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Get in the Groove: Wood Carving Basics

In your hands, the hobby of wood carving can become an art – and even a career. Regardless of your age or experience, all you need to begin is soft, easy-to-carve wood and one knife. After you’re sure you love it, you can move onto more tools, intricate patterns and harder woods.

Find a mentor before you begin

Locate a wood carving specialty store in your area or contact a local community college to enroll in a basic class. You’ll find a large community of support is available and with just a few tips, you’ll be on your way!

Which wood works

Almost any kind of wood will work for artistic carvings, but there are some types that are more popular with beginners. Don’t start carving on found wood or hard wood; contact a carving supply store in person or online for a selection of:

• Basswood, Aspen or Butternut: These are the most popular carving woods because they’re soft and easy to work with hand tools. Basswood and Aspen are white, with a fairly close grain pattern, and most carvers paint their finished carvings. Butternut has a dark brown heartwood grain pattern that looks great unpainted.

• Cottonwood: A Midwestern regional favorite, it is soft with a straight grain. Traditional Native Americans use this wood to carve dolls.

• Tupelo or Water Gum: This soft wood grows in swampy areas throughout the United States. It has a nice grain pattern that looks great with a clear or natural finish.

Tool time

One simple X-ACTO knife from a craft or art supply store will get you started. Buy a comfortable handle and a package of #11 blades. When the blade is dull, simply replace it.

• Use only very sharp tools as dull tools will rip the wood instead of carving it and may lead to cuts on your hands from pushing too hard on the tool and wood.

Once you’ve worked on a few projects, you may want to buy a few more basic tools: A 45-degree “V” tool, a ½ inch gouge and ¼ inch gouge. If you use a wood carving knife, learn how to sharpen the blade.

What to carve

Most wood carvers use patterns to learn and as they progress in the art. You can make your own patterns from any line art you like or purchase stylized patterns. Just transfer the pattern onto the wood using graphite paper (allowing you to erase without smudges), and get carving!