Not knowing your wife, I wouldn't know what to advise you, luckily my wife is very patient and likes my carvings. She gets to have first pick of all my carvings that I do, from there I either sell it or give it to someone as a gift. You might try that, if that doesn't work slip a couple a of benydryl in her tea and while shes napping carve!

(Not really!) Just talk to her and hopefully if shes a good woman she'll see that you have a new passion besides her.
Welcome and good luck
Mel