Alien spoons? Well, only because it is a memorable name and some of the knife grasps feel a bit alien to start with. You will soon get to grips with them and the focus of this workshop is learning to use safe and efficient carving techniques with hand tools - the axe, straight knives and hook knives... maybe also a drawknife on a shave horse. By following good technique you will avoid injuries and with regular stretching this will help you to look after your body as well as the tools. You should leave with the knowledge and confidence to carve safely at home. The tools are relatively cheap and easy to use in a small space. You will have access to a range of tools, but primarily use the Mora wood carving knives (106/120/164s) and be shown traditional designs for optimising strength and utility. Using these traditional tools you will make a spoon from local and sustainable fresh cut green wood - starting with a log and leaving with a spoon. From the initial splitting of the log with a froe or axe, trimming this down with an axe, and on to carving finer details and decorations with knives. Additional skills in building a shave horse and other green wood working can also be taught. This course is run from close to central Edinburgh and is accessible by public transport. Depending on the weather it can be inside or outdoors in the wildlife garden. Courses can also be arranged to suit your availability! Please get in touch to discuss your requirements, discounts are available for small groups or multiple days. Course numbers are usually limited to five or less; individual training courses can also be arranged. What's included in the price? Tea, coffee, light lunch of bread and soup and snacks - All vegan Professional training in the use of a range of traditional tools. Advice on tool care and sharpening. Fresh cut (green) wood for carving. Some tools available for sale at competitive rates. Summary of course information emailed to you after the workshop.
Learn to hand engrave from a master engraver
Interior design masterclass in the city centre of Edinburgh
Ideal as an introduction to working creatively with clay. This two hour workshop is aimed at beginners who would like an introduction to making ceramics.
A relaxed and informal Blackwork Embroidery course in the lovely setting of a converted 18th Century cotton mill in Warwick Bridge, Carlisle. This course has been designed to guide the complete beginner or act as a refresher for those who may have dabbled in Blackwork embroidery in the past. We will cover the history, styles of Blackwork embroidery, threads and techniques.
Tutor: Joseph Wilson During this 4-week course, we will use conventional black and white analogue materials in conjunction with non-conventional techniques to create images that stradle ordinary photographic representation and alternative vision. We will deviate from standard darkroom production through the practical exploration of a range of techniques such as Sabattier printing, bas relief printing, cameraless photography, and various methods for pushing and pulling film. These otherworldly techniques – many of which have been the basis for contemporary digital manipulation tools – offer abundant possibility for alternative photographic vision, where emphasis is placed on the transformative potential of darkroom work. This course would be the perfect follow up from our Intro to B&W or Colour Darkroom courses. All materials including photographic film and paper will be provided during this course. However, participants are encouraged to bring along some of their own black and white negatives. Camera know-how and prior darkroom experience are required for this course. Course Outline Week 1: Pushing and Pulling Film We will begin by considering non-conventional ways in which we can rate and process our films, and the various effects of doing so. Presentation and discussion on the uses of these techniques by artists. Shooting 5×4 film at various ISO ratings Using adjustments in time, temperature, dilution, and agitation to Push & Pull the film. Week 2: Possibilities in Print This week we will create prints from our negatives using alternative techniques. Review results in negatives and make contact prints. Sabattier effect printing Multiple exposure printing Bas Relief Printing Week 3: Cameraless Photography We will explore the possibilities of directly exposing through objects and ‘resists’ onto photographic paper. We will cover: Photograms Chemigrams Week 4: Lith Printing An introduction to Lith printing and the possibilities it affords us. A presentation on the history and uses of Lith printing Lith Printing from our negatives Combining non-conventional printing techniques with lith. Courses are subject to minimum enrolment. Please register early, within five days of the start date, to reduce the likelihood of course cancellation. Please read our cancellation policy before booking. Students, anyone over the age of 65, and those in receipt of any form of benefits can claim the concessionary price, offering a 10% discount on the full course price. Valid proof of eligibility must be produced on the first day of the course. Please use the code CONCESSION when prompted at checkout. Stills uses ILFORD PHOTO chemicals on this course that can potentially pose a risk to pregnant and breast feeding women and asthmatics. We take every care to ensure good working practices and adequate ventilation in our darkrooms. If you feel you may be adversely affected, please visit the Health and Safety section of Ilford’s website for further information. General Guidance Notes for Pregnant and Breast Feeding Women and Asthmatics: From a risk assessment standpoint, provided all necessary control measures (such as good working practices, adequate ventilation, and the use of appropriate PPE) are in place then pregnant and breastfeeding women should be able to continue to work safely with photochemical products.Inhalation is the main route by which fumes and gases enter the body, making good ventilation a high priority. Exposure to irritant chemicals that would not affect most people may provoke an asthma attack in a person who already has asthma. For example, low levels of the gas sulphur dioxide can be produced by some ILFORD PHOTO processes. Most individuals would be unaffected but asthmatics may suffer adverse affects. ILFORD PHOTO products include no known human carcinogens, and no substances to which phrase R46 (May cause heritable genetic damage) or R64 (May cause harm to breastfed babies) applies. Most ILFORD PHOTO developers use hydroquinone, and their classification therefore includes R40 (Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect) and R68 (Possible risk of irreversible effects). Some ILFORD PHOTO chemicals use boric acid or borates. These substances are classified as toxic for reproduction. As a result, the classification of some of the powder developers includes R60 (May impair fertility) and R61 (May cause harm to the unborn child).
Guided design and manufacture of a plant pot from birch plywood, using Fusion 360 and a CNC machine.