How to Successfully Carve a Wooden Wedding Spoon Wooden spoons have been around for a few thousand years. Along with a knife, the spoon usually was the only other utensil used for many years. It was common for the handle of these spoons to be large so that they could be stored by sticking them between the logs in the wall of the home until they were ready to be used.
Many people carved something on each spoon to show which family member the utensil belonged to. As time passed, this became more and more elaborate until it started to turn into an art form. Over the centuries the wooden spoon was recognized as a symbol of hospitality with very decorative carvings on the handle to show the carvers abilities. Today the ideas and designs are endless.
This spoon design is one that I sketched out and, so far, I have never seen another one like it. It's finished size is about nine inches long. This particular spoon was made for a friend's wedding. I have also made them for anniversaries or just given them to friends. One thing is for sure; they always bring a smile to someone's face.
If you choose to try this just remember, take your time. Enjoy the process as much as the completed project!
When selecting wood for a carving like this, I like to find wood that looks like someone else would discard it, and then bring it to life. My woodshop is full of small pieces that will eventually turn into something. moncler uk sale
In the photo above you will see the first piece of wood that I picked up. This piece has a large check or split in it from the drying process. Look your wood over carefully. You don't want to invest several hours into a piece, only to have something break off of it before you get done. This will be very frustrating!
For this spoon I used a 3/4 inch thick chunk of wood that was left over from a barn that was built by a friend. I feel good that I rescued this from someone's bonfire and made something more useful out of it. This piece of wood was not done giving just yet.
Tools NeededThe only tools that I used for this carving were a carving knife and a small gouge chisel. Carving knives will usually have a handle with a nice grip and a small blade. This is to give you control over your cuts that you make. When selecting one, the best recommendation that I can give you is use one that feels comfortable in your hand. There are some moncler uk store different designs out there and what works well for me, may not for you.
The gouge chisel has a curved shape to moncler uk it and is used here to remove the wood from the inside portion of the spoon. The blade of my gouge is only 3/4 inch wide. You don't need anything big here, just sharp.
I also wear a Kevlar carving glove on the hand that doesn't have a knife or chisel in it. These are worth the money and will save you from possible trips to the Emergency Room if you have a slip with a chisel. I carved for a few years without one and have the scars on my left hand to prove their value!