Beginner wood carver

[mikeyp218]

Hi everyone i'm Mike and I would like to know how to wood carve small pieces like for xmas. I used to work alot with my dad with wood projects many years ago but somewhere i lost intrest. I have a friend of mine who does woodcarvings and i saw a tv special about a wood carver and something inside me sparked. I wpuld like any info on how to start thank Mike.

[papasar]

Hey Mike,
Took you long enough to get the bug!!!!
I knew if you saw me with my knife enough times you would get curious.
Patients you will get lots of help.
Bill K

[bigEd_H]

Hi Mike, welcome to the forum. Nice to have you join us. A sharp knife and a hunk of wood is a good start.

[Riverman]

Hi Mike, welcome to the group!
Bob

[Donna_T]

Hi Mike,
By "small Christmas things", do you mean ornaments for a tree? I think it's neat that you're curious about carving now--it's never too late to try your hand at carving. I'd actually start with your friend who carves. Ask him where he gets his wood, patterns, tools, supplies, etc. You might also ask him if he'd spend a little time with you and show you how to get started. Other than that, find a carving club if you can, and visit with them to find the same things.

If you'll surf you way through the beginner topic on this message board, you'll get some ideas. You'll even find some free patterns (on the left side of this board) and a link to subscribe to Wood Carving Illustrated where you'll find all kinds of help getting started with carving.

Good to have you join us. Have fun.

Donna T

[big dave]

howdy and welcome,,,,the best teacher is practice!!!!!

[carver33]

Mike,

Welcome aboard.

Check out Gene Messer's videos from the "Carving Video Galleries" link to the left of this page. That should give you a pretty good starting point.

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Welcome to the forum.

Dave

[Mark Dellinger]

Mike,
Welcome and good to have you both on the forum and in the family of carving.
The first place to start is by deciding what you want to carve. Since you know you want to do small christmas type things. You can start out with a basic starters kit with a knife and a couple of chisels. Take your time, learn all you can, and above all have lots of fun.

Safe Carving and God Bless,

Mark