Private Wood Carving Class

Learn traditional woodcarving, chip carving and/or whittling for four hours!



4 hours Location North Melbourne Class size 1 on 1   $250 (Afterpay available)
Melbourne Activities
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Craft
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Woodworking
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Kids activities Experience Gifts
Unlock the art of wood carving in a hands-on private class in Melbourne!
In these one-on-one sessions, you’ll learn traditional and contemporary carving techniques at your own pace. Wanda will guide you step by step, from tool handling and safety through to creating your own unique carved piece.
Previous classes have included carving acanthus leaves and ornamental designs in relief, birds, owls, and animals, chip carving patterns on bowls and shaped forms and whittling comfort birds. In Wanda's personal work, she focuses on figurative and portrait sculpture, and she's happy to share this knowledge too.
Whether you’d like to follow a set project or bring your own idea, she'll guide you through every stage of the process. Because carving is a deep skill, there’s only so much that can be covered in a single session, so many students choose ongoing classes to continue developing their skills and ideas over time.
By the end of the class, you’ll leave with confidence using carving tools, a deeper understanding of wood as a material, and a handmade work to treasure.
Note::
  • Happy to negotiate shorter lessons, small groups, or ongoing regular lessons. Feel free to get in touch.
  • Kids' lessons may be possible for 12 years and up but may need to be at your home due to insurance requirements at the VWA. Wanda has a current Working with Children Check.
  • Mobile classes for adults are also possible.
What you'll get
Pieces of timber designed for your project, dependent on prior discussions on your project ideas. Hand out notes on technical and historical aspects, carving tools and where to buy.
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Knowledge required
No skills required.
What to bring
Your curiosity!
Suitable for

Suitable for adults, and kids (minimum 12 years old).

An adult must accompany any attending kids (the adult may observe for free).

This experience would also be a unique gift for her, gift for mum or Xmas gift.

Location

North Melbourne, VIC

Exact location is masked for privacy. You'll automatically get the specific address after booking.

Your teacher can also travel within 15 kms of North Melbourne, to a venue of your choice.

Private Wood Carving Class location
Verified reviews

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Recent reviews of Private Wood Carving Class

  • 5/5 from Rajib Ahmed, attended Jun 2026: Really fun class. It was our first time wood carving and Wanda was a very patient and accommodating teacher. She took the time to get in touch prior to the class to find out what we wanted to carve and was very prepared. Would recommend. Thanks Wanda!
  • 5/5 from Melvin Millard, attended May 2026: Wanda is a very sensitive teacher: clear demonstrations of technique in bite-size chunks, allowing me practice and steadily building on those foundations. I left with pieces that needed finishing in my own time and I can't wait to get stuck-in. Looking at Wanda's work in the workshop is a real inspiration! I'm really looking forward to having lots of fun carving in my man-cave over the winter months and who knows I might actually produce some art Thanks Wanda I am inspired!
  • 5/5 from Marcus Strang, attended Mar 2026: A friend and myself had a joint wood carving class under the tutalage of Wanda, and it was delightful!! Wanda was happy to entertain our curiosity and showed us how we can best achieve our wacky carving ideas both during the class and how we could continue to progress our timber carving project well after the class too. I would highly recommend Wanda to anyone interested in the world of wood carving and to get involved in the Victorian Woodworkers Association.
  • 5/5 from Meg Landry, attended Mar 2026: I had a wonderful time! Wanda was lovely, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable. She really tailored the session to my interests and carving style. I’m already looking into other courses she offers — highly recommend!
Your teacher

Wanda Gillespie
Wanda Gillespie

5.0 (27)
female Women-owned

I’m Wanda Gillespie, a contemporary artist, woodcarver, and sculptor based in Naarm/Melbourne. My journey into woodcarving began over 15 years ago after an inspiring artist residency in Indonesia, which sparked my deep connection to this traditional craft. Since then, I’ve been honing my skills and exploring the expressive possibilities of wood.
For the past eight years, I’ve been teaching woodcarving, both privately and in small classes. I’m passionate about sharing this craft with others, especially through chip carving—a great entry point for beginners that only requires one tool, the chip carving knife. I also love teaching more ornamental and figurative carving, whether in relief or in the round, and helping students discover the beauty and versatility of working with wood.
I studied Fine Arts at the Victorian College of the Arts, and I was honoured to receive a fellowship to teach undergraduate students in the Sculpture department. My work has been exhibited in numerous high-profile exhibitions and art prizes, and I regularly hold solo exhibitions. Over the years, my woodcarving has evolved, and I’ve developed a particular focus on portrait and figurative sculptures, which allow me to capture intricate details and emotional depth in the medium of wood.
Melbourne Activities
•
Craft
•
Woodworking
•
Kids activities Experience Gifts

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2026-10-30 15:00:00
class 0 V48I01Z33L 34c052b7f77f35dccea660a6ce51910d 1 production melbourne Melbourne VIC AU melbourne