Wood Paddle Construction for Boaters

Boater’s Touch Wood Sculpture: Laminated Wood Paddle Construction

Taught by Keith Backlund
July 20 – 26, 2008

In this multi day residential craft course you’ll learn about with carving wooden spoons to understand the essence of the wood and the shape of the paddle. This experience will then reveal the techniques for creating the paddle. Keith will take you to his workshop and talk to you about wood selection. Prior woodworking experience is a must, and the class tempo will be for intermediate to advanced students who also have tools. Students need to come with Swedish carving knives, gouges, carving hatchet, hand planes and loop ear planes. Tool sharpening will be discussed, as well as working with the wood - the sensitivity and caring it needs. The wood that Keith uses for his paddles is harvested and dried for two years before it gets the chance to be touched. This is a great opportunity to work with a highly skilled artist who creates sophisticated canoe and kayak paddles.

For more information visit http://www.touchstonecrafts.com/  or call 800-721-0177.