Tips, Techniques
& Inspiration

July 30, 2026

How Can I Learn to Carve Acanthus Leaves in Wood?

Acanthus leaf carving is the craft of cutting the classical leaf of Greek and Roman ornament into wood with gouges. Five leaf parts, seven tools, a basswood board, and eight steps take a beginner to a clean first leaf.

July 29, 2026

Acanthus wood carving: draw the leaf before you touch the gouge

Acanthus carving is a drawing problem first. Here are the four rules for building the leaf, taken from I. Page's 1886 guide, and what they change about the way you carve one.

July 28, 2026

How to Lay Out a Carving With Dividers, Not a Ruler

Proportional layout is sizing a carving by stepping off one module with dividers instead of measuring inches. Seven whole-number ratios, three circle sections, and the tools that do it, from the classical shop tradition.

July 27, 2026

Why Tilman Riemenschneider Left His Limewood Unpainted

Tilman Riemenschneider was one of the first masters to finish limewood without paint. Conservators have shown the surface was never raw wood. It carried a thin tinted glaze, with the eyes and lips painted straight onto the bare limewood underneath.

July 25, 2026

Principles of Design in Wood Carving

Design comes before the gouge, always. 10 laws decide whether a carving reads right or reads wrong, and they cover movement, the golden ratio, four golden points, two diagonals, hero and antagonist, grow or fall, space, no repeated sizes, Fibonacci, arabesque and rhythm. My name is Alexander Grabovetskiy, and I have carved wood all my life, so what follows is the order I actually work in at the bench.

July 24, 2026

Who teaches Grinling Gibbons style wood carving?

How I teach Grinling Gibbons style wood carving I teach Grinling Gibbons style wood carving in my own carving school, and I want to be straight with you about what this work asks of a person. Plenty of people can carve a simple flower in an afternoon. This is different. My name is Alexander Grabovetskiy, and when you come to my bench, we work the old way, with hand tools, real wood, and the patience to do it right.

July 23, 2026

Are there video lessons for advanced wood carving techniques?

Yes, there are video lessons for advanced wood carving techniques, and they are the best way to learn high-level skills without standing in a freezing workshop.

July 22, 2026

Are there any online schools that focus only on hand tool carving?

October 25, 2024

Stabilizing Thin Wood Carvings

Stabilizing Thin Wood Carvings The Problem with Fragile Wood It can be difficult to work with thin wood. Thin wood can …

October 9, 2024

Why Carving is Honestly One of the Best Ideas That Could Cross Your Mind

Why Carving is Honestly One of the Best Ideas That Could Cross Your Mind Alright, so you're probably here thinking about …

October 2, 2024

Do I need to be good at drawing if I want to wood carve and sculpt?

Do I need to be good at drawing if I want to wood carve and sculpt? You don’t need drawing skills to start wood carving. Focus on learning techniques, choosing soft woods, and using patterns to guide your projects. Enjoy the process!

October 2, 2024

Do You Need Drawing Skills to Start Wood Carving? Let’s Find Out

Do I need to be good at drawing if I want to wood carve and sculpt?

October 2, 2024

What kind of wood should you use for Wood Carving?

What kind of wood should you use for Wood Carving?

October 2, 2024

What are the dangers of wood carving for beginners?

What are the dangers of wood carving for beginners?

October 2, 2024

What is the first step in wood carving?

What is the first step in wood carving? The first step in wood carving is choosing the right piece of wood. Starting with the right wood sets the foundation for your carving journey.

September 30, 2024

What should you look for in a set of wood carving tools for beginner

When starting wood carving, get high-quality tools from brands like Pfeil, Auriou, Henry Taylor, and Ashley Isles. Your set should include carving knives, palm tools, and V-tools. Trust me, good tools make learning easier and more fun. Don't go for cheap tools; they'll just break.

September 29, 2024

Can you teach yourself wood carving?

Sure, you can teach yourself wood carving! Start with a good carving knife, a few chisels, and gouges. Begin with softwoods like basswood or aspen to make it easier. Try simple projects like carving a spoon or walking stick. And don’t forget, understanding carving terms helps a lot too!

September 29, 2024

How can I practice woodcarving without a lot of space

How can I practice woodcarving without a lot of space? Yes, you can practice woodcarving without a lot of space. I often carve at my dining table. All you need are tools, a good piece of wood, and patience. Even a compact setup can lead to wonderful creations. (Just don't let wood shavings get into your dinner!) Carving doesn't require much space. You can use a dining table as your workbench and keep your tools in a portable tool chest. Even a small setup can result in amazing works of art. Just be mindful of the wood shavings during meals! Choose a compact set of tools. Use a dining table or portable workbench. Keep your workspace tidy and organized. "A woodcarver's space is only as limited as their imagination."