The Modern Chisel: Intro to Power Carving

Woodworking, Print & Book Arts, Drawing & Painting

The Modern Chisel: Intro to Power Carving

Explore the art of contemporary wood carving in this hands-on introduction to power carving techniques.

Member

$334.00 (any noted materials fee included)

Guest

$411.00 (any noted materials fee included)

Tuition Assistance and Other Policies

Meeting Times
  1. Mon, 11/17/2025 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  2. Tue, 11/18/2025 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Mon, 11/17/2025 - Tue, 11/18/2025

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Type:
Class, No Prerequisite

Location:
Woodworking & Small Boat Studio

Interests:
Drawing, General Woodworking, Hand Woodworking, Painting, Printmaking, Drawing, General Woodworking, Hand Woodworking, Painting, Printmaking

About

Learn how to use a micromotor — a tool with a micro-sized motor inside a handpiece that has a cord connected to a control box — and a variety of burrs to sculpt and shape wood with precision and creativity. We'll also dive into finishing techniques using paints and surface treatments to enhance the carvings with color, texture, and depth.

The techniques taught in this class can be used to embellish door panels, wooden bowls, and other objects, as well as to create wall decorations and other artwork. You'll experiment with different techniques on one panel during the first day, then create a more polished piece with the second panel on the next day. You can use your own designs or adapt suggestions from the instructor.

People interested in other crafts such as printmaking, drawing and painting  are welcome even without prior woodworking experience.

Details

Skill level: Open to beginners as well as experienced woodworkers who want to expand their artistic toolkit. 

Project

You'll embellish two hardwood panels, each 6 inches by 8 inches — perfect for hanging on a wall or using as part of a later project, such as a box with the panel as the lid.

Materials

A $25 materials fee, included in the class fee, covers everything you need.

Class Policies

  • Ages 14 and up are welcome.
  • Wear safety glasses and closed-toe shoes, tie back long hair, and avoid dangling clothing and jewelry. We recommend bringing your own safety glasses.

BARN Policies

Instructors or Guides

Elizabeth Weber

Born and raised in Tennessee, Elizabeth first specialized in engineering, earning an M.S. in civil engineering from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. She began woodworking in 2015. Her early projects included several pieces of furniture in the Arts and Crafts style. She eventually turned to smaller objects and now specializes in bowls, spoons, and boxes. Her work ranges from simple forms with natural finishes to highly carved and painted forms that emulate natural motifs. Elizabeth teaches woodturning and carving around the country at schools including Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Tennessee, John C. Campbell Folk School in North Carolina, and Port Townsend School of Woodworking. She is president of her local woodturning club, the Seattle Woodturners. She was awarded the American Association of Woodturner’s 2023 Professional Outreach Program’s Artist Showcase and was featured on the cover of American Woodturner in January 2024.

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