The recent carved spoons of winter 2013-14

This winter has been a cold one. With a chopping block and my shaving horse set up inside, it’s allowed me to do a good bit of woodworking and carving work despite the cold, and without taking up much space in our new transitional home. I’ve had more time to finally dive a little more deeply into carving spoons, and it’s been thoroughly enjoyable. Above are some recent examples my carved spoons.

This batch of spoons is all from the same length of tulip poplar, which carves very nicely, but the wood is rather plain. I’m anxious to find something a little more colorful, with more interesting grain, and branches with crooks and crotches will be a welcome challenge. I’ve been admiring the work of Peter Follansbee, Robin Wood, Barn the Spoon, and others who thankfully share their beautiful work online, and it’s been a constant source of inspiration.

I’ve been setting little goals for myself while carving, too. The first few I sanded smooth, and since then I have been trying my hand at leaving a clean carved and faceted finish. The carved finish looks so much better, but it requires a lot more diligence and skill when using a knife. There’s still work to do on that front. I’ve also not ventured very far into chip carving, as I’m a bit intimidated by the very fine precision work required, but I’m slowly working up to it.

One day, I hope to have a kitchen stocked with eating ware that is all made by hand. Wooden spoons and wooden bowls, handmade pottery, etc. It’s been a dream of mine for several years, and I suspect it’s just a matter of time. Hopefully my carving will improve by the time that kitchen is built, too.

Back side of the same spoons