TWO Day Carving Workshop with Mary May in Melbourne
 
Mary May’s Australia Tour, assisted by Olivia O'Connor
Monday to Friday, August 11 to 15, 2025
9.00am – 5.00pm daily
The Wood Play Studio
Level 2, 69 Charles Street Coburg 3058
 
If you want to be a woodcarver, and you want to build your professional carving skills promptly bypassing years of trial and error. And if you don't have a whole 5 days to spare, check out this TWO Day Workshop with American woodcarver Mary May.
 
About Mary May’s Carving Workshops
 
Teaching yourself to wood carve is great yet you may find your progress slow, and you will miss the subtle technical and artistic nuances that great craftspeople bear. The best way to develop your craft is to spend time working alongside a master.
 
The program for Mary May’s full 5-Day Workshops includes a series of lessons on sharpening and safe tool use to start. Then participants can complete a series of five standard projects of increasing complexity. The standard projects are the same for both Melbourne and Brisbane and include:
 
Project 1 – A Rose
Project 2 - Scallop shell (profile cut out)
Project 3 - Calla Lilly low relief
Project 4 - Calla Lilly high relief (profile cut out)
Project 5 - Oak Leaves
 
If you are an experienced carver, this 5 Day Workshop is also offered as an "open studio" where you can work on your individual projects with Mary and Olivia guiding you through the more complex challenges.
 
The TWO Day Workshop
 
If you don’t have a full 5 days to spare, then consider completing a TWO Day Workshop with Mary and Olivia. If you a new carver, then opt for the first two days of the workshop so you can take in the sharpening lessons and two of less complicated standard projects. 
 
If you are a more experienced carver maybe opt for two of the latter days and complete the more complex pieces. Or if you have a project of your own, bring that along and allow Mary and Olivia to assist you in resolving the piece.
 
Either way, this TWO Day carving workshop presented by Mary May and Olivia O’Connor is your unique opportunity to grow your carving skills in a friendly and supportive group environment. Only 10 places available on each day so book your spot today.
 
If you wish to discuss what days to attend the workshop, email John Madden at hello@wooddustaustralia.com.au and he will assist you with any questions.
 
Tools & Materials
 
Tools will be supplied for this workshop, however for the best experience and so you do not have to wait around to share equipment, we strongly recommend you bring your own set of long handled gouges (fishtails preferred) including:
 
6mm v-chisel
#3, 6mm
#3, 14mm
#5, 14mm
#7, 6mm
#7, 14mm
 
The gouges listed use the Pfeil system of classification, substitutes from our manufacturers are no problem. If you don't have the full set don't stress, additional tools will be available. If you have questions email John at hello@wooddustaustralia.com.au for more information.
 
When you arrive at the studios your tools should be sharp and ready to go. There will be a sharpening station onsite so you can maintain your equipment during the week. Participants should wear sturdy clothes and covered shoes suitable for woodworking. All materials required for the workshop are included.

Meals 
 
All meals including lunch, morning and afternoon tea are provided each day of the workshop. The individual dietary needs of participants will be considered.
 
Who is Mary May
 
Mary May is an American professional woodcarver with over 30 years’ experience. Mary has studied the European style of traditional woodcarving with a variety of master carvers. During her career Mary has specialised in the classical techniques focusing on decorative furniture and architectural details. Mary teaches at a variety of woodworking schools in the US and Europe. Her driving passion is to create beautiful woodcarvings and to keep the art of traditional woodcarving alive and well through teaching others the craft.
 
Who is Olivia O’Connor
 
Olivia O’Connor is a woodcarver and printmaker whose work reflects her search for home and belonging within the Australian landscape. With a background in prop making and scenic artistry, Olivia’s journey led to a career as a rocking horse maker and restoration expert, developing skills vital in her artistic practice.
 
Who is this workshop for?
 
This workshop is for anyone who is ready to get serious about their woodcarving. Those who want to build professional carving skills promptly bypassing years of trial and error. And those who want to take their work to a new level. With the group you will explore the materials, tools, and techniques of carving guided by two masters of the craft. You will also meet like-minded creative people and no doubt you will have some fun. 
 
Stay Posted to Learn More
 
Over the next few months, we will be exploring further the projects that Mary and Olivia will be teaching in the two five workshops. We will also be covering carving fundamentals such as sharpening, tool selection and design. We also have a few online webinars planned where you can talk to Mary and Olivia face to face. Book your ticket today and prepare for a great carving experience.
 
Terms & Conditions
 
Terms & Conditions apply when purchasing a ticket to attend this five-day woodworking workshop. Visit the WOOD DUST Terms & Conditions located in the website footer to learn more. If you have any questions regarding this workshop email John Madden at hello@wooddustaustralia.com.au for more information.
 
Tickets on Sale
 
If you want a comprehensive woodcarving learning experience, then this workshop is for you. Tickets are on sale now, only 10 places available on each day so reserve your bench space today.