Why I Teach, Who It's For, and How It All Started
When I first got into woodworking, I didn’t have a lathe. I didn’t have a shop. And I definitely didn’t have a clue what I was doing.
What I did have was a small set of carving tools, a lot of YouTube tabs open, and a desire to make something real with my hands. From there, I worked my way up—slowly, imperfectly—acquiring tools, finding my style, and eventually diving headfirst into woodturning and woodworking with power tools (the thrill is real). That little carving set? It was the beginning of what would one day grow into Woods(wo)man Woodworking.
A Previous Students Heart Shaped Bowl from Bowls & Brews at 2Crows Brewery
So when people ask why I started offering workshops, here’s the honest answer:
Because I remember exactly what it’s like to be curious about woodworking and not know where to begin.
I’ve always been drawn to the energy of a fully equipped shop—big tools, loud machines, the thrill of spindle turning (which is still one of my greatest loves). And those spaces are amazing for teaching more advanced skills, no doubt about it. But even as an instructor, I’ve felt the limits.
Big workshops require big investments. Not just from me, but from the folks who sign up. Between materials, safety gear, machine time, and the need for one-on-one instruction, those classes can add up—quickly.
That’s where carving comes in.
Carving is approachable. It doesn’t demand an entire shop’s worth of tools or a deep knowledge of machinery. It meets people where they are. You can start small, learn the fundamentals, and still walk away with something you made with your own hands. That’s powerful.
Offering carving-based workshops lets me share my love of woodworking in a way that’s more accessible—for everyone. And if that opens the door for someone to one day step up to a lathe or tackle a bigger project? Even better.
These Workshops Are for Everyone—Not Just “Woodworkers”
Here’s the thing: not everyone can—or wants to—jump into a full shop setup right away. Carving by hand or learning the basics in a low-pressure environment can be the gateway to discovering your own woodworking journey. That’s the spirit behind every Woods(wo)man Workshop.
They’re designed to be:
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Beginner-friendly. No experience necessary. You’ll learn by doing.
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Hands-on and confidence-building. This isn’t a demo you just watch. You leave having made something real.
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Accessible and inclusive. We host in accessible venues, provide name/pronoun tags, and create an environment where everyone is welcomed, respected, and supported.
Our first every Woods(wo)man Workshop - The Inaugural Wanna Spoon Valentines Workshop
Whether you’re a hobby-curious newcomer, someone who’s always loved crafting, or you just want to try something new with your hands—you’re in the right place.
Why I Love Teaching (And Why It’s Always Been Part of My Story)
The truth is, teaching isn’t something I stumbled into by accident—it’s been woven into my path for years.
Before Woods(wo)man Woodworking, I was teaching in a very different kind of classroom. I worked as a sessional instructor at Dalhousie University and a teaching assistant at both Dalhousie and the University of New Brunswick. I taught theory, facilitated discussions, marked papers—and I loved it. I loved watching the way ideas clicked for people. I loved helping students build confidence in their voice, their skills, their work.
So when I started running woodworking workshops, it felt surprisingly familiar.
Time sure flies when you're having fun - especially teaching!
Sure, we’ve swapped out lecture halls for sawdust and chisels—but the heart of it is the same. It’s about creating space for people to learn, ask questions, try something new, and walk away knowing they’re capable of more than they thought.
That background in academia gave me a deep respect for accessible education—and that’s what I try to bring into every Woods(wo)man Workshop. Whether you’re picking up a carving tool for the first time or finally tackling a technique that’s been intimidating you, my goal is to meet you where you’re at, and cheer you on from there.
Because to me, teaching isn’t just about the transfer of knowledge—it’s about building people up through the process.
What’s Next
I’m continuing to grow the Woods(wo)man Workshop offerings—adding new project types, popping up in cozy, creative venues across the region, and building a space where learning something new feels exciting, not intimidating.
A year later and our 2nd Annual Wanna Spoon Workshop was a HIT!!
If you're dreaming of hosting your own workshop—whether it’s a private group gathering, birthday surprise, team builder, or just an excuse to hang out and make something cool—I offer private bookings too! I’d love to craft a workshop that suits your group and gives everyone a chance to walk away with something they made themselves (plus good vibes, guaranteed).
👉 Interested in a private workshop? Click here to inquire
Or if you're ready to jump into a class that’s already on the calendar, there are a few spots open in upcoming sessions:
👉 View upcoming workshops + register here
Whether you’re brand new to woodworking or returning to it after some time away, I hope you’ll join me. There’s a seat at the workbench for you!