Private Wood Carving Taster Class

Experience the joy of wood carving in North Melbourne!



3 hours Class size 1 on 1       $200 (PayPal Pay in 4 available)

Unlock the art of wood carving in a hands-on private class in just three hours!
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 lesson lengths, 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 their project, dependent on prior discussions on their project ideas. The level of carving completion in two hours is limited and it may require multiple sessions or choosing a very simple project. See my other listing for a four hour session if you have the time. You'll also get handout notes on technical and historical aspects, carving tools and where to buy.
Knowledge required
Beginners are welcome.
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).

Location

North Melbourne, VIC

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

Private Wood Carving Taster Class location
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Your teacher

Wanda Gillespie
Wanda Gillespie

5.0 (26)
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.
2026-06-19 15:00:00
class V48I01Z33L 34c052b7f77f35dccea660a6ce51910d production melbourne Melbourne VIC AU melbourne