How to become a woodworker: JoJo's story

JoJo:

I'm JoJo, I'm 24 years old, and I'm a woodworker.

Woodwork is one of the oldest crafts – people have been making things from wood for thousands of years. It's really nice to be able to carry on this long tradition of woodworking, and put my own spin on things.

I've always been interested in making spoons. I grew up surrounded by wood. My dad was a woodworker too, so all of my first meals were eaten with a wooden bowl and a wooden spoon, made by my dad. I was taught from a very young age how to safely use a knife and how to carve things and whittle things to play with.

After I left school, I went to work with several different craftspeople to pick up new skills, and learn about running a business as a craftsperson.

Eventually, I started an apprenticeship with a clog maker. I decided to take on an apprenticeship because I wanted to do something more practical with my life, and something where I had a bit more control over what I do.

To carve a wooden spoon, I start from a block of wood, I split that down with an axe, then carve it roughly to shape with a stock knife. From there, I use smaller tools – a straight knife and a curved knife – to refine the shapes and make it look beautiful.

At the end, I carve my initials on every spoon using a small, sharp, pointy knife. It's taken a lot of years of training to be able to use these tools safely and properly in my workshop. Now I teach people how to carve spoons, all the way around the world.

It feels really great to be able to pass on my skills to students. It's lovely watching them learn these new techniques, and see how great it makes them feel to have made things themselves.

In my work, it's really important to be able to talk to people. When I was choosing my options at school, I took Drama which has helped me with everything that I do. From getting up on a stage and talking to people about what I do, to teaching people and being able to put across my ideas, it's always been a massive help.

The best part of my job is being able to do what I want, when I want. I also love being able to make things that people can use. It's fantastic thinking about all of the things that I've made, all around the world in people's kitchens, getting used every day.