Five Day Carving Workshop with Mary May in Brisbane
 
Mary May Australia Tour, assisted by Olivia O'Connor
Moday to Friday, August 18 to 22, 2025
9.00am – 5.00pm daily
Carbatec Teaching Workshop
364 New Cleveland Road, Tingalpa Qld 4173
 
If you want to be a woodcarver, and you want to build your professional carving skills promptly bypassing years of trial and error, then this 5 Day Workshop with American woodcarver Mary May is for you.
 
About Mary May’s Carving Workshop
 
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.
 
In this 5 Day workshop, Mary May assisted by Olivia O’Connor, will guide you to develop and master an ensemble of traditional woodcarving techniques. To start Mary will review the safe use of long-handled woodcarving gouges and how to sharpen them to a razor-sharp edge quickly and repeatedly. Then throughout the week, Mary will walk you through a series of standard carving projects step-by-step with each project building different and increasingly advanced skills. This series of projects starts with mastering carving in the correct grain direction, then quickly moves on to include a variety of different floral designs and a seashell. If time permits, your final project will be one of your own design.
 
If you are an experienced carver, this 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. Mary's focus will be on those working through the standard projects, however as we have two exceptional carvers leading the workshop, you are guaranteed to receive all the support you will need. 
 
This 5 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 12 places available, book your spot today.
 
More About the Projects
 
The program for Mary May’s 5-Day Workshops are built around a series of five standard projects and are the same for both Melbourne and Brisbane. The standard projects 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
 
It's possible for you to complete all five projects in the five days. However, you are encouraged to work at your own pace throughout the workshop to enhance your learning experience. Mary also wants to leave the final day of the workshop free for you to work on a custom project of your own. So, if you choose, you can complete three or four of the standard projects and then attempt a custom project of your own design on the final day. If you are an experienced carver, you can also bring along carving projects you are already working on and seek Mary’s guidance on completing the piece.
 
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 twelve places available so reserve your bench space today.