Our 1st Wood Carving Class: Bunga Raya Pocket Mirrors
In conjunction with this year’s Hari Merdeka and Malaysia Day, our workshop buzzed with excitement as we hosted our very first wood carving class—and what better way to celebrate Malaysia’s spirit than with our national flower, the bunga raya?
We held two cozy sessions on 30 August and 13 September, where participants gathered around our workbenches to carve pocket mirrors from locally sourced jelutong wood. Jelutong is a Malaysian favourite for carving—soft enough for beginners to handle, yet strong enough to keep the details crisp.
Leading the charge was Fifi, a talented young woodworker currently studying at Politeknik Besut Terengganu. This was her first time leading a Build Together Workshop, and she absolutely nailed it! From guiding everyone on carving techniques to encouraging creative flourishes on the bunga raya petals, she brought both skill and enthusiasm to the table.
The atmosphere was equal parts focus and laughter—newbies and hobbyists alike swapped tips, cheered each other on, and compared the curves of their hibiscus petals. By the end of each session, every participant held a one-of-a-kind mirror, carved by hand, and infused with Malaysian pride. (Take a look at our class recap videos at the end of this post!)
Moments like these remind us why we started The Wood Place—to create not just furniture, but experiences where people connect, learn, and build something meaningful together. Seeing Fifi step into a leadership role and watching participants walk out with a handmade piece they’ll treasure—it’s exactly the kind of magic we want to keep fostering.
If you’re looking for DIY woodworking workshops in Malaysia or want to try wood carving with local timber like jelutong, keep an eye on our social media announcements—we can’t wait to host more creative sessions like this!
