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Spend an evening carving spoons, spreaders, and decorative mushrooms with Jordan Walmsley at 5501 Jefferson Ave in Midland, MI. This two-hour workshop is beginner-friendly, hands-on, and a perfect way to craft a unique, handmade souvenir of your time in the Great Lakes Bay region.
Spend an evening carving spoons, spreaders, and decorative mushrooms with Jordan Walmsley at 5501 Jefferson Ave in Midland, MI. This two-hour workshop is beginner-friendly, hands-on, and a perfect way to craft a unique, handmade souvenir of your time in the Great Lakes Bay region.
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Operated by Creative 360 · Midland, Michigan
On a cool Thursday evening in Midland, Michigan, a steady buzz rises inside the workshop at 5501 Jefferson Ave where the Woodcarving: Scoops & Spreaders class gathers. This two-hour hands-on session, led by carpenter Jordan Walmsley of Camp 3 Woodworks, is less about instruction manuals and more about the slow, tactile pleasure of coaxing tools and grain into useful forms. The meeting point is easy to find: the address in Midland anchors the class within the Great Lakes Bay community and places you a short drive from downtown. Jordan brings a showman's eye and a craftsman’s cadence: his rustic lathe and signature carved mushrooms are familiar at regional art fairs, and here he breaks down approachable techniques for every student. Expect to work with small, manageable pieces of wood as you carve spoons, spreaders, and decorative fungi, taking home as many finished projects as you can complete in class. The workshop welcomes beginners and those with limited experience; Jordan demonstrates safe tool handling, sharpening basics, and finishing touches so participants leave confident. What makes this class stand out is its blend of community and craft. Midland’s maker scene leans on community-run studios and regional wood suppliers, and this class channels that local ecosystem into a focused evening of skill-building. The materials skew toward the hardwoods common to the area, and the workshop’s pace encourages mindful attention rather than speed. With a group cap of 12, the setting feels conversational: you trade tips with neighbors and walk away with objects that carry both utility and memory. Practical details matter: Scoops & Spreaders runs Thursday, March 12 from 6:30–8:30 pm and is priced at $35; preregistration is required by March 5. The class admits ages 17+ (14 and up with a caregiver). Bring an apron or wear clothes you don’t mind scuffed, and plan for steady, focused work rather than a casual crafts night. Parking near 5501 Jefferson Ave is typically available; arrive a few minutes early for set-up. For travelers exploring Midland, this is an evening activity that connects you to local tradition without requiring a full day of travel. It’s an ideal pick-me-up between outdoor outings like Dow Gardens or trails at Chippewa Nature Center, and the projects you take home make tidy, handmade souvenirs. Whether you’re a curious beginner or someone sharpening a weekend skill, Jordan’s class is a clear, hands-on way to leave with both new technique and a small collection of carved keepsakes. Sign up early to secure one of the dozen seats and consider pairing the evening with dinner at a nearby cafe to compare notes and trade finishing tips; the social afterglow can be as valuable as the new skills and keepsakes you bring home.
easy.
2 hours.
Light: minimal physical exertion but steady hand coordination for carving tasks
No experience is required; Jordan provides step-by-step instruction and basic tool safety for beginners.
Yes — the class supplies wood and access to the lathe and communal tools used during the workshop.
Participants must be 17+; ages 14–16 are allowed with a caregiver present.
Group size is limited to 12 students to keep instruction personal and hands-on.
Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting wood dust on, and closed-toe shoes; bring an apron if you have one.
The class meets at 5501 Jefferson Ave in Midland; arrive a few minutes early to sign in and set up your station.
Jordan Walmsley is a carpenter with Camp 3 Woodworks and a known presence at Great Lakes Bay art fairs, tying this workshop to a regional craft tradition.
Local woodworkers often favor reclaimed or locally milled hardwoods and minimize waste; students are encouraged to respect material choices and finishes.
Creative 360 is a community-centered arts organization based in Midland, Michigan, offering a broad calendar of performances, classes, workshops, and volunteer opportunities. Dedicated to accessible arts education, Creative 360 runs inclusive semesters such as Artshop Clay and Artshop Painting Explorations that welcome participants of all ages and abilities, including those with disabilities. Small class sizes—typically limited to eight students for specialized hands-on art sessions—ensure personalized attention and skill development. Creative 360 presents recurring public performances including the free Sound Community Music Series held every second Wednesday, featuring classical and jazz artists like Trio Rubaton and electro-acoustic sets. The venue hosts visiting artists and special concerts such as the June performance by Michigan native Sarah Bomber. Seasonal programming includes a Summer Theatre Intensive for ages 11–17 where students audition, rehearse, and perform under a professional director, and short-term workshops like Sewing for Everyone focused on upcycling and practical skills. Community engagement is central to Creative 360’s mission: the organization operates volunteer programs that allow community members to support events and enjoy performances, and coordinates special events such as the inaugural Holiday Art Fair during Midland’s Holiday Arts Weekend. Additional offerings like Tai Chi 360 provide wellness-focused movement classes suitable for all levels. Creative 360 partners with local artists and instructors to maintain a varied, community-rooted schedule of arts experiences in Midland.
Book with Creative 360