When it comes to handcrafted wares, there are countless different things you can make, and of all different kinds. Many people do fine, detailed things using fabrics, flosses, and needles, but such delicate crafts aren’t for everyone. Some people like to make something that they can mould more heavily with their own hands. That’s where things like woodworking come into play. Are you interested in working with wood and even with some power tools but you’re not quite ready to take on building entire pieces of furniture? Then you’re the perfect person to start learning how to whittle.
Check out these 15 simple tutorials that will teach you how to whittle all kinds of things using different techniques!
1. Painted wooden bird
Have you always been a nature and animal lover and loved the way carved and whittled animals kind of harness that natural beauty by virtue of being made from wood? Then why not make one of your own?
2. Whittled Bass fish
Are you thinking about making something a little more detailed and practicing your smooth cutting skills, your rounding skills, and your detailed carving techniques all at once? Then this classic looking bass fish is definitely the project for you. Get the step to step instructions for it from
3. Whittled standing shark
Does the idea of whittling your very own sea creature appeal to you a lot because you’ve always enjoyed water and all that inhabits it, but you’d rather make something a little more fierce than the average sea bass? Then perhaps whittling a shark is a little bit more your speed!
4. Easy 3 minute owl
Are you a little more experienced with whittling but still looking for something very simple and quick to do that might help you teach someone new about the skill? Then try this 3-minute owl from
5. Whittled wooden tobacco pipe
Perhaps you’d rather whittle something that someone might actually use because you think it would be easier to sell in a handcrafted store you’re trying to build? Then you might consider creating tobacco pipes like the kind traditional pipe smokers would have used. Get the tutorial for making simple but traditional tobacco pipes on
6. Little whittled dinosaur
Are you still enthralled with the idea of whittling cute, quick little figurines like the bird and the owl but none of the ones we’ve shown you so far have quite kept your attention? Then maybe this funny little dinosaur will suit you a little bit better!
7. Viking Chess piece
When you think of whittled pieces, does your mind wander to handmade games and vintage game pieces like ones you’ve seen at your grandparents home or in old farm sales? Well,
8. Forest spirit wood carving
Rather than game pieces, does your mind wander to fantastical stories and woodland tales when you think of whittling? Have you done lots of research on and developed a bit of a preoccupation with forest spirits and tales of fairies, sprites, and the like? Then you’re probably no stranger to the idea of carved wooden figures inspired by these things. Perhaps you’d like to learn how to make one of your own? Then check out how
9. Carved and painted eagle feather
Have you been practicing your whittling for a while now and you’d like to try making something that will help you perfect the fine details of what you can create? Then try something a little more intricate like this nearly-realistic feather by
10. Chisel carved Tiki Idol
Are you interested in the idea of creating a sort of little wooden effigy, kind of like the woodland spirit but you don’t have any attachment to nature and the forest? Then perhaps you’d rather create a Tiki idol like this one from
11. Wooden gnome from salvaged wood
The best part of whittling is that you can make it a repurposing or upcycling project every time you do it by using reclaimed wood! When we whittle, we often make cute things for our garden because that’s our pride and joy through most seasons of the year. If you’d like to follow suit, try making a little wooden gnome, just like this one from
12. Simple wooden mixing spoon
Perhaps you’re very into the idea of creating something from wood that you can actually use elsewhere but the idea of carving tobacco pipes doesn’t really appeal to you? Then try whittling something a little more run of the mill that everyone might use! We love the idea of making a wooden spoon just like this simple one that
13. Smoothly carved boomerang
Perhaps you’ve been scrolling through this list trying to find a whittling project that’s a little more unique and not necessarily something other people would first think to start making? Well, we’re pretty sure this smoothed out boomerang would fall into that category! Find out how it’s shaped and finished on
14. Hand carved pizza wheel
Did our suggestion of making a wooden kitchen spoon strike your interest because you think handmade utensils are a great idea but you’re not sure a stirring spoon is what you really need right now? Then perhaps you’d appreciate making yourself a wooden pizza cutter handle instead!
15. Scrap wood Jack-O-Lanterns
Perhaps you’ve been looking for a fun seasonal whittling project that you can share with your kids, even though you won’t be letting them do the actual carving part until they’re much older? Then choose a cute shape that they can paint when you’re all finished! We love
Have you done other whittling or wood carving projects that you’re very proud of but you don’t see anything similar on our list? Tell us all about it or link us to pictures of your work in the comments section!
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