workshops

Offenes Atelier: Holzschnitzen

spaces for these open ateliers fill up quickly, please contact Molly if you are interested and want to reserve a spot or if you have any questions!

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 a cube a sphere or a pyramid. Working primarily with 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

August 25 September 15/29 October 20/27 November 3/17 December 1

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Intensive Woodcarving

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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 & Basic 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.