Let's Learn Carving
Everyone Starts Somewhere
Whether you are holding a carving knife for the first time or looking to sharpen your skills, the West Wisconsin Wood Carvers Guild is here to help. Our members believe learning to carve should be approachable, encouraging and fun.
Start Here: Safety for Carvers
Carving with a sharp knife demands consideration of safety. This video will give the basics. Learn about cut resistant gloves, thumb guards and carving away from the body with controlled cuts that cannot hurt you.
Next Step: Knife Sharpening
A dull knife is an unsafe knife. It will catch in the wood and with force will slip and you will not be able to control it. Best to be safe and make a sharp tool.
Knife Stropping
To keep your knife sharp and in ideal carving sharpness, you must hone the blade. This is done by stropping the edge.
Four Basic Cuts
At its simplest carving is just the mastery of four basic cuts. Master the fundamental cuts that form the basis of nearly every carving style.
Whittling
Starting out your journey in carving you should just learn to whittle. Simple projects and techniques ideal for beginners.
Beyond the Basics
For carvers who want to explore deeper study, competitions, and regional carving events
Wood Carving Clubs & Workshops
For more advanced study of the carving arts
Wisconsin River Woodcarvers
This group centers around the Wisconsin River Woodcarvers (WRW) club in Stevens Point, known for its large annual show in September featuring competitions, sales, and demonstrations, alongside regular meetings and workshops for members
Norskedalen Festival
Carving Exhibits and Competition Join us to enjoy folk art and heritage skills being demonstrated, various workshops, music, and family activities all in the beauty of Poplar Coulee.
The Clearing - Door County
The Clearing is a folk school founded in 1935 by landscape architect Jens Jensen (1860-1951)
International Woodcarvers Congress
The International Woodcarvers Congress (IWC), held the second full week in June each year, is a week-long celebration of the woodcarving arts. Includes a competition and seminars by celebrated carvers.
Snow-Daze Sartell MN
Snow Daze Carve In. Hosted by Central Minnesota Woodcarvers. Sartell Community Center, 850 19th St. S., Sartell, MN 56377.
Northeastern Wisconsin Woodworkers Guild
NEWWG’s Annual 'Artistry in Wood' show is held every year on the first weekend in November at Denmark High School, Denmark, WI.