Chopsticks: A Taste of Woodworking

Discover the cultural diversity and everyday beauty of chopsticks while crafting a pair of your own. In this three-hour hands-on workshop, you’ll learn about chopstick styles from different cultures and design a set tailored to your dining preferences, cultural influences, and favorite foods. Working with walnut, cherry, or maple, you’ll shape your chopsticks using a Japanese hand plane, sand them to a smooth finish, and add a personal touch through optional laser engraving and your choice of finish. By the end, you’ll leave with a special handmade pair—along with foundational woodworking knowledge and hand tool skills. Chopsticks are versatile tools, used not only for dining but also for cooking, cleaning, pinning up hair, and more. Many participants even craft them as thoughtful gifts for friends and loved ones. This beginner-friendly workshop is designed to be inclusive. If you have impaired vision and/or motor skills, please reach out to Ali at ali@alichenstudio.com ahead of ti