I enjoy carving green wood into wooden spoons using an axe and knife.
The first batch of spoons I carved were from horse chestnut. It was such an enjoyable experience and I really liked that the whole operation was portable. I could take the axe and knife with me and carve “on the road,” so-to-speak. When making flutes or kanteles, I need a bandsaw, jointer, many clamps and special glue, turning tools and a lathe. These are not portable tools.
Carving spoons lets me approach a range of wood — Southern magnolia, lilac, plum, red maple, sugar maple, pine, monkey pod (raintree) and more.
I primarily sell my spoons at festivals and art shows when I am there in person because spoons are the kind of thing people like to hold in their hand before purchasing. But from time to time, you will see some posted in my Etsy store.
This was originally a full page deveoted to spoon carving on my website. As of Jan. 2019, I have removed “spoon carving” content as a page. Future carvings will be blog posts.
Comments on this page:
Regi (March 7, 2017): I appreciate your work in spoon carving- I am just beginning this odessy and also purchased both of the axes the you have. I noticed in your discussion on axes that you have a scraper with several sizes of rounded scrapers around the edge-did you make this or buy this? That looks like a practical tool-thanks for your reply
Answer: Hi Reggie, I do have several scrapers that I acquired for when I built cigar box ukuleles and the others for making Native American style flutes. And yes, they are most useful for a clean bowl in the spoon. I did buy one set at Woodcraft and I think you can find a couple of sizes there that will work with most spoon bowls. Best to you in your spoon carving. -Judy
Mrs. Bryner (April 2, 2017): I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your blog. I found it because I am learning to play the Native American flute and was interested in how they were made, and when I saw you carved spoons I read that as well. You inspired me so much with your work that I am nearly done with my first spoon and just ordered a Gransfors axe on your recommendation so I can cut my own blanks (yay!) I live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains on five acres and so there is plenty of wood to choose from and I think this summer is going to be spent on the porch with the dogs carving spoons. Thank you for introducing me to spoon carving!
Answer: Well, thank you Mrs. Bryner. I do hope you are enjoying your journey with the Native American style flute as much as you are enjoying carving spoons. It is an honor to be able to inspire. You live in beautiful country and I envy the wood you will have to choose from! Stay in touch and share a photo of your spoon when you are done. – Judy
Judy Robinson Designs & Art 