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Dala Horse Wood Carving Day Workshop
By Alien Spoons
Learn to carve wood starting with this nice little project of a Dala horse. The basic shape has been formed using a bandsaw so you will add detail and learn about carving following the grain of the wood. You will learn safe wood carving techniques using the Mora 120 & 106 wood carving knives, or other Mora knives more suitable for children. Some of these safe carving techniques are the same as those used for carving a range of other treen such as spoons. This is a less strenuous carving project than making a spoon so is also ideal for beginners. We will also cover sharpening knives as this is key to safe carving. Other tools are also available to use and try out. What's included in the price? Tea, coffee and biscuits included. Two Dala horse blanks included, and others available to buy at discount prices. Training in a range of safe carving techniques used for this and other treen. Tools you will need to use during the day. Tools care and sharpening information. Tools available to buy. A PDF of knife grasps to remind you of safe carving techniques.
Two Day Wood Spoon Carving Workshop
By Alien Spoons
I've added this two day workshop because a one day workshop gives you the basics, but two days will allow you to develop your carving technique and use additional knife grasps. By embedding good technique into the way you carve, you will avoid injuries and additional regular stretching will help you to look after your body. You will leave with the knowledge and confidence to carve safely at home. You will have access to a range of different tools, starting with the axe to rough out spoon blanks - I have a good range of axes you can try from budget to the Gransfors large carving axe. Next using the Mora wood carving knives (105/106/120) to shape your blanks into spoons following traditional designs for optimising strength and utility. I also have a range of hook knives to try out. Using these traditional tools you will make a spoon from local and sustainable fresh cut green wood (usually willow/birch/alder or cherry) - starting with a log and leaving with a spoon. From the initial splitting of the log, trimming it down with an axe, to carving finer details and decorations with chip carving knives. This course is located 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 email 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. 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.
One Day Wood Spoon Carving Workshop
By Alien Spoons
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.
In our fast-paced world, protecting our energy and honoring our needs has become more essential than ever. This 2-hour workshop combines the ancient heart-opening medicine of ceremonial cacao with the creation of personal medicine bags designed to support healthy boundaries and deep self-care. Through the gentle guidance of ceremonial cacao, you will connect with their inner wisdom to understand what boundaries you need in your life. This isn't about building walls - it's about creating loving protection that allows your authentic self to flourish while filtering out what doesn't serve you. During this transformative experience, you'll learn to: Recognize the difference between healthy boundaries and harmful barriers Identify energy drains and relationships that need clearer limits Connect with your inner "no" and "yes" through heart-centered awareness Create sacred space for your emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being While in the expanded heart space that cacao provides, you'll create a personal medicine bag that will serve as daily reminders of your commitment to self-care. These aren't just beautiful objects - they're powerful tools for maintaining energetic boundaries and supporting your well-being. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY The only medical contraindications are mixing Ceremonial Cacao with antidepressants, anti-psychotics, suffering from heart conditions, low blood pressure or serious illness. In this case, please let me know on the day and you will be offered herbal tea. If you are on any anti-depressants, antipsychotics or any medication for mental health please get in touch with me. Ceremonial Cacao can cause serious interactions. Please arrive with an empty stomach - no food for 3-4 hours prior to the ceremony. A little fruit is fine if you desperately need it, however the Cacao is very filling and nourishing!Please avoid caffeine, alcohol, dairy, red meat and junk food for 24 hours before and after - they do not mix well with Cacao. Keep well hydrated by drinking plenty of water. If you smoke, please try to reduce as much as possible, especially if it is not pure tobacco due to the chemicals as cacao is a strong stimulant & detoxifier.If you want to get the very best out of the ceremony and support your integration, it is recommended to continue this diet for 48-72 hours before and after. Open to all – everyone welcome. This FREE class is for Adults and is sponsored by Community Fund, Awards for All By attending this class you release the teacher, Giada Gaslini and Art and Spirituality Cic, from any liability arising out of any personal injuries, emotional or physical release, death, physical reaction, expectations of results, theft in the venue or damages that may happen to people and objects while attending. Pictures will be taken during the workshop, if you prefer not to be in them, please inform the teacher.
In this free and welcoming session, you’ll learn how to reduce stress and anxiety using one of the most powerful tools you already have: your breath. This practical class is designed to help you identify the signs of stress in your body and mind, and gently guide you toward restoring balance using simple, effective breathing techniques. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or simply in need of a moment of calm, you’ll leave with easy-to-use tools that can support your well-being anytime, anywhere. Through guided exercises and gentle breathwork, we’ll explore: How to recognise stress and anxiety patterns in your daily life Why the breath is such a powerful tool for emotional regulation A variety of simple breathing techniques to calm the nervous system How to use breath as a grounding practice in moments of overwhelm A short relaxation practice to integrate what you’ve learned No previous experience needed—just bring yourself, comfortable clothing, and a willingness to breathe. Come as you are. Leave feeling more grounded, peaceful, and connected to your inner calm. Open to all – everyone welcome. This FREE class is for Adults and is sponsored by Community Fund, Awards for All By attending this class you release the teacher, Giada Gaslini and Art and Spirituality Cic, from any liability arising out of any personal injuries, emotional or physical release, death, physical reaction, expectations of results, theft in the venue or damages that may happen to people and objects while attending. Pictures will be taken during the workshop, if you prefer not to be in them, please inform the teacher.
We invite you to a sacred ciorcal art workshop inspired by the monuments of Edinburgh to celebrate 900years. From the famous to the hidden, we will explore the city’s architectural landscape and creatively express its beauty and unique features through mandala painting. The teacher Rachael will open the workshop with a guided meditation, which will include questions to help you explore your relationship with both the well-known and lesser-known parts of the city. We will then research what feels significant to you, from patterns to styles. You’ll have the opportunity to start forming ideas for your mandala. There are many directions you can take in creating your piece—for example, you might draw inspiration from the city’s Gothic architecture as a whole, or focus on specific sculptures at St. Giles’ Cathedral. You may pay particular attention to the symbolically placed flags or the animals scattered throughout the city (e.g., Greyfriars Bobby). The teacher will encourage you to seek inspiration from books in the room, as well as from your own experience, to curate your unique relationship with Edinburgh’s heritage. This could be depicted through spirals, patterns, lines, shapes and textures. The majority of the class will be spent creating mandala-style paintings that are rich in meaning and connected to Edinburgh’s heritage. Materials will be provided, including paints, canvas pads, pens, and pencils. The workshop will close by gathering in a circle, where everyone will be invited to share what they have created and reflect on what resonates with them about the city. This FREE workshop is sponsored by Edinburgh Council- Edinburgh 900 We prioritize our international community in the area of Gorgie-Dalry-Saughton where our studio is based. By attending this class you release the teacher, Giada Gaslini and Art and Spirituality Cic, from any liability arising out of any personal injuries, emotional or physical release, death, expectations of results, theft in the venue or damages that may happen to people and objects while attending.
