The Royal Art of Woodcarving is a workshop that welcomes everyone—whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been carving for years. If you’re a beginner looking to get your feet wet or an advanced carver wanting to refine skills, this course will take students to that next level. Alexander will kick off the first morning with a little tool sharpening, in the way he likes to call it “sharpening на стероидах” (na steroidakh—on steroids). This is a fast, foolproof method Alexander uses daily, which creates sharp tools—something both beginners and pro carvers will appreciate. Trust me, you don’t want to be hacking away with a dull chisel. From there, discussions will move into hands-on carving. Alexander will show students how to use the tools by hand, sticking to traditional techniques that have stood the test of time. He will also discuss how to choose the right tools, dealing with frustrating wood grain, and how to safely clamp your piece without messing up your work. By the end of the week, participants will have carved both simple and complex designs, regardless of their starting skill level. Alexander will help students learn how to approach carving projects in a way that’s efficient, safe, and—most importantly—fun. “And trust me, when you show your finished piece to your loved ones, they’ll очень горды (ochen gordy a little Russian) for You.” And you will get to say, “Yeah, I made that.”