Wood carving is one of the ancient art in which wood is carved to turn it into something majestic. In ancient ages, wood carving was widely used to enhance the beauty of the house, temple, furniture, and sculpture. This was also used as a memento. Wood carving can make wonders to the wood. Wood carving requires years of practice and determination and most important is dedication. It is considered as part of the modern art.
Wood carving can be done in simple steps:
- Take a wooden log.
- Draw the required sketch over it.
- Start removing the wood along your sketch.
- Give a final touch(finishing) by sandpaper.
Types of wood used in wood carving:
- Oak- It has a hardwood which is particularly used for furniture.
- Chestnut- It is a second-best wood used for structural work.
- Mahogany- It has a softwood. For a beginner, this can be a better choice.
- Teak- It has a long life which is beneficial to use in a boat type structure.
- Pine- Pinewood is one of the best wood for whittling.
Methods of wood carving:
- One of the best ways for wood carving is keeping the knife sharp.
- Work slowly with concentration.
- Check the burr, it shows the quality of your work.
- Wear protective gears at least gloves.
Tools required for carving:
- Knife- A carving knife is used to replace the wood in a particular pattern. It is small in size. It is made up of carbon steel.
- Gouge- It is used to remove the wood in a scoop or round shape.
- Chisel- It has a flat tip. It is used to flatten the surface or to draw a line.
Apart from these tools, there are many other tools also available to combine the art with innovation. These tools have a specific purpose which enhances the quality of the sculpture.
Now, you have a basic knowledge of wood carving let’s start with whittling.
Always decide what you want to make out of these wood. I would prefer an egg for a beginner. Now, start sketching a rough picture by the marker on the wood. Now, take a carving knife. Always hold it in your right hand (if you are right-handed) and wood in left hand. Slowly dig the knife into the wood and start carving it.
Be careful while carving as it may hurt you. For safety, priorly prepare yourself with safety equipments and first aid box. And never dig the knife deeper as it will make difficult for you to carve. Also, the shape may distort on, which may make you regret in future. So, it’s better to take the things slowly from the beginning. In simple words, keep it in such a way as you are peeling an apple. After the structure is finished. Start giving it a detail by using V-gouge or U-gouge (It is completely optional).
Always remember the tools used while whittling should be sharp. Sharp tools help with detailing without leaving any mark behind. Or you can use a sandpaper which has fine grain to provide a final finishing touch( by smoothing the surface). By doing so, you can finally have a wondrous piece of art in your hand. While you can take it with you in your office, for example, what CozyStream gives is a tip is to let it ornament the most important place – your own home.
