WANT TO LEARN WOODCARVING?
Create your very own carvings on our new courses.
Sign up for a fun and relaxed one or two-day course to learn the basics of this ancient craft from award-winning local woodcarver William Barsley.
These courses are aimed at complete beginners - you really don’t need to have any experience of woodcarving at all. They are also suitable if you’ve dabbled in carving before - we can focus on building on your existing skills. The courses are carefully structured to build your confidence throughout the duration so that you will leave feeling you can progress your carving at home.
One-to-one or small group options available. Choose between a one or two-day course.
The courses are run at William’s workshop in the heart of Dartington in Devon, with the famous Dartington Hall Estate and Cider Press just a 10 minute walk away. The beautiful town of Totnes is only a 5-minute drive making it the perfect location for creativity.

What you will learn
- How to sharpen and use carving chisels most effectively
- How to draw and transfer your design onto wood
- Which type of wood to carve when and why
- Carving techniques to bring your work to life, with the focus on shallow relief carving, which enables you to decorate any surface
- Tips to reduce mistakes
- Different ways to protect and seal your carvings
You will leave the course understanding the basics of woodcarving and knowing how to further develop these skills safely and effectively in your own time. You will also, of course, take home the piece you will have made during the day to proudly show your friends and family.
