Wood Carving Projects & Materials

Selecting Your Wood

Carving wood is chosen for its color and grain. Wood with straight grain works best, because the fibers are more consistent and the wood is typically softer, making the removal of precise flakes possible. The color of your wood should be consistent throughout. Changes in color indicate variations in the density and hardness of the wood. If you are having trouble deciding on wood to start with, try balsa or basswod, which are typically recommended to beginners due to their soft and even grains.

Whittling is typically done with a pocket or paring knife. Specialty whittling knives with round wooden handles that fit neatly in your palm for good control are also available with a wide variety of blade shapes. Carving knives present even more options, from long and thin to short and pointed. Each knife has its own purpose. Chisels are also frequently used in carving detail cuts in the wood. It is best to start simple, so choose either one carving or whittling knife that is described as versatile. You can also select a small set of beginner knives or chisels, which typically come with a written guide to help you get started.

Many beginner guides recommend starting out with a plaque or flat board to carve an image into. This allows you to practice your cuts and get a feel for working with the tools. You also do not have to worry about perspective and depth. Start off with a pattern from a carving website, book or magazine. Mark the pattern onto your board and follow the written directions to complete the carving. Even if the project seems marred, finish it so you will be able to see the progress you made between the first few cuts and the last.

Once you have produced a flat piece, move on to a three dimensional shape from a wood block. Use a plan to start, as it will outline the steps to take. First, grid your block with vertical and horizontal lines to help you keep your place. Then draw the figure onto the block in profile and from the front, back, top and bottom. If you are using chisels, make the first cuts with a knife to get the rough shape first, then begin adding details with the chisel. Remove only a small amount of wood at a time.