Shamoji, the Japanese rice paddle, is a traditional kitchen tool used for preparing and serving rice. Its broad surface and gentle curves are designed to move through cooked rice without crushing the grains, making it both practical and closely connected to everyday meals in Japanese cuisine. Traditionally carved from wood, the rice paddle reflects a balance of utility, craftsmanship, and care.
This hands-on workshop centers on shaping wood into a useful and beautifully simple kitchen utensil. Participants will work with both straight and curved carving blades while learning how form, surface, and grain influence the finished piece. The workshop explores paddle design, wood selection, finishing oils, and carving techniques, allowing participants to experience the tactile rhythm of handwork while creating their own hand-carved rice paddle.
Wood and carving tools will be provided.
2026-2027 Schedule
Dates (2-day workshop)
- Saturdays, October 10 & 17, 2026
- Saturdays, May 1 & 8, 2027
Time
- 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Price
- $150
Material Fee
- $25 (cash payable to the instructor)
- Participants, please bring an apron and/or wear old clothes
Location
- Oki Education Center
Meet Your Instructor
Ashley Look is the wooden spoon carver behind Of Grain and Grain. She’s been an avid woodcarver for 8+ years and committed to the craft after discovering the profound pleasure of creating something by hand. When she’s not helping others get more out of life’s simple pleasures, she’s enjoying the taste of adventure, sailing as a chef for the tall ship community. She splits her time between land and sea and has found no better joy than sipping fresh coffee in the morning sunshine with a piece of wood and knife in hand.
