WORKSHOP WILL INCLUDE:

• What is diamond willow, where is it found, when to harvest, drying and straightening.

• Safe handling of knives, chisels and carving tools.

• How to craft your own walking stick—each participant will be provided with a raw (with bark) diamond willow stick (dried and straightened stick). There will be a large selection of dried sticks at various lengths for participants to choose from.

• Participants will learn how to remove the bark, carve out the diamonds, sand their stick, and will be provided with two finishing products (boiled linseed oil and Wipe On Poly). Written finishing instructions are provided as well.

• Greg will provide knives, chisels, wood carving tools, and some gloves. Participants are welcome to bring their own knives and tools and must wear a mask during the workshop. Social distancing will be provided throughout the workshop.

• Finishing touches such as installing a wrist strap, carvings onto the stick, implanting a gemstone or compass, and installing a rubber tip will also be discussed.

• Additional raw sticks and finished sticks and canes will also be available for sale.

Ages: 12+

Max Class Size: 10

Cost: $40

Registration Deadline: Jan 21, 2021

The initial cost of $50 for this class is subsidized through a generous grant from Saskatchewan Lotteries

Refunds will be dealt with on a case by case basis.

Covid-19 safety protocols can be found at www.pilotbutte-arts.ca

Workshop cost:

• $40.00 per participant covers materials that include the walking stick, sandpaper and small containers of the two finishing products. Extra charge for rubber cane tip ($2.00) a 20 mm size compass or gemstones (to place into the top of the handle). Currently I am out of ¼” wide leather for a wrist strap but will try an order more prior to the workshop.

• Brand new Sweden Made Mora Knives will be available for sale at $25.00 each. These are very sharp and are an excellent investment if you want to make additional walking sticks.

• This is a hands on workshop and participants should wear old clothing, an apron, or coveralls due to the sanding and removing of the bark. You will get a little dirty.

• Any questions you can contact Greg Mallett at gdmallett@sasktel.net or message me on Facebook.