great venue. When the timbers were getting cut, the smell was incredible!
Patrick Stokes • Apr 2024
A brilliant way to start out with woodturning! I was completely new to lathes and really unsure what to expect. Alma’s a fantastic teacher with an obvious wealth of knowledge and experience, and she walks you through the whole thing with great detail, clarity, patience and encouragement. So glad I did this course and very keen to do more.
Anita Blume • Apr 2024
Alma was a great teacher. I have some woodturning experience and she was able to help me with a couple of things that I had not yet learned. She was patient and kind and the whole workshop and equipment were fantastic. Highly recommend this class for beginners or people with some experience looking to upskill.
Emma Albano • Mar 2024
This was a great class. Really informative, comfortable and safe introduction to Spoon Carving, basic tools and different woods. Everything was provided and we had freedom to attempt to create anything we could imagine. It was a decent sized class but Alma was great at managing her time with everyone, providing assistance and giving feedback/suggestions one on one with everyone. Could not recommend it enough. I think I definitely have the carving bug.
Geetu Geetu • Mar 2024
It was a good experience. Beautiful studio. It was worth every penny, Alma is a great teacher. Fun to learn something new on a weekend!
Jas Vuong • Mar 2024
It was an amazing experience. Alma helped me so patiently through the whole tedious process.
Grace Piskopos • Feb 2024
6 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews
Alma was very knowledgeable and patient. She kept positive even when I was getting frustrated that it was a bit tricky for me to pick up. A really fun experience and I look forward to learning more with her again next time.
Trevor West • Feb 2024
Alma is a very patient and excellent tutor. For a klutz like me to produce a finished piece under her guidance was a wonderful experience. I look forward to learning more at my next class. Thanks
Tania Ivanka • Jan 2024
This was a wonderful experience, Alma is knowledgeable, supportive and encouraging. We left with a beautiful spoon each that we are using already! We need to go back for bowl carving next :)
Elizabeth Parker • Jan 2024
8 ClassBento workshops attended • 5 reviews
Very much enjoyed this class.
Alma is a fantastic teacher.
Just wish she ran two day workshops
Kimberley Edwards • Jan 2024
A great venue and Alma is a very knowledgable teacher! I loved going through the process of learning the angles and hand tool skills with all the support I needed to achieve my first basic wood turned piece.
Casper Walker • Jan 2024
Really fun learning how to carve a bowl! :) challenging but they provided nice ways to make it work within your limits
Melita Prideaux • Jan 2024
12 ClassBento workshops attended • 13 reviews
I didn't have any experience and I was nervous going to the class, but I felt so relaxed and very comfortable with the teacher. The teacher Alma took it at my pace, and explained things at my level for my understanding and she was always helping me every bit of the way. I got an great insight and a amazing beginners first time hands on experience into wood turning. I felt really proud and was thrived of the huge achievement when I created a vase with the help of Alma. I would definitely love to do another class with her again to learn more and to improve my skills. I would highly recommend family and friends.
Dianne Wilson • Dec 2023
4 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews
Great class even for very beginners. Vey expertly led by Alma who encouraged us to develop our ideas and offered individual support when needed. She created a friendly respectful atmosphere. Each one of us were delighted with a finished spoon in just 4 hours. Highly recommend.
Alice Duong • Dec 2023
I really enjoyed bowl carving! Alma was a great teacher and guided us through the whole process with plenty of instruction and at a great pace. I'm really pleased with how the bowl turned out and I now have a greater appreciation for hand carved wooden objects!
Sarah Lerpiniere • Nov 2023
We had simply the best time with Alma!
The freedom we had to choose the design and type of wood to use for our bowls was a pleasant surprise. Alma supported everyone to achieve their vision to a high standard. It was a really fabulous day!
Katharine Peters • Nov 2023
2 ClassBento workshops attended
Great one-on-one workshop. Good value for money. If I lived locally, I would do more of Alma’s courses.
Tieu Thien Tang • Nov 2023
Alma is so kindd, I’ve learned so many thing today. Thank you for being so patient to me =)))
Grettle Codiamat • Nov 2023
Alma was awesome, was so patient in guiding a newbie. Thoroughly enjoyed my time, and walked away with pieces I really love. So appreciate her willingness to go a little bit overtime so we could finish my candleholders. Highly, highly recommend!
Dan Kennedy • Oct 2023
Epic class today making a bowl. Alma is awesome and knows her stuff. Can’t wait to do more. So stoked
Jessica Edmondson • Oct 2023
Alma was fantastic at teaching us some of the skills required to create something from the wood turning process and we had heaps of fun.
Georgia • Oct 2023
What an amazing day, tuned up a little nervous but excited to try something that I have wanted to do for years. on arrival, we got straight to the basics and the teacher was so good at explaining and showing you exactly what we were doing and why we do certain things. I made a candle stick that was a lot of fun and I really enjoyed having a piece to take home. I will definitely be back for another session. totally recommend it to anyone who wants to give it a go.
Tessa • Sep 2023
2 ClassBento workshops attended
I had an absolute blast learning how to make a wooden spoon! It was such an interesting process to watch this chunk of wood transform into one of my now favourite cooking utensils. During the design and wood selection process Alma pushed us to try more intricate and difficult designs and I'm so glad she did. It was also wonderful that she had the option to buy your own kits so we could continue developing our skills at home. 10/10 would recommend to anyone and everyone!
Isaac • Sep 2023
Had such a great experience in this class. Alma was a fantastic teacher, showing us all the techniques, encouraging everybody and answering our questions. Was great to leave with an awesome spoon and a kit to continue at home!
Amy Hood • Sep 2023
Fantastic teacher and very knowledgeable
Wood turning was loads of fun and very enjoyable
Thank you very much
Melissa Blythman • Sep 2023
We enjoyed our spoon carving class very much. Alma is a great teacher and very patient. We came away with a finished spoon that is both unique and purposeful. I would highly recommend Alma’s class.
Rishabh Khemani • Sep 2023
Alma was excellent and so was the workshop.
This workshop was a birthday gift from my husband and I loved it.
I will definitely come back for more practice and great experience.
Elizabeth Parker • Aug 2023
8 ClassBento workshops attended • 5 reviews
Great class lots of fun. The teacher was lovely . Definitely recommend this workshop . Beautiful wood
John Schroeders • Aug 2023
9 ClassBento workshops attended • 8 reviews
Was a great class teacher was awesome and helpful my spoon i did looks great
Georgina Morrissey • Aug 2023
4 ClassBento workshops attended • 4 reviews
The teacher was incredibly patient and knowledgeable. Venue was easy to find, parking wasn’t
a problem. Relaxed atmosphere and good equipment. Went home with a completed spoon. Great way to spend a Sunday. Time just right to start 10am and finish.
Norma Rivera • Jul 2023
The spoon carving class was a truly remarkable experience, and I had lots of fun throughout the workshop. The teacher was excellent, displaying passion and expertise. High-quality tools and materials were provided. Crafting my own spoon was incredibly satisfying. The friendly atmosphere fostered a sense of camaraderie among participants. Overall, the class was enriching, enjoyable, and highly recommended for anyone interested in spoon carving.
Carl Baverstock • Jul 2023
I had an amazing experience with my first woodturning lesson since school. Alma, my teacher, was a great instructor, patient and helpful. I started relearning the skills I had long forgotten. I turned a good piece of cedar into a respectable candle holder. A highly recommended teacher and course.
Ana Nolasco • Jul 2023
If you're into hands-on activities, you've got to check out this carving class. Seriously, it was such a cool experience, and I learned a ton! The teacher is super helpful and teaches you how to bring your design to life. Plus, they're always there with ideas in case you need a little inspiration. I never thought I had it in me to create something like what I made, but let me tell you, it made me feel so stoked and happy. You've gotta give it a shot!
Paul Prato • Jul 2023
2 ClassBento workshops attended
Alma’s class was super great, she guided us through different beautiful woods and helped us to make spoons to cherish for a lifetime. Really relaxed and professional class perfect for everyone, definitely recommend! Have already cooked with my spoon and loving it ✨
Cristina Sanchez • Jul 2023
She’s an amazing teacher and I love my spoon and the whole process. She is very knowledgeable and such a sweet person. Love the class and already plan to take 4 of my friends over to do their spoons
Mary-Rose Calcutt • Jul 2023
2 ClassBento workshops attended
Alma was very knowledgeable about the tools and process of creating a spoon. She had lots of interesting information about the different types of wood and how they affect the final spoon. Alma was very supportive in everyone's designs and had very good advice on techniques, as well as a kit that has everything you need to carve a spoon at home. I made two small spoons and I have everything I need to finish them! I'm also excited about the casual workshops/meetups.
Jessica Alvarez • Jul 2023
One of the best classes I have ever been!
I have never tried spoon carving before so I was a little nervous ,but Alma was a great teacher!
She was patient with me and made sure I felt comfortable and answer all my questions.
Alma provides the materials and helps you to bring your design to life. You can create your dream spoon.
This class it’s definitely a must!
Trent Stewart • Jul 2023
2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews
Alma invited us into a wonderful workshop and with her guidance I crafted a beautiful cooking spoon which had been hiding inside an offcut of black walnut. Alma gave guidance when needed and gave each student focus and assistance when they were struggling, while leaving others to work at their own pace. It was extremely relaxing working away and you really become aware of the growth and grain patterns in the timber - and there was CANNOLI! Thank you Alma - I enjoyed it way more than I expected.
Jarrah Pechey • Jul 2023
Highly recommend this class for beginners or anyone interested in woodworking and turning. Thorough overview of the different tools, technicians skills used. Alma is a very patient and engaged teacher - double thumbs up.
Vincent Mougeot • Jun 2023
Alma is a really good teacher. It was my first time doing some woodturning and I managed to make 2 small bowl. Really fun and interesting thanks to alma experience !
Vincent
Mae Johns • Jun 2023
18 ClassBento workshops attended • 14 reviews
I went into the class a complete novice with wood work. It took me a while to get a hang of the tools and, of course, made mistakes. Alma was really patient and helped me correct them and make a piece to be proud of.
Diana Luzza • Jun 2023
2 ClassBento workshops attended
Loved this class! Alma is a highly skilled and patient teacher and all materials were provided. I love my candle holder and had so much fun making it. Highly recommend!
Ebony Weibgen • Jun 2023
8 ClassBento workshops attended • 7 reviews
A good introduction to carving, after getting the hang of the tools it becomes easier. An accurate time frame for the result, and some snacks for a break time with tea or coffee. Allows for a variety of shapes to be created, excited by the final product!
Megan Collins • Jun 2023
25 ClassBento workshops attended • 21 reviews
This was awesome. Alma was very knowledgeable and explained the process extremely well. You made your own design and chose the wood you wanted to use and had a great selection. It is a hard and long process but worth every minute. Highly recommend this class
Dylan Giakoumatos • Jun 2023
2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews
Alma took us through everything safely and in detail. She set expectations and encouraged us all to do our best and gave us the support we needed to do so.
We both came out with a very lovely day, lots of new skills, and most importantly two wonderful spoons.
Thank you so much
Jacolize Goosen • May 2023
Love working with Alma
She is so patient and extremely supportive She listens to what I wanted to make and I felt like she explained the tools and processes extremely well
I can’t wait for my next session ☺️
Winter Stagg • May 2023
32 ClassBento workshops attended • 28 reviews
all i can say is that this teacher is incredibly understanding, professional and compassionate.
i cannot wait to book any again to try and build my dream project!
(pictured below)
Joanne Waldron • Apr 2023
3 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews
I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed this class - was not sure how I would go, and although I did find it hard, Alma was a supportive and helpful teacher! Would recommend
Peter Dobson • Apr 2023
Alma was great. She presented well. Well organised and explained all the equipment and safety requirements.
Good wood supplied and after initial introduction and practical demonstration of technique we proceeded to make a vase.
See photo.
Would highly recommend Alma.
Karen Sayer • Mar 2023
3 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews
Great informal class- lovely to have so much help being a total novice. Good choice of wood types - the characteristics of each were explained and tools demonstrated.
Alma was very patient and everyone got personal attention with their spoon projects.
I now have a new found respect for hand carved wooden spoons!
Lynda Grogan • Feb 2023
Great class. Alma was very knowledgeable and very hands on to help every student achieve their creation. Plenty of tools available with a complete demo. She gave an overview of wood types and qualities to help us decide on our project. Loved it
Kathryn McGrath • Oct 2022
2 ClassBento workshops attended
I had such a great time at this class. A very chill 4 hours carving a spoon. Came out of it with a lovely implement and now I want to start it as a hobby! The teacher and fellow participants were a relaxed bunch with a lot to offer. Highly recommend.
Chris Osborne • Oct 2022
Really enjoyed learning a new skill. Alma did a great job taking us through the process in clear steps. So excited to take my awesome new spoon home and now looking forward to making the rest up the cutlery set.
Seivan Moradkhani • Jul 2022
She was very patient and spend way more time with us and i highly recommend you to join her class
