A Journey of Craftsmanship and Community
Last year, I unexpectedly ventured into the world of spoon carving during a visit to my hypnosis mentor and friend, Freddy Jacquin. We had planned to attend a Greenwood Stool-making class at a National Trust Center near Windermere. The experience turned out to be profoundly satisfying as we were both amazed by what we could create with our hands and some basic tools in a short period. As the class ended, the instructor informed us that they also offered spoon-carving classes, which piqued my interest. Upon returning home, I made a mental note to explore this opportunity further.
My curiosity led me to discover an event called Spoon Fest. It’s a gathering in the Derbyshire Peak District, near the charming town of Hope. The idea of attending a six-day festival dedicated to spoon carving seemed novel and thrilling. I eagerly booked my ticket, looking forward to the first three days of training with some of the world’s most renowned spoon carvers and additional days of shorter lessons with other specialists.
As Spoon Fest neared, I made sure to equip myself with the necessary tools to embark on this new adventure. The festival turned out to be an eye-opening experience, as I discovered a passionate and welcoming community with an unexpectedly huge following. For the first three days, my tutor, Karel, from the Czech Republic, introduced me to the delicate beauty of functional art through ladle carving. Our group, along with other groups of ten people led by skilled instructors, consisted of individuals from different backgrounds, ages, and skill levels. This diversity of participants created a vibrant learning environment where skills were quickly absorbed, especially when learning from a master of the craft.
The festival offered more than just spoon carving. It was an immersive experience that covered various aspects of the craft, such as decorating, adding colour to wood, learning different shapes and techniques, and even knife sharpening. The six days of intensive training were transformative, leaving me not only with new skills, but also with a newfound passion for spoon carving.
Reflecting on my journey, I am grateful for the unexpected paths that led me to discover new passions. Spoon Fest was more than just a festival – it was a gateway to a community bonded by the love of craftsmanship, where the simple act of carving spoons became a shared language of creativity and connection. Initially, I ventured into spoon carving as a curious exploration, and it has since evolved into a cherished part of my life, highlighting the joy of learning and the beauty of creating with one’s hands.
