——August 8-9——Wagatabon Wooden Tray Carving with Joey Traynor

Related Courses/Events: Woodworking Courses

Dates: Sat-Sun, August 8-9, 2026, 9am-5pm

Registration closes July 24 so the instructor can prepare materials.

Optional: Friday, August 7, 6pm Urban Woodsman: Wood Carving in Detroit Craft Night Series presentation with Joey Traynor

Description: In this two-day course we will learn how to carve freshly harvested wood to make a traditional Japanese tray called wagatabon. Students will split a log and carve a simple tray with a flat chisel and round gouge.

“The wagatabon is a type of wooden tray that used to be made by roof shingle makers in Wagatani village, Ishikawa, the snowy area of Japan. It is said that the trays had been made there since early 17th century. The makers used to cleave green chestnut logs to produce shingles, and kept the good ones to carve trays in winter.”

—excerpt from Jarrod’s Blog Here

All tools and materials will be provided. There will be an hour lunch break each day.

Workshop fee: $225

Materials Fee: $40

JOEY TRAYNOR is an arborist and green woodworker in Metro Detroit, Michigan. He teaches greenwood carving at Michigan Folk School and Traditional Ways Gathering. He was a former apprentice with Jarrod Dahl and learned wagatabon tray carving from Shinichi Moriguchi. Joey enjoys spending his time in nature, foraging mushrooms, and making things. @greatlakeswoodcraft