Beginner's Guide to Whittling: What Beginner Wood Carvers Need to Know to Start Whittling

By Ryan Feldman

The most fun and engaging form of creativity you'll ever find!

Are you looking to express your inner creativity in a way that produces beautiful works of art?

Do you love learning with your hands and seeing a project through to its finish?

Or maybe you know someone

• Language: English
• Publisher: CraftMills Publishing LLC
• Release date: Dec 15, 2020
• ISBN: 9781951035723

Book preview

Introduction

I took a step back and admired my handiwork. The shark was slightly larger than the other fish, but it fit perfectly into the open space on the shelf. After traversing the forest the previous weekend, I had found a beautiful piece of basswood just begging to be whittled into something new. I sat under the shade of the big oak tree while whittling away until finally, the shark emerged from the depths of the wood. It was magnificent! I had finished my aquarium scene but already knew my next whittling project would be an owl. Even though I had only been whittling for a few months, I could not wait to get back to the forest soon and find another piece of wood.

Being creative is not a hobby, it’s a way of life.

- Unknown

I grew up in the Pacific Northwestern forests. I had free reign and often spent time wandering through the forest. Sometimes I got lost... That is okay because eventually, I would find my way back home. One thing was consistent though - I always came home with pieces of wood. The textures, shapes, and possibilities intrigued me. Wood was beautiful, and knowing that it can transform into so many things made me wonder what I could do with it. From a very young age, I knew that working with wood was in my genes. Today, I consider myself to be a bit of a lumberjack because I became a carpenter who builds homes. Yet, my wood carving hobby is fruitful too - it has become a lucrative side hustle.

Whittling is a creative pastime, which quickly becomes part of a person’s lifestyle. For me, whittling was a saving grace. As a teenager, I found myself engaging in illegal behavior. I was using drugs and committing crimes. My life was spiraling out of control, and I could easily have gotten myself into even stickier situations. I knew this unruly version of myself was not the person I wanted to be as an adult. Luckily, my love for nature drew me back to reality. I spent more time carving wood, which made me understand just how powerful this form of art is for my life. Working with wood and being in the forest gave me a sense of purpose: I finally felt at home and knew I could contribute to society through my natural affinity for woodwork.

Sometimes, a person wants to try something new, but you just don’t know where to start. There are a myriad of ideas on how to spend your time, what hobbies to try, and why one hobby is better than the next. I have always been creative - it already manifested in me as a young child roaming the woods and dreaming about all kinds of creatures and treehouses. Yet, as a man, I wanted a creative hobby that still reflected my masculinity; although, it is perfectly suited for a woman’s hobby too. Whittling made sense to me. It is a quintessential outdoor activity that conjures images of a flannel-clad individual using a pocket knife to shave wood slivers off a stick.

I want to share my passion for whittling with you! I didn’t know everything about wood carving from the start. At first, I only had a basic knowledge of whittling, but as I practiced more, I gained confidence in my hobby. Mistakes were part of the process, and I often started over because the project was not going according to plan. Yes, it was frustrating, but it was a valuable learning experience. I was getting to know my craft. I found out the best type of wood to use for whittling and the most suitable tools. Sometimes, I thought I knew what I wanted to make, but soon the wood indicated a different direction. Some of my most prized pieces came from projects that took on a life of their own. Now, I am a master whittler and you can be too!

So, why should you start whittling? Maybe you have a lot of time on your hands, you recently retired, or you are recovering from an operation. It might be the holidays and you want to learn a new skill. Even if you are only going camping for a weekend, whittling is a great activity. Whittling enables creative expression and is a productive way to spend your time. It prevents you from taking part in harmful hobbies as I did since whittling keeps you busy. Whittling is a fun activity that you can share with your family and friends. It is the perfect activity that you can learn while teaching it to your children.

One of the things I like most about whittling is that it is an activity without a specific location or a bunch of equipment. You can whittle at home or sit around the campfire while whittling. I enjoy going for a hike to find a piece of wood and then whittling next to the lake. You can even whittle indoors using a dedicated workspace or in front of the fireplace (although this area might need extra cleaning afterwards). If the bug bites, you might just start a small income-generating business from your hobby. I want to empower you with the knowledge to start whittling since it has so many benefits.

Whittling is easy to learn. Some people find whittling confusing and believe you need specialized tools. It is not as difficult as you might think. All you need are the right tools, patience, and some time to master the techniques. In this book, I teach you the basics, but steadily progress into advanced concepts. I also discuss all the knives and other tools suitable for whittling, so you will have clarity before starting projects. Each technique is detailed in plain language to make understanding easier. You will be able to apply these techniques effortlessly. If you ever get stuck, simply go back to the relevant chapter and revise the concepts. Remember, practice makes perfect.

Whittling skills are suitable for all ages, from children to the elderly. You do not need any advanced training or knowledge. Using my techniques, your talent develops quickly, and complex carving projects are within your reach much faster! The last chapter is an added bonus: I will teach you how to make money from whittling projects.

What are you waiting for? Let’s get started with the basics!

Chapter 1:

The Most Creative Fun Ever

I cannot imagine a better way to express myself than through whittling! It is the absolute best way to channel creative energy. Whittling allows you to use your spare time productively and creatively, which stimulates your brain. While improving your mental and physical health, creativity also gives you self-confidence and socialization skills. There are so many benefits that make creative expression essential for a good life.

Being creative can make you happier! Artistic activities usually require repetitive motions that work together towards an end result. As you work, you get into a rhythm, which is called flow. This flow helps maintain focus, and you might not even realize the passing time because you are absorbed in your task. Flow creates relaxation, reduces your heart rate, and decreases anxiety levels. Seeing results from creative tasks releases dopamine, a hormone that makes you feel good, which becomes a motivating force for future activities.

Creativity boosts your mental health and has a positive impact on your self-esteem. A healthy mind is essential to living your best life, so you should engage in activities that improve your mental health. Creativity calms your brain because you focus on a specific task and often forget about everything else. Doing something artistic is similar to meditation as repetitive motions align with your breathing patterns. These effects