Carving spoons in this way has been deeply therapeutic for me, and has helped me fall back in love with the craft after over a decade of being a "professional" and making what others wanted. Now, when I sit down in my chair, with my cat in my lap, and carve these spoons, I fall back in love; deeper & reuniting me with the originating spark that put me on this path with woodworking, every time.
For anyone who likes to be ‘social’ while carving but don’t have any local spoon carvers to get together with - check out riseupandcarve.com. It’s a zoom based ‘virtual’ video meeting that is available to anyone anywhere 24/7 - though there isn’t always someone on. It varies. Follow the @riseupandcarve on IG for more. Been going for almost 6 years now.
Similar question regarding the source of your carving blades and their handles - custom made, or do you have a source that you recommend for a beginner (?),
Finally the hand woven, leather (?) blade covers - do you make them, or can you recommend a quality source?
I do some 18th-19th century craftsman reenacting demonstrations, and would like to add spoon making to my repertoire in future…. todn.jordan@g mail com
well, that's a lot of ground to cover. Tool roll - store bought, heavy canvas or something like it. Too many knives to itemize - lots of makers, some still in business. For a straight sloyd knife - the Morakniv 106 is ubiquitous and works great. Robin Wood - Wood tools sells hook knives that are great. Nic Westermann too. Hans Karlsson. Reid Schwartz. The sheaths are birch bark - yes, I wove them.
Walter - thanks for this - I appreciate it. Re; your previous, I thought about several replies, but I finally learned to wait a little while before snapping off some remark. And in this case it worked. But I was going to say "I told you I don't like talking about it..."! Hope today's better...PF
That was a fine post, Peter. Woodworking for me is a solitary task. The social aspect of spoon carving could be very attractive.
I think what you are experiencing is the flow state. Maybe a more focused, intense one with spoon carving comparing to furniture making.
nice post--and you can always sell or give away the spoons you don't need--
I spy a Cedar waxwing.
Carving spoons in this way has been deeply therapeutic for me, and has helped me fall back in love with the craft after over a decade of being a "professional" and making what others wanted. Now, when I sit down in my chair, with my cat in my lap, and carve these spoons, I fall back in love; deeper & reuniting me with the originating spark that put me on this path with woodworking, every time.
Nice to be working in the kitchen sometimes. Great post, thanks.
If Rick and Pret do come, tell them I said hi.
If you find yourself in Minnesota we'd love to have you or others here in our spoon group in St. Paul, or out at the Milan, MN Spoon Gathering 😁
For anyone who likes to be ‘social’ while carving but don’t have any local spoon carvers to get together with - check out riseupandcarve.com. It’s a zoom based ‘virtual’ video meeting that is available to anyone anywhere 24/7 - though there isn’t always someone on. It varies. Follow the @riseupandcarve on IG for more. Been going for almost 6 years now.
Beautiful painting, and story, and spoons!
Thank you!
Great post, makes me think it’s time to split some wood and carve some gifts.
I always enjoy your posts, Peter!
Is your ‘tool roll’ custom made or purchased.
Similar question regarding the source of your carving blades and their handles - custom made, or do you have a source that you recommend for a beginner (?),
Finally the hand woven, leather (?) blade covers - do you make them, or can you recommend a quality source?
I do some 18th-19th century craftsman reenacting demonstrations, and would like to add spoon making to my repertoire in future…. todn.jordan@g mail com
well, that's a lot of ground to cover. Tool roll - store bought, heavy canvas or something like it. Too many knives to itemize - lots of makers, some still in business. For a straight sloyd knife - the Morakniv 106 is ubiquitous and works great. Robin Wood - Wood tools sells hook knives that are great. Nic Westermann too. Hans Karlsson. Reid Schwartz. The sheaths are birch bark - yes, I wove them.
Wonderful post, inspiring!….thank you Peter
'I enjoy how the plane whistles off a shaving leaving the wood silky smooth to touch and softly reflecting light.' -yourself!
You're right. I was in a foul mood yesterday and the comment I left here was nasty, rude and uncalled-for. I apologize and I'm sorry.
Walter - thanks for this - I appreciate it. Re; your previous, I thought about several replies, but I finally learned to wait a little while before snapping off some remark. And in this case it worked. But I was going to say "I told you I don't like talking about it..."! Hope today's better...PF