Crafting a natural pot from greenwood, by hollowing out & using the shrinkage of the log as it dries to create a sealed pot.

What's It All About?

On this one day course you will create at least one beautiful shrink pot to take home. These pots have traditionally been carved across eastern Europe and Scandinavia for hundreds of years, and are called Krympburkar in Sweden. The oldest example found to date was dug out of an Irish peat bog in 2009 and is about 3000 years old and still full of butter!

They can be used for storing all manner of things from kitchen utensils to craft items, pens etc.

You will hollow out a freshly harvested greenwood log, then cut a base from a dry piece of wood, and insert the base into a groove carved on the inside of the pot. As the log shrinks, it will form a tight seal around the dry base, giving you a lovely pot ready for use. You will also have the opportunity to craft a lid for you pot, and to carve a simple design. And you may have a chance to carve a second pot, depending on your progress.

This is a great way to unwind, connect with nature and explore your more creative side. The course will run from my woodland workshop in Ghyll Wood on the fabulous Wyresdale Park estate. This course will be based outside with an option to use our indoor space (complete with log burner)should the weather dictate.

What you need to know

This course is suitable for anyone 18 years+ with no previous experience, or for those wishing to extend their greenwood carving skills. Young people from 14 years old can attend if they are accompanied by an adult who is also a paying participant (but please contact to discuss before booking). As with all our courses a private booking can also be made for individuals and small family or friend groups.

Please wear clothing that is suitable for the expected weather conditions and that you don't mind getting a little messy, and good fitting, sturdy footwear with a grippy sole. Refreshments will be provided but please provide your own lunch, and you can make use of the Applestore café for take out (please note that you will not have time for a sit in lunch at the café).

Description supplied by the event organiser.