A New, Simple Love Spoon

[MackTheKnife]

This is my latest effort at a simple, Swedish/Welsh inspired lovespoon. Carved from poplar, about 8" long. The piercings in the Maltese Cross were a real pain, being so small. Why do I do that to myself?? If I hadn't had one of Del Stubbs' Skinny Sloyds I wouldn't have been able to do it. I'm well pleased with the form and execution of the bowl, but I wish I had made it a little bigger. Gotta stop concentrating on "decoration" and pay more attention to "spoon-ness".

[Old Codger]

Bob: Beautiful LoveSpoon!!! I really like the details and how well you executed the form. Makes me want to try a lovespoon myself. Thanks for sharing and safe carving to you!
Kenn

[chpster90bu]

Bob, that spoon is simply gorgeous! You've done a beautiful job carving the whole piece, and the Maltese Cross is superb! I can equate with "Why do I do that to myself"! I loved it....one of the nicest I've seen. Bonnie

[bowinhand]

Bob, that spoon is great. Maltese cross is just outstanding. Simple clean lines just make this spoon. Nice work!!

Bill

[Michael Short]

Bob, that is a great design for a spoon.

[AL...]

Beautiful spoon Bob I love it
You out did yourself with that cross its stunning and the grain of the spoon is stunning.
One day I'll get as good as you ........... Maybe

Cheers
AL

[LBlake]

You're getting really good at making nice, elegant design elements, Bob! Really very nice, and I think the small piercings are totally worth it. I find myself asking that same question all the time, with all kinds of features. Glad to see you're getting used to it, because the answer is usually, "because it's TOTALLY worth it!" And, by the way, before even reading your post, I was thinking to myself that I really liked the "spoon-ness" of this one. I think it's the narrowness above the bowl, especially. Really enjoying this latest flurry of spoons from you! Keep it going!

[markken5889]

Hi Bob,

That's a real beauty. Great work!

Mark

[mlthomas36]

Very nice Bob,
Have you ever tried a fret saw to rough in the pierced details? I use a very small drill to allow the blade entry and then saw the negative area. You can finish the shaping with a needle file and small knife. Keep up the good work, Mike

[MackTheKnife]

Thanks, Kenn. You should try lovespoon carving. I think you would enjoy it.

Thanks, Bonnie. I think Laura has the answer to that question: Because it's totally worth it!

Thanks, Bill. I find myself on a quest for simple beauty of late.

Thanks, Michael. I find that my design sense for lovespoons is improving with practice. And a little help from my friends!

Thanks, Al. I think the grain of the spoon falls into the "even a blind pig finds an acorn some times" category. One of the things I need to work on is seeing the grain of the wood and positioning the spoon blank to take maximum advantage. I think you've got it in you to do quite well at this.

Thanks, Laura. I am amazed that this little spoon is getting such responses. I made so many changes from the original design during carving: increasing the size of the bowl which shortened the length of the handle, decreasing the size of the finial, and even slightly changing the form of the bowl. I was quite pleased with the original design until I started carving. Even the Maltese Cross changed during carving. I guess, like you say, it was worth it.

Thanks, Mark.

Thanks, Mike. I am a terrible sawyer! Too impatient! I just know I would never be able to follow a line on something so delicate, or even not so delicate. I know this from experience. Besides, sawing is such hard work! And uninteresting. I'd much rather do that work with my knife, even though I complain about it. I feel like I have more control.

Again, thank you all for your kind words.