Chirirenge in Japanese is the name of the soup spoons from Asia and is used as ramen spoons in Japan. Unlike the western spoon, it has a flat bottom and is deep to hold more soup. The handle is curved upwards and the shape mimics a fallen petal of the lotus flower called renge in Japanese. The word chiri means “to fall off.”
The Joy of Carving workshop is a craft experience designed to help participants slow down for the sake of spoon carving and learn about this culturally unique utensil. Participants focus on the tactile exploration of wood as a creative medium, learning carving techniques to shape one’s work into functional art. This workshop covers everything from wood selection, the ramen spoon design, finishing oils, along with a knife, blade, and carving techniques so participants can experience the joy of creating their own hand-carved kitchen tool.
Wood and carving tools will be provided.
2023-2024 Schedule
Details
Date
- 2-day workshop – Saturdays, March 9 & 16, 2024
Time
- 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Price
- $150
Material Fee
- $20 (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.