Summer 2026
July 6-10

Class size: 12
Cost: $1,070
Materials: $50

In this five-day course, you will work with Port Gamble S’Klallam master carver Brian Perry to learn about this tradition and form while completing your own Northwest Coast-style rattle with hand-carving tools.

Starting with a piece of freshly cut Red Alder, students will be guided through the process of laying out, shaping, and carving a rattle. Historical examples of this form run the gamut from streamlined and simple designs to highly ornamented and intricately carved. Each student will be able to choose the level of detail and complexity to suit their experience level and ambition. For those who are just starting their carving journey, it will serve as a great introduction to Northwest Coast art. At the same time, more experienced carvers will have the opportunity to embellish with detailed carving and other decorative embellishments. 

During this class, you will learn to shape, block out, and fit two pieces together to form an ornate, useful piece of art. Brian will cover the basics of designing, methods for creating a hollow recess, roughing out the shape, and fitting the two pieces back together. Next, you will learn to refine the shape with handheld carving tools, such as bent knives and straight knives. European-style carving gouges can also be used, but this class will focus primarily on using Northwest Coast-style bent knives. If time allows, Brian will also show examples of how you can carve or paint on a design. 

The class format is open, supportive, and collaborative. Brian will work one-on-one with students, sometimes demonstrating particular techniques or approaches on a part of your rattle, which allows you to directly observe and then replicate the process in a method that reflects long-held indigenous knowledge sharing practices. Through observation, replication, and repetition, the techniques and motions will begin to sink in so that students can begin to develop a deeper connection to the materials and the art form.

Tools

Required

No tools are required for this class, although we recommend that you bring a notepad and writing implements.

Recommended

If you have any of your own carving tools, we recommend that you bring them along. It's always great to get more experience with your own tools. This class will make use of a straight elbow adze and Northwest style straight and bent knives. European-style carving gouges will also be available for use.

Prerequisites

This class is open to all, but having some experience carving wood is helpful. This class will spend 40 hours carving, which can be physically demanding. Mostly, it is important to have reasonable hand strength, dexterity, and physical stamina. We encourage you to take your time, work safely, and not rush through, but depending on your experience level, this may mean not completing the project during the allotted class time. If you have questions about whether or not this course is a good fit for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to info@ptwoodschool.org.  

Course Information and Registration

Classes run 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday in Building 304 at Fort Worden. Map. Read our What to Expect page for general information about the school and our course Registration Policy. We highly encourage you to sign up for the waitlist if the course is full.