Making wood carving a hobby is an excellent way to refine your skills and have fun simultaneously. It may seem like a daunting task, but with the right projects, you will get the hang of it in no time.
To get you started, here are some beginner wood carving projects that I recommend for DIYers and enthusiasts alike.
20 Easy Wood Carving Projects
#1: Wooden Spoon
Tools and Materials
- Hand saw
- Carving hatchet
- Carving knife
- Wood carving sloyd knife
- Linseed oil
- 120, 200, and 400-grit sandpaper
Recommended Wood Type
- Birch, willow, cherry, apple, maple, basswood, and poplar
Time to Complete
- 45 minutes to 2 hours
Carving wood to make a spoon is a very easy beginner project. It’s not restrictive, and it utilizes a combination of features, techniques, and decorative methods to achieve your desired look.
Keep on working and revisiting your wooden spoon to carve and add some details. If you’re starting out with wood carving, I suggest keeping your wood spoon design simple to avoid botching your first project. You can also do several of these, as spoon carving will need just a few hours to be finished.
#2: Bowl
Tools and Materials
- Protective gloves
- Axe
- Whittling knife
- 220-grit sandpaper
- Wood finish
Recommended Wood Type
- Greenwood
- Basswood
- Cedar
- Pine
- Beech
Time to Complete
- 60 to 75 minutes
Making a bowl is simple and is a good way to start wood carving. It may not be as popular as other kitchen utensils like spoons, but bowls make for nice decorations.
This is another carving hobby that follows the same cutting and whittling skills as that of a spoon. One difference is that this one requires a bigger block of wood.
#3: Mini Whiskey Barrel
Tools and Materials
- A wood chunk
- Sharp whittling knives
- Pen, pencil, or marker
- Tung oil
- Protective gloves
- 400-grit sandpaper
Recommended Wood Type
- Birch
- Basswood
- Pine
Time to Complete
- 45 minutes
A mini whiskey barrel is another fun project that’s not overwhelming for novices. Use the hook knife to the barrel that will hold liquid. Also use a small pocket knife or wood carving knife to shape and decorate the barrel.
The last wooden barrel is finished with tung oil and allowed to dry for a few days. Once finished, the barrel can be used as a good table accessory or can be used to take a shot of liquor.
#4: Kuksa Cup
Tools and Materials
- A small piece of lumber
- Tools
- Pen or pencil
- Sandpaper
- Wood finish
Recommended Wood Type
- Black walnut
Time to Complete
- 45 minutes
The kuksa cup, or guksi, is a Norwegian drinking cup carved from a single block of birch. Holding this functional cup certainly evokes the feeling of being a Viking.
You have to continuously carve at the cup to get the ideal design. There is no limit to crafting a Kuska cup. You can do many designs that can result in a beautiful cup.
#5: Basic Bunny
Tools and Materials
- Safety tape
- Chisel
- Whittling knife C16
- Wood finish
Recommended Wood Type
- Butternut
- Aspen
- Pine
- Cedar
Time to Complete
- 60 to 75 minutes
Wooden rabbits or any small animals are fun beginner wood carving projects. You can start with a basic shape and continue to chisel away at forming details.
Several iterations of a basic bunny can help you gauge your carving skills. This project can be accomplished under an hour and can instantly boost your confidence.
You can use the basic bunny as an accessory, paperweight, and keyholder. You can make one by utilizing carving knives and gouging tools.
#6: Simple Bird
Tools and Materials
- Safety tapes
- Pencil
- Drake knife
- Paint
- Paintbrushes
Recommended Wood Type
- Basswood
Time to Complete
- 30 to 60 minutes
Carving a simple bird can be a delightful and enjoyable project, making it an excellent starting point for carving as a hobby. This artistry involves creating playful, stunning, and intricate details, including chiseled edges, irregular curves, and precise spots and stripes.
#7: Wizard Face
Tools and Materials
- A small block of lumber
- Tools
- Pen or pencil
- Sandpaper
- Wood finish
Recommended Wood Type
- Paper birch
Time to Complete
- 65 minutes
Carving a wizard face from a flat piece of timber is straightforward. Advanced woodcarving skills aren’t necessary, as this is one of those whittling projects that are easy to tackle.
This project will expect your dedicated attention and skill in carving facial features like wrinkles. Wizard faces are not only considered in fairy tales but can also be considered Santa’s faces on Christmas. This can also be given as a gift during the holiday season.
#8: Wooden Flower
Tools and Materials
- A small block of timber
- Carving tools
- Pen or pencil
- Sandpaper
Recommended Wood Type
- Apple
- Basswood
- Mahogany
- Birch
Time to Complete
- 2 hours
A fairy forest collection will be complete with some flowers. This beginner wood carving project can be built and crafted with just a block of lumber and hand tools. There are many ways to pull off a wooden flower, and the more three-dimensional it appears, the more skills it requires.
Attention to detail is also required when carving out a flower from wood. More pronounced petals and little detail may require more skill to create a flower with a romantic flair.
For more project ideas, check these beginner Dremel wood carving patterns here!
#9: Mini Owl
Tools and Materials
- Safety tapes
- Pencil
- Drake knife
- Paint
- Paintbrushes
Recommended Wood Type
- Basswood
Time to Complete
- 30 to 60 minutes
Forest birds such as owls are considered basic projects. Furthermore, they are very interesting pieces that come out from carving wood. Owls are iconic, and no one will second guess their identity.
They are a good beginner piece, especially with the flexibility and details you can add to them. Not only will these improve your skills, but they can also make a good gift.
#10: Cat
Tools and Materials
- Basswood
- White pine
- Cedar
- Beech
Recommended Wood Type
- Safety tapes
- Pencil
- Drake knife
- Paint
- Paintbrushes
Time to Complete
- 45 minutes
The good thing about carving animals is that simple techniques can be easily applied to another. Carving cats from wood is no different.
Cats have distinct features making them easy to recognize when done by a beginner. And making a wooden cat is generally easier, with fewer details to consider.
You do not need a lot of tools to accomplish this whole project. You can do this beginner woodworking project anywhere, even in the comfort of your own living room.
#11: Gnome
Tools and Materials
- A small block of wood
- Carving tools
- Pen or pencil
- Sandpaper
- Wood finish
- Paintbrushes
- Acrylic paint
Recommended Wood Type
- Maple
Time to Complete
- 80 minutes
Approach this woodworking project as a progression. Carving a wooden gnome demands considerable patience for its intricate details. Starting with a rough shape is standard practice, but as you add each detail, the piece truly begins to come alive.
It can stand independently and be added to your fairy-themed forest collection. In addition, once you finish carving a gnome, you can call yourself an expert.
You can gift the gnome you have crafted or sell it off. Since gnomes are almost always a staple in gardens, you can install this adorable accessory in your home or gift it to your neighbor.
#12: Gnome House
Tools and Materials
- A small block of wood
- Carving tools
- Pen or pencil
- Sandpaper
- Wood finish
Recommended Wood Type
- Cherry
Time to Complete
- 70 minutes
Making a gnome house will boost your profile as a wood carver. Slowly carve your way through this woodworking project to achieve the desired look of the gnome house.
You can easily make a profit from these carved gnome houses. Several iterations of the gnome house will help you develop skillsets to make huts and sheds and their variations.
#13: Wooden Heart
Tools and Materials
- Small wood
- Carving tools
- Pen or pencil
- 220-grit sandpaper
- Wood finish suitable for the project
Recommended Wood Type
- Poplar
- Basswood
- Pine
- Cedar
- Beech
- Balsa wood
Time to Complete
- 75 minutes
A wooden heart is considered a whittling project. Short and straight motions can help you carve the body shape of a heart out of wood. Whittling a heart from wood helps develop your geometric whittling and transition to creating curves.
You can accomplish this simple project by using scraps of wood. It is a fantastic way of making use of leftovers and will make a great Valentine’s day present.
#14: Chip Carving
Tools and Materials
- Safety tape
- Knife C10s
- Pencil
- Ruler
Recommended Wood Type
- Basswood
- Aspen
- Butternut
- Black walnut
Time to Complete
- 75 minutes to 2 hours
This project will require your some carving on the surface of the wood, using chip carving and relief carving techniques. It involves making small cuts and chips following wood carving patterns on the wood surface.
Three wood carving skills should be mastered to be excellent in chip carving, which are: straight-line cut, curvy line cut, and three corner chip. You can also try a combination of techniques such as a v-cut, pyramid cut, and relief carving for this project.
You can start with easy designs and gradually move to more complicated ones. Chip carving also spruces up the handles of wooden spoons. You can also use chip carvings to modify wooden pieces such as a clock, chopping board, bracelets, and pendants.
#15: Whistle
Tools and Materials
- Drillbit
- 220-grit sandpaper
- Pen, pencil, or marker
- Superglue
Recommended Wood Type
- Fresh willow
- Purpleheart wood
- Basswood
- Sycamore
Time to Complete
- A few minutes
If you like to go outdoors, then making a whistle is for you. One of the most simple wood carving designs to do. Making a whistle involves basic whittling and cutting styles.
Making this whistle doesn’t guarantee it will produce a sound. There are several methods to approach this project, but the simplest is the willow whistle.
#16: Pawn
Tools and Materials
- Safety tape
- Carving knife
- Pencil
Recommended Wood Type
- Maple
- Ebony
- Padauk
- Rosewood
Time to Complete
- 60 minutes to 75 minutes
Mastering a board game such as a game of chess takes a great deal of time and talent. But making chess pieces, on the other hand, is easy and takes no time at all.
Making a pawn is a simple wood carving project you can easily do. It is an advantage if you know how to make round edges. The next thing you know, you have multiple pieces and a complete chess set.
#17: Chopsticks
Tools and Materials
- Woodcarving glove
- Knife
- 120-grit and 220-grit sandpaper
- Pencil
- Ruler
Recommended Wood Type
- Apple
- Cherry
- Walnut
- Birch
Time to Complete
- 75 minutes
Making chopsticks may not seem like a woodworking project, but indeed, it is. Compared to spoon carving, it is a slightly challenging project, especially when making them perfectly round.
But, making your own chopsticks greatly will save you the number of disposable chopsticks in your drawers.
You need to use different grit sandpaper to smoothen the surface. Sand the surface carefully since it tends to remove as much wood as a carving knife.
#18: Mini Ax
Tools and Materials
- A small block of wood
- Carving tools
- Pen or pencil
- Sandpaper
- Wood finish
Recommended Wood Type
- Cherry
- Basswood
Time to Complete
- 90 minutes
Carving a miniature ax is a good addition to your garden or fairy forest-themed collection. This is a cool gift for your peers and an adorable gift for small children.
There is no limit to the design of these carving projects. These axes can be further fashioned into letter openers, keychains, action figure accessories, and stamp handles, to name a few.
#19: Letter Opener
Tools and Materials
- A small block of wood
- Carving tools
- Pen or pencil
- Sandpaper
- Wood finish
Recommended Wood Type
- Apple
- Walnut
- Birch
Time to Complete
- 60 minutes
In the age of calls and texts, handwritten letters don’t come as frequently as they do. When these letters come, what better way to open these letters than with a letter opener when they come? This is a stylish way of opening letters you can make from wood.
#20: Wood Sign
Tools and Materials
- A small block of wood
- Carving tools
- Pen or pencil
- Sandpaper
- Wood finish
Recommended Wood Type
- Beech
- Maple
- Oak
- Walnut
Time to Complete
- 75 minutes
A simple block of wood can be transformed into a distinctive wood sign. Making your own sign with a series of basic cuts is more elegant than the manufactured signs that tend to be cheap and flimsy.
This is among the most straightforward carving projects you can try without using a lot of tools.
What Beginner Tools Do You Need for Wood Carving? + Safety Tips to Know
There are a few things to bear in mind when taking on several wood carving projects for beginners. As beginners, you need to have the right tools and learn the basic steps to start your woodcarving hobby and craft projects without difficulty.
Adding some tools to your toolset to help you start your journey. As your skills grow, you will also have more tools. Some of these tools include the following:
- Carving knives
- Carving mallet
- Chisels
- Gouges
- Veiners
- V-tools
- Bench Knives
- Rasps & rifflers
The usual mistake beginners make is underestimating the risks of using these tools. It’s important for you to have some safety tools and equipment with you before starting on a good project. Some tools include safety goggles and gloves. It is also best to sharpen your tools regularly for safety and performance.
Also, you may want to consider investing in an electric wood carving tool for enhanced efficiency.
Wood Carving Styles
It’s essential for beginners to familiarize themselves with various woodcarving styles. Here are a few to consider:
Whittling
Whittling [1] is a carving technique that refers to the art of carving shapes out of wood which involves the use of a knife only. Whittling is not easy to perform and is generally easy as long as you have the right tools and wood.
Relief Wood Carving
Relief wood carving or relief carving is a specific type of wood carving where figures are carved in a flat panel of wood. The resulting wood from relief carving gives the impression that the sculpted material has been raised above the background plane.
Chip Carving
Chip carving is drawing patterns on a wood surface using a knife blade. A knife or a chisel is used to remove small chips of material from the wood.
Carving in the Round
Carving in the round refers to the type of wood carving that results in the representation of real-life sceneries in 3 dimensions. Due to its 3 dimension nature, you can view it from any direction.
What is the Easiest Wood to Carve?
Several wood types are easy to carve, one of which is basswood. While some people think Basswood a hardwood, it is considered a soft wood. It is popular for woodworking since it is extremely soft and crisp and works exceptionally well with different hand tools.
European lime wood is also great for carving and is one of the easiest to manage. Despite being a hardwood, European lime can easily be carved into, since it is soft and crisp as well.
Where Do I Start With Wood Carving as a Novice?
Starting out, I strongly suggest you get acquainted with the various types of wood suitable for carving, the essential tools, techniques, and safety measures. Always do your research before diving into any project.
How Do I Train Myself With Wood Carving Techniques?
You can improve your wood carving techniques by practicing with easy projects. It is easy to learn wood carving, and every iteration of a project, big or small, will help refine your techniques. Make sure to choose the right wood for your project and sharpen your tools frequently.
FAQ
Is wood carving difficult?
Wood carving is not difficult, especially if you put the work into it. Anyone has the capacity to learn how to carve wood. It takes a lot of patience, time, and commitment to master wood carving. There are a lot of other projects to refine your skills.
Is walnut good for beginners?
Walnut is a good piece of wood for beginners. Walnut is known to be soft, inexpensive, and has little to no grain, which makes them a versatile material for an easy project.
For more wood types for carving, check out these posts next:
Conclusion
Cutting and carving away wood is one of the oldest crafts to create a figure or a pattern. It is more than just a hobby but is also a form of self-expression. When I was starting out, I too was torn between doing it just for enjoyment or taking it up professionally.
While it can appear daunting initially, there’s no shortage of straightforward wood carving projects to hone your skills and elevate your wood carving prowess.
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
