How to Carve Wood

How to carve wood is an intricate skill to learn. As wood carving has become popular among hobbyists lately, people got to understand that it is not really difficult; that it is an art requiring both one's skill and creativity.

Once you learn the basics on how to carve wood, it is time to move on to more complex designs. But as is reiterated, you need to learn the basics first, work on how to carve wood as a beginner. After that, you will be able to move on to making your masterpieces.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to carve wood. Hopefully, after reading the guidelines, you will be able to start on your own wood carving project.

Step #1: Find the right materials. To be able to carve wood, you will need wood, of course. Wood choices are wide and varied. Woods are available in different shapes, sizes, and kinds. For beginners, it is advisable that you choose a soft variety of wood. Although hardwood is ideal for wood carving, it would pose much challenge to a novice worker.

Step #2: Choose your design. There are many things that you can carve out of wood. One important thing to note is to choose the size of wood that will accommodate the design that you have chosen to carve.

Step #3: Outline the design. After finding the perfect design, it is time that you outline it to your piece of wood. Any kind of marker will do for as long as it will be able to show you your way by creating clear marks on what you need to carve out.

Step #4: Start carving. Find the right tools for this. Finer details, of course, would need special tools that will allow you to carve through even the smallest detail.

Step #5: Smoothen out your masterpiece. No matter how hard you work or how expert you become, there will always be rough edges in your wood carving. For those, you will need smoothing tools like sandpaper. Scrub the rough edges out until you see the perfect outline that you have pictured in your design.

Step #6: Do the finish. It is always appealing to see a wood piece in a smooth finish. Color may destroy the beauty of your artwork so it is not advisable that you use paint. However, you may use walnut oil or natural stains or even varnish to enhance the appearance of your wood piece.