workshops
Offenes Atelier: Holzschnitzen
Holzschnitzen / Whittling
Hosted at Atelier Zurlinden (Zurlindenstrasse 169, 8003 Zürich)
This Offenes Atelier series offers a relaxed space to carve small wooden objects like spoons, butter knives, or small creatures. Working primarily with fresh green wood, you will learn essential knife grips and whittling techniques.
The goal of this series is to help you get familiar with regional wood types and understand how to handle green wood using simple tools. You will be guided on choosing the best tools in the Atelier for your project, allowing you to experiment and move entirely at your own pace.
Key Details
First-timers: New participants must arrange a short introductory session with Molly to learn the basic tools and materials before joining.
Capacity: Limited to 8 participants per evening. Your spot is reserved only upon signing up.
What's included: Wood and knives are provided. A library of books on wood, trees, and carving is also available for inspiration and research.
Insurance: All participants must carry their own accident insurance.
Pricing
These evenings operate on a sliding scale:
CHF 20.– covers basic materials.
CHF 35.– and above begins to pay Molly an hourly wage.
6-Session Pass (CHF 240.–): Valid for one year at any Offenes Atelier (subject to space availability). As a bonus, it allows you to bring a friend along for free for one evening!
Dates: from 19:00 on the following Tuesdays of 2026
January 20
Febuary 24
March (WEDNESDAY!!)18 / 31
April 14
May 12 / 26
June 9 / 23
spaces for these open ateliers fill up quickly, please contact me at molly@atelierindigoandoak.com if you are interested and want to reserve a spot or if you have any questions!
Intensive Woodcarving
Hosted at Atelier Zurlinden (Zurlindenstrasse 169, 8003 Zürich)
Schedule: Saturday & Sunday, 09:30 – 14:00 (Lunch included)
Whether you are a beginner looking to get comfortable with knives or an advanced carver seeking concentrated time and specialized hand tools, this weekend intensive offers tailored guidance for all skill levels.
Workshop Program
Day 1: Understanding Wood & Core Techniques
We begin by exploring the wood types available in the atelier, discussing how to source them, and learning the possibilities of working with green versus dry wood.
Beginners will start with a simple project—shaping spoons or butter knives—while exploring essential knife grips and shaping tools.
Experienced carvers can dive straight into a more complex project, to be coordinated with Molly before the course starts.
The day ends by researching ideas in our library to plan Sunday's project.
Day 2: Cleaving, Prep & Focused Carving
The second day starts with learning how to cleave and prepare wood. The remaining time is dedicated to working on your chosen project with hands-on guidance and access to the atelier's extensive tool collection.
What's Included
Tools & Materials: All wood and knives are provided for your use.
Research: Access to a library of books on wood, trees, and carving for inspiration and technique.
Refreshments: Coffee, tea, and a simple lunch are provided both days.
Price & Details
Cost: CHF 375.– per person.
Capacity: Maximum of 5 participants (minimum required to run the course).
Insurance: All participants must carry their own accident insurance.
spring/summer 2026
7-8.Feb
7-8 March
9-10 May
4-5 July : 1 free spot remaining
Summer/Fall
29-30 Aug
19-20 Sept
24-25 Okt
21-22 Nov
Kurs im HAUS DER FARBE
Indigo – Natural Dyeing August 21–22, 2026
Experimental Indigo Dyeing Techniques on Wood and Textiles
This workshop offers an introduction to the history, composition, and cultural-historical significance of indigo—one of the oldest natural dyes in the world. We will examine genuine indigo from India as well as fresh, locally sourced indigo leaves, exploring their different properties.
Together, we will set up three traditional, non-toxic indigo vats using natural reducing agents such as banana, henna, or iron. During this process, we will experiment with wood samples, cotton fabrics, and various surface treatments.
By the end of the workshop, you will take home a 2.5-liter jar of your self-made indigo vat, along with all your color and material samples.
Course Content
History & Context: Introduction to the cultural-historical significance and composition of indigo.
Vat Making: Setting up three traditional indigo vats using natural reducing agents.
Material Science: Understanding the differences in dye absorption between wood and natural textile fibers.
Wood Dyeing: The interplay between wood grain, surface texture, and sealing.
Textile Dyeing: Dyeing cotton fabrics and controlling color intensity and vat strength.
Experimentation: Testing different materials and surface treatments to explore color effects and depth of shade.
Natural color: paper and ink
structured upon request
