Albert Park, Melbourne

classes: Woodworking

4.9 (37)

1k followers

Eli Beke makes his work to be compelling and comfortable; in its form to the eye, practicable in use as touched by a hand and to enrich the life of whomsoever it may belong to.

Influenced by Swedish and Japanese carved household objects, a self-taught Craftsman, Beke works mainly in wood and metals; combining wood carving, modern metal fabrication and timber joinery techniques.

Beke’s previous work as an electrical engineer gives him a practicable lens into creating beautiful and functional objects, and his extensive travels by bicycle across Asia in his 20's left a lasting impact on his craft.

Classes

Spoon Carving Workshop

4.9 (29)

Runs regularly

Albert Park

1 to 10

$120 - $130

Spoon Carving Workshop with an Axe and Knife

4.8 (6)

29 Jun, 23 Nov

Albert Park

1 to 10

$220 - $230

Greenwood Spatula Carving Workshop

Sat 24 Aug, 10am

Albert Park

1 to 10

$120 - $135

Gallery

Reviews

(37)

Caitlin Finnerty • Feb 2024

Eli is a great teacher, knowledgeable and patient and the spoon carving is really accessible! I have issues with my hands so wasn't sure I'd be able to do it but Eli goes through all the different techniques and options and spends time with each participant to make sure we're working safely and comfortably

Vincent • Feb 2024

Eli was a great, friendly, knowledgeable teacher. The venue was a relaxing space to learn a great craft

Jazz Capozzi • Feb 2024

A fun class. Eli is great at explaining how to safely use the tools. He gave us lots of useful information and then plenty of time and space to create our own spoons. Really enjoyed ourselves.

John Daly • Feb 2024

Eli gave a comprehensive treatment of tools, materials, techniques and folow-up matters. I enjoyed it very much

Jennifer Teycheney • Feb 2024

I attended a spoon carving workshop run by Eli Beke (Wedge and Edge) at Gasworks Art Park today.

Eli explained the materials (all provided for) we would be using, complete with a blank spoon and the various techniques needed to carve our spoons. His explanations were very clear and he often encouraged us to ask questions if needed.

This was a very enjoyable class due to an appropriately small group of people and Eli’s great sense of humour, and a large arts room which opened up to a lovely greenery.

Eli made sure to walk around and correct techniques when required and was very encouraging.

With music playing in the background, this was a very relaxing class. I came away confident that I will continue to hone my skills. I look forward to continuing with wood carving and I am that I had a great start to this skill.

Will Spencer • Aug 2023

Eli does a good job of explaining the process of Spoon Carving from beginning to end. He is very focused on safety which is great. He gives attention to each person on an individual basis as well as presenting to the class as a whole. It is a very good introduction to Spoon Carving. I enjoyed the course.

Teacher's response

Thanks Will,

I am glad you enjoyed the class,

Warm Regards,

Eli

Cc Hua • Aug 2023

Eli is a fantastic teacher. Very patient and explains this clearly. I learned so much in such a short time.

Teacher's response

Thanks for coming CC!

Wishing you all the best with your carving journey!

Warm Regards,

Eli

Helen Varty • Aug 2023

Wow loved this class, Eli was a great teacher, very patient & informative. Just a bit too far for me to travel, other than that I'd highly recommend this class

Teacher's response

Thanks Helen!

I am glad the class was useful for you! Wishing you all the best with your future spoons!

Warmest Regards,

Eli

Nick Cavallo • Jul 2023

Eli lead the class with great instruction, explaining and demonstrating each technique to everyone, then taking time to work with us each 1on1 to check in and answer any questions we had.

The venue was good, ample parking, toilets, tea and coffee was available.
There was an opportunity to buy some of Eli's work, along with spoon blanks, carving and hook knives which is great if you got the itch to continue!

Thanks Eli for an awesome experience, definitely keen to try out the axe carving class next!

Rob McBlack • Jul 2023

We loved it, Eli was welcoming, knowledgeable and patient, very well run class for diverse range of people, definitely would recommend.

Jared Meeredith • Jul 2023

7 ClassBento workshops attended • 5 reviews

Eli was great. He makes it look so easy! But led myself and the group well - guiding us and letting us know the next steps. I was totally in the zone when carving and I’m keen to continue!

Georgia Kathage • Jun 2023

I really enjoyed this class. Eli was a great teacher! He was great at giving everyone individual attention. Eli explained and demonstrated every step very clearly. The vibe was fun and relaxed! Highly recommend this class if you want to give spoon carving a go!

Miriam Diiren • Jun 2023

We had a fantastic time making spoons in Eli's class. The class was structured in a really engaging way. The tools and wood were provided to us and we were given a tutorial and safety tips about using the tools. Eli was a great teacher — had a great way of explaining the techniques and had a positive attitude. There was an opportunity to purchase some of Eli's beautifully crafted spoons at the end of the class too.

Overall, 10/10 experience.

Sam Goudie • Mar 2023

now obsessed - i did it with friends for my bucks as something more peaceful and engaging

eli was awesome : went through grips, wood theory, kinda stretching and focus quasi meditation, paced really well, really patient with the fellas

many hadn’t been in a class setting for a long time but he found a way to connect and elevate everyone and by the end everyone was deep in flow and neurons / muscles firing

thanks eli, really appreciated the new skill and the new lens on design and craft, you’re a legend

Eric Cox • Feb 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended

The class was great fun! We came away with a good understanding of the tools, materials and techniques, not to mention our very own spoons.

Eli was full of knowledge and gave a good amount of individual attention to make sure we were doing things in the best way.

I already find myself looking around my neighborhood for suitable wood for the next project.

Ben Larsenpope • Feb 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended

A great session. Eli was clear, supportive and certainly knowledgeable. Lovely way to spend three hours and get an introduction to wood carving.

Byron Wilson • Feb 2023

Good fun and great new hobby. Teacher knowledgeable and accomodating highly recommend will go to other workshops he runs.

Itta Somaia • Feb 2023

Great info & techniques & I’m happy with my first spoon Eli has a nice easy manner and great explanations. Thoroughly enjoyed my class!

Roxann Maries • Jan 2023

Great experience and I learnt so much to take home and continue carving at my leisure.

Anna Branford • Dec 2022

This was such an interesting and grounding way to spend a Saturday morning! Eli was encouraging and inspiring and made everyone comfortable. I'd love to attend another of these workshops anytime.

Andrew Kelly • Nov 2022

The class was excellent. Eli was knowledgeable and good at sharing that knowledge. He was a diligent teacher and he paid attention to each student. The pacing of the class was good. The equipment was well prepared.

Reuben Parkin • Nov 2022

Fantastic, I enjoyed every minute of it and will continue to enjoy it every meal I have that requires a spoon

Elizabeth Campbell • Aug 2022

I hadn’t carved wood before, however with Eli’s friendly encouragement I left two hours later with a spoon!
Eli’s comprehensive introduction, demonstrations and support through the process inspired confidence.
An easy to find venue, with ample parking made a stress free start to the day.

Christopher Knight • Aug 2022

Eli new his trade and imparted his enthusiasm while encouraging us novices.

The morning went quickly.

Marnie Ford • Aug 2022

Great workshop, left with my first carved spoon! Eli was patient and gave all participants guidance when carving.
He provided useful information for beginners before commencing, covering safety, structure of wood and techniques to use.
All tools provided and wood supplied. Perfect duration to learn techniques and complete a spoon, without losing focus.
Highly recommended.
Thanks Eli, I’ll be carving more spoons in the coming weeks :)

Shane Stephens • Jul 2022

Very well taught! Felt like I was heard anytime I had a question, and learnt a lot!

Andrew Lanchbery • Jun 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended

friendly and knowledgeable instruction. provided good instructions. provided a good mix of demonstration and trying out things.

Gerd Worpel • Jun 2022

Eli was very patient with beginners and explained things in easy to understand terms. The venue was bright and central. I thought it was value for money as i came away with a new understanding of techniques and skills. Thanks Eli

Ivan Zovko • Jun 2022

Eli's a skilled craftsman and also a great teacher. The workshop was well paced with every stage of the spoon carving process clearly explained and demonstrated. I left the workshop with a nice spoon and a solid foundation of basic carving skills.

Chris Felstead • Jun 2022

Eli is a great teacher. He is patient and explains the woodworking techniques clearly. His focus on working with tools safely was appreciated by this begging!

Sarah Mathers • May 2022

This was a really enjoyable, informative workshop. Eli provided sufficient information clearly, and good support during the class. I really enjoyed the experience and would recommend the workshop to anyone with an interest in wood carving - or simply trying something new!

Melanie Starr • May 2022

3 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

Really loved this class! Eli was very knowledgeable about his craft and taught with great patience and kindness. Thank you Eli - I love my spoon!

Veronika Rayzman • Feb 2022

Really enjoyed the class, will continue with the wooden spoon carving at home. Thanks ELi for the fun workshop

Amelia Camm • Jan 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

This class was very informative.The teacher explained everything clearly and demonstrated the techniques and gave one on one advice. I bought some carving tools afterwards as there was a left-handed tool for sale too.

Luke Roberts • Jan 2022

Eli is a great teacher, his patience and thorough explanation throughout the day was excellent. His skill and mastery of his craft was very impressive and I would definitely recommend this course to any that are intrigued by the idea of carving a spoon from a log. Very enjoyable day out, bring a friend for a fun experience together.

Que Lam • Jan 2022

Eli ran a fantastic workshop. He was very organised, kept us going at a good pace and was extremely encouraging. We had so much fun the time just flew. The workshop was a great activity to share with friends.

Liz Cummins • Nov 2021

3 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews

A friendly, enjoyable and informative workshop with Eli. Venue was central and easy to find, small enough to find the classroom too.
Eli explained and demonstrated really well and continued to support students throughout. Pace of learning and amount of information for learning carving skills was just perfect., as was the balance of learning and doing. Project was really achievable and I was satisfied at the end and wanting more! A big thanks to Eli for the class - such an enjoyable way to spend a Saturday morning. I look forward to carving with Eli again.

Eli Beke Wedge and Edge Woodcraft

location_on Albert Park, Melbourne

local_activity classes: Woodworking

Reviews

Eli Beke
Wedge and Edge Woodcraft

Albert Park, Melbourne

classes: Woodworking