Hi, I am sixteen years old and I have always been interested in wood carving, Ive been hunting since I was about six so knives and wood are nothing new to me, I've done some intricate patterns in my bed with my knife, but I was wondering how to make the sculptures out of wood and what type of wood I should use and what tools I should get. If anyone could help me I would be very pleased. Thank you.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Hi Jared...boy oh boy..sixteen....if I had started 'anything' in earnest at 16 I would be a master now! lol . I envy you....enjoy....now back to the question...as with anything you truly want to learn...'study', subscribe to woodcarving illustrated magazine and if you can handle more than one subscription, get 'carving' and you will get 'chip chats' if you join the national woodcarvers assoc. Those will give you all kinds of info! Now, if you have an idea what you want to carve, there are lots of sites on the webb and many many books...but you will have to look at lots of them to find out whose style you like best and what type of carving you want to do. I personally was planning on moving and sold all my shop tools and something interfered with that for 3 years, so after watching Wayne Barton on tv doing chip carving, I decided it was something I could do, so I tried it, that then blossomed into my doing a little of everything, carved a bird, some fish, santas, walking sticks etc....as you can see I have not settled down to a specialty but am having fun! You will too!

If you are interested in smaller figures, those that you can be hand held while carving, try sending an email to

rick@littleshavers.com

explaining what your interests are etc.

As for wood, I'd start out with basswood, but don't limit yourself to it, try different stuff that you find. You'll find that basswood is a pleasure to carve, but rather grainless and boring. Other woods are harder to very difficult to carve, but some have beautlful grain. There are many mailorder sources for basswood. My particular favorite happens to be 'Itasca wood products,' but there are many others. Just pick one from one of the northern tier of states and you should be fine. Try a couple, the pick the one you like.

[Callynne]

Hi Jared, Welcome! I'm envious too of your age, sure wish I'd started carving long, long ago!! But as it is I'm thankful to have discovered it at all!
I agree that Rick at Little Shaver's is a great place to start, he was a huge help to me starting out. Wayne at MDI Woodcarvers Supply is another great source of help and information. That website is www.mdiwoodcarvers.com. Both men where (and still are!) very helpful to me in choosing the right tools....and not trying to sell me things I didn't really need. Really important starting out!
You might want to check out some books, your local Library might be a good place to start. If not look around for a book on what you want to try first, birds, animals, people, etc. and buy it. That will give you lots of instruction, that is if you aren't lucky enough to live close to an actual carving class.
Good luck, and remember, you can alway come back here and ask, the people here are terrific for helping out, I speak from lots of experience, getting helped out that is! Callynne

[Donna_T]

Welcome Jared,
You've started with a good place. All the people and publications recommended are great.

I'd go a step farther and encourage you to see if there is a wood carving club in your area. With some adult assistance and guidance--and perhaps some lessons, if they offer them, you can improve your carving skills easier. If you'd give us the name of the town you live in (or if it's small--what bigger town you are close to) we could give you an hand in finding one. Or you can go to one of the websites that list clubs....colwood electronics has a good listing of clubs. Perhaps other people will suggest other lists.

Good luck. As you have time, go back through some of the old postings on this site--there's so much good information here that will help you with lots of your questions.

Donna T

Great; A new carver! Try to find a carving club in your area and attend a few meetings ( they are free and welcome new people) Talk to the president of the club and see if they have a free lending library or any tapes that you can borrow. You may have to be a member to take out anything on loan but most clubs have a minimum membership charge. After a few meetings ask if they have a newsletter and ask if you can put your name in and maybe someone has some old carving magazines that you could either have or borrow. Most of all, take some lessons if they are available. The rest is practice, practice, etc. Wood carving is a wonderful hobby and you will meet a lot of nice people willing to help you. Good luck, Big Al

hey, I'd like to thank you guys for all your help ill be sure to follow all yo ur instruction and i think i might check in on this site a lot more.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Jared, look at the just started thread about the Joel Hull lesson....really a good starter!