[Dan77]

I am contemplating learning how to carve wood. What I would love to do is carve little gnome and other miscellaneous figures from the wood and then paint them. The problem is that I have absolutely no creative abilities but I am hoping that maybe wood carving will prove otherwise. I work a very hectic job and would love to sit down at the couch, while having the t.v. on in the background in the evening, and take out a piece of wood and begin carving. I think it could be a very rewarding yet relaxing hobby.

My questions are, how do I get started? I saw a book from Tom Wolfe called "Carving Gnomes"that I ordered. The description said it is for beginners and I am hoping that the description is correct. Is there any other books that you could recommend or possibly a video to watch? I live in Tampa Bay, Florida and have not been able to locate any classes or clubs in the area.

Also, from what I read, I understand I will need the protective devices such as a glove and finger guard. But I will also need a very good carving knife that I can sharpen. I would like to purchase a high quality one that could last me many, many years. Any recommendations? Any other tools would you recommend buying, as well? And I am assuming basswood is the preferrred medium. Is there anything particular that I should look at when purchasing the wood?

I understand that a lot of these questions have been asked and answered before and I do apologize for that. Thank you for your time.

[stevefrfla]

I am also a new carver, so welcome to the board. I have the carving gnomes book, it has some nice patterns and gives a fairly thourough step by step. I bought my first set of knives and chisels from a local home store, and promptly got rid of them . I got a beginners set of chisels and a knife from Littleshavers.com, Rick posts on this board and he explained what I would need to start and he sold me just what I needed, they came razor sharp not like you get with some other companies. You would do well to talk to him before spending alot of money on stuff you do not need. When you decide that you like carving buy more and more. Good luck from another Florida carver.

[Cut_Fingers]

Hey Dan,

Welcome to the wonderful world of wood carving!! It is a very relaxing & rewarding hobby that you can enjoy for years to come.

I am a relatively new carver myself, about 2 years, but know exactly where yoe are in your journey. I am not really into gnomes, so I can't offer any suggestions regarding books. However, I can give you some other general carving advice. First of all, I never thought I had an artistic bone in my body (and probably still don't). But practicing anything will make you better at it.

My suggestions are as follows:
1 - Stay connected to this message board. I have been on the board for about 3 months and have found answers to questions that I didn't even know that I had. Any questions that you have can be answered here. There are some TRUE master carvers here, but do not be intimitated. Everyone is MORE than willing to help & will.
2 - Go to "LittleShavers.com" - a wood carvers online supplier & click on the Beginners Kit & read the description. It offers a kevlar glove & thumb guard for protection, also a good carving knife, as well as 5 or 6 palm tools, a strop and compound (for keeping your tools sharp) & an unfinished wooden carring case for approx $35.00 (which can't be beat, I got a set a while back)
3 - Ask some questions on the board about gnomes or patterns & the members will direct you to the appropriate place.
4 - ALWAYS wear your protective gear - glove & thumb guard. Saves many cuts & possible trips to the ER. (just ckeck out my screen name)

I can't offer much more than this, but the other members will be more than HAPPY to help!!

Welcome to our little community & we look forward to your progress and participation!

Jim

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

You just got the best advice, go to Rick at little shavers, talk to him and get his beginners kit.....outstanding buy!

[Nancy_G]

Hi Dan - Welcome aboard.
You've gotten good advice on tools ... the hard part is learning to keep them sharp.
You'll probably want to work with bass wood and you should always choose NORTHERN bass... that's wood grown in the northern part of the USA. Look for wood that's light in color and as free of knots as possible for wood to be. My favorite supplier is
Dale Heinecke
76 - 27 1/2 Ave.
Cumberland, WI. 54829
Phone 715-822-8642
Dale doesn't have email or a website but you can phone him and explain what you need and he'll ship it to you by UPS. It's the best wood I've ever used.
I haven't seen the gnome book ..... will you need a big saw, like a band saw, to cut out patterns?
Keep asking questions.

[big_Wayne_P]

Wood carving is an enjoyable hobby
Check out Little Shavers
http://www.littleshavers.com/index.html
Rick has an excellent beginner kit to get you started
knive, a few gouges, strop, glove
and they come sharp
as you learn and decide carving is something you want to do
you can always add more tools
buy good tools
there are some good tools available at reasonable prices
some brands cost more it is a matter of preference

Start out with the beginner kit and add from there

Dan.....I've been carving for three years, and the best advise I can give that rerally sparked my love for carving is to get hooked up with a local club, I attend three different clubs in my area. the guys/gals in the club will be very helpful with little projects to get started with, gnomes included.

This site has a nice listing started of clubs, upper right hand corner of this page, you'll se "club search" click on it, then go to Florida section, I saw some Tampa & St Pete addresses listed and Florida in general has a high interest in carvers all over the state, you should have no problem.

Then, continue on with the message board, I have learned so much from these fine carvers (experienced & beginners) that its hard to explain, but this board is just a fantastic resource tool with endless answers & direction.

Goodluck, waiting to see your first carving picture posted. Coffeeman

[Randy48]

Dan not much that I can add with the exception of other carving wood. Being from Florida, I'm sure you've driven down the road and seen little stands setup selling cypress knees. They're realitively inexpensive and very easy to carve - much easier then Northern basswood even! And if you take a good look at them, they're the perfect shape for what you're wanting to carve.

When buying knees, make sure they've been prepared - boiled and peeld (no bark). I buy them online (not many cypress knees in Missouri!) from a place down in Louisiana and for a prepared knee 12-15 inches they cost about $4.

Also if you're just starting out, consider starting out with larger carvings, 12 inches or more. It's easier because there is not alot of fine detail work to do. This will help develop your skills and build your confidence. When you're comfortable doing the bigger carvings, move to the smaller size.

[BasketballJones]

Welcome both of you to the board. Dan that is exactly why I carve to escape the stress of work. This is the best place to start, along with the carving magazines this is the place for advice, links, and viewings of some great carvers. I found I enjoy carving more by having no expectations other than to learn and surprise myself. A great way to relax.

[squbrigg]

It is encouraging to see so many new carvers aboard. Welcome to you all.

Carving, as you have already heard, is one of the most relaxing and satisfying hobbies you can find. It doesn't cost a lot, has endless styles and subjects to try and grants you satisfaction, gratification and skill as you progress. Each carving you do will be just a bit better than the last and will encourage you to try more challenging carvings.

The side benefit, is that you get to meet the nicest people carving. Without exception, I have found carvers to be kind and sharing people, always willing to help and pass on their skill and experience to new carvers.

So welcome to the world of carving.

Bob