Carving a spoon from a piece of freshly harvested wood is a rewarding – and challenging – pastime. Tremendous knowledge about the properties of wood, and grain, and the use of sharp edge tools can be gleaned through this seemingly simple practice. There is more to it than meets the eye.

But many would-be spoon carvers don’t know where to begin. What tools are needed? What kind of wood should be used, and where do I find it? How do I hold my knife? And even those who have wandered down the spoon-carving rabbit hole discover even more questions: How do I make a clean transition from handle to bowl? How do I design a beautiful and comfortable spoon? How can I sell the spoons I make?

Greenwood Spoon Carving invites you on a journey into the fascinating world of spoon carving. Professional spoon carver Emmet Van Driesche has written a comprehensive and stunning guide that delves deep into the art and craft of spoon carving, offering step-by-step instructions, expert techniques, and valuable insights into the philosophy behind the craft. Van Driesche’s many years of experience as a teacher and carver shine through in this volume, with chapters on everything from tool selection, to sharpening, to setting up shop, to marketing your wares. It is the most thorough and informative guide to the craft available, hands down.

Beautifully illustrated with hundreds of full-color photographs, this book will inspire you to pick up a piece of green wood and a sharp blade and give it a try. Perfect for beginners and experienced carvers alike, Greenwood Spoon Carving will unlock your creativity to transform a humble piece of wood into a handcrafted treasure. This age-old craft will lead you into a deeper appreciation for both the natural world and the captivating art of woodworking.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Beginning
Wood
Care
Tools
Age
Sharp
Mental
Rough
Professional
Form
Finish
Future

400 pages, matte-coated paper, softcover with sewn binding. Printed in the USA.

By Emmet Van Driesche

Carving Tools & Accessories

Greenwood Spoon Carving

Carving a Traditional Cape Cod Sign

Carving an American Eagle

12 Spoons, 2 Bowls, and a Knife