Carve your own Nib Holder with Lee John Phillips

Join greenwood carver and illustrator, Lee John Phillips to make your own calligraphy, or drawing, nib holder.

You’ll begin with learning the fundamentals of safe knife grips and carving techniques, considering grain orientation and cutting directions. You will then look at various design elements being influenced by Scandinavian folk craft. Then you’ll transfer your beautiful design onto wood and carve your nib holder. Once complete, you will learn about the range of paints and finishes before inserting the ferrule and nib.

Lee is a technical illustrator, designer, painter, teacher and maker living in West Wales. His time is split between the south west coast in Pembrokeshire and his private woodland in Carmarthenshire. He has worked in education for almost two decades with posts ranging from classroom teacher of Art and Design, Assistant Principal Moderator for GCSE to subject lead at post graduate level teacher training.

Lee is internationally recognised for carving his small pocket spoons, but it’s his application of pattern and embellishment that peaked real interest in his work. He utilises traditional techniques and hand tools, carving only with axe, knife and hook knife. He predominantly works in storm-fallen green wood and very much looks forward to leaving the confines of his drawing board and studio and revels in the care, maintenance and curation of his ancient, Welsh woodland.

Details:

Is there an age limit for the workshop?
Anyone can attend our workshops, though unfortunately we do not allow children under 12. Those under 16 we do request are accompanied by an adult. Please do get in touch if you'd like to discuss. Be aware - you will be using sharp tools in this workshop.

What should I bring?
You don't need anything - we'll provide everything you need for this workshop.

What are my transport/parking options getting to you?
There is parking in Bath in several locations - the nearest to Walcot Chapel would be the Podium car park or the Cattlemarket car park. Train services to Bath Spa are very regular and the walk to Walcot Chapel takes around 25 minutes.

Cancellation Terms
Please ensure you can attend the workshop before booking, as tickets for the On Paper Festival are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you are ill, shipwrecked, or unable to attend for any other reason, we are unable to swap your date, though you are more than welcome to find a friend that can take your place.