Making a Shrink Pot

February 21th 2026

10:00am to 4:00pm

Sliding Scale: 130$ / 160$ (Wood & Tools included)

6 people max

Beaver Point Hall, Salt Spring Island

Shrink pots are an ancient way to create wooden containers and are truly one of the most magical project in the world of wood carving.

The concept is to hollow and carve a log from green wood, then fit a dry bottom piece into a groove. As the green wood dries, it shrinks around the bottom and creates a tight seal.

Shrink pots can be used for food storage, drinking vessels, jewels, pencils…

Part 1

• Some theory to better understand wood

Part 2

• Demo: how to carve a shrink pot with hand tools

• Overview of tools and techniques

Part 3

• Hands-on carving

Part 4

• Demo: how to carve the groove, the bottom, the lid & decorate

Part 5

• Hands-on carving