Tid Bits
When picking a wood to carve on its very handy to know how hard or soft it should be. Janka hardness is one way to know this. Follow this link or simply search janka <wood type> to learn more.
- Wood carving has been practiced for thousands of years, with some of the earliest known examples dating back to ancient Egypt and China.
- Wood carving can be a meditative practice that allows artists to connect with the natural properties and grains of the material.
- Woodcarving is a take-away medium. its difficult to take to much off. As you go deeper you change the chape of the piece.
- Use a toothpick or stylus to make perfectly round dots of paint for things such as eyes.
- You will never be at your best. There is always more to learn and hone your talents.
- Never start carving while angry. Safety all the time. Its easy to ruin a project if not calm to start with.
- (a friend told me this) For carvers just starting out, never put anything that bleeds in front of the blade.