THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover the artistry of woodcarving in Midland, Michigan, with a two-hour workshop led by carpenter Jordan Walmsley. Craft whimsical wooden animals and rustic creations that capture the spirit of the Great Lakes Bay area.
Discover the artistry of woodcarving in Midland, Michigan, with a two-hour workshop led by carpenter Jordan Walmsley. Craft whimsical wooden animals and rustic creations that capture the spirit of the Great Lakes Bay area.
Book with Creative 360
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Creative 360 · Midland, Michigan
Located in Midland, Michigan, a city known for its rich arts scene and access to natural splendor, the Woodcarving: Stylized Animals workshop offers a unique hands-on experience that blends craftsmanship with imaginative play. Held at 5501 Jefferson Ave, this two-hour session guides participants through the creation of charming rustic lathe carvings and whimsical wooden mushrooms under the expert eye of Jordan Walmsley, a skilled carpenter affiliated with Camp 3 Woodworks. Known regionally for his impressive art fair pieces throughout the Great Lakes Bay area, Jordan brings both technique and personality to each project. This workshop invites anyone age 14 and up (younger participants welcome with a caregiver) to dive into woodcarving in a guided, approachable manner.
Midland itself sits amid lush forests and waterways, offering both inspiration and resources for artists who work with natural materials. Here, woodcarving is not just a trade but a connection to the surrounding environment, allowing you to take a piece of Michigan’s rustic charm home. The workshop’s intimate group size of 12 ensures personalized attention and plenty of opportunity to learn carving basics, from tool handling to shaping wood into lively, stylized animal forms. Whether you aspire to create decorative accents or functional wooden objects, this event provides a creative outlet along with a tangible souvenir crafted by your own hands.
What truly sets this workshop apart is its energetic blend of artistry and practicality. Rather than a passive demonstration, attendees actively carve and produce multiple projects during the session—turning raw wood into memorable art you can display or gift. Jordan’s presence, marked by his renowned mushroom sculptures and lathe work, adds a local flavor reflecting Midland’s vibrant artisan community. This workshop is ideal for visitors looking to try something different from sheer outdoor adventure while staying connected to the natural landscape through craft.
If your itinerary includes exploring nearby parklands or waterways, adding this woodcarving class offers a creative contrast. The approachable skill level makes it accessible for beginners and curious travelers wanting to engage with regional culture beyond conventional sightseeing. Pre-registration is required, and the modest $35 fee makes this an affordable and rewarding experiential highlight.
Woodcarving: Stylized Animals offers a hands-on artistic experience rooted in Midland’s outdoor-lover's culture—perfect for anyone seeking to shape their own piece of Michigan’s woodsy heritage during their visit.
easy.
2 hours.
Minimal physical fitness required; suitable for most ages and abilities.
No prior experience is needed; the workshop welcomes beginners and walks you through all steps.
Participants must be 14 or older, or younger with a caregiver present.
All carving tools and wood materials are supplied during the workshop.
Yes, you can bring home all the projects you complete during the session.
Yes, pre-registration is required to secure your spot in the limited-capacity workshop.
Comfortable clothing and protective gloves and eye protection for safety are recommended.
Midland developed as a hub for timber and manufacturing, and woodcraft remains an integral part of the local culture.
Workshops promote sustainable use of wood sourced responsibly, emphasizing environmental respect and reducing waste.
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