For a beginning craft person, wood carving offers several advantages as a new hobby. First, the initial investment to learn carving is very minimal. With just a few Tools that create unique strokes and a small Selection of Woods, the new woodworker can well be on their way to completing their first project.
Second, this is a hobby that does not require a special place or area in which to work. Many of the carving designs that are presented within these pages have been created during the evening hours in the family room.
A third advantage to wood carving is that it is a quiet and comforting craft. If you are starting your new hobby using basic hand tools, there is no overpowering noise from power tools and saws. The wood that you work with has a warm and gentle feel to your hands as you create your design. Many woods even have a light pleasant aroma as you work with the carving blank.
Yet, the most important feature of this art form is that you will never run out of ideas as to what to carve next. Wood carving is done in every style of design, from the simple repetitive patterns of chip carving to the extremely intrigue dimensional detail of a duck decoy sculpture. There is no limit as to what to do with you carving once it is complete. From furniture accents to picture frames, jewelry boxes to blanket chests, even key chain ornaments to large room dividers, there is always a place and a use for your new work. And you will never run out of people who want one of your pieces of art. Friends and family will be delighted to be the recipient of your next carving piece.
Carving Woods
Australian Carving Woods
Glossary to Mail Order Wood
