Personalized Wooden Spatula Carving
EXPERIENCE LEVEL : NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY
Designer Melanie Abrantes will lead students in hand carving their own wooden spatula using traditional Japanese tools and techniques. The class will start with a discussion of different wood types, an explanation of the tools required, and an overview of the techniques used to cut wood. Once students have acquired a basic understanding, Melanie will lead them in a detailed carving demo, as well as individualized teaching if needed. At the end of the class she will teach students how to personalize their pieces with different carving patterns or the students initials. All tools will be provided to use during the workshop, with the option of purchasing the tools at a discounted rate to continue your carving practice at home!
MELANIE ABRANTES
Melanie Abrantes Designs is a Bay Area-based producer of handcrafted, heirloom objects. She believes that in order to create something beautiful, you have to get your hands dirty. She founded her company in 2013 when she realized there was a growing American market for handmade goods. Working with a variety of unique materials, Melanie strives to create products of the highest quality that are equally beautiful and functional. Through the technique of lathing, she turns simple pieces of solid wood and cork into one-of-a-kind bowls, plates, cups and stands. Her passion for woodworking originates from the simple fact that every piece is unique as the material it is made from. Time in the studio is dedicated to researching, testing and adapting the product to its user, resulting in a simple, yet unique object of the highest quality. She sells her designs in small shops and retail stores nationwide, including Urban Outfitters and West Elm. She's been featured in Martha Stewart Living, Anthology, Domino magazine, Dwell, and Bon Appétit. She is the author of Penguin Random House's book, Carve, A Simple Guide to Whittling.
