Tymhorau Dyfi Workshops
Learn from experts
Carve a shrink pot with Neil Hopkins – 8 March 2025
Discover the timeless craft of shrink pot carving, a woodworking technique inspired by the Vikings! Using green wood logs, you’ll hollow out the centre, fit a dry wooden base, and let the pot dry and shrink naturally to form a strong, sealed container — just as the Vikings did for their longboats
This beginner-friendly course covers everything from choosing materials and tool safety to carving, drying, and finishing techniques. By the end, you’ll have the skills to continue carving on your own, along with one or two handmade shrink pots. Relax and create unique, sustainable gifts or functional items while learning a craft steeped in history.
What you will learn:
• Wood sources, types and forms for shrink pot carving
• Tools, their care and use
• Safe axe use and safe knife-cutting techniques
• Shrink pot principles and design
• Sawing and shaping the pot outsides
• Using an auger and gouge to hollow the pot
• Cutting a groove and fitting a pot base
• Shape a lid and finial
• Discussions about drying and finishes
Saturday 8th March 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Forge Ways, Talbontdrain, Forge, Machynlleth
All tools and materials will be provided but please bring closed-toe footwear, practical and warm clothes, and a packed lunch. Refreshments will be provided and you will always find a kettle boiling over the fire.
If you have any queries contact us at: outreach@tymhorau.cymru or Neil directly at: forgeways@gmail.com
