Carving Soap

[PerpetuallyNewCarver]

I have a young son who sits all the time and watches me carve, and all the time tells me how he wants to carve, but this is a little bit (ok a lot) impossible given that he is well young and knives have blades So I was told to try soap carving, has anyone done any soap carving? I was told Ivory works best for carving, but my main question is what should I be looking for as far as tools and patterns to let him work with?

[Claude]

I'd use ivory, also. Try the plastic serrated-edge knives that you can get at coffee shops and take-out restaurants (get several, you'll need replacements). You could also take Popsicle sticks and "sharpen" one to a carving knife shape. Break another one in half, place each alongside the "sharp" one, and wrap duct tape around the three to make a handle. As to patterns, stylized animals are good, especially ones without long tails: piggy, bear, penguin, owl, etc. You might find some of these by Googling "animal coloring books", but you'll likely have to sketch out front, side, and top views for him so he can compare his progress to the pattern. <edit> I just tried Googling "soap carving patterns for kids", then clicked on Images in the upper left corner - lots of them. Also, there is http://www.ivory.com/PureFun.htm </edit>

There's also a delicate balance between "helping" him make each knife cut and not paying enough attention to what he's doing... Good luck and enjoy the time together!
Claude

[scarver]

Ivory soap carving in cub scouts is how I started. We used (what I now realize is dull) pocket knives to carve with, but you can do it a plastic knife.

Let your young 'un have his imagination go wild with the Ivory.

[Midnight Carver]

A great piece of advice I was given was make sure you don't rub your eyes after carving, the little soap chips can burn (especially little eyes).
I took plastic butter knives and shaped them to be more like carving knives. The blades were about 1.5 inches long and sharpened them with sand paper. They were sharp enough to cut soap, but made sure I couldn't cut myself with them. I had a straight blade and a curved blade, then some toothpicks to add small details. It was a big hit with my nieces, have fun!

Eric

[Eddy-Smiles]

Both Claude and Scarver's advice is right on. That's how I started out my grandson.

[therenow]

Google "soap CArving" There are kits, books, etc. I soap carved with my Grandson and it was really fun. We carved a dog. Ivory soap is the best. I also tried wax carving by melting was and pouring it into a empty milk carton (carefully) It was also fun and he was able to carve a larger piece

[kdispoto]

I believe WCI did an article in carving sweet potatoes

WCI Fall 2008, Issue #44)

See also Woodcarving Illustrated - How To Magazine for Carvers - From couch potato to sweet potato

[Tom-H]

I have found that the kids appreciate using a real knife rather than a make believe one. I use a flea market old paring knife that I have taken the edge and point completely off.

Tom H