Wood carving is one of the oldest art forms around. A celebrated practice in cultures around the globe, wood carving is used for aesthetic and spiritual reasons in addition to practical applications. If you would like to start turning wood into various objects, take a moment to learn about projects perfect for beginners.

Top 5 Wood Carving Project Ideas For Newbies

1. Spoon

Spoons and spatulas are among the easiest wood carving projects. They work best on wood with fibers that run straight; soft woods are ideal because you do not have to use a lot of pressure to create curves and indentations. You will learn how to make a push cut with a spoon, a type of whittling technique where you hold the wood in your non-dominant hand and make strokes away from yourself to remove shavings.

2. Beach Bowl

The same practices used for spoons apply to beach bowls, only you are using a large piece of wood. These bowls are ideal for displaying fruit and allow you to hone your push cut technique. Again, use soft wood such as basswood for best results.

3. Bird

Birds are another animal wood carving project that ranges from simple to highly-detailed. Since most bird carvings are 3-D you will spend more time on this project than others. 3-D carvings are known as sculptural carvings and do not require creating the illusion of depth, unlike relief carvings.

4. Letter Opener

Simple letter opener wood carving projects take little time to complete and require a saw and utility knife only. As you gain experience, you can graduate to letter openers with more intricate handles that feature different designs and paint patterns. You’ll also work on creating deeper cuts, such as those between the handle and rest of the letter opener.

5. Fish

Basic 2-D fish are possibly the easiest animal wood carving projects to complete. Start with simple outlines and leave the wood at least 1 inch thick so the fish can stand on its own. Once your skills improve, you can work on carving scales, eyes, and other embellishments.

Find what you need for your wood carving projects at Hardwood Heaven, the center for woodworking hobbyists in Lancaster County, NE. The knowledgeable and highly-skilled team is here to help you find the solutions you need while also providing tools from name brands such as Powermatic®, Laguna®, and Festool®. Tool sharpening and repair services are available as well. Call (402) 325-0063 today with inventory or service questions.