Wednesday Evening Woodcarving class at the MGFW


​In these open carving classes at the Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking (Blackburn), join contemporary artist and woodcarver Wanda Gillespie for a hands-on woodcarving class. You’re welcome to bring your own carving project to work on with guidance, or choose from a range of set projects designed to help you build skills and confidence while creating something truly personal.

These sessions are beginner-friendly and flexible, making them ideal whether you’re completely new to carving or looking to work on existing skills. You’ll work at your own pace in a supportive, encouraging environment, with Wanda guiding you step by step through techniques and tools! Chisels and initial timber for a relief carving are provided.

There is a limit to what could be learnt in just one lesson but you are welcome to come and give it a try. Dedication to regular attendance is encouraged to improve skill. Initial relief carving project timber supplied, however subsequent timber for further projects may need to be bought.

What to expect:

  • Learn traditional and contemporary woodcarving techniques tailored to you!
  • Guidance on tool choice, safe handling, sharpening, timber selection, and finishing.
  • Friendly support as you work on a set project or develop your own carving idea.
  • Explore a variety of carving styles, such as relief carving, chip carving, and whittling.
  • Possible projects include acanthus leaves, ornamental reliefs, birds, owls, animals and puppets.
  • Insight into figurative and portrait carving from Wanda’s own professional practice.






By the end of the class, you’ll have your completed or in-progress piece and gained practical carving knowledge you'll be excited to keep using. You’ll leave inspired and connected to the timeless craft of woodworking!

What you'll get

The completion of work really depends on the complexity of the project; however, Wanda would envisage at least one project being finished by the end of the term. A basic relief carving can be completed in one session.

Knowledge required

No prior knowledge is required.

What to bring

Enthusiasm, chisels are provided but bring yours if you have your own. A small piece of timber will be provided for an initial relief work but subsequent projects timber will need to be purchased.