THE CURRICULUM

From Linden to Oak

Every child starts carving in linden with simple tools. As their hands grow steady, the wood gets harder and the projects get bigger. Each level is named for a wood that captures that stage. The species on the bench change with each project.

Skills, not age

Kids move up when they can show the skills, not after a set number of weeks.

Something real to keep

Every level ends with a finished piece your child made with their own hands.

Always a next step

Each level shows what comes next, so your child always has something to work toward.

LEVEL 1 · BEGINNER

Linden

Soft, even, and forgiving. Linden is the classic carver's wood, and all our carving is done in it. Other first projects use redwood, pine and other soft woods.

What they make

  • Darning egg

  • Spinning tops

  • Carved spoons

  • Wooden knives and swords

  • Simple carvings

Skills they master

  • Safe tool handling

  • Knife grips: push and pull cuts

  • Sawing to a line

  • Drilling

  • Sanding and finishing

Ready for Poplar when they carve a spoon on their own and handle every tool safely without reminders.

LEVEL 2 · INTERMEDIATE

Poplar

Steady and honest, like the wood it's named for. This is where kids learn to measure, fit, and join, and mallets bring their first true hardwood.

What they make

  • Wall clocks

  • Carved bowls

  • Boxes

  • Mallets

Skills they master

  • Measuring and marking

  • Chisel work

  • Planing a flat surface

  • First joints

Ready for Walnut when they build a square, well-fitted box and can plan the steps of a project themselves.

LEVEL 3 · ADVANCED

Walnut

Named for the fine-furniture wood. Walnut-level kids build real furniture in hardwoods chosen for each piece, made to stay in the family.

What they make

  • Three-legged stool

  • Shaker shelf

  • End tables and small tables

Skills they master

  • Fitted joinery

  • Multi-part builds

  • Designing their own piece

Ready for Oak when they finish a piece of furniture and are ready to help someone else learn.

MENTOR LEVEL · BY INVITATION

Oak

Every oak was once an acorn. Our oldest students come back to build and to teach.

What they do

  • A larger piece of their own design

  • Help younger students at the bench

  • Junior counselor at summer camp

What they grow

  • Leadership

  • Patience

  • Teaching a skill to someone else

For parents: how your child moves up

1. Everyone starts in Linden

Even kids with some experience. It sets good habits and shows me how they work.

2. I watch for the skills

Each level has a short list. When your child shows them, they're ready.

3. Returning families sign up first

[Priority registration window — confirm details] before spots open to everyone.

Not sure where your child fits?

Every new student starts in Linden. Questions? I'm happy to talk.

See current programs · Read the FAQ