workshops
Indigo and Oak offers several different types of workshops for different age groups and levels of expertise.
Offenes Atelier: HOlzschnitzen
Holzschnitzen/whittling: Hosted at Atelier Zurlinden (Zurlindenstrasse 169, Zürich 8003)
This series of Offenes Atelier offers a relaxed space to work on small wooden objects; spoons, butter knives, or creatures. We will work with dominantly green wood and participants will learn different ways to grip a knife and whittle. The object of this series is to gain a familiarity with different types of wood and trees that can be found and used in the region and also a better understanding of the way green wood may be handled with simple tools. Participants will be educated on how to use the tools in the Atelier that best suit their project. They can move at their own pace and experiment with different wood until they are certain of how they would like to proceed.
New participants must arrange with Molly to have a short basics session to learn the tools and materials.
These evenings are limited to a maximum of 8 participants. Your place is reserved when you sign up.
Wood and knives are provided
All participants must have their own accident insurance.
A library of books on wood, trees, and carving is available for research
THESE EVENINGS ARE BASED ON A SLIDING SCALE: 20- covers basic materials and anything above 35- begins to pay Molly an hourly wage.
A 6X card may be purchased for 240- and may be used at any Offenes Atelier for up to a year after purchase (where space is available) and allows the user to bring a friend for free on one of the evenings.
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 wood carving workshop
Hosted at Atelier Zurlinden: zurlindenstrasse 169, Zürich 8003
This Intensive workshop is offered as a Saturaday/Sunday from 9:30-14:00 with lunch included
The first day begins with wood. We will learn about the wood that is available to work with in the atelier. We will talk about where to source wood and what is possible with different varieties ( green or dry ). Next we will begin with a simple project (if working with beginners) and shape spoons or butter knives. we will explore different knife grips and also different tools to achieve desired shapes. At the close of the class each individual will consider what project to pursue the next day and research the possibilities in the various books available in the library.
If working with an experienced carver, the first day may start with a more complicated project to be determined between the participant and Molly before the start of the course.
The second day begins in the atelier where participants will learn how to cleave and prepare the wood for their project. the rest of the day will be spent working on the project with guidance and the many available tools in the atelier.
For beginners, this is a great class to get comfortable with knives and wood and the many ways to shape an object.
For those more advanced, this class offers concentrated time and guidance to finish a more complex project as well as all the specialised hand tools needed.
COFFEE AND TEA AS WELL AS A SIMPLE LUNCH is included for each of the afternoons.
offered for a maximum of 5 people and a minimum of 2
spring/summer 2026
7-8.Feb
7-8 March
9-10 May Free spots
13-14 June : 2 free spots remaining
Summer/Fall
29-30 Aug
19-20 Sept
24-25 Okt
21-22 Nov
Wood and knives are provided
All participants must have their own accident insurance.
A library of books on wood, trees, and carving is available for research
375CHF per person
Kurs im HAUS DER FARBE
Schnitzen - zwei Löffel Fri/Sat 29.- 30. Mai 2026 / 1.5Tage
Greenwood Carving Workshop: From Branch to Spoon
The workshop begins with the raw material. We explore wood species specifically gathered for this course—sourced from fallen or felled trees within Zurich’s District 3—offering a true cross-section of the city’s forests and green spaces. Throughout the process, we discuss the ethics and methods of independent wood sourcing, as well as the distinct possibilities of working with fresh versus seasoned wood.
During the workshop, you will create two objects: a small spoon for tea, coffee, or spices, and a larger utensil such as a spatula or cooking spoon. We work exclusively with green wood, which, due to its high moisture content, is particularly well-suited for hand-carving. Every wood species and every part of a tree behaves differently. Through the use of the axe, sloyd knife, and hook knife, participants learn to "read" the grain and develop a form that emerges from the unique character of each individual branch.
COURSE CONTENT
Wood Science: A study of the structure, growth, and behavior of wood.
Sourcing: Identifying local wood species and understanding the differences between green and seasoned wood.
Tool Skills: Safe and effective use of the axe, sloyd knife, and hook knife.
Craft: Hand-carving two objects: a small spice/coffee spoon and a larger cooking spoon or spatula.
No previous experience is required. Participants must have their own accident insurance. Please wear closed-toe shoes and sturdy trousers.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
As soon as the minimum number of participants has been reached, you will receive a final confirmation and an invoice. Written cancellation is possible up to 2 weeks before the start of the course. For later cancellations, the full course fee is due. If you find a replacement participant, only a processing fee of CHF 100.– will be charged.
Participants: min. 6 / max. 8
Registration Deadline: May 7, 2026
Natural COlor workshops: Paper and Ink
structured upon request
