Yay! New Carving Tools and a Block of Wood!

[knightflight]

Does this sound like a newbie or what? I am so thrilled now because I finally have my very first block of basswood! Just came today from Cumberland, WI Wink And I got my Little Shavers beginner carving set last week. So I am beaming. Ms Smile

Does this also sound like a newbie....
After I found out how easy and immensely enjoyable it was to carve with good, sharp tools, I felt a pang of anxiety...worried that I will cut too much off! I am hoping to take a funamentals in wood carving class starting next week, but until then, any words of encouragement and wisdom to share to ease my worries?

[Micky]

Hi Anita,
IN the famous words of my carving teacher: "TAKE MORE OFF, TAKE MORE OFF, YOU NEED TO TAKE MORE WOOD OFF".

micky

[knightflight]

( as she faints... )

Originally Posted by Micky

Hi Anita,
IN the famous words of my carving teacher: "TAKE MORE OFF, TAKE MORE OFF, YOU NEED TO TAKE MORE WOOD OFF".

micky

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

just make sure its just wood you take off, skin is slow growing lolCowboy hope you got a glove in that tool purchase!

[Tom-H]

Oh yeah! there is a glove and a strop in the Little Shavers beginners tool kit. Two of the most important items to start with....Ware the glove and learn to keep the tools sharp...That is, if you want to continue having fun carving...Tom H

[squbrigg]

It's only wood....and there is plenty more of that around. Enjoy your new found passion, and may the flame never be extinguished!

Carve, carve, carve!!!

Bob

[Kenny_S]

Yep, what they said!

[Eleanor]

My carving teacher said all beginners worry about taking off too much wood but the commonest mistake is not taking enough, so try not to worry.My best advice: carve lots of different things and don't start a design unless you totally love it! They take too long to make to get involved with one you're not really into!

[Irishman]

Enjoy your new carving set Anita. Its surprising how some wood and metal can stimulate the senses. I always look forward to purchasing a new tool.
Patrick

[wade clark]

Anita,
Someone told me a long time ago that the way to carve an elephant is to remove everything that doesn't look like an elephant. It sounds like a gross over-simplification, but it's true. If you look at the block and say, "Well, THAT part obviously has to go! It's not part of the elephant (or swan or gnome or whatever)", remove what you know doesn't belong, then step back and look at it and figure out another part that's clearly not part of the elephant and carve it off. This will get you into the right ballpark on what you want your carving to be. Then take really small cuts after that, with study between cuts. Whatever you do, don't take off anything that looks like part of the elephant!
Welcome to a great hobby and a great Forum! Everyone here is willing to help you learn and enjoy your carving experience!
Wade