Woodcarving Class

Join us on Wednesday or Friday evenings for an immersive woodcarving class



3 hours

Class size 1 to 5 (public classes), 1 to 3

  $70 - $75 ($75 per guest when you book for 1 guest, $70/guest for 2+ guests) (Afterpay & PayPal Pay in 4 available)
Melbourne Activities
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Craft
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Woodworking Experience Gifts
In these open carving classes, join contemporary artist and woodcarver Wanda Gillespie for a hands-on woodcarving class. You’re welcome to bring your own carving project to work on with guidance, or choose from a range of set projects designed to help you build skills and confidence while creating something truly personal.
These sessions are beginner-friendly and flexible, making them ideal whether you’re completely new to carving or looking to work on existing skills. You’ll work at your own pace in a supportive, encouraging environment, with Wanda guiding you step by step through techniques and tools! Chisels and initial timber for a relief carving are provided.
Note Wanda teaches at two different venues. Wednesday evenings are at the Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking in Blackburn, while Friday evenings are at the Victorian Woodworkers Association in North Melbourne. The Wednesday evening class is part of a ten week carving course. See her other listing to book the full 10 week course. Drop in students are welcome. There is a limit to what could be learnt in just one lesson but you are welcome to come and give it a try. Dedication to regular attendance is encouraged to improve skill. Initial relief carving project timber supplied, however subsequent timber for further projects may need to be bought.
New students at the Victorian Woodworkers Association need to become VWA members before their first class to be covered by insurance on site ($50/$30).
What to expect:
  • Learn traditional and contemporary woodcarving techniques tailored to you!
  • Guidance on tool choice, safe handling, sharpening, timber selection, and finishing.
  • Friendly support as you work on a set project or develop your own carving idea.
  • Explore a variety of carving styles, such as relief carving, chip carving, and whittling.
  • Possible projects include acanthus leaves, ornamental reliefs, birds, owls, animals, and comfort birds!
  • Insight into figurative and portrait carving from Wanda’s own professional practice.
By the end of the class, you’ll have your completed or in-progress piece and gained practical carving knowledge you'll be excited to keep using. You’ll leave inspired and connected to the timeless craft of woodworking!

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Save $10 when you book with a friend
What you'll get
The completion of work depends on the complexity of the project, however, I would envision at least one project being finished by the end of the term! A basic relief carving can be completed in one session.
Knowledge required
Beginner-friendly.
What to bring
  • Enthusiasm!
  • Chisels are provided but feel free to bring yours if you have your own.
  • A small piece of timber will be provided for an initial relief work but subsequent projects timber will need to be purchased.
Location

14 Cottage St, Blackburn VIC and 5 Tyrone St, North Melbourne VIC (varies by date; click the date selector to see details)

Woodcarving 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.
Melbourne Activities
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Craft
•
Woodworking Experience Gifts

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