The Snaps Kuksa Carving Workshop is a full-day, hands-on experience that invites participants to craft a small but meaningful drinking vessel rooted in Northern woodland tradition. Running from 09:00 to 17:00, this relaxed and rewarding workshop offers the time and space to work with green wood and edged tools, transforming a simple block of timber into a beautifully functional snaps kuksa cup.
With a maximum group size of eight, the workshop is intentionally kept small to ensure close instruction, individual guidance, and a supportive learning environment. The course is suitable for those aged 16 and over, with under-18s welcome when accompanied by an adult.
By the end of the day, participants will have carved their own Snaps Kuksa, perfectly sized for a warming evening tipple or a strong morning espresso, and shaped entirely by hand.
Tradition, Craft, and Connection
Within bushcraft culture, the kuksa has come to symbolise a deeper connection to nature and a slower, more deliberate way of working. Traditionally used by the Sámi people of Lapland—who refer to it as a guksi—the kuksa is an everyday item carried and used in the forest, valued as much for its reliability as for the care taken in its making.
This workshop draws inspiration from that tradition, encouraging participants to work with the wood rather than against it. As the kuksa takes shape, attention is given not only to technique, but to balance, proportion, and how the finished cup will feel in the hand and on the lips.
Learning the Process
Participants are guided step by step through the complete kuksa-making process by an experienced instructor. Instruction covers:
- Selecting suitable green wood for kuksa carving
- Understanding grain direction and natural form
- Safe and efficient use of saws, knives, and crook knives
- Hollowing the bowl with control and accuracy
- Refining shape, rim, and handle
- Smoothing and finishing the cup for everyday use
Rather than following a rigid template, participants are encouraged to let the wood guide the final form, ensuring each kuksa is unique and personal.
A Relaxed and Supportive Environment
The workshop is held at our World of Bushcraft Centre in the Peak District, providing a welcoming and inspiring setting for learning traditional skills.
All tools and materials are provided, and free tea and coffee are available throughout the day, helping to maintain a relaxed and sociable atmosphere. Instruction is patient and encouraging, making the workshop suitable for complete beginners as well as those with some carving experience.
Only paid participants will have materials allocated for hands-on work. Under-18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
In Summary
The Snaps Kuksa Carving Workshop offers a satisfying introduction to kuksa carving on a smaller scale, blending tradition, craftsmanship, and practicality. Participants leave with a finished snaps kuksa cup, a deeper understanding of green wood carving, and the confidence to continue exploring spoon and kuksa carving independently.
This workshop is ideal for anyone interested in traditional crafts, Scandinavian bushcraft, wood carving, or creating meaningful everyday objects by hand.
The Snaps Kuksa Carving Workshop is a full-day, hands-on experience that invites participants to craft a small but meaningful drinking vessel rooted in Northern woodland tradition. Running from 09:00 to 17:00, this relaxed and rewarding workshop offers the time and space to work with green wood and edged tools, transforming a simple block of timber into a beautifully functional snaps kuksa cup.
With a maximum group size of eight, the workshop is intentionally kept small to ensure close instruction, individual guidance, and a supportive learning environment. The course is suitable for those aged 16 and over, with under-18s welcome when accompanied by an adult.
By the end of the day, participants will have carved their own Snaps Kuksa, perfectly sized for a warming evening tipple or a strong morning espresso, and shaped entirely by hand.
Tradition, Craft, and Connection
Within bushcraft culture, the kuksa has come to symbolise a deeper connection to nature and a slower, more deliberate way of working. Traditionally used by the Sámi people of Lapland—who refer to it as a guksi—the kuksa is an everyday item carried and used in the forest, valued as much for its reliability as for the care taken in its making.
This workshop draws inspiration from that tradition, encouraging participants to work with the wood rather than against it. As the kuksa takes shape, attention is given not only to technique, but to balance, proportion, and how the finished cup will feel in the hand and on the lips.
Learning the Process
Participants are guided step by step through the complete kuksa-making process by an experienced instructor. Instruction covers:
- Selecting suitable green wood for kuksa carving
- Understanding grain direction and natural form
- Safe and efficient use of saws, knives, and crook knives
- Hollowing the bowl with control and accuracy
- Refining shape, rim, and handle
- Smoothing and finishing the cup for everyday use
Rather than following a rigid template, participants are encouraged to let the wood guide the final form, ensuring each kuksa is unique and personal.
A Relaxed and Supportive Environment
The workshop is held at our World of Bushcraft Centre in the Peak District, providing a welcoming and inspiring setting for learning traditional skills.
All tools and materials are provided, and free tea and coffee are available throughout the day, helping to maintain a relaxed and sociable atmosphere. Instruction is patient and encouraging, making the workshop suitable for complete beginners as well as those with some carving experience.
Only paid participants will have materials allocated for hands-on work. Under-18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
In Summary
The Snaps Kuksa Carving Workshop offers a satisfying introduction to kuksa carving on a smaller scale, blending tradition, craftsmanship, and practicality. Participants leave with a finished snaps kuksa cup, a deeper understanding of green wood carving, and the confidence to continue exploring spoon and kuksa carving independently.
This workshop is ideal for anyone interested in traditional crafts, Scandinavian bushcraft, wood carving, or creating meaningful everyday objects by hand.