Teacher name: Ana Gomes & Sílvio Soares
Teacher bio:
Ana Gomes is a woodworker and craft practitioner with a passion for traditional woodworking techniques and the creative possibilities of green wood. Her approach combines careful craftsmanship with a deep appreciation for natural materials, encouraging students to slow down, connect with the process, and create beautiful, functional objects by hand.
Sílvio Soares is a maker and woodcarver dedicated to sharing the skills and traditions of spoon carving and hand-tool woodworking. Drawing on years of practical experience, he guides participants through each stage of the process—from selecting the right piece of wood to carving, decorating, and finishing—making the craft accessible to beginners while inspiring more experienced makers.
Together, Ana and Sílvio create a welcoming and supportive learning environment where participants develop practical carving skills, gain confidence using traditional hand tools, and experience the satisfaction of transforming freshly cut wood into lasting everyday objects.
Cerdeira - Home for Creativity, Lousã, Portugal
Follow the instructions on the GPS. Watch out as it is a very steep road all the way up the mountain.
Bookings close 200 hours before the workshop starts.
10 workshops · 0 followers
CERDEIRA - HOME FOR CREATIVITY A village as our home and the world as our inspiration. In the heart of Serra da Lousã, lies a historic village that was abandoned and at risk of disappearing. Today, Cerdeira has new stories to tell. Here, the unique relationship between nature, art and the comfort of our schist houses, offers the freedom to live, slow down and create in a truly authentic way.
No. This workshop is suitable for complete beginners as well as those with some carving experience. Ana and Sílvio will guide you through each step of the process, from selecting the wood to carving, decorating, and finishing your pieces.
The workshop fee includes: Two full days of tuition (5–6 hours per day) in English and Portuguese Lunch on both workshop days Three nights' accommodation in the hostel dormitory All tools and materials required for the workshop Bed linen and towels in the hostel accommodation
Yes. If you prefer more private accommodation, you can upgrade to one of the following options: Shared Schist House (4 nights): €380 per participant (additional cost). Includes a shared bedroom for two participants, breakfast, a fully equipped kitchen, towels, bed linen, and Wi-Fi. Private Schist House (4 nights): €545 per participant (additional cost). Includes a private bedroom, breakfast, a fully equipped kitchen, towels, bed linen, and Wi-Fi.
Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for working with wood and closed-toe shoes. As part of the workshop takes place outdoors while gathering green wood, we also recommend bringing weather-appropriate clothing, a reusable water bottle, and a notebook if you'd like to take notes.
By the end of the workshop, you'll take home your own hand-carved wooden spoon, along with any additional wooden objects you create during the course. You'll also leave with a solid introduction to green wood carving techniques, practical skills for safely using carving tools, and the knowledge to continue carving and caring for your wooden creations at home.