Welsh Love Spoons

[wood4tom]

Hi carvers!
I thought I would try to carve the love spoon that Laura Irish graciously included on her web site as a free pattern. I'm not quite sure about the thickness of wood to use. I have some 7/8" basswood I think would work.
I guess my concern is that if I use wood not thick enough the vines would be too thin to work.
I would appreciate any advice or tips you may have.

Thanks again,
Tom in NC

[Capt. Bandaid]

If you plan to put a bend where the handle meets the spoon, 7/8" would be fine. If you do it flat, 1/2" should be plenty. 1/4" tendrils should be stout enough.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I have to ask....Why do the Welsh love spoons?

[Capt. Bandaid]

You have obviously never had Welsh soup..........Talking

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I welshed out on it! lol

[wood4tom]

Hello HiHo and all you other carvers,
I've always been fascinated by things Celtic. Also the tradition and story of the Welsh spoon is pretty neat.
I'll send some pics when I get under way.

Tom in NC

[kev.b]

where will i find the pattern by laura irish mentioned above

[scarver]

Here's the link to the Laura Irish love spoon

Introduction to Welsh Love Spoon Wood Carving

[bcordell]

I am doing this spoon as well. I am using a scrap piece of 1/2 inch for the first try. My Avatar it is that carving.

Why Am I doing it: because I thought it looked cool, and I am 98% Scottish/Welsh decent.

I am also new to carving, and I have a question. What do you use to carve the bowl of the spoon? I guess I can use a Gouge, but I have been reading about Bent/hook knives from Scandinavia. I watched a You-tube video with a guy using one of these.

Which is better fro carving the bowl of the spoon: Gouge or Bent Knife?

[pallin]

You can used either a gouge or bent knife. Be careful about hold the spoon in one hand while carving the bowl with a gouge. I advise carving toward yourself with either the gouge or curved knife, or secure the work in some way.