Introduction to Whittling Workshop

Learn to whittle figurines from timber!



5 hours Location Woy Woy and other locations Class size 1 to 10 guests   $199 ($199 per class surcharge applies for private classes) (Afterpay available)

Looking to learn a new skill? Join our Central Coast workshop and learn how to whittle your own creations under the guidance of an experienced whittler.
Discover the basics of whittling, from safe practices to finishing touches and leave with a unique creation all of your own.
What we cover:
  • Gain knowledge of general safety when working with whittling knives
  • Learn the basics of wood grain direction and different types of whittling cuts
  • Practise working with knives, perfecting finishing cuts and using finishing oil
  • Understand safe whittling posture, proper knife care and how to continue your whittling journey
What we will make:
  • At the time of booking there is an option to select what you would like to focus on. The options are: Animals, Figure, or Ornaments. All options teach the foundational skills of whittling so there is no missing out.
  • Animals is the popular and classic focus on Wombats and dogs.
  • Figure is focused on fine detailing.
  • Ornaments is all about making many small pieces and exploring the use of paint as a finish to bring colour to your creation.
Don't worry if you're new to whittling, this workshop is a supportive environment where you can explore your creativity and develop new skills.
By the end of the day, you'll have your own hand-whittled figurine and the confidence to keep carving at home.
Please note:
  • This course is open to students 13 and older. Anyone under the age of 13, please contact the class instructor prior to booking to discuss.
  • Students 16-17 years of age may attend a course without a parent or guardian present.
  • The instructor has a valid first aid and working with children check.
  • Dates for this class require at least 3 guests to run. In the unlikely event that we don't reach this number, we'll cancel the class; in this case, we'll inform you and allow you to get a refund or reschedule, so please watch your email/SMS one day prior to the class.

Upcoming dates for Introduction to Whittling Workshop

Times are Sydney time. Dates and prices as of 20 Oct 2026, 7:06am; availability and price are confirmed live when booking on this page.

3 upcoming dates between 22 Nov 2026 and 9 Jan 2027.

  • Sun 22 Nov 2026, 10am-3pm (15 Kyeema Ave, Saratoga NSW)
  • Sun 13 Dec 2026, 10am-3pm (15 Kyeema Ave, Saratoga NSW)
  • Sat 9 Jan 2027, 10am-3pm (15 Kyeema Ave, Saratoga NSW)
What you'll get
  • A hand-whittled figurine
  • An appreciation of whittling your own items
  • The knowledge to safely and effectively use whittling knives and other tools in a variety of ways.
  • The ability to go on and whittle anything you want to in the future
  • A knowledge of how to finish and care for your creation
Read more details   
Knowledge required
This workshop is aimed at people with no experience with woodwork and who are looking for an introduction to the craft. The whittling course is open to participants 16 years and older.
The course is run using entirely hand tools so you need to be aware that there is an element of physicality involved.
What to bring
  • You are encouraged to bring your own protective eyewear if you would like it (it is NOT mandatory).
  • You are required to wear closed-toe shoes.
  • Please wear clothing that can get dirty (e.g. sawdust will be present).
  • Long hair needs to be tied back, and no loose-hanging jewellery should be worn.
  • Safety gloves and aprons will be provided but if you prefer to bring your own you are welcome. Please ensure any gloves are cut-resistant. We recommend and use the Trojan Cut Resistant Gloves from Bunnings.

FAQ

What animal(s) will we make during the class?
I always have the wombat shape in two sizes, and the standard dog shape available (which can be done in 3 different styles). In addition to those two animals I always have a selection of blocks and offcuts to explore your own creativity.
How many things will I make during the class?
All students who have completed the workshop so far have finished at least 1 animal. Around half the students complete an animal in 3 to 4 hours and have some time left over to work on smaller projects like mushrooms. Some students like to take their work home and continue working on it rather than finish and oil during the class.
How is the class structured?
Everyone works at their own pace and I make my way around the group throughout the session demonstrating techniques and giving direction mostly one on one and giving instruction on when to move on to the next step of the process. This way no one gets left behind and everyone can work at their own pace without and stresses of missing out on information.
Location

15 Kyeema Ave, Saratoga NSW and Unit 6/11-13 The Boulevarde, Woy Woy NSW (varies by date; click the date selector to see details)

Your teacher can also travel within 120 kms of Woy Woy, to a venue of your choice for a private class.

Introduction to Whittling Workshop location
Verified reviews

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Recent reviews of Introduction to Whittling Workshop

  • 5/5 from Ellie Croft, attended Oct 2026: We had such a great Saturday whittling away! I could not recommend more, the techniques we learnt will go toward so many more projects going forward. We all made something different to go home with and felt very guided in the process by our awesome teacher!
  • 5/5 from Matthew Wood, attended Oct 2026: This class was so much fun, I have never done whittling before, and now have a new hobby to pick up! Nick was extremely informative, and provided great guidance on how to use the tools, techniques as well as taking the time to individually go through when you got to a point. I highly recommend attending this class, it is fantastic.
  • 5/5 from Keith Rodrigues, attended Sep 2026: Thoroughly enjoyed the workshop today! Great introduction to wood carving, very informative & easy to understand techniques from a very experienced teacher. I would highly recommend this course to anyone(all ages) who has an interest in this hobby to have a go!
  • 5/5 from Lachlan Ennion, attended Sep 2026: I really didn't know what to expect but my son Theodore and I had an excellent experience learning to whittle. We both walked away with our own wombats and can't wait to do it again.
  • 5/5 from Tanya Silver, attended Aug 2026: A great class, the wombat my son made is very cute.
  • 5/5 from Sara Fraser, attended Aug 2026: Fantastic! Great instruction and guidance, chilled out atmosphere and opportunity to produce something really cool! Highly recommend
  • 5/5 from Mitchell Flindell, attended May 2026: Had a lot of fun thanks so much for a great experience Nick! Highly recommend
  • 5/5 from Garry S Thorn, attended Feb 2026: We attended our workshop on Valentines Day, just because that was wehn it was available at Saratoga, and were lucky to have an individual class for the two of us, as others had rescheduled. We learned about different types of knives, and cutting and whittling techniques and made a small wombat from a pre-shaped wooden block. Nick explained clearly the process, and worked with us as we went, giving clear directions as we reached each new stage. We were in the Community hall, which was a nice location, and would be okay for slightly larger groups as well. We bought some more blanks to try some other projects. We'd recommend it to anyone wanting to try a different and meditative craft hobby.
  • 5/5 from Jane Williamson, attended Feb 2026: Nick was a great teacher! The class was fun, enlightening, and I can't wait to do more whittling - my new hobby.
  • 5/5 from Lucy Coles, attended Sep 2025: Loved the class, Nick is great and would definitely recommend!
  • 5/5 from Lauren Constable, attended Aug 2025: Was an excellent class, I left feeling confident in my abilities to craft on my own Nick was a lovely teacher
  • 5/5 from Samuel Hobson, attended Jun 2025: This was a birthday present for my partner, and we absolutely adored it! Learning how to properly use the different knives for different parts of the carving process was explained super clearly. The pacing of the class was very relaxed but SO fun, the teacher was very friendly, patient and open for a good chat. His knowledge of carving was incredible too. Being able to create multiple things in the one class was definitely a highlight.
  • 5/5 from Kjerstine Pickering, attended May 2025: Teacher very kind and interested in student progress. Well paced. Good roll-out of instruction and demonstration. Great supply of equipment, tools and visual resources. Safe place to try a new craft.
  • 5/5 from Katie Hill, attended May 2025: Great workshop! Nick was really informative and helpful. We learnt all the necessary and practical things so we can easily continue our whittling at home. Was such a nice and relaxing afternoon to spend with my son. We love the little wombat we made! Definitely recommend!
  • 5/5 from Eliza Kitchener, attended Feb 2025: My partner surprised me with this wonderful workshop hosted by Nick. Had a lovely time whittling away a small wombat. Nick was clear, kind, approachable and passionate about the craft and offered up a lot of knowledge and resources to help anyone on their whittling journey. Would highly recommend.
  • 5/5 from Katherine Rahhal, attended Feb 2025: I attended the class purely for personal interest. Nick the instructor was friendly and very informative. He is clearly experienced in his field and can easily answer any questions that arise. The venue was a cute little cafe in Woy Woy that was comfortable to sit outside in their courtyard. I plan to attend more of Nick’s classes as he starts to teach different things associated with whittling. Thanks Nick.
  • 5/5 from Morten Staer, attended Feb 2025: I really enjoyed the class! Nick’s passion, patience and proficiency was above and beyond expectations. Highly recommend this to anyone who wants to dip their toes in the activity. Materials and tools were all available and well explained. Great fun and I now have a little wombat on my desk in my home office reminding me that I can carve more than Sunday Roast.
  • 5/5 from Catherine Handley, attended Dec 2024: An early Christmas present from my daughter and son in law and I learnt how to whittle a Wombat. Nick was my teacher and he was great and very attentive. Great venue, small group and a great location. I can’t remember the last time I had a quiet mind. It was wonderful to just be 100% involved in what I was doing. I’m going to carry on whittling ️I don’t have any skills but I loved every minute and look forward to doing a duck next Do it people it was fabulous.
  • 5/5 from Laura Maxwell, attended Dec 2024: Thanks Nick for your patience and clear insights into all things whittling. It was great that he took the time to set you with all the info regarding tools, materials, oils, etc for ongoing practice!
  • 5/5 from Emma Menzies, attended Nov 2024: Had a grand time learning a new skill! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise - really love our wombat friends. ️
  • 5/5 from Krystal Viola, attended Oct 2024: Nick was a great teacher, lots of guidance and lots of practice. The time went super fast and it was great to walk away with a finished piece + next piece to work on! Highly recommend
  • 5/5 from Cate Williams, attended Oct 2024: Nick was a great teacher who explained very clearly, assisted as needed making sure everyone in the group could work at their own pace. Five hours flew past.
  • 5/5 from Natalie Storer, attended Sep 2024: This was such a great class! I really enjoyed it and Nick is a great and patient teacher. He has inspired in me a new hobby. 5 hours seems like a long time, but it goes really quickly and I was very happy with my creation. I would definitely recommend this course!
  • 5/5 from Leanne O'Brien, attended Sep 2024: Nick was a great teacher and made everyone feel welcome. I definitely recommend to attend his class
  • 5/5 from Rebecca Young, attended Aug 2024: I had a great time in this workshop. The hours flew by. I’ve come home with two hand-carved wooden animal figures, plus loads of knowledge and energy to keep whittling!
  • 5/5 from Chloe Single, attended Aug 2024: Had the best time in this class and Nick is a wonderful teacher! It was a long class but we all got so focused on our figurines, going through each step of the process with Nick explaining the different types of cuts and letting us figure out which we preferred. Came out of it with two beautiful pieces finished and oiled
Your teacher

Bailey Thompson Furniture
Bailey Thompson Furniture

5.0 (26)

Nick is a passionate woodworker who utilises only reclaimed material in his work. While he makes small furniture such as stools and side tables he also uses smaller offcuts and pieces of timber to whittling and carve animals and decorative objects with a view of trying to minimise waste to an absolute minimum.

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class 0 V48I01Z33L 34c052b7f77f35dccea660a6ce51910d 1 production central-coast Central Coast NSW AU central-coast